If your pup likes to feel the sand between their paws, then they’ll be in hound heaven in the classic seaside town of Cromer. Set along Norfolk’s golden coastline, dog-friendly Cromer is known for its spectacular beaches, Victorian pier and tasty crabs.
So what exactly makes Cromer dog friendly? Well, you can spend glorious days sniffing out coastal and countryside walks, browsing independent shops and galleries, and dining in pet-friendly pubs and cafes – there’s even one that boasts a special doggie afternoon tea!
So, if you’re thinking of bringing the pack for a little staycation, read our handy guide to discover some of the best things to do in Cromer with dogs. We’ve found some of the top dog-friendly places to eat, the best beaches for bounding through the surf, and some cosy cottages in which to rest those weary paws after all your tail-wagging adventures.
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Great dog-friendly days out in Cromer
Cromer Pier - best for traditional seaside charm
One of the highlights of this exquisite coastal town is its 150-metre-long, Grade II-listed Victorian pier, home of the famous Cromer Pier Show. One of the best spots for crab fishing in all of Norfolk, it’s also a photographer’s dream, offering outstanding views of the North Norfolk coastline. But are dogs allowed on Cromer Pier? Yes, this is one of the top things to do in Cromer with dogs! It’s the perfect spot for a little stroll with your four-pawed pal all year round and, if you are lucky, you may even experience one of Norfolk’s renowned sunsets together.
Why your dog will love it: After a windswept wander along the pier, the pet-friendly Pavilion Bar is a great pit stop for some refreshments, with a special doggy watering station for four-legged family members.
Stay nearby: Seaforth | sleeps 8 + 2 dogs
Felbrigg Hall - best day out for cultural canines
Take your pup for a scenic stroll around the grounds of Felbrigg Hall, one of the most elegant country houses in East Anglia. While those with four legs aren’t able to go inside this National Trust house or in the formal gardens, they’re very welcome to sniff out the majority of the estate where there’s a variety of waymarked walking trails. There are plenty of shady spots to stop for a little rest as well as water bowls dotted around to keep canines hydrated.
Why your dog will love it: Fido can join you for a cream tea in the café after your scamper, and even in the gift shop while you have a browse.
Stay nearby: Rose Cottage - East Runton | sleeps 8 + 2 dogs
Happy Valley Circular Walk - best scenic short walk
Dog-friendly Cromer, Norfolk, offers lots of choices when it comes to w-a-l-k-i-e-s but one of our favourites is the Happy Valley Circular Walk. This short 1.5-mile adventure follows the quickly ascending clifftop path out of Cromer, climbing among ferns and flowers to reach some epic views of the town and coast from the top. After soaking up the scenery, the path then meanders through Warren Woods beneath the swaying canopies of beech, oak and lime trees. You could also choose to extend the walk to take in views of Cromer Lighthouse if your pack is feeling particularly energetic.
Why your dog will love it: There’s gorgeous scenery to admire from the top of the cliffs and so many new sights, sounds and smells to sniff out in the woodland.
Stay nearby: Flat 2 | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Lovely dog-friendly beaches in Cromer
Cromer Beach - best family beach
Cromer Beach is undoubtedly one of the main reasons why people flock to this traditional Norfolk seaside town. From the little funfair on the promenade to a museum on the beachfront, there’s plenty of entertainment for families, lifeguard cover during the summer months, and beach huts for hire. But are dogs allowed on Cromer Beach? If you want to visit Cromer Beach with dogs, you can only do so seasonally – as with many of the popular beaches, dog restrictions apply between 1 May to 30 September.
Why your dog will love it: When the tide is out, there’s an enormous sweep of golden sand, perfect for sandcastle bombing and games of fetch.
Stay nearby: Lester House | sleeps 4 + 1 dog
Overstrand Beach - best peaceful beach
Located south-east of dog-friendly Cromer, Overstrand Beach is much quieter than its bustling neighbour. When the tide is out, there is nothing better than racing across the sand, jumping in and out of the waves or just relaxing in a deckchair. Like Cromer Beach, this stretch of sand does have restrictions in the summer months and it’s advisable to check the tide times before visiting as the water comes all the way up to the sea wall when the tide is high.
