A dog-friendly weekend in North Norfolk with two dogs

Looking at the map, North Norfolk doesn’t seem too close to London. Checking the train timetable, however, it turns out it only takes 3 hours from Liverpool Street station to the quintessential Norfolk village of Cromer (a 2-hour travel to Norwich if you want to stop on the way there), and train prices are quite convenient (we paid about £35 return per person London-Cromer). North Norfolk is also a very dog-friendly destination and there are so many exciting activities to do with your dog (more in this post).

DAY 1: London to Cromer and a dog-friendly trip to see the seals

London to Cromer

Two humans, two dogs. A perfect ratio for a 3-day adventure. When we met on a sunny Saturday morning at London Liverpool Street train station, our own Argo and dog-friend Spanish rescue mutt Gustavito were their usual waggy-tailed selves. Maria and I carried one backpack and trolley each. Half of mine was full with Argo’s travel essentials, which included kibble for a sufficient number of meals, two tennis balls, a frisbee, a long line, dog treats, dog life jacket for a boat adventure we had planned (more later), an extra leash and a tick remover.

9.25 am: our train left the station and we headed off to a 3-hour journey including changing trains in Norwich, with expected arrival at 12.31pm in Cromer. Door-to-door the travel is not much longer, as we found from Google Maps: our holiday cottage was just a 6-minute walk away from Cromer station.

In Norwich our train was a bit delayed, but it turned to be good news for the dogs, as a clerk from West Cornwall Pasty Co. walked out of the kiosk with two hot dogs for Argo and Gustavito, which they were enthusiastic about.

When our second train arrives, we realise it is probably the shortest one we have ever been on: only 2 carriages. On the day (Saturday) everyone seems to be heading to the beach, so it is pretty packed on board too. We stand next to the luggage area, and Gus rests on the empty luggage top shelf. The landscape outside the window starts changing. Fields of burnt grass, narrow roads running in the countryside, in 50 minutes we arrive in Cromer.

Cromer arrival and The Beach Hut cottage

Cromer’s station is a micro one – just one platform, no ticket barriers or station building – and in few steps we were out and walking towards the Beach Hut, a white building next to a red brick house, with a white wooden fence. Our host, Lucy, had left the key for us in a padlock outside.

Entering the cottage we found a basket full of delicatessen on the kitchen counter, including a pack of local raspberries, a (truly delicious) Bakewell Tart and biscuits and a pack of locally-made dog biscuits! These were not the only things we noticed and could tell that Lucy and Gail put much attention into every detail: for instance, there were dog tags with the address of the Beach Hut and Gail’s phone number, torches, poo bags, in a cupboard there is even a basket full of dog things: blankets, balls and toys, a high-visibility leash; there were also throws for the furniture in case dogs wanted to join humans on the sofa (not the case with Argo, but very valuable for dogs who are used to!).

Everything was sparkling clean and newly decorated with a lovely marine theme: very appropriate for a “beach hut”. At cottage we also found two binders: a guest information one containing any information we may need to know about the house and more; the other one with a collection of dog-friendly recommendations, leaflets and maps about things to do in the area and places (more about The Beach Hut later in this post).

Dog-friendly seal watching sail at Blakeney Point

After leaving our bags at the Beach Hut, we soon ran out to catch the bus to Morsely, for a boat trip to see… the SEALS at Blakeney Point! After farm animals and llamas, it looks like the year is continuing with interesting animal encounters!

We had reserved two spots on the (dog-friendly) Beans Seal Trips boat departing at 3.30 pm from Morston Quay (cost £13 per adult, dogs go free; the boat trips timetable is based on tides and, as they say, tide waits for no one) and we were asked to show up at the location at least half hour earlier to collect our tickets.

