5 dog walking destinations in Norfolk
One of the most important things for a trip that involves your dogs is ensuring they get lots of exercise. Yes, it’s great when they are allowed to be in places with you, like a museum or in a children’s park, but keeping them fit and healthy also requires some solid walking time. Here are some of the best places for uninterrupted walkies – in places so beautiful that it’s just as much a treat for you as it is a necessity for your dog.
Priory Maze & Gardens
Dogs adore the Priory Maze & Gardens – there is just so much to sniff, frolic and explore, with no extra charge for you. The maze is fun for everyone and offers some valuable cultural insight into the area for you, while your dog adventures its way through it. It is built on the ruins of Beeston Priory, a historical landmark of Norfolk. The florally dense maze-walls are seven meters high, but given that it’s a maze, it’s important for you to keep your dog on their lead or risk a more stressful puzzle than you originally bargained for. Outside the maze, you’ll find beautiful gardens that are equally enthralling to explore, bustling with a number of birds, insects and mammals (your pup included!)
Visiting with dogs:
Dogs on leads are welcome all year round.
Website: Priory Maze & Gardens
Bickling Estate
Norfolk is a wonderful area of natural beauty, particularly along the coastline, so it comes as no surprise that it is brimful of National Trust properties. One of the area’s most frequently visited properties is Bickling Estate. There is something for everyone – especially if you’ve got an interest in old Jacobean houses – but it’s best suited to your dog. There 55 acres of beautiful, formal garden with sculptures, intricately pruned shrubs and a lake, but dogs are not permitted here. Thankfully, this is not much of a set back when you can also walk in the surrounding 4,600 acres of woodland, parkland and farmland trails that are so representative of the Bure meadows in which they sprawl. Who needs the 55 acres they aren’t allowed in when there are 4,600 of those where they’re more than welcome? Time for walkies!
Visiting with dogs:
Dogs are welcome in the park, Muddy Boots cafe and Farmyard area, but are not permitted on the main driveway, in the house, East Wing or formal garden.
Website: Bickling Estate
Lynford Arboretum
Dogs are more than just welcome in this haven of some of the world’s most beautiful trees, they are catered for. Between the three walking trails, recreation areas and lakes, there is also a dog agility course! If there’s one thing that’s absolutely certain when leaving Lynford Arboretum, it’s that your dog will be ready for a nap in the sun when its finished exploring. There are walks of varying intensity, meaning those looking for an easy meander are covered as well as those looking to push the boat out a bit and get a work out in alongside your dog.
Visiting with dogs:
Dogs welcome all year round.
Website: Lynford Arboretum
Thetford Forest
Straddling both North Suffolk and South Norfolk, an area fondly known as The Brecks, is Thetfold Forest, a prized forest for both regions and a big reason why people flock to the area. It is the largest lowland pine forest in Britain, so certainly worth at least an afternoon of your time, if not a whole week. If you are looking for somewhere that your dog can explore and get some good walks in, then this is the spot – 18,730 acres is enough for them, right? Amidst the pines, heathland and broadleaves, your dog can explore leadless provided you’ve got them under control. There are plenty of babbling brooks to keep them hydrated and cooled, as well as for you to admire and splash around in (provided you’re wearing the right shoes for the job!)
Visiting with dogs:
Dogs welcome all year round.
Website: Thetford Forest
Bacton Wood
Bacton Wood, in Norfolk’s North Walsham, is the perfect forest for both exploration and dog walking. There are plenty of trails and dogs are welcome to adventure off their leads – but given that horse-riding is a popular activity in the area, it’s important that you keep an eye on them and get them on their leads if they seem like they may get overexcited or out of control. This is a hearty way to explore and understand the natural nuances of rural Norfolk, and a relaxing place to observe and appreciate the variety of wildlife that is sustainably managed by Forestry England.
Visiting with dogs:
Dogs welcome all year round.
Website: Bacton Wood
Cottages in Norfolk
View all our dog friendly cottages in Norfolk