We are a county of dog-lovers here in Norfolk. Whether you’re a local, visiting, or relocating, it’d be remiss of us not to provide our readers with a good round-up of dog-friendly choices to visit this summer. From coast to city and reserves to restaurants, we’ve got something to suit all tastes.
The Wallow, 36 Exchange Street, Norwich, NR2 1AX
With its relaxed, rustic interior and over 50 wines by the glass from a specially pressurised, oxygen-free and rather elegant storage system (self-service; don’t mind if we do) this is a cool city retreat to head to with your well-behaved pup. Food is nibble/grazing style with the Wallow Board a firm favourite: a platter of cheese, salamis, stuffed roasted veggies and smoked fish. The perfect pre-movie treat, and stumbling distance from Norwich’s Cinema City (dog-friendly screenings are Sunday mornings). Wallow Wednesdays offer 25% off wine between 5 and 9pm. Worth getting a Wallow wine card and welcoming a weekly quaff.
Eaton Park Cafe, South Park Avenue, Norwich, NR4 7AU
Housed in a Grade II Listed rotunda, next to the 1920s bandstand in the centre of Norwich’s stunning 80-acre Eaton Park, this charming cafe and sister-eatery to St Benedict’s Bicycle Shop makes for a lovely stop after an invigorating stroll around the expansive parkland. Eaton Park is just around the corner from UEA and has a glorious rose garden, lily pond and model boating lake (a fascinatingly odd, yet delightful competitive sport) as well as all sorts of activities for families and children’s play areas – miniature railway or crazy golf, anyone? This cafe is vibrant on the weekends with trendy NR2 folk and does excellent sausage rolls and coffee.
Yalm Food Hall, 23-24 Royal Arcade, Norwich, NR2 1NQ
The ideal place for those who want plenty of choice, Yalm Food Hall (formerly Jamie’s Italian) in Norwich’s famed Royal Arcade sits over two huge floors with masses of seating, a favourite is the stained-glass nook window seating bar areas with bird’s eye views over the arcade. Perfect for people-watching. Whether you’re on a quick lunch break, or out for a big family meal (take centre-stage on the big banquets), the multi-vendor food options here are bound to have something to satisfy, once you’ve got the hang of the ‘order on the app’ style. Choose from woodfired pizza, Thai, north African, Ramen, Mexican, Jerk chicken, steaks, burgers and more. Well-behaved dogs are welcome throughout.
Marriotts Warehouse, South Quay, King's Lynn, PE30 5DT
Built in the early 1500s, this former wool and spice port warehouse was pivotal to the industry of King's Lynn, storing vital products from all around the globe. Now, the restored building acts as a restaurant and proudly showcases the historic roots and heritage of the waterfront. Take family and four-legged friends and enjoy a riverside breakfast, lunch or sundown dinner from a very well-priced and extensive menu. Wholetail Scampi, with chunky chips and salad is less than £16, and herb crusted lamb chop, with creamy mash, sauteed spinach and red wine gravy is just under £22. Grills include BBQ pulled pork burger, Marriott’s lamb burger and Priors ribeye steak. The kids menu has plenty to offer little ones, too.
Wells Beach Café, Beach Road, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1DR
Part of Holkham Estate Nature Reserve, Wells Beach Cafe sits at the end of Beach Road, by the tall pine woods, and is the ideal spot to gather after a big sandy walk, whatever the weather (grab a spot by the fire in wet winds). The buzzy cafe has plenty of space inside and out and has all the usual but quality locally sourced menu choices – sausage rolls, pizza, coffee and cakes, as well as ice creams, and sandwiches. Every kind of dog owner is welcome here, and Bertie’s Bark Up Bar serves ‘puppucinos’ and doggy-ice creams, as well as doggie beds and treats – what’s not to love?
The Parlour, Warham Road, Binham, NR21 0DU
Housed in a stunning 17th-century converted barn, made with the ruined remained from the Priory, this dog-friendly cafe is the heart of Abbey dairy farm and overlooks sleepy meadows of grazing cows and coast-facing fields, it’s the idyllic setting for anyone wanting to show off north Norfolk to guests. Open six days a week (closed Mondays) and serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, hearing here with friends and pooch pals is a relaxed affair.
Eric's Fish & Chips, Drove Orchards, Thornham, PE36 6LS
Attracting hordes of affluent families near and far, this fancy fish and chip shop is a destination spot for tourists and Norfolk-lovers, alike. The food here will have them begging for your leftovers, with the fish fried in beef dripping and the thick cut chips and mushy peas are perfection. For veggie and vegans there’s halloumi fries and mysteriously named vegan prawns. If you’re feeling daring, try the famous deep-fried jam sandwich. There’s even a kid's play area so you can grab a beer while they shake the sand off.
