Spinks Nest welcomes dogs, and North Norfolk is wonderful country for them: walks straight from the door, heathland and woods, and miles of beach. A few rules change with the seasons, so here is what to know.
Good to know
- From 1 May to 30 September dogs are not allowed on some main beaches: Cromer between the pier and the groyne, Sheringham, and the main bathing beach and beach-hut row at Wells. The rest of those beaches, and the cliffs at Cromer, stay open to dogs.
- At Holkham, dogs are welcome on the beach all year; from April to the end of August some areas are on-lead only, to protect birds nesting on the ground.
- Leave the dog at home for the seals: the National Trust asks visitors not to bring dogs to Blakeney Point’s seal colony.
- Keep dogs on a lead around sheep and cattle on the walks from the door.
Our pick
Wells-next-the-Sea
Wells-next-the-Sea
A more accessible beach, with less of a walk but still the pine woods and sand. Better for swimming, and home to a row of very cute beach huts that are always worth a photo.
Holkham
Holkham Beach
North Norfolk has lots of lovely coastal spots, but none more dramatic than Holkham. You walk through a stunning pine forest before emerging onto a huge expanse of sand, and it’s a long, lovely walk down to the dunes and the sea. There’s a café by the car park. Check the tide times before you set out, and keep dogs on leads in the bird nesting season.
The coast
Walk the Norfolk Coast Path
The national trail runs the length of the coast. Good stretches from here include Cley to Salthouse across the marshes, Wells beach to Holkham through the pines, and the clifftop walk to Cromer lighthouse.
Visit website for Walk the Norfolk Coast Path (opens in a new tab)
Around Hunworth
Walks from the cottage
There are beautiful walks for all abilities around the cottage. You’ll find local maps and walking books in the cottage, and more ideas on the National Trust’s Walking in Norfolk pages and at norfolk.gov.uk.
Kelling
Kelling Heath
Heathland and pine woods on the ridge above Weybourne, purple with heather in August, with views out to sea. Good walking, and a favourite with dogs. Kelling Heath Holiday Park, on the heath, is a Dark Sky Discovery Site.
From the journal