Morston Quay

As the Coast Hopper bus runs hourly from Cromer (CH1 timetable here), we needed to catch the 1.20 pm service arriving in Morston at 2.10 pm (a 50-minute ride) in order to be there in time to collect our tickets at 3pm (bus ticket to get there cost us £6 return per person, plus £0.50 one-way dog ticket or £1 rover ticket, contactless accepted). The bus station was literally one minute far from the Beach Hut, so we were there in a blink. If you travelled by car instead, it would take about half an hour from Cromer to Morston Quay and there is a pay and display car park just next to Morston Quay (Sat Nav NR25 7BH).

Along the way we had some little setback as the bus’ ABS starts playing funny, but we made it in time and actually early on the departing time. It was a warm day, so we waited in the shadow of the Morston Information Centre’s Observation Tower and bought more fresh water from the refreshments kiosk (the kiosk also sold ice creams, sandwiches and snacks). One of us waited in the shade with the dogs until it was time to board the boat.

Getting on the boat

I was a bit concerned about taking the dogs on the boat under the sun, but Gus, as a Spanish rescue dog coming from a place where Winter temperatures are similar to that we had on the day and Summers are horrendously hot, he seemed perfectly comfortable with the weather; also Argo comes from Southern Europe, and after cooling him down with fresh water, and putting on his life jacket, he was quite content too. We saw another dog getting off from the boat as we arrived, and other dogs at the quay too, so I felt reassured.

As we sailed off, on the white and orange boat, there was a nice breeze and Argo put his front paws on the wooden bench to look out. He was smiling content, enjoying the boat trip and looking around with interest as we sailed downstream the River Glaven creek towards Blakeney Point.

As we approached Far Point, the captain pointed to a bird colony and as soon as we turned the point in front of us was a herd of (huge!) common and grey seals basking in the sun on the shore. They didn’t seem bothered by the boat or the many eyes pointed at them, including those of Argo and Gustavito.

It was the first time I ever saw a seal, and Argo and Gus as well. They were both very interested and observed the large mammals while we sailed several rounds around the point. Argo was surprisingly calm and silent, but extremely attentive to those odd new animals.

The boat made a few passages in front of the point, quite close to the shore. It was great to see the seals in their natural environment and some of them placidly looked at us. However, some food for thought about a particular aspect of the experience: there were many seal trip providers boats crowding the waters in front of the sandbanks where the seals were resting (at least other 3 companies doing the same tour) and doing rounds up and down the point, very close to the beach. Personally, I wondered if this wasn’t a bit too crowded for the seals. Also, thinking about the many boat engines burning gasoline and polluting the water, this may have not been a the most environment-friendly thing. Perhaps seal trip providers could consider switching to electric boats and keeping a bit farther from the shore. As seals are not exactly tiny, it is likely that passengers wouldn’t need glasses or a binoculars to see them anyway!

Landing is (understandably – and luckily -) forbidden at Far Point, where seals are normally found. On the sail back, however, you can land at Blakeney Point natural reserve. We got off the boat for an half hour exploration before catching it back to the harbour. During our visit, we found that Blakeney Point has such a beautiful landscape. One blue wooden building, the Lifeboat House, which was repurposed to an information centre, stands out from the low vegetation of bushes, sand, bodies of water and gentle hills.

Blakeney Point

The area was acquired by the National Trust in 1912 and is an international breeding ground for some bird species. To protect nesting birds there is a seasonal dog restriction in place at Blakeney Point from 1st April to 15th August, however dogs “if you have arrived at Blakeney Point by boat, dogs are welcome in the immediate area around the Lifeboat House but please keep them on a lead at all times,” the National Trust informs.

An evening in Cromer

After catching the bus back to Cromer and a good bath at the Beach Hut (which has a large bathroom with two windows, equipped with both a bathtub and a shower, and little details include bombs for the bathtub), it was time to go out and explore Cromer.

We had a short walk in the town centre. We saw the Pier from uphill, lit by the sunset light. For dinner, we settled for fish and chips at No. 1: whilst dogs are not allowed inside either its restaurant or the takeaway, one of us waited outside with the dogs while the other put in the order and we had dinner on a public terrace near the beach (which, however, wasn’t particularly clean – so many people leaving rubbish and leftovers from earlier dinners, a real a paradise for dogs to hoover anything from the pavement). We later realised that probably a much better place where to eat would have been the benches on the Pier, where dogs are allowed.

