Who doesn’t love exploring? The thrill of finding hidden gems, new favourite spots, and gorgeous scenery on even more beautiful days is unmatched. And where else truly ticks all the boxes other than Norwich? Especially during a time of year where stunning seasonal produce is showcased all across restaurants, cafés, and eateries in the city of Norwich. Delicious local ales, beers, wines, and spirits fill the pubs and bars, whilst our independent stores are full of unique gifts and the latest seasonal clothing from up-and-coming designers.
But these days out exploring are made all the better with great company and – for such a task – there’s no better company than nature’s very best explorers… our dogs! There are plenty of dog-friendly venues for you and the pup to enjoy in Norwich, from restaurants and bars, to country parks and even hotels! Here’s our list of the best dog-friendly places to visit in Norwich!
Offering miles of varied routes and stunning, spacious views of the Norwich skyline, Mousehold Heath is a real favourite amongst local dog walkers. It’s just a short walk away from the grounds of Norwich Cathedral (another dog-friendly spot in the heart of Norwich, but we’ll get to that in a minute!), and offers over 184 acres of woodland, open field, and walkways. It’s a really lovely place to enjoy on a sunny day, especially if you start with a 99 flake (or any cold treat, for that matter) from the ice cream van in the centre field and finish it at the top of the Heath overlooking the city! The area is also rich in wildlife and is locally very well known for its significance during Kett’s Rebellion in 1549, the last public revolt in England.
The view of the Norwich skyline from Mousehold Heath is one of the best in the city!
All are welcome at Norwich Cathedral, including visitors of all faiths and none – and dogs, of course! Known locally as the ‘village within the city’, it’s the perfect place to go for a peaceful, quiet dog walk while remaining close to the city centre. This magnificent Romanesque Cathedral also boasts the second-tallest spire and largest monastic cloisters in England, as well as beautifully-kept grounds for you to enjoy. Once you’ve finished exploring The Cloisters and The Labyrinth with your pooch, head out to explore The Close – a 44-acre haven surrounding the Cathedral. Here you can explore large green spaces, over 80 listed buildings, and stunning riverside walks around the picturesque Pulls Ferry and Cow Tower.
Explore all the Norwich Cathedral sights with your pooch, it’s a gorgeous place to see!
A world-class museum of art and artefacts from around the world spanning thousands of years, the Sainsbury Centre, situated on the grounds of the University of East Anglia (UEA), houses some of the most ground-breaking displays and exhibitions in the UK. Unfortunately, dogs aren’t permitted inside the Norman Foster designed Sainsbury Centre itself, but our furred friends are welcome at the Sculpture Park – 350 acres of gorgeous parkland open to everyone right on the building’s doorstep. Here, visitors can explore art, architecture, and the surrounding natural environment. Across the Sculpture Park, you can also find a range of larger than life works from significant artists such as Henry Moore, Elisabeth Frink, Lynn Chadwick, Liliane Lijn, and Antony Gormley. Make sure to take a walk around the University Broad and Yare River Valley too, a perfect outdoor adventure for you and your pup!
The Sainsbury Centre Sculpture Park is the perfect place to go for those looking for somewhere new to see!
A beautifully kept heritage park and one of Norwich’s most historic public sites, Eaton Park has been serving the people of Norwich for nearly a century. A true community space and popular haunt for locals, Eaton Park offers a plethora of truly great activities for all ages. Enjoy the large model boating lake, tennis courts, or just simply take a stroll around this beautiful 80-acre park. Plenty of new experiences and smells for your pup to enjoy! After a day of exploring the park, enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat at the Eaton Park Café, right in the centre of the park. Dogs are welcome here too!
Water bowls to keep your pooch cool and hydrated are available here!
Yalm Foodhall in the historic Royal Arcade offers a unique all-day dining experience right in the city centre. Order from nine creative and independent kitchens serving up a range of unique dishes and drinks for any occasion. From healthy brunch and indulgent desserts, to family dining and cocktails for two.
The stunning venue, which includes a ground floor café bar and first floor restaurant (and private dining room available to hire!), is also dog friendly. So, you can invite your four-legged friend to join you for lunch too! No need to book a table – simply turn up, find a cosy spot and either scan the QR code to order online, or order directly from the vendors. Your food will be brought straight to your table, no matter how many kitchens you order from. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to enjoy some sensational food – all while your dog gets to join the fun too.
