These are our favourite places for dog walking in Norwich and Norfolk
Looking for inspiration for what to do on a walk, why not check out our post with suggests
Need help from a dog trainer, we are always happy to help.
Or just not sure what to get your dog, we have a shop for my personal favourites.
The Mystical Woods, Drayton, Norfolk
Very large wood where you can easily have one to one time with your dog mid-week for just a gentle stroll. The rare dogs that you come across tend to be friendly. Most of the area is dry wood-land but can get a bit boggy to the right hand side. Great place to let your dog choose where to go.
Click on the photo for parking location. Make sure your phone has battery as it is an easy place to get lost.
Harrison’s Wood, NR7
Very large wood where meeting other dogs is infrequent, similar to Mystical Woods but on the other side of Norwich. There is a large path in the middle and others branching off. The undergrowth is light away from the path. If you want a calm walk this is definitely recommended and a great place for your dog to choose the walk
Cross the road from the car park.
Earlham Park NR4, Yare Valley
Great place for a dog to learn to swim it is clear and mostly shallow water. Tends to be busy with large and friendly dogs. It also has a good choice of open grassland, river, woods and a cafe. It joins onto the UEA grounds and has the Bowthorpe Marshes on the other side of Earlham road. Parking either on Earlham road, on the other side or Earlham road car park (parking meter currently not working)
Bowthorpe Marshes NR4, Yare Valley
Another great place to walk your dog. Nice long walk round the river, with plenty of places for your dog to go in the water. Usually a few larger dogs and often some horses that will, for the most part ignore your dog; They are great for teaching your own dog to do the same.
Parking at either Bowthorpe Southern car park opposite Earlham park.
Woods off Earlham Green Lane, NR5
A number of nice copses off the lane and tends not to be busy. At the western end you can find an attractive view of part of the city, keep going and you get to the Yare Valley, Bowthorpe Marshes starting with open grass.
Parking at the end of Earlham Green Lane.
Catton park, NR6
This is a large grass area with small woods on either side and often busy with dogs of all sizes but plenty to space to go about. Good place to socialise dogs as it is easy to see what’s coming or enjoy walking through the woods. You will also come across a great place for experienced dogs to climb up high.
Whitlingham Country Park, , Norfolk, NR14
Wonderful walk round the great broad with both flora and fauna that offer great smells for your 4 legged friend with lots of birds in the area. However in places it is next to the road near swans and require a leads. I have even seen cats being walked here.
There are some good swimming points, however do check for algae especially July onward.
Sloughbottom Park, Marriott’s way
30 mins walk or can be part of a Marriott’s way walk.
Usually a few dogs of all different sizes of a variety temperaments and in the summer can a busy with people playing football. My dog loves running on the bike ramps. There’s a good exit point hiding behind the ramps for walking parallel to the Marriott’s way.
Costessey Woods, 30 mins
Great place for a nice gentle walk round the woods using the paths for both you and your dog(s). Nice loop round with cut through. There are many entrances to the park that are a bit away from the main path. Generally for smaller dogs.
Mousehold Heath, NR7
One of my favorite places to go, and I’m often found running up and down the mounds. It is a massive wooden area within Norwich. Can be busy near the main car park on either side of the road. If you want a quieter walk park near Zak’s and walk from there. Easy place to get lost so be ready with your phone to lead you back to your car.
Mousehold Heath, NR7, enclosure
This is a very large enclosure which can be found by going to Mousehold car park, crossing the road sticking to the left until you come across the gate between the A1042 and the golf course.
Great place for dogs where their recall isn’t so great. Often on weekends and evenings there can be quite a few huskies and similar sized dogs. (Do watch out there maybe holes in the fence)
Waterloo Park, NR3, enclosure
Old tennis courts, this is located behind the cafe past the new courts and used for dogs. Perfect place for training dogs that don’t yet have a perfect recall and need somewhere outside the house with a medium level of distractions. I tend to avoid being close to the area if there’s another dog.
City Road, NR1, enclosure
Medium sized enclosure however there are small gaps big enough for the smallest of dogs to squeeze through. Usually busy early lunchtime and free later in the day. Usually dogs of all different sizes.
Heigham Park, NR2, enclosure
Large sized enclosure however there are gaps but this is them covered by the park which is also fairly enclosed. The park it’s self is small and usually filled with quite a few dogs.
How to be a responsible dog walking
Thank you for visiting my page. I wanted to take a moment to remind everyone of the importance of being a responsible dog walker.
- Respect other dogs and their owners. If you see another dog on the lead, please do not let your dog approach them. Many dogs are reactive to other dogs, and approaching them can be stressful and even dangerous. If you see an owner who is clearly uncomfortable with your dog’s approach, please give them space or take an alternate route.
- Keep your dog under control. Even if your dog is off the lead, it is important to keep them close to you at all times. This is especially important in areas where there are other dogs or people present. If your dog is not under control, they could run up to a dog you can’t see.
- Be aware of your surroundings. When you are walking your dog, be aware of your surroundings and be on the lookout for potential hazards. This includes things like traffic, sharp objects, and other people’s property. It is also important to be aware of the weather conditions and make sure that your dog is properly dressed for the weather.
- Pick up after your dog. This is a basic rule of dog ownership, but it is one that is often overlooked. Please be responsible and pick up after your dog when they go to the bathroom. This helps to keep our community clean and safe for everyone.
By following these simple tips, you can help to make sure that everyone has a positive experience when they are out and about with their dogs.
Lastly, if you need a dog walker, dog training, including for puppies, or are not sure what to buy for a dog, please click the orange links or use the page header to check out more of my website or follow me on Facebook. Thank you, Tom.
P.S. sorry, I am dyslexic, I apologise for any spelling or grammar errors. I promise that my dedication to dogs is not affected. 🙂