Dog Friendly Norwich

Dog Friendly Norwich

by Katie Thompson

Everyone loves the excitement of exploring a new place, right? So, it’s even better when you can do it with the whole family- that goes for your furry friends, too.  

From dog friendly restaurants, pubs and bars to shops, attractions and green spaces that are great for a run around. Norwich has plenty of venues for you and your pup to enjoy. There’s so much to do in the City of Stories (and Norfolk, too), that it’s hard to fit it all into one day- so we’ve even found a few paw-fect places to stay for man’s best friend!  

Here’s our guide to the best dog friendly places to visit in Norwich.

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Paw-some Parks

One of the most important things to do for any dog-owner has got to be taking your dog for a refreshing walk or run around at a local park. Luckily, here in Norwich, we’ve many glorious green spaces. 

Mousehold Heath is not only home to some of the city’s best views but also offers a great selection of walking trails amid heathland, woodland, and open space. A favourite of locals, this is the ideal spot to unwind and for your dog to let off some steam. Keep your eyes open for the heath’s wealth of wildlife while you’re at it! 

On the other side of the city is Eaton Park. As one of Norwich’s wonderful heritage parks, it caters to dogs, children, and visitors of all ages. With over 80-acres to explore, we suggest a stroll around the perimeter, followed by a coffee and bite to eat at dog friendly Eaton Park Café.  

This spot is also a short distance from the Sainsbury Centre’s Sculpture Park. While the art museum itself doesn’t permit dogs (although we highly recommend a visit),  you can take in artworks in the Sculpture Park by the likes of Antony Gormley and Henry Moore whilst getting out in the fresh air around UEA Broad.  

In the city centre, meander alongside the River Wensum. Our riverside walk is a peaceful one, lined with willow trees. Is your dog will be bold enough for a dip? It’s also full of history: the river itself was a medieval trade route and along the way you’ll see iconic Norwich landmarks like Cow Tower, St James’ Mill, Pulls Ferry, and Fye Bridge. 

Chapelfield Gardens is another central park to stop by (and treat yourself and your dog to an iced coffee and a pup cup from Nothing Fancy).

When you’re heading into Norfolk for the day, why not opt for the towering pines of Thetford Forest? At Go Ape, you needn’t worry about tired legs or tangled leads thanks to their exciting Forest Segway Sidecars! Think a totally stylish and stress-free ride that lets you and your canine explore the forest floor until your hearts are content.

Dog Friendly Dining

One of the best ways to end your day is watching the world go by with a drink or by tucking into a delicious meal, your canine companion by your side. 

At Yalm, you can experience a myriad of worldwide flavours from morning to night. Here, there are 8 kitchens to try (including a pop-up if you time it right!) that range from steaming ramen and woodfired pizzas to spicy tacos and Mediterranean tapas. Just walk in with your furry friend (as long as they’re on a lead and well behaved) and they’ll be given a water bowl to stay cool and hydrated. 

For another relaxed spot, try Slice + Dice. This 100% plant-based eatery is a great spot for meeting with friends for brunch, lunch, or cocktails whilst you enjoy a friendly round of board games alongside your pup. Or head to The Lions’ Den City for a welcoming and friendly atmosphere right in Norwich’s centre. There’s plenty of space for your four-legged friends to relax and water bowls for all!

We couldn’t mention dog friendly dining without The Cuppie Hut! As well as being a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth (we recommend their cookie sarnie), they cater for your pet pals too. We predict plenty of wagging tails when they spot The Cuppie Hut’s ‘pupcakes’, complete with a treat on top! 

For a refreshing drink, Norwich Playhouse’s popular bar is festooned with twinkling lights and perfect for sampling local beers, spirits, and ciders, as well as a teas and coffees. Dogs are welcome both inside and out. And nearby The Last welcomes dogs into their bar if you’re in the mood for an elevated early evening cocktail or glass of wine.

