Our Top Dog-Friendly Cottages in Norfolk for a Woof-Tastic Time
Whether it’s a thatched cottage or a former coach house, you and your furry friends will love these Norfolk retreats
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Norfolk is a fantastic place to bring your canine companion on holiday. With beautiful beaches and idyllic countryside, they’ll have the time of their life exploring the different landscapes. But for the moments when you’re not out and about, you’ll need somewhere to put your feet up. When it comes to dog-friendly cottages in Norfolk, you’re spoilt for choice. Here are some of the best ones, selected by our travel experts at Plum Guide.
Between The Church Bells
Between The Church Bells, Plum Guide home in Norfolk
One glance is all it takes to fall in love with this Grade II-listed cottage. Built in 1755, the home is bursting with charm inside and out. The wisteria and rose-covered facade invites you in, where you’ll be greeted by vaulted ceilings and pamment tiled floors. The country-style kitchen is perfect for whipping up hearty meals – on warmer days, you may want to enjoy them at the dining area in the enclosed back garden, where you’ll find a barbecue and comfy seating. Out the front, you’ll have the grounds of the 14th-century St James the Great Church, while attractions like Sandringham Estate, Fakenham Racecourse and Houghton Hall are just a short drive away. After an exciting day out, come home for a bubble bath in the roll-top tub before gathering everyone together in the lounge for some storytelling by the fire.
To Hide & Seek
To Hide & Seek, Plum Guide home in Norfolk
These two former 19th-century farmer’s cottages have been joined to form a delightful five-bedroom home in the sleepy village of Wighton. While some original features remain, the rest of the cottage has been given a 21st-century makeover with all the home comforts you could need. Start the day with an alfresco breakfast in the courtyard. There’s a large lawn for four-legged friends, while sun loungers are perfect for topping up your tan on sunny days. When you want to explore, the dog-friendly beach at Wells-next-the-Sea is just a seven-minute drive, while Blakeney is reachable in twenty. After a day of building sandcastles and seal watching, come home and cook up a delicious dinner on the range cooker. Light the wood burner and enjoy some downtime before drifting off in the sumptuous bedrooms.
Pound Cake
Pound Cake, Plum Guide home in Norfolk
From the outside, this picture-perfect home is what you’d expect from a Norfolk cottage. But step inside and you’ll be met with an eclectic mix of vintage furniture and curios, courtesy of your interior designer host. Expect everything from Serge Mouille-inspired art to a taxidermy squirrel. However, period charm is not lost amongst the quirky interiors. There are beamed walls and ceilings and exposed brick and stonework, so you’ll still get that cottage feel. Sleeping up to six people, there’s ample space to entertain, with multiple lounges and a large dining room for more formal dinners (although we think most of your meals will be set amongst the flowers in the back garden). Extending out over meadowland, there are plenty of dog walks leading straight from your door. The town of Burnham Market is just an eight-minute drive away, while North Norfolk’s beaches are reachable in sixteen.
Wildflower Breeze
Wildflower Breeze, Plum Guide home in Norfolk
When it comes to dog-friendly cottages in Norfolk, this home ticks all the boxes. The interiors are deceivingly large, with lofty ceilings and plenty of natural light. On the ground floor is a well-equipped kitchen and spacious lounge for socialising – the tiled floors mean muddy paws won’t be a problem. On the mezzanine level are two bedrooms and a smaller lounge ideal for quiet reading time. We recommend sharing with someone you’re close with as there’s only a curtain between the ‘rooms’. Located on a site with a cluster of other holiday cottages, there are some excellent facilities here. The garden has a giant chess board, or head to the indoor games room for a selection of arcade games. You can even workout in the communal gym before cooling off in the indoor pool or relaxing your muscles in the sauna.
