by Katie Thompson
Everyone loves the excitement of exploring a new place, right? So, it’s even better when you can do it with the whole family- and that goes for your furry friends, too.
From dog friendly restaurants, pubs and bars to shops, attractions and green spaces that are great for a run around. Norwich has plenty of venues for you and your pup to enjoy. There’s so much to do in the City of Stories (and Norfolk, too), that it’s hard to fit it all into one day- so we’ve even found a few paw-fect places to stay for man’s best friend!
Here’s our guide to the best dog friendly places to visit in Norwich.
Take your furry friend for a run around in one of Norwich’s many parks
One of the most important things to do for any dog-owner has got to be taking your dog for a lovely walk or run around at a local park. Luckily, here in Norwich, acting natural comes easy to us thanks to our many glorious green spaces.
Mousehold Heath is not only home to some of the city’s best views but also offers a great selection of walking trails amid heathland, woodland, and open space. A favourite of locals, this is the ideal spot to unwind and for your dog to let off some steam. Keep your eyes open for the heath’s wealth of wildlife while you’re at it!
On the other side of the city is Eaton Park. As one of Norwich’s wonderful heritage parks, it caters to dogs, children, and visitors of all ages. With over 80-acres to explore, we suggest a stroll around the perimeter, followed by a coffee and bite to eat at dog friendly Eaton Park Café.
This spot is also a short distance from the Sainsbury Centre’s Sculpture Park. While the art museum itself doesn’t permit dogs (although we highly recommend a visit), you can take in artworks in the Sculpture Park by the likes of Antony Gormley and Henry Moore whilst getting out in the fresh air around UEA Broad.
In the city centre, meander alongside the River Wensum. Our riverside walk is a peaceful one, lined with willow trees, and you’ll often see swans gliding alongside. It’s also full of history: the river itself was a medieval trade route and along the way you’ll see iconic Norwich landmarks like Cow Tower, St James’ Mill, Pulls Ferry, and Fye Bridge.
Chapelfield Gardens is another central park to stop by (and treat yourself to a treat from its kiosk).
Who can resist a cupcake? Or should we say pup-cake!
One of the best ways to end your day is watching the world go by with a drink or by tucking into a delicious meal, your canine companion by your side.
At Yalm Foodhall, you can experience a myriad of worldwide flavours from morning to night. Here, there are 7 kitchens to try (and maybe a pop-up if you time it right!) that range from steaming ramen and woodfired pizzas to spicy tacos and charcoal-grilled koftes. Just walk in with your furry friend (as long as they’re on a lead and well behaved) and they’ll be given a water bowl to stay cool and hydrated.
For another relaxed spot, try Slice + Dice. This 100% plant-based eatery is a great spot for meeting with friends for brunch, lunch, or cocktails whilst you enjoy a friendly round of board games alongside your pup. There’s over 350 to choose from!
We couldn’t mention dog friendly dining without The Cuppie Hut! As well as being a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth (we recommend their cookie sarnie), they cater for your pet pals too. We predict plenty of wagging tails when they spot The Cuppie Hut’s ‘pupcakes’, complete with a treat on top!
For a refreshing drink, Norwich Playhouse’s popular bar is perfect for sampling local beers, spirits, and ciders, as well as a teas and coffees. Dogs are welcome both inside and in their outside space festooned with twinkling lights. Then just a short walk away is the Ribs of Beef. Set on Fye Bridge, you can watch the river flowing by in this dog friendly pub (remember to check out their waterside terrace!).
And depending on where you are in the city, there’s also the much-loved Sir Toby’s Beers on Norwich Market overlooking The Guildhall (buy a bite on the market to eat while you sip – your tummy will soon be rumbling!), the newly opened Rivolo Lounge for a riverside view, and Gonzos Tea Room for unbeatable burgers. You might even spot the eponymous pug Gonzo while you’re there!
Take in some culture with your canine companion
What’s a visit to Norwich without sampling its rich history and incredible independents?
If you love a bit of shopping, be sure to pay a visit to Jarrolds, our flagship independent department store. Think five floors and over fifty departments of fashion, lifestyle, homeware, stationery and more! We bet you’ll find something to treat you and your pooch too. And since well-behaved dogs are welcome (excluding where food is served), there’s no excuse not to!
Elsewhere, high-street heroes Waterstones and John Lewis, as well as indies Dogfish and Lucy & Yak also welcome dogs. In the Norwich Lanes, just check with each store before you enter!
At Norwich Cathedral, everyone is welcome- including dogs! Enjoy the calm of Cathedral Close, easily accessible from the river, and wander past charming houses and well-manicured gardens. Once you’ve admired the grounds, enter the Cathedral’s magnificent monastic cloister (the largest in England), with a labyrinth at its centre. You might recognise it from a film or two!
And for something different, join a spooky tour with Norwich Ghost Walks. It’s a frightfully fun evening of intriguing tales, while on rainy days, you can check out Cinema City’s special dog friendly screenings of the latest releases.
Venturing further into Norfolk? Spend some time at Redwings Horse Sanctuary. It’s home to over 70 residents, including a real-life black beauty, and free to visit. Plus, you can take a relaxing stroll around their two thriving wildlife ponds. Closer to the coast, Cromer Pier is a bucket list item for any Norfolk visit! The pier itself is almost completely dog friendly (excluding the auditorium) and even celebrates our furry friends with dog-themed events. So, why not treat them to a dog friendly ice cream at Tides Bistro?
City centre and dog friendly- look no further than the Maids Head Hotel
For a historic city centre stay that’s full of character and dog friendly, look no further than the Maids Head. This 4-star hotel is reputedly the oldest in the UK and has 3 rooms ready for your four-legged friends. For a little extra per stay (£20 per pooch, maximum of 2 dogs per room), your dog will be pampered with a comfy bed and water bowl for the night. Just make sure to book in advance!
And when you want to extend your stay, we recommend The Victoria at Holkham for a coastal getaway (10 rooms and a 2-AA Rosette restaurant that are dog friendly as well as their four brand new Shepherd Huts) and Canine Cottages for a myriad of pet-friendly stays across Norfolk, including the Broads National Park.