DAY 2: Sheringham, steam railway, dog-friendly beach and Cromer walks

On our second day, buses were not running due to a cycling race, so we decided to use the train and get to the seaside town of Sheringham – just a short 10-minute train ride from Cromer – from where to hop on the heritage North Norfolk Railway, the “Poppy Line”.

Dog-friendly North Norfolk Railway

The North Norfolk Railway’s, heritage steam (and diesel) trains run on  from Sheringham to Holt, stopping in Weybourne. Dogs are allowed on trains (apart from the dining services) for an additional charge of £2 and get their own retro cardboard rover tickets (the day we visited, though, they didn’t have any at Sheringham station, so we were just given a regular paper receipt). For Argo and I it was the second steam train experience (the first one was on the historic Epping-Ongar railway, in Essex), but for Gustavito and Maria it was a first.

Sheringham’s station platform was lovely, with all retro details, like scales, and vintage luggage and we got on the steam train, blowing a thick white smoke. Gustavito wasn’t too convinced when he heard the whistle at first, but by the end of the experience he was perching from Maria’s arms and leaning onto the carriage’s window, “smiling” as the train ran through the countryside and the wind combed his mane. Argo was very curious about the ride and balanced on his hinder legs to put his paws on the window of the carriage door to look outside (under close supervision). Looking at his content expression at the air blew on this face, I spotted a pattern thinking to the previous day on the boat.

Holt

There are both diesel and steam trains running on the North Norfolk Railway and the timetable shows which service is which. It is nice to ride on a scenic route, with the sea in view for a part of it. When we arrived in Holt, the final stop, we decided to visit the town, which was a 26-minute walk far from the historic railway station.

Being Sunday, many shops were closed and although there was an “owls trail”, with plaques on the pavement indicating historic landmarks, to be honest I didn’t find the village particularly pretty or special. For this reason, if you don’t have much time, I wouldn’t include this one on the to see list and visit other places instead (plenty of recommendations below).

Sheringham promenade and dog-friendly beach

As we got back to Sheringham it was time for a stroll on the lively high street leading to the seaside and head to a dog-friendly beach. Along the high street, we found some ice cream shops and crab eateries to satisfy cravings (crab is one of the local specialities) and we turned right on the Promenade behind the beach.

There are some interesting painted walls and art, telling the story of Sheringham’s fishermen. In Sheringham everywhere seems to be dog-friendly and we didn’t even need to take out the dog bowl as there were so many water bowls around town.

Further on, we found lines of colourful beach huts. Some have names, some are open and inside they look like proper little beach houses, properly decorated and fitted with sofas, kettles and cups.

There is a seasonal dog ban applying from 1st May to 30th September to part of the beach (there are signs and a map on the Promenade showing where the ban starts and ends), so we walked further on to reach the dog-friendly part of the beach.

We tried to climb down to the beach as soon as the ban ended jumping on some large rocks as the ladder to access the beach would have been impossible to climb down for Argo, but it turned to be a very bad idea, as even for Argo – who is used to jump around like a grasshopper – these were too challenging, and a fall from a rock, luckily without any consequences, was enough to make us desist and agree that we would continue walking along the path until finding an easier access to the sandy beach.

We left the concrete path and continued on a track along behind the beach. There was a beautiful and unusual landscape, almost like being on the moon, and there were barriers to protect the shore from the sea. We finally found an easier access to the beach in a quiet spot and it was finally beach-time! The tennis ball came out and Argo had some good runs on the beach and in the water.

Happy Valley Circular Walk in Cromer

In the evening, when back in Cromer,it was time for an evening walk and properly explore the area. The recommendations binder at the Beach Hut suggested the Happy Valley Circular Walk, starting from Cromer’s town, venturing up-cliff. I decided to walk lighter and leave my camera at home, which I soon regretted, considered the beautiful landscape and colours of the sunset light.