And depending on where you are in the city, there’s also the much-loved Sir Toby’s Beers on Norwich Market overlooking The Guildhall (buy a bite on the market to eat while you sip – your tummy will soon be rumbling!), Giggling Squid’s large terrace in the heart of Tombland– ideal for embracing the city’s buzz, Gonzos Tea Room for unbeatable burgers, and Ber St Kitchen for moreish brunch and lunch (your dog might even be spotted for the cafe’s Waggy Wednesday!).

If you’re travelling to or from Norwich via the A11, make time to visit The Grain Kitchen at The English Distillery. Set in the heart of the Norfolk countryside, there’s a selection of indoor and outdoor tables (worth booking ahead for) for you and your dogs, as well as a dedicated wash station. Then it’s time to tuck into their delicious menu!

Attractions for Four-Legged Friends

What’s a visit to Norwich without sampling its rich history and incredible independents? 

If you love a bit of shopping, be sure to pay a visit to Jarrolds, our flagship independent department store. Think five floors of fashion, lifestyle, homeware, stationery and more! We bet you’ll find something to treat you and your pooch too. And since well-behaved dogs are welcome (excluding where food is served), there’s no excuse not to!  

Elsewhere, indies Dogfish and Lucy & Yak, as well as high-street heroes Waterstones and John Lewis (including in their Benugo cafe and across the store) also welcome dogs. In the Norwich Lanes, just check with each store before you enter! 

At Norwich Cathedral, everyone is welcome- including dogs! Enjoy the calm of Cathedral Close, easily accessible from the river, and wander past charming houses and well-manicured gardens. Once you’ve admired the grounds, enter the Cathedral’s magnificent monastic cloister (the largest in England), with a labyrinth at its centre. You might recognise it from a film or two! 

And for something different, join a spooky tour with Norwich Ghost Walks. It’s a frightfully fun evening of intriguing tales, or try one of Cheryl Cade’s tasty food tours (beer, cheese and pastry anyone?), which can be adapted to dog-friendly venues for you and your pooch. On rainy days, you can check out Cinema City’s special dog friendly screenings of the latest releases.  

Venturing further into Norfolk? Spend some time at Redwings Horse Sanctuary. It’s home to over 70 residents and free to visit. Plus, you can take a relaxing stroll around their two thriving wildlife ponds. Closer to the coast, Cromer Pier is a bucket list item for any Norfolk visit! The pier itself is almost completely dog friendly (excluding the auditorium) and even celebrates our furry friends with dog-themed events. So, why not treat them to a dog friendly ice cream at Tides Bistro?

Suitable Stays

For a historic city centre stay that’s full of character and dog friendly, look no further than the Maids Head. This 4-star hotel is reputedly the oldest in the UK and has 3 rooms ready for your four-legged friends. For a little extra per stay (£20 per pooch, maximum of two dogs per room), your dog will be pampered with a comfy bed and water bowl for the night. Just make sure to book in advance!

Another city centre stay is The Georgian Townhouse, with a selection of cosy rooms and a family apartment available, whilst nearby Dunston Hall offers dedicated dog-friendly bedrooms (£25 per pooch, maximum of two dogs per room). Here, you can eat breakfast and dinner in the snug and enjoy a drink in the bar with views across the hotel’s stunning golf course.

And when you want to extend your stay, we recommend The Victoria at Holkham for a coastal getaway (10 rooms and a 2-AA Rosette restaurant that are dog friendly as well as their four brand new Shepherd Huts) and Canine Cottages for a myriad of pet-friendly stays across Norfolk.

In the Broads National Park, The Norfolk Mead boasts a selection of cosy pet-friendly rooms, as well as access to their tranquil grounds, walled garden, and terrace (on a lead) and Reedham Ferry Touring Park is a rural retreat surrounded by verdant countryside, ideal for fresh air and a peaceful atmosphere. What’s more, there’s no extra charge for your furry friends. At Worstead Estates’ self-catering cottages, dogs are always welcome, perfect for exploring the site’s green surroundings or expending energy in the cottages’ large gardens. All you have to do is bring the bowls and bedding! 

For even more recommendations, check out Dog Friendly Norfolk.