Norwich has some lovely old streets to wander around, and there are plenty of places to visit that welcome us doggies. Here are a few of my favourite spots to share with you, in case you fancy a little Norwich adventure with your human!
Norwich Cathedral
Norwich Cathedral is one of my favourite places in the city. Dogs are welcome inside the Cathedral as well as in the surrounding grounds.
The building is over 900 years old and the most complete Norman Cathedral in England. I love wandering the lawns, stretching my legs along the riverside paths, and exploring the cloisters while my human takes in the history and architecture.
With 44 acres of open space, there’s plenty of room to sniff, explore and enjoy a peaceful moment. Visiting and guided tours are free, so it’s easy for everyone to enjoy. (Please note that assistance dogs only are allowed in The Refectory Bakery and Café).
Shopping
For dogs who enjoy a bit of retail therapy, Norwich has plenty of welcoming shops to explore.
Jarrold’s Department Store, dating back to the 1770s, is a grand five-floor adventure filled with interesting smells and lots going on. Other favourite shops include John Lewis, Waterstones, Sea Salt and the many independent retailers tucked away in the Norwich Lanes. Even shops that don’t display a dog-friendly sign are often happy to welcome polite pups — so it’s always worth asking.
The Norwich Market area is also wonderfully dog-friendly.
After browsing, I like to unwind at Chapelfield Gardens, a lovely green space in the heart of the city where dogs on leads are always welcome.
Walks
Want to explore Norwich on paw? The Norwich Cathedral and Castle Walk is a great place to start. Recommended by Norwich City Council, this route takes around an hour and a half. It leads you past some of the city’s best sights, including its historic cobbled streets. It’s a lovely way to see the heart of Norwich at a gentle walking pace.
If you’re still up for more exploring after that, there are plenty of other adventures to enjoy.
For something a little different, you can see the spooky side of Norwich with the Norwich Ghost Walks. These tours visit some of the city’s most haunted spots and share eerie tales of lost spirits and lingering poltergeists. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome to join these walks so you don’t have to miss out on the fun or the occasional shiver.
For a change of pace — and perspective — why not take to the water? Pub and Paddle rent out canoes and kayaks from April to October, and dogs are welcome aboard at no extra cost. Just don’t forget to bring a doggy life jacket, as they don’t provide them.
It’s a wonderful way to see Norwich from a whole new angle.
Parks
A little further out from the city centre is the Sainsbury Centre Sculpture Park. While dogs aren’t allowed inside the main building, we’re free to roam the 350 acres of grounds and parkland. The park is home to striking works by artists like Antony Gormley and Henry Moore. Entry is free. It is a perfect spot for a long sniff-filled stroll among art and nature.
Eaton Park is a spacious and inviting park, covering 80 acres. It features a tree-lined avenue, a bandstand, a boating lake and a pavilion with a dog-friendly café. It’s pawfect for stretching your legs and enjoying a leisurely wander.
On the outskirts of Norwich, Earlham Park offers a large, open space perfect for adventure, with woods to explore and the River Yare running through the park. It’s ideal if you fancy a paddle or just a long sniff-filled stroll. There’s even a dog-friendly café, making it a great spot to pause and recharge.
For a view that’s a little higher up, head north to Mousehold Heath. This 184-acre mix of woodland and open fields is a favourite among local dogs. It is full of interesting scents and wildlife to discover. Follow the Mousehold Heath Earth Heritage Trail to uncover the area’s ancient history while enjoying fantastic vistas of the Norwich skyline.
A trip to the Cinema
Fancy a cinema outing with your pawrents? Cinema City on St Andrews Street hosts dog-friendly screenings, usually on Sunday mornings.
Fleece blankets are provided to cover the seats. You can get comfy without worrying about the upholstery. These events are very popular. Keep a paw on their website and book early to secure your spot!
Whining and dining
In the city centre, there’s no shortage of places where dogs are warmly welcomed. A few of our favourites include Slice & Dice, a board game café serving fresh vegan food — perfect for humans and pups who like to keep an eye on the table snacks.
In the historic Tombland area, you’ll find Cranberry’s Café (aka the café with the dog), where resident retriever Toby has been greeting customers since 2016.
For a hearty all-day breakfast, pop into Olives, where visiting dogs are treated to a free sausage, or try Woods Coffee Bar, which stocks cupcakes and puppuccinos!
Dogs are also welcome at The Bicycle Shop, a bohemian café and bar serving everything from breakfast to tapas. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy some city vibes with your human by your side.
The Garnet in the heart of the city is a must-visit — well-behaved dogs even get a treat from the jar behind the bar! Another favourite is The Murderers on Timber Hill, a lively spot where there’s almost always a sports game on the TV.
Just 1.5 miles from the city centre near Whitlingham Country Park, you’ll find Redwell Brewing. Their brewery taproom and garden welcome well-behaved pups on leads everywhere — a perfect spot to relax and enjoy some fresh air with your human.
Final Woofs
If you’re planning a trip to Norwich, I hope you and your human have fun exploring some of these places. I’d love to know what you think and don’t forget to check out The Barking Bugle’s ‘Doggy Tourist Guide to Norfolk’ — it’s packed with dog-friendly beaches, days out, attractions, and places to stay.
And when you’re ready for more adventures, trot back to our Home Page to catch the latest tail-wagging blogs and travel tips for dogs and their humans.
Woofs from me, Miss Zsa Zsa – Canine Editor!
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