After a walk on Cromer’s Pier (which is dog-friendly), we followed the path and took a longer diversion reaching the lighthouse on top of a hill, climbing among ferns and flowers. Close-by we also discovered some perfect viewpoints, dominating the sea, the cliffs and the beach underneath. One recommendation is to be very careful and keeping your dog on a leash when approaching the viewpoints on the cliffs, because there are no barriers whatsoever and it is a big and steep jump.

On the way back we took the path through Warren Woods and arrived at North Lodge Park, overstrand, where there were a few dogs running and playing, including two beautiful Spanish rescue Podencos, and Gustavito and Argo joined the gang. The beautiful evening light made it really a memorable walk and it was a lovely discovery. We didn’t think about the time and when we got back around 8.45pm, we found that all kitchens had closed in all eateries and pubs (it was Sunday evening), and we ended up ordering a Chinese takeaway from the only place which seemed to be still working.

DAY 3: Visiting Norwich

On the Monday morning it was time to leave and we took the 8.33am train from Cromer which in less than an hour took us to Norwich. We left our luggage at the BaggageBnb facility near the station (£5 per bag – you need to book online and will be given the exact address), for a lighter walk.

We headed to Norwich Norman Cathedral, a remarkable 900-year old Christian cathedral. There, to our surprise, we discovered that dogs are allowed both in the visitor centre (which hosted a paintings display on climate change) and in the cathedral itself, as well as around the cloisters (basically anywhere apart from the refectory cafe’ basically, out of which there are water bowls for thirsty pooches). The Cathedral is stunning and I would very much recommend a visit (free entrance, suggested donation £5).

After visiting the Cathedral we walked towards the River Wensum, crossed the bridge leading to the Creative Quarter and walked on the riverside. There is a pontoon with canoes for hire (the hire is called CanoeMan and is dog-friendly, for an extra charge for dogs), which we didn’t try. Near the Norwich University of the Arts we crossed the river again and stopped at a dog-friendly Italian deli for some nice sandwiches and Spanish tortas as dessert.

Norwich Lanes, the Castle and Marketplace areas were a lovely discovery. The Marketplace is the largest outdoor one in Britain with over 200 stalls. But probably nicer were the little old streets of Norwich Lanes and the view from the Castle grounds. Dogs are not allowed inside the Castle, but you can still walk around it and there is a lovely little park nearby too.

We headed back to the station to catch the train back to London in the first pm (we got the 2.30 pm service), and we were ready for a rest!

9 dog-friendly things to do with dogs in Norfolk

With the limited time we had, we were able to do only a few things, and there is so much more you can do with your dog in the area, so here you are some further recommendations for your dog-friendly trip to North Norfolk. When travelling, tapping into locals’ knowledge is always a plus and we found The Beach Hut’s collection of recommendations very useful: we found leaflets and maps for many dog-friendly activities all orderly collected and classified in a binder. In addition, we had spoken with Gail, who gave her tips and told about her favourite dog-friendly things to do too.

#1. Go for a ride on one of the dog-friendly historic railways in North Norfolk

Bure Valley Railway

Bure Valley Railway

“Fancy going on a train? Bure Valley Railway is fabulous,” says Gail. “The railway trip is a real treat for engine loving dogs.”

Bure Valley Railway runs between the town of Alysham and Wroxham through the countryside (45-minute ride overall), stopping in some little villages, and is apparently a great one to visit the Broads. It is dog-friendly, although dogs pay an extra fare. Tickets cost £14 per adult, £7 child (5-15) and £3.50 dog. You can combine the train ticket with a boat tour on the Broads for £22 adult (£13.50 child, £3.50 dog). Timetable available here.

If you are staying in Cromer, you can catch train to Hoveton & Wroxham, which is a 5-minute walk to Bure Valley Railway Wroxham stop. If you are travelling by car, sat nav for the stations are NR11 6BW Alysham and NR12 8UU Wroxham.