Estate Cottage
Estate Cottage, Plum Guide home in Norfolk
Those looking for a touch of luxury will find this elegant cottage more than adequate. Located within a 300-acre historic parkland in North Norfolk, this home once belonged to the head gardener. It’s been tastefully decorated with chic furniture and modern amenities, all without compromising the cosiness and comfort that a cottage should have. It’s also a great choice if you have more than one furry friend, as this home accepts two well-behaved dogs. Take a nineteen-minute drive to Sea Palling for a beach day before coming home and unwinding in the hot tub. You’ll have full privacy here, as the cottage comes with its own walled garden. End the day with a glass of wine, either in the large lounge or the cosy snug.
The Thatcher’s Cottage
The Thatcher's Cottage, Plum Guide home in Norfolk
This cottage near the coast is the perfect family home. With four bedrooms and room for eight guests, there is plenty of space for you and your loved ones to hang out. Adults can socialise in the living room while kids can escape to the smaller lounge with a TV and a large selection of films. Outside, there’s a huge garden for them to run around in and play catch with the dogs (four are allowed here). Speaking of, the home has everything you need for a pooch-approved stay, from dog bowls to bags and biscuits – there’s even a dog-friendly pub a short walk away. For an afternoon out, Sea Palling Beach is an eight-minute drive, while the Norfolk Broads is reachable in thirty.
Norfolk’s Olde
Norfolk's Olde, Plum Guide home in Norfolk
Perched on the outskirts of the village of Heacham, this lovely little cottage is just a six-minute drive from the beach. After a morning of dog-walking, come home and enjoy the rest of the day relaxing in the sunny garden, but only after making a stop at Norfolk Lavender, just an eleven-minute walk from the home. Explore the lavender fields and pick up some fragrant goodies from the shop. Back home, there’s a country kitchen for rustling up meals and a dining table by the window that looks out onto the Church of St Mary the Virgin. And when it’s time to hit the hay, you’ll find a double bedroom and a small single room upstairs, just the right size for a family of three.
The Shelduck
The Shelduck, Plum Guide home in Norfolk
Whisking your other half away on a romantic break? This is one of our best dog-friendly cottages in Norfolk for couples. The interiors are chic and elegant, with a sleek kitchen and contemporary glass dining room overlooking the garden – this is a great little spot for date nights at home. When the weather’s good, enjoy your meals outside in the garden and spend your days luxuriating in the hot tub. There’s no real reason to leave, but when you want to head out on a dog walk, there are some scenic strolls around the village, while Old Hunstanton Beach is a thirty-two-minute drive away. Back home, light the log burner for some quality time in the living room while your dog delights in the bed, bowls and treats from your hosts. Before sinking into the sheets, treat yourself to a dip in the clawfoot bath with the organic toiletries provided.
Thatched Haven
Thatched Haven, Plum Guide home in Norfolk
Celebrating with friends and family? Sleeping up to fourteen guests, this five-bedroom thatched cottage is an excellent choice. There’s room for everyone, from the huge kitchen designed for socialising to the duo of comfy lounges and conservatory. On hot days, spend your time outside in the spacious wrap-around garden. There’s a large paved area for barbecues and meals, while the lawn is ideal for little ones to play on – the host also allows up to three well-behaved dogs, perfect for those with a big extended family. You won’t hear any complaints of ‘I’m bored’ either, as there’s a games room to keep the kids entertained, while adults can fully relax in the alfresco hot tub. You can’t go wrong with the location either, as you’re an eleven-minute drive from The Broads and twenty minutes from Norwich.
Flint & Copper
Flint & Copper, Plum Guide home in Norfolk
This is one of our favourite dog-friendly cottages in Norfolk, as its location is unbeatable. Right in the heart of Field Dalling, you’re just a nine-minute drive from Blakeney National Nature Reserve, where you can spend the day walking, birdwatching and taking a boat trip to see the seals. When you’re not out in nature, the cottage garden is a lovely spot for you and your dogs to catch some sun. If you don’t fancy cooking, grab some fish and chips from your local and enjoy it at the outdoor dining table. Colder days may keep you inside, but with the home’s brightly coloured interiors, you’ll be cheered up immediately – especially after a luxurious soak in the freestanding copper tub.
