Dog-friendly pubs in Norfolk

It’s one thing to find an excellent pub where you can relax after a superb walk and luckily, there are lots of them in Norfolk. But what happens when you pitch up with Rover and he’s turned away before you even get in the door, let alone manage to order a pint of the local ale? We would hate for this to happen to any of guests and their four-legged friends while on holiday, so we have dug out some of the best dog-friendly pubs in Norfolk that welcome all members of the family, both human and canine!

Click the button to discover our dog-friendly Norfolk cottages, or read on for our pick of great dog-friendly Norfolk pubs for you and your best pal to discover on your next trip.

The Kings Head, Holt

Take shelter in The Kings Head, a lovely traditional gastropub, after a walk at the Blakeney National Nature Reserve. Warm tired paws and feet in front of the roaring fire during the cold winter months and relax on the pretty terrace when the days get warmer. The food is hearty and the ale real - there's a Holt's brewery tap if that's what you are coming for, although those who love their food can tuck into the American-inspired dishes including Tapas Ticklers, KH hotdogs and loaded tortillas.

Pup pointers: There are two rooms to rest your paws and a bowl of water for thirsty hounds - you may even get a few dog biscuits if you give your paw nicely. 

The Cellar House, Eaton

Guests staying or visiting the city of Norwich may well like to stop at this pup-friendly pub just 5 miles from the city centre. Offering upmarket home-cooked pub food and good ales, The Cellar House is popular with locals as well as city visitors who want to see some Norfolk history while enjoying the welcoming ambience. Four legs are welcome in various places around the bar (reserve a spot in front of the wood burner) and can enjoy the large garden on sunny days - on the strict proviso that they bring well-behaved owners with them!

Pup pointers: The inn has dog-proof wooden floors so none of you will be told off for coming in with muddy paws.

The Dog, Ludham

With a name like The Dog, it would be wrong to not accept our furry pals after a tiring walk along the Norfolk Broads. Close to the coast at Winterton-on-Sea (8 miles), your pups have the choice of country waterways and seaside walks to blow the cobwebs away. Hungry hounds have even been known to hop off a boat and pop into The Dog for a snack. Work off the calories afterwards with a walk up to the famous abbey.

Pup pointers: The staff and locals love to make a fuss of visiting canines, so make sure you have your best puppy-dog eyes with you. 

The White Horse, Overstrand

Beach-loving dogs should encourage their owners to hotpaw it to the beer garden of The White Horse, a delightful pub on the Norfolk coast. On warm days, they’ll love to relax with a bowl of water while enjoying a snooze in the afternoon sun and in colder times, a bracing walk along the shoreline is always best rewarded with a snack in the bar. Local produce is celebrated here, with lobster, Cromer crab and marsh samphire often on the menu.

Pup pointers: This pub is so close to the beach, you may be able to drag the family out for an extra walkie while waiting for your food to be served.

The Bowling Green Inn, Wells-next-the-Sea

Said to be the oldest pub in Wells with records going back to 1673, this historic inn has welcomed travellers and their dogs (we like to imagine) for over 300 years. The Bowling Green Inn has a blazing log fire to stretch out in front of, after a refreshing dip in the sea at Wells beach (four-legged patrons) and some excellent real ales and wines from all over the world to enjoy (two-legged patrons). Relax in the secluded beer garden on sunny days, and listen to the sounds of the sea as you await some excellent home-cooked grub to be brought out to your table.

Pup pointers: The full English breakfast is the perfect pre-beach walk tummy filler. While it's a human's dish, it wouldn't be wrong for a sausage or a bit of bacon to come your way, would it?

The Willow House, Watton

Those with hearty home-cooked fayre on their mind should stop off at this pretty thatched 16th-century pub in Watton. Settle down under the old wooden beams of The Willow House with a cask ale after a lovely muddy walk in Thetford Forest Park (14 miles) and dry off wet paws in front of one of the old brick fireplaces. Take your pick from their mouthwatering menu, or opt for one of the delectable specials.

Pup pointers: Sometimes there are yummy dog treats behind the bar that you can take out to enjoy in the sunny beer garden with a nice bowl of water from the special doggy cask - just get your owner to ask for you.

The Crown, Great Ellingham

If there’s one thing we like on a frosty winter’s day - or on any day if we are being honest - it’s a large helping or two of comfort food. The Crown is the answer to your prayers with its hearty soups, warm crusty bread and sticky puddings. £12 Tuesday is a particular favourite so grab the lead, attach the dog and head down for some superb grub.

Pup pointers: Sit under the bar stools and see what you can catch. Then hope your owner wants to walk it off with a nice long stroll through the village afterwards.

The Fox at Lyng

Bundle into The Fox after a long country walk and don’t stop until paws and feet are well and truly under the table. This friendly pub surrounded by the beautiful Wensum Valley is a popular haunt with both locals and visiting walkers and is situated in the heart of a traditional Norfolk village. Nobody will blink an eye if you take your dog in for dinner as much of the pub is dog-friendly - there's also an outside garden if you prefer to sit outside with one of their fantastic ciabattas or dirty fries.There's also a superb non-alcoholic drinks list if you are driving - no need to miss out on these great flavours.

Pup pointers: A huge roaring fire to feel the warmth on your belly after a particularly muddy stroll in the valley.

The Orange Tree, Thornham

The Orange Tree, right at the top of the North Norfolk welcomes dogs with open arms in their bar area. Your dog-friendly table can be booked via their website, so there'll be no chance of turning up to find other pooches have pipped you to the post. The friendly staff will likely give your pup the fuss it deserves, while offering you top notch service and a menu to match. Water bowls are provided, so they can sup on their tipple while you enjoy yours.

Pup pointers: The fact you can book a spot in the dog-friendly section online is really handy.

Come and stay with us in Norfolk!

Whether you've popped into one of these superb pubs for a quick post-walk lunchtime pint, an afternoon snack or a full-on evening meal, you and Fido will need somewhere to head home to afterwards. Check out our collection of dog-friendly cottages in Norfolk to find one for all of your family.