North Norfolk Railway

Alternatively, the one we took is the heritage North Norfolk Railway, from Sheringham to Holt. More above in this post. Timetable and fares available here. Dogs allowed (apart from dining carriages and special events) for a £2 charge.

#2. Sail on a Broads boat tour with your dog

To explore the Broads there are a number of dog-friendly boats. From Wroxham (which can be easily reached by train stopping at Hoveton & Wroxham) you can get the Broad Tours river trips, which are dog-friendly (tickets are £9-£11 for adults depending on the route and there is a £1 charge per dog). These are skippered tours with a commentary and refreshment on board.

If, on the other hand, you prefer a more intimate and autonomous trip, there are dog-friendly self-drive day boats for hire too.

Gail suggests to get to Horsey, as boat trips are fabulous there, she says. “Ross’ Wildlife boat trips at Horsey is an absolute must,” she adds.

#3. Watch the seals in their natural environment

Blakeney Point (dog-friendly) seal boat trips

At Blakeney Point, from Morston Quay depart a number of seal trips.

• the one we took was dog-friendly Beans Seals Trips (more above in this post – adult tickets £13, dogs go free); others are
• Ptarmigan Blakeney Point Seal Trips (well-behaved dogs welcome, tickets: £13 adults, £7 children);
• Bishop’s Boats Seal Trips (welcoming well-behaved dogs “at their discretion”, tickets; same £13 per adults, £7 children);
• Temple Seal Trips (same prices of the others, no information about dogs available).

Horsey seals

“Horsey seals! A real treat”, says Gail.

Blakeney Point is not the only place where you can spot the seals in North Norfolk. Horsey is also a place reknown for this. As in this case it is a walk rather than a boat trip leading there, it is essential to abide by some essential rules when visiting, to ensure wildlife’s protection (more on Friends of Horsey Seals’ website): dogs must be cleaned after and kept on a short leash and not allowed on the beach where the seals are. Likewise, humans need to keep on the marked footpath. Please note that seals can become protective when they have pups (and they have sharp teeth).

#4. Visit dog-friendly National Trust parks and properties

Felbrigg Hall

Felbrigg Hall, Garden and Estate is very close to Cromer and you can also reach it on foot (there is one of the circular walks that leads there). “A good wander at Felbrigg is also one of my absolute favourites – some gorgeous walks on the estate.” says Gail.

Tickets cost £11.60 standard – £12.90 gift aid, child £5.80 standard – £6.45 gift aid. Opening times are seasonal and currently dawn to dusk for the parkland. Dogs are allowed on lead in parkland when stock grazing and under close control in the woodland, while they can’t access the house and formal gardens. The tea room, however, is dog-friendly.

Blicking Hall

Blickling Hall, towards Alysham, has “Amazing walks”, says Gail.

Tickets cost £14.65 standard adult – £16.50 gift aid, £7.40 child standard – £8.25 gift aid (lower prices apply January to March). Similarly to Felbrigg Hall, Blicking Hall park is open dawn to dusk, while the other parts observe different opening times. Dogs are allowed in the park, Muddy Boots café and Farmyard area, while they are not welcome on the main driveway, house, East Wing and formal gardens.

#5. Go for a walk on the Coastal Path

Coastal Path

Walking the Coastal Path is a classic. You can find maps and directions on Norfolk County Council’s website here (many circular walks, as well as short and long linear walks). By selecting your preferred walk, you can also find a very handy interactive map. Just make sure to check whether there are any dog restrictions in place (for instance there are seasonal bans in Blakeney).

Sheringham Park and the Happy Valley Circular Walk in Cromer are great spots for a dog walk.

Bacton Woods

Not on the coast, but still covered by the map mentioned above, there is Bacton Woods, near North Walsham, a Forestry Commission wood. “Great place to cool down in Summer”, notes Gail.

There are many other parks you can go and walk with your dog, including Sandringham Country Park (free entrance daily and free parking, dogs not allowed in the gardens).

