Our top 5 beaches for dog walks this Autumn: Norfolk and Suffolk

Holkham Beach is a paradise for dogs and their owners. Known for its vast, open sands and stunning dunes, this beach offers plenty of space for your dog to run wild.

It’s the kind of place where you can walk for miles, with the added bonus of forest areas which offer cool, shaded paths.

Dogs are welcome on Holkham Beach all year round, but from 1st April to 31st August annually, the beach has a dogs-on-leads policy to help protect wildlife part of the Holkham National Nature reserve.

Just a stone’s throw from Holkham is Wells-next-the-Sea, another fantastic beach for dogs. This beach boasts soft sands and shallow waters—ideal for a playful splash. After a good run around, the town has plenty of dog friendly cafes on offer.

Dogs are allowed on the beach at Wells all year-round. A dog-free zone operates for the first 200 yards of beach from the main entrance, but there are no restrictions from the pinewood’s entrances. The section of the beach where dogs are not allowed is signposted.

Southwold is the go-to quaint seaside destination for dog owners in Suffolk. We recommend visiting the area to the South of the pier, past the lighthouse, where you’ll find a haven for your dog to roam freely.

While the main section of the beach has seasonal dog restrictions (March-September), the southern area – filled with grassy dunes among the sand – remains open to four-legged visitors all year round, so makes for the perfect autumnal stroll.

The town’s highstreet sits right next to the coastline, with plenty of dog-friendly shops, cafes and restaurants – we often find it’s hard to visit a local

For those seeking a quieter, more secluded spot, Dunwich Beach is a perfect pick. This serene beach offers a mix of sand and stone, backed by dramatic cliffs and infused with plenty of history.

It’s a peaceful spot for a relaxing walk with your dog and is one of the few beaches where dogs are welcome off-lead all year round.

Plus, the surrounding countryside offers even more trails to explore, ensuring that both you and your pup will have plenty of adventures. Dunwich is also home to the popular hotel and restaurant – The Ship at Dunwich – which welcomes pooches of all shapes and sizes, if you fancy a bite to eat after a long walk.

We couldn’t miss out this year’s winner of the Seaside Award, Kessingland beach. A hidden gem that sits between Lowestoft and Southwold, you can even walk to Kessingland beach from Pakefield if you fancy an extra-long stretch of the legs – be sure to check the tide times first though!

The beach often boasts small pools and lagoons throughout the Autumn and Winter, perfect for dogs who love splashing around but are a little nervous to swim in the sea. Rural and un-spoilt, this wild beach is perfect for those wanting to avoid crowds, so is a great choice for dogs who are a little anxious around other dogs, or our older pups who aren’t always up for a play!

Kessingland beach is another beach where dogs are permitted all year round.

While there’s no better feeling than seeing your dog race up and down the shoreline and burning off energy, it’s important to prioritise their safety to ensure an enjoyable outing. Here are some key safety tips for dog owners when visiting the beach:

1. Bring fresh water for your dog and a portable bowl. Drinking too much saltwater can make dogs sick, leading to dehydration or saltwater poisoning.

2. Be mindful of sharp shells, jellyfish, or washed-up debris that could harm your dog. Dogs shouldn’t eat things such as seaweed or plastic, and if they do, it’s important to visit your vet. Dogs also shouldn’t eat or swallow too much sand, as it can cause stomach problems and potentially a blockage. Keep a close eye on your pooch when they dig and play with toys and discourage them from eating or chewing the sand.

3. Beware of strong currents if your dog loves to swim in the sea! Even if your dog loves the water, sea currents can be unpredictable. Keep a close eye on them, and avoid letting them swim too far from shore, especially in rough conditions.

4. If your dog’s been in the sea for a dip, give them a rinse with clean water when you get home to prevent them from licking salt from their fur and causing irritations and a rash – and don’t forget to clean their ears, especially if they are a breed with long ears such as spaniels, as water in the ear canals can lead to infections.