Year round dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex
With the weather slowly getting warmer, there’s nothing better than a day out at the beach with your hound in tow. So, we’ve asked our friends at Pet Pyjamas to sniff out 10 of the best beaches in the East of England that welcome furry friends all year-round!
- Snettisham Beach, Norfolk
Set on Norfolk’s sunset coastline, Snettisham is a truly wonderful dog-friendly beach. As well as breath-taking views across an endless horizon, Snettisham also has an expanse of heath and marshland so is ideal for wildlife lovers. Surprisingly, this beach never gets busy so your pooch is unlikely to be disturbed when on their important doggie explorations.
- Walberswick Beach, Suffolk
A long sand and shingle beach that’s backed by dunes and marsh, Walberswick will give furry friends a great chance to stretch their legs. The sea is also nice and shallow, perfect for water-loving canines! Best of all the beach is only a short walk from the village. Pop into The Bell Inn for a dog-friendly pub lunch.
- Brancaster Beach, Norfolk
Four-legged folk will love running along Brancaster’s miles and miles of unspoilt golden sand, and when the tide goes out your pooch can enjoy a paddle and play. You and Fido will also be able to see the remains of a shipwreck from the 1940s!
- Canvey Island & Thorney Bay, Essex
Only an hour and a half from London, Canvey Island in the Thames Estuary is a great beach for furry friends and their humans. You can enjoy views of the Kent coastline and watch ships go up and down the river. Half a mile away is Thorney Bay, a small, sheltered sandy beach on Canvey Island that has a large grassy area – perfect for paws that need a break from the sand!
- Dunwich Beach, Suffolk
This shingle beach has wonderful views, fresh air and wildlife – all the ingredients you’ll both need for a tail-waggingly good day out! There’s a fabulous three-mile walk from the village car park to Walberswick (if you fancy visiting another dog-friendly beach!) Refuel at the beach café with a delicious portion of fish and chips.
- Happisburgh Beach, Norfolk
Happisburgh (pronounced ‘Haze-burgh’) beach is sandy and secluded, and great for dog walks. Wander all the way along to Sea Palling if you have the stamina! When the tide is out your pooch will have a massive expanse to roam around and when you look behind you over the cliffs, you’ll see Britain’s oldest working lighthouse.
- Cley Beach, Norfolk
Peaceful and quiet, this two-mile stretch of smooth stones and shingle is also backed by marshland rich in wildlife. Four-legged friends who enjoy dipping their paws in the sea will love the shallow gradient – perfect for a splash about without getting that lovely fur coat completely soaked!
- Southwold Denes, Suffolk
North of the main beach, Southwold Denes is dog-friendly all year-round! This lovely sand and shingle beach is fantastic for walking and ball games, with grassy dunes and gorgeous views across the bay. It also stretches right down to Walberswick Beach!
- Old Hunstanton Beach, Norfolk
This expanse of golden sand is a doggie dream! Stroll along the beach itself or in amongst the pretty dunes and beach huts. As part of Norfolk’s only stretch of coast to face west, this is a fabulous spot to take in a sunset. Stop in dog-friendly beach café The Old Boathouse for some food and drinks. They also sell some rather yummy doggie snacks!
- Waxham Beach, Norfolk
Hidden away amongst trees and sand dunes, Waxham Beach is a real dog-friendly gem. A continuation of beautiful, soft, yellow sand, this quiet beach is ideal for a day out with a picnic. There’s so much space for Fido to run around and you’re sure to make lots of new doggie friends. You may even spot some seals – the dogs of the sea – basking on the shore in the winter months.