Two Magpies Bakery, The Quay, Blakeney, NR25 7ND
This quayside bakery/café with pastries and excellent coffee in a dog‑friendly setting is great for post-coast walks throughout the seasons. TMB’s design combines modern fixtures with rustic texture and cool coastal colours. The place feels buzzy and vibrant all year round. Perfect for breakfast (French toast with streaky bacon - yum) after a bracing walk along the marshes. Food served 8 to 3.
The Lodge, Old Hunstanton Road, PE36 6HX
A coastal hotel-bar and a rural gem for guests and locals, this is just three minutes from the beach, with a relaxed vibe for those four-legged friends to feel welcome, too. Dogs are welcome in the bar, garden and some of the rooms. Close to Norfolk’s famously adored Sandringham House, Holkham Hall, and Brancaster beach and Burnham Market (for fancy indie shops), stop for a night or two, or just come for food and drink – there's mountains to do and see in the area. Think juicy burgers and hand-cut fries, roasts on Sundays, seafood boards, pizzas and more.
Fat Cow Burgers, Thorpeland Road, Fakenham, NR21 0HA
Smash burgers and soft-serve ice cream in a wildflower meadow - what could be more lovely for a summer’s afternoon after a walk with your best furry pal? This is the ideal spot to stop off on your way back from a big day out with kids and dogs, before heading home/to your staycay spot. Dry cured grass-fed local beef, and lovely local beers means that late afternoon or early evening meal is sorted, and the kids can play in the meadow while you chow down. Wholesome.
The Bucks Arms, Blickling, NR11 6NF
This 17th century coaching inn sits next to Blickling Hall and is owned (alongside five other pubs) by Colchester Inns. The Bucks has that lovely ale smell in the air, cool pamment floors, with cosy nooks and crannies to skean away an hour or two on an autumn evening, while the beer garden is delightful in summer and has plenty of picnic tables overlooking the bucolic vista shared by the hall. The food is generously portioned at these pubs; service is efficient, fast and friendly, tables outside are free to grab, inside needs booking. Sip an Aperol Spritz and watch the dun cows chomping away in a haze of late summer sun and the great clattering of corvids as they embark on their daily roost between here and Aylsham.
The Kings Arms, Reepham, NR10 4JJ
Known affectionately by locals as ‘The Kinger’, this is another 17th century coaching inn and has long been central to the community of Reepham as a hub of social activity, providing a host of events and offers a good pub classic menu. Family-run with vibrant decor (rustic vintage tables, pop art against brickwork walls and low beams) all combine to enhance the fun, buzzy atmosphere- there's at least three areas to sit in and plenty of room for dogs to snuggle at your feet. This is the kind of pub you’ll remember due to the genuine friendliness of the owners and locals.
The Dabbling Duck, 11 Abbey Road, Great Massingham, PE32 2HN
Famous among locals and visitors, this pub with rooms is on Stephen Fry’s list of best places to eat, and you won’t be disappointed. The menu emphasises locally sourced, quality ingredients, choose from starters like Staithe Smokehouse mackerel with whipped ricotta and roasted leek oil (yum), or Raynham Estate steak with beef dripping hand cut chips and BBQ chestnut mushrooms, or for those feeling more adventurous try Korean fried pigeon with Gochujang caramel, pickled carrot and kewpie mayo. There’s a large, enclosed garden with a play castle for children, too.
Heydon Village Tea Rooms, NR11 6AD
Step back to a vintage era and into picturesque country life, with a visit to this delightful family-run, award-winning village tearoom. Heydon is a tiny, sleepy village a few miles from Reepham, and has a history of location features in TV and film. The Go-Between, Vanity Fair and The Moonstone were all made here. A lovely place to head to for afternoon tea, or heaven to escape from modern life’s demands and perhaps even read a book in the late morning sun, by the window. Seating outside and delicious homemade cakes, scones and sandwiches. Take a post-tea stroll around Heydon’s estate to work off the cake.
Socius, 11 Foundry Place, Burnham Market, PE31 8LG
Currently offering a set-lunch menu at reasonable prices of £29.50 or £35, this award-winning (best counter dining in the UK, Good Food Guide 2024) restaurant in fashionable and dog-mad Burnham Market is the place to go for a special occasion or to steal away to with a friend for a cocktail and snacks. The passionfruit Margarita sounds delicious, as do the set menu choices (smoked mackerel pate, cucumber, dill and lamb belly, ratatouille, hash brown aioli), with simple artful, carefully curated plates, this is truly a destination spot. Well behaved, small dogs are welcome during the day.
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