#6. Explore North Norfolk dog-friendly beaches

“There are so many lovely dog friendly beaches to explore. Cart Gap, Happisburgh, Horsey, Waxham, Winterton on Sea, Sea Palling. Nothing like a lovely run on the beach – in and out of the water, playing ball and a bit of free range dog! “, says Gail.

In North Norfolk there are some seasonal dog restrictions on certain beaches. However, it will not be difficult to find the perfect dog-friendly beach. In Sheringham Argo and Gustavito had a great time at the beach, past the restricted zone. In Cromer, you can also walk past the forbidden area and enjoy a long sandy beach.

#7. Visit a dog-friendly horse sanctuary

Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Alysham (NR11 6UE), as well as Redwings Caldecott near Great Yarmout (NR31 9EY) are dog-friendly. There you can meet horses, ponies and donkeys! Free entry.

#8. Dog-friendly stand-up paddle boarding

North Norfolk Paddleboards offers stand-up paddle board (SUP) tours, taster sessions and hires in Burnham Overy Staithe, Wells-next-the-Sea and Brancaster Staithe, and dogs are welcome! They also have “wingman” Betty the dog to accompany some rides!

#9. Norfolk Lavender

If you head to Norfolk in Summer, and fancy venturing a bit further West, you can also visit lavender farm Norfolk Lavender (Sat nav PE31 7JE) near West Norfolk town of Heacham. Dogs are allowed on leads in the main areas, but not in the shop, tearoom, restaurant, animal gardens and outdoor play area.

Holiday accomodation with Pack Holidays multi-dog-friendly cottages

Pack Holidays cottages

Dogs welcome free of charge, more than one dog welcome at the cottage (in some without number of dogs cap), lots of dog perks, minimal doggy rules, local dog-friendly knowledge. These are the main features of the 21 cottages listed on and managed by North Norfolk local holiday accommodation provider Pack Holidays.

Gail Adams, the founder of Pack Holidays and owner of a dog pack of 3 (Skye, the 11-year old Golden Retriever, Dara the 3-year old Border Collie (3 years old) and Ben, the 2-year old tripaw Border Collie, plus Haggis the cat, which technically makes it a 4-element pack), understands the struggles of travelling with multiple dogs and wanted to make a difference. “Some cottages [on Pack Holidays’ website] welcome unlimited dogs, some welcome a certain number, but ALL are welcome free of charge. I also ensure that the cottages are reviewed, inspected and managed closely with a local team. I provide a number of dog-friendly additions such as crates, holiday dog tags, poo bags, doggy biscuits on arrival, throws for furniture etc.”

Gail’s dog pack

In addition, Gail is on hand to answer queries on good advice on local places to go/things to do, as she did in occasion of our stay. Gail continued, “It is hugely important to me that not just human guests are welcomed with open arms, but their dogs too. Too many so called dog-friendly agencies cite dog-friendliness, then hit the guests with charge per dog, rules on cleaning, access to rooms, don’t have dog friendly enclosed/secure gardens and put a limit of one or two dogs on their guests. I don’t do that – if I do have one cottage with a limit, there is a very good reason why and it still leaves plenty of choice for the multi dog owner. I make a point of ensuring that I understand what our guests need so I can recommend the best cottage for them and their dogs. For example if a guest has a ‘jumper’, or a couch-snuggler, or a reactive, or a noisy, or a timid, or a sea loving dog or whatever the case may be, I can direct them to the best place for their dog and them.”

The icing on top is that Pack Holidays gives part of their profits to charity. “I am a huge supporter of charities and give a percentage donation to Ainmhithe (pronounced An-va-ha) each month as this is where I adopted Dara from in December 2016 as a pup,” recounts Gail. “Ben has been with us for only a week and he came from Ireland too – he was trampled by a cow on a farm, rescued by Haven Rescue and brought to us here in Norfolk via Norfolk Greyhound Rescue. I’m a big supporter of a number of other animal charities (UK based and abroad). Running Pack Holidays allows me to be able to do what matters a lot to me… and looking after animals in need is definitely what matters most. It matters muchly to Lucy too (owner of The Beach Hut) as she donates a sum from each of her bookings to Norfolk Greyhound Rescue, where she adopted her dog Blaze from.”

