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!

Here are ten great dog-friendly Norfolk pubs for you and your best pal to discover on your next trip:

1. Ringland Swan - Ringland

Our first pub is a waterside gem right on the River Wensum, 7 miles north-west of the historic cathedral city of Norwich. Water-loving dogs have been seen taking a refreshing dip in the river on hot days, and what better place than the bar of this welcoming contemporary pub to dry off - just make sure that they shake it off first so you are welcomed back!

Pup pointers: The picturesque Ringland Hills are on the doorstep so it's great for a post-lunch walkie - just make sure your owner is on board.

Stay nearby: The Clock House - Haveringland (sleeps 4 + 2 dogs)

2. Kings Head - Holt

Take shelter in this 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.

Stay nearby: Cobble Cottage - Holt - Holt (sleeps 4 + 1 dog)

3. 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, it 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.

Stay nearby: The Coach House - Mulbarton, Mulbarton (sleeps 4 + 2 dogs)

4. The Dog - Ludham

With a name like this, 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. Try the prawns cooked on Volcanic Hot Stones or the scrumptious cheesy chips if you're looking for a quick bite to eat - we know somebody who would love to share! 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.

Stay nearby: Bure House, Horning (sleeps 6 + 2 dogs)

5. The White Horse - Overstrand

Beach-loving dogs should encourage their owners to hotpaw it to the beer garden of this 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. Try Fizz and Chips Friday where you'll be treated to a glass of prosecco with your battered cod!

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.

Stay nearby: Fishermans Cottage - Norfolk, Overstrand (sleeps 5 + 1 dog)

If you want to treat your faithful friend to more seaside frolics across Norfolk, have a browse through our guide to dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk - there's so many to choose from!

6. 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. It 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?

Stay nearby: Jolly Sailor Cottage, Wells (sleeps 6 a+ 1 dog)

7. 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 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. Order one of their excellent pies - vegetarian options available too - and dine at the bar or alfresco as the sun goes down.

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.

Stay nearby: Lemon Drop Cottage, Dereham (sleeps 3 + 2 dogs)

8. 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. This welcoming pub is the answer to your prayers with its hearty soups, warm crusty bread and sticky puddings. Tuesday’s 'pie and a pint' night is a particular favourite so grab the lead, attach the dog and head down for some superb grub.

Pup pointers: For crumbs from the aforementioned pie, 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.

Stay nearby: 1 Station Cottages, Wymondham (sleeps 2 + 1 dog)

9. 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 baguettes, served with skinny fries and salad. 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.

Stay nearby: The Mews, Haveringland (sleeps 6 + 2 dogs)

10. The Orange Tree, Thornham

This pub right at the top of the North Norfolk coast goes one step further by offering doggy diners their own menu in the bar. An A la carte menu greets hungry hounds after top walkies along the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with salmon, chicken and lamb all featuring heavily on the board specials. The Scooby Snacks will go down a treat - the doggy sausage roll is a particular favourite as are the tasty marrow bones. Dog owners are catered for too with a fabulous selection of seafood and other locally-sourced produce.

Pup pointers: You must try the pigs' ears with gravy - this is strictly one for the furry members of the family - no sharing allowed!

Stay nearby: Calendar Cottage - Norfolk, Thornham (sleeps 10 + 2 dogs)

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 the family.