Why your dog will love it: The beach is also on the Norfolk Coast Path, and the walk from here to Trimingham is probably one of the most picturesque cliff-top walks along the trail.
Stay nearby: Sedum Lodge | sleeps 2 + 1 dog
West Runton Beach - best for fossils and rock pools
Situated between Cromer and Sheringham, the lovely sands of West Runton Beach are often overlooked, which makes this dog-friendly beach a bit of a hidden gem. As well as being an excellent dog-walking beach (there’s only a small restriction zone during the summer months), it’s also a brilliant spot for fossil hunting. The cliffs, which offer a spectacular backdrop to the beach, were the site of the discovery of the West Runton Mammoth in 1990 - the largest nearly-complete mammoth skeleton ever found in Britain, and the oldest found in the UK. The beach is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest, home to Europe’s largest chalk reef, which is exposed at low water to reveal hundreds of rock pools teeming with wildlife.
Why your dog will love it: There’s a dog-friendly café where salty sea dogs can rest their sandy paws after their fossil hunting adventures.
Stay nearby: Meadowside | sleeps 8 + 3 dogs
Top dog-friendly places to eat and drink in Cromer
Doggie Diner - best for doggie menus
The canine café for humans and hounds, Doggie Diner is paws down one of the most dog-friendly places to eat in Cromer. You’ll find two menus to peruse here, one for those with two legs and another for those with four. The exclusive ‘Hound Menu’ caters for doggie VIPs who enjoy the finer things in life. Choose between pupcakes, bonescuits, woof dog beer and champaws or really push the boat out with an indulgent doggie afternoon tea, topped off with a decorative tennis ball. They can even take part in ‘pawties’ and join their pup pals for a celebratory feast complete with special party hats.
Why your dog will love it: Once your pack’s bellies are full, they can burn off some calories in the indoor playpen filled with dog beds and toys, and socialise with all their new canine companions.
Stay nearby: Fern House | sleeps 4 + 4 dogs
The Red Lion - best for a pint
One of the best dog-friendly pubs in Cromer is The Red Lion. This atmospheric watering hole overlooks Cromer’s pier and beach, and offers a delicious menu of fresh Norfolk fare. Dog beds are provided for waggy-tailed friends, and there’s even a ‘Doggy Bar’ serving water on draft! Welcome in the bar and lounge, treat Fido to a refreshing dog beer and Bella to a sparkling pawsecco and soak up the mesmerising views.
Why your dog will love it: After exploring the Norfolk coast, furry friends can enjoy a well-deserved snooze by the fire while their humans watch the waves crash against the pier outside.
Stay nearby: Sea Breeze - Cromer | sleeps 12 + 2
The Gunton Arms - best for a special occasion
A traditional pub set in a 1,000 acre deer park, just outside Cromer, the Gunton Arms offers a slightly out of the ordinary dining experience. With an eclectic range of art adorning the walls including works by Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst and Lucian Freud, it's an atmospheric place to tuck into fresh seafood or local venison and beef, with your pup relaxing at your side. Dogs are welcome in the bar area, but make sure you pop your head into the Elk Room, to see if you can spot your meal being cooked over the open fire. This one will be a meal to remember.
Why your dog will love it: The cosy traditional feel of this pub will make them feel right at home.
Stay nearby: Warren Cottage | sleeps 3 + 2 dogs
Enjoy a dog-friendly holiday in Cromer
Clockwise | Dovecote View, Littlewick, and Horizon Hideaway
For the ultimate backdrop to your staycation, choose one of our self-catering dog-friendly holiday cottages in Cromer. Whether you are travelling as a couple, a family or a group of friends, you’ll find a wide range of pet-friendly accommodation within our collection which will place you perfectly for memorable holidays in this glorious part of Norfolk. You can also discover more dog-friendly places to go in Norfolk with our comprehensive Canine guide to this unforgettable seaside destination.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.