We asked Gail which of the cottages listed on Pack Holidays is her favourite and why. “That is such a difficult question to answer. I have so many but for different reasons, ” she replied. “I LOVE the Beach Hut for the seaside town, dog-friendly cafe/restaurant access. Crincle Cottage is the best for being remote and getting away from it all. Herring House, Snowdrop Cottage and Poets Corner are all fabulous for access to village life, local beaches and Heath Cottage and Oak Cottage are fabulous Norfolk cottages. All have secure gardens (unless I specify otherwise on the website) and all are utterly dog-friendly.”

Our thoughts about Pack Holiday’s The Beach Hut in Cromer

Before arriving at The Beach Hut, the cottage listed on Pack Holidays’ we had been invited to, I had looked up its photos on the website and found a disclaimer saying that furniture would have been replaced and photos updated later. From those photos I couldn’t really tell if it was a nice one, as the pictures were taken with artificial light and it was difficult to tell.

When we arrived, both I and Gustavito’s mum, Maria, were impressed by the house. The Beach Hut has two double bedrooms (one with a double bed and the other one with two single ones), a very large bathroom and a spacious living area with living room and kitchen, and we found that there was plenty of space (an accurate description of all rooms is available on their listing page).

From the marine décor and lovely rooms to the incredible attention to every detail, we found that The Beach Hut owner, Lucy, must have put a lot of thought and work into it. From iron to all sort of kitchen tools, herbal teas and hot chocolate, bath bombs and so on, there are also bowls for dogs on a plastic mat to prevent water spilling on the floor, there are also very large TVs in the rooms, with Netflix in case you want to spent a relaxing night at home. There was also a basket full of dog goodies (as mentioned above in this post), and dog essentials provided by Pack Holidays.

One of my personal favourite things – being partial to dog adventures and explorations -, was the binder all about dog-friendly recommendations, maps and leaflets. On their listing page they inform that there is no dishwasher, but that was something I didn’t really notice, not having one at my London flat either. Instead the only thing missing I found was a hairdryer, but luckily it was very warm when we visited and my hair dried naturally. After our stay I suggested this to Gail and reading her reply and the extra efforts and work they put into providing a five-star service, I imagine this may be something which is will be soon provided too.

We found the cottage’s position ideal for walks to the beach and in Cromer town, as it is just a couple of minutes on foot. It was also strategically positioned to easily reach the train station (6-minute walk or less) and the bus station (1 or 2-minute walk down the street), and a convenient exploration of the North Norfolk area. This was a great factor for us, as we travelled by public transport and made planning so much easier, but there is also lot of parking space on site in case one is travelling by car.

The only thing to keep in mind, in case this is on your priority list, is that the house is semi-detached and doesn’t have a big garden – but has a small outdoor courtyard with flowers, plants, a table with chairs and barbeque –. However, to be honest, there are so many places to visit like the beach just a few minutes down the road, walks and parks, and we were out for most of the day walking the dogs, that we didn’t consider it a handicap. In case a large garden is on your list, other cottages listed on Pack Holidays fit the bill, though.

One more thing we loved is that £25 for every booking of The Beach Hut is donated to Norfolk Greyhound Rescue.

In conclusion, for us it was a five-star experience and we would highly recommend it.

Getting there and around North Norfolk

Train: There are several trains per day from London Liverpool Street station to Norwich and then Cromer and it is just a 3-hour trip. Prices are quite convenient too (we paid about £35 return per person)!

Bus: Sanders Coaches serves the area and you can find routes and timetables on their website here. Dogs are allowed on buses and pay a ticket of £0.50, or £1 rover ticket. Contactless is accepted on board.

Car: To get from London to Cromer it takes about 3 hours and a half, of course depending from where in London you travel from.