The perfect spot to come and yalm with friends!
A unique city centre venue, renowned for its brilliant shows and ever-popular bar, Norwich Playhouse is a great spot to stop, soak in the city atmosphere, and enjoy a good drink, including local beers, spirits, cocktails, and hot teas on those colder days! On top of its incredible range of local tipples and their ‘Ceilingopolis’ above the bar, which you will stare at while you wait for your drink, trust us, the Playhouse also boasts a stunning riverside terrace complete with multi-coloured lights and painted benches that stays open until 11pm. Dogs on leads are welcome in both the inside bar and outdoor terrace area!
The Playhouse Bar is a local favourite for a good drink – and their Ceilingopolis is an added bonus!
If you’re looking for a sweet treat for both you and your pup, look no further than The Cuppie Hut. In their welcoming shop on St Giles Street, you can find a delicious range of bakes, and even treat your companion to a dog-friendly cupcake, complete with a treat on top!
A delightful pick-me-up on those days filled with plenty of walking, the only difficulty will be deciding what to have! Open from 10:30am – 4pm Tuesday – Saturday, make sure you pop in and say hello, although all the attention may be on your furred friend!
The Cuppie Hut’s cupcakes are irresistible, especially to pups!
One of Norwich’s most-loved pubs, The Garnet has been serving locals and visitors since 1861. This stunning venue boasts three floors packed full of history and personality, and incredible views of Norwich Market for those sitting on the top floor. With a hand-picked menu of local ales, beers, wines and ciders, The Garnet is a favourite amongst those looking for great quality, locally-sourced drinks. The Garnet are also big lovers of supporting the local business community and actively encourage visitors to come along and enjoy one (or more) of their drinks alongside some delicious food from the Market!
If you’re in more of a shopping mood, why not check out The Garnet Stores and Supplies next door? Filled with local beers, ales, wines, condiments, homeware, and teas & coffees, you’re sure to find something to take home here! Pop in for a beer and a bite to eat with your pooch, or for a quick browse, either way, it’s bound to be a good visit.
The Garnet is a great place to gather friends, family, and dogs!
The Maids Head is a stunning 4-star hotel which is also reputedly the oldest hotel in the UK, with a history dating back more than 800 years! And its certainly come a long way in those 800 years, now boasting 84 stylish bedrooms and suites, and a 2 AA Rosettes Restaurant, WinePress. For a little extra per stay, a superbly comfy dog bed and bowl of water will be provided on arrival for your pooch, so they can join in on the fun of a visit to the City of Stories (maximum of 2 dogs per room). Dog-friendly rooms are limited and must be booked in advance from the Maids Head website or by calling ahead on 01603 209955.
The Maids Head Hotel is the ideal city centre stay for you and your furred friend!
The Norfolk Mead Hotel is a beautiful, Georgian, Grade-II listed country house set in 8-acres of private grounds within the Broads National Park. Here, visitors can enjoy stunning rooms, delicious food, peaceful walks around the grounds, a straightforward 15-minute drive to the hustle and bustle of the city centre, and even their own private boat for hire in the summer months. Guests with dogs can stay in the stunning Juniper or Crab Apple suites, or the Sweet Chestnut cottage, which sleeps up to four guests. And, though your dog can’t join you, be sure to check out their recently renovated spa facilities, including the first beer spa in the United Kingdom! Stays can be booked on the Norfolk Mead website or by calling 01603 737 531.
Your pooch will absolutely love a countryside stay with the Norfolk Mead Hotel.
Nestled right in the Norfolk countryside while being just a short drive away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Park Farm Hotel is a wonderful place to stay, especially for those bringing their pups! Here, you truly get the best of both worlds. Their dog-friendly stay, Tumbrils Cottage, is a self-contained cottage on Park Farm’s grounds, offering a fabulous range of facilities. Plus, it’s totally private, so you can truly unwind. There’s two ensuite double bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, private parking, and your own garden area, which we have a feeling will be your dog’s favourite part of the cottage! Oh, and you get free spa and leisure access when you book directly through the Park Farm Hotel website for even more serenity. Book your stay on their website or by calling 01603 810264.
