Few counties have as varied and rich scenery to explore on walkies with the pooch as Norfolk. Boating buddies are drawn to The Broads, whilst 90 miles of sunny beaches tempt families to the sea, and there are vast expanses of marshes and forests to get back in touch with nature.
There’s an awful lot to explore and you’re sure to work up a thirst, and this dog-loving county is jam-packed with puppy-loving pubs. Here are 15 of the most dog-friendly pubs in Norfolk for you and the hound to find!
There are a whole pack of pubs amidst the beautiful north Norfolk countryside, and The Chequers Inn is one of the most popular with residents and visitors alike. Pups are welcome throughout as long as they’re well behaved and are furnished with water and biscuits almost immediately.
Sometimes there’s even the offer of a sausage! Human refreshments are also available (and very tasty,) as well as darts and draughts to play, and blankets and fires to cosy up with.
Address: Front Street, Fakenham, NR21 0AL
Opening Times: Mon & Fri & Sun: 12:00-21:00 / Tues & Sat: 12:00-23:00 / Wed-Thur: Closed
Don’t be fooled by how small this pub looks on the outside, there’s plenty of space inside for you and the pooch, or kick back in the terrace garden.
The Whalebone Freehouse is a proudly dog-friendly pub in Norwich’s platinum triangle, and all furry visitors are welcome inside on a lead and you’ll find a jar of free treats on the bar.
For the humans, there’s plenty of pub grub and visiting street food vans with tempting soul food to fuel you up before a game of fetch in next-door Sewell park.
Address: 144 Magdalen Road, Norwich, NR3 4BA
Opening Times: Various - Check their website
If you and the pup have been out for walkies at Wymondham Abbey, you’ll want to “pup” into the award-winning Green Dragon.
This historic inn has stood since 1371 and is packed with charm and character, with rustic and cosy decor, knick-knacks all over the walls, and one of the most beautiful beer gardens in the county.
You can enjoy it all because pooches are allowed inside and out at this dog-friendly pub in Norfolk.
Address: 6 Church Street, Wymondham, NR18 0PH
Opening Times: Mon-Thu: 12:00-23:00 / Fri-Sat: 12:00-00:00 / Sun: 12:00-22:30
The King’s Arms is one of the best-loved and most dog-friendly pubs in Great Yarmouth and four-legged punters are always greeted with a big fuss and a few treats.
This is a proper old school boozer, very laid-back and easygoing and a haven for many locals. It’s no gastropub, but a pub that sells food, so expect homely fare that’s sure to warm your belly and heart.
Opening Times: Mon-Sat: 12:00-22:00 / Sun: 12:00-20:00
Affectionately known as The Bucks Arms, this historic coaching inn is nestled beside the gorgeous Blickling Estate, and staff are used to welcoming pups in from walkies around the grounds.
The pooch is sure to love it here since they can relax with their own drink and treats, plus if you want to spoil them, there’s dog-friendly ice cream on sale. There are also dog-friendly rooms available if you fancy a relaxing weekend away!
Address: Blickling Road, Norwich, NR11 6NF
Opening Times: Mon-Sat: 08:00-23:00 / Sun: 08:00-22:30
In the heart of King’s Lynn near the river, you’ll find The Nip and Growler. This quirky alehouse was built by two best mates, and the pair still run the place to this day and cultivate a cheerful, laid back atmosphere most pubs could only dream of.
Not to mention, their ever-changing beer selection would make other boozers green with envy, and local and independent bevs are pride of place in this dog-friendly Norfolk pub. No kids allowed, but dogs are always welcome.
Opening Times: Mon-Tue: Closed / Wed & Sun: 12:00-18:00 / Thu-Sat: 12:00-23:00
The Elveden Inn is the perfect pit-stop after long, picturesque walkies around the Elveden Estate or Thetford Forest. This family and dog-friendly pub in Norfolk welcomes four-legged visitors in the bar and in their hotel rooms.
Both human and hound alike are treated like royalty and can feast like them too on the locally sourced, scrummy food that’s like a restauranteur’s spin on pub classics.
Address: Brandon Road, Elveden, IP24 3TP
Opening Times: Every day: 7:30-23:00
The Golden Fleece prides itself on its exceptional food and friendly service, best of all people and pups of all ages are all welcome here. If you fancy an al-fresco drink, the terrace has su-paw views over the waterside.
