As dog-friendly holiday destinations go, it doesn’t get more woof-tastic than Norfolk, with endless woodland walks to wander and beaches to bound. Searles is a dog-friendly resort with up to two dogs welcome to join you for your stay – our accommodation comes with easy-clean laminate flooring (just in case of any accidents!) and lockable gates to keep waggy tails safe. If you and your fur babies are with us for a break, here’s our round up of great pet-friendly spots to enjoy during your stay at Searles.
Dog-friendly Norfolk beaches
The beaches nearby Searles are unbeatable spaces with miles of sands to explore with your four-legged friends, and many of Norfolk’s beaches permit dogs to be off-lead during the winter months. While restrictions generally apply during spring and summer, be aware of wildlife including autumn breeding seals and migratory birds which are in season, and avoid disturbance by your dog at all times. Take plenty of poo bags on your walk and be sure to clean up after your dog too!
- Hunstanton Beach – just across the road from the holiday park, dogs are permitted from the power boat ramp near Searles to the northern end of the Promenade (by the Cliffs) from 31 October – 10 April. However, dogs must be kept on lead on the Promenade, the Green and the Esplanade Gardens at all times.
- Old Hunstanton Beach – follow the sands, past the cliffs, to Old Hunstanton where the beach and dunes have no restrictions at any time of year – the perfect place to let your dogs enjoy hours of seaside fun!
- Heacham Beach – turn left on the promenade and you can walk all the way to Heacham North Beach where dogs are allowed without restrictions. Drop down from the promenade to the sands and continue on to South Beach where dogs must be kept on-lead during the summer nesting season.
- Snettisham Beach – if you fancy a good long walk, continue on from Heacham South Beach to Snettisham Beach, which has on-lead restrictions from April to the end of August. However, as the area is home to RSPB Snettisham, it is important to be aware of the large number of nesting and migratory birds year-round and ensure your dog is kept under control.
Dog-friendly days out near Hunstanton, Norfolk
While we’ve yet to meet a dog that doesn’t like to get their paws sandy and enjoy a paddle, if your dog isn’t a keen swimmer, enjoy the water from our very own Searles Sea Tour and ride the waves aboard the Wash Monster, which departs from the promenade daily from April to the end of October.
Or enjoy a mooch with your pooch on terra firm. Practically on our doorstep, and within walking distance of our sister hotel, Heacham Manor, Norfolk Lavender is a beautiful stop to take a tour of the famous lavender field and gardens. Dogs must be on-lead and be aware that the purple plant can be toxic if chewed or swallowed.
Also a short drive along the coast road, Sandringham has 20,000 acres of Royal Parkland to explore and the estate’s shop is dog-friendly with some tasty treats and stylish pup accessories for sale. Dogs can enjoy the two way marked woodland trails (choose from 1.5- or 2.5-miles) off-lead, but should be on-lead near the children’s play park and central visitor area. Be aware that canine seasonal illness has been seen at Sandringham in the past, and the estate will post notices if recent cases have been reported.
Slightly further afield, Holkham is a pooch’s paradise with parkland trails, the walled garden and world famous beach, part of the Holkham National Nature Reserve, to explore. With resident deer roaming in the park, dogs must be on-lead and also on a signposted section of the beach during the nesting period when restrictions are enforced (1 April – 31 August) to protect shorebirds.
Back at base, La Piazza and The Fountain Sports Bar are both dog-friendly and a great spot to rest paws and refuel with a rewarding meal and drink, plus this November the latter is participating in Norfolk Restaurant Week from 4-8 and 11-15 November for the first time – during these dates you can enjoy a two-course meal from our special menu for just £18 or three courses for £22. Fully exercised, fed and watered, your pooch should be like a dog with two tails!