Given the location, it’s an ideal pit-stop after walkies around Wells or nearby Holkham Hall, and you and the pooch can cosy up inside by the fire or sun yourselves in the roomy garden while the kids let off some steam in the play area.
Opening Times: Every day: 11:00-23:00
This dog-friendly pub in Norfolk is nestled amidst the greenery of The Brecks, and the Bedingfeld Arms offers a blend of modern comfort and traditional character.
All four-legged friends are welcome in the gorgeous suntrap garden, but dogs are small enough to come inside to the bar area and the guest rooms.
It’s the perfect pit-stop after visiting nearby Oxburgh Hall or walkies in Thetford forest.
Address: Oxborough, King's Lynn, PE33 9PS
Opening Times: Sun & Wed-Thu: 12:00-22:00 / Fri-Sat: 12:00-23:00
Reefs Bar offers something a little different as this surfer-style bar shack is right on Palling Beach, offering cold drinks and hot food perfect for fueling coastal walkers whether they’re on two legs or four.
The gang here are enthusiastically dog-friendly and are used to welcoming wet paws after walkies on the beach. Doggy patrons are welcome inside and out and might make friends with bar pooch Thor, a gorgeous Great Dane. (He’s hard to miss!)
Address: Beach Road, Sea Palling, NR12 0AL
Opening Times: Mon-Thu: 12:00-23:00 / Fri-Sat: 12:00-00:00
The Chequers Inn is another dog-friendly pub in Norfolk’s beautiful northern countryside, not far from Titchwell Marsh.
This foodie pub offers fantastic fine dining style dishes in the relaxed and cosy atmosphere of a country inn, and the team have two AA rosettes as a testament to the quality of their tasty treats.
Although upmarket, dogs are still allowed in the restaurant and the dog-friendly hotel rooms.
Address: High Street, Thornham, PE36 6LY
Opening Times: Mon-Tue: Closed / Wed-Thu: 09:00-22:00 / Fri-Sun: 08:00-22:00
The Dun Cow’s unbeatable location and views over the marshes and coastline make it impossible to miss.
The inside is all exposed beams and brickwork so it’s cosy and charming, but you and the pooch might prefer to stay in the garden admiring the landscape and planning your next walk.
There’s a great range of real ales and wines to quench your thirst, as well as classy, tasty food that’s miles above standard pub grub, particularly if you like your seafood!
Address: Purdy Street, Salthouse, NR25 7XA
Opening Times: Mon-Fri: 11:00-23:00 / Sat: 11:30-23:00 / Sun: 11:00-22:30
Whether you’re out walking the wetlands with the pooch, or on a family boating holiday, you might come across The Dog Inn by the River Ant and surrounded by The Broads.
This family and dog-friendly Norfolk Pub is unpretentious and friendly, and warmly welcomes all of the family to come in for dinner, including the pooch who can snuggle down in a dog bed with a bowl of water.
You can even call this place home for a while as they have their own campsite.
Address: Johnsons Street, Ludham, NR29 5NY
Opening Times: Mon-Sat: 12:00-23:00 / Sun: 12:00-22:30
Few pubs can compare to the Gunton Arms for their wealth of good food, culture, and super surroundings. It feels almost medieval until you notice the modern touches and artwork dotted around.
The sensational food is all local, from the venison right off their doorstep, to the crab caught in Cromer. Plus, if the surrounding deer park wasn’t tempting enough for walkies, you’re only a few miles from the coast.
Not only is this a dog-friendly pub, but there are also some stunning dog-friendly hotel rooms too.
Address: The Gunton Arms, Norwich, NR11 8TZ
Opening Times: “Always open” so call and check ahead.
The Dabbling Duck is a wonderful dog-friendly pub in Norfolk a stone’s throw from Sandringham, Houghton Hall, Holkham Hall, and the coast. You’d be quackers to pass it by!
The food is delicious and a mix of hearty local dishes and woodfired pizzas, and there’s a wide range of drinks to wet your whistle including their own “mucky duck” gin.
Plus, both human and hound are welcome into the endearing interior to cosy up.
Opening Times: “Always open” so check ahead.
More pubs: Shrewsbury, Poole, Leeds