7 of the best off-lead dog walks to try in Norfolk

But a dog is happiest when running free, so here are seven of the best places you can let your pooch off their lead.

1. Earlham Park

Earlham Park (Image: Newsquest)

This park in Norwich, sat on the edge of the University of East Anglia campus, is an excellent spot for dogs to explore with lots of parkland and pathed routes. 

There is plenty of open space for running around and playing ball games with your pooch and they can also go for a swim in the River Yare.

2. Mousehold Heath

Mousehold Heath (Image: Denise Bradley)

Mousehold Heath is full of beautiful routes all year-round with heathland and woodland for your dog to explore. 

There is plenty of different terrains and places to sniff to keep your dog entertained and views over the city centre for you to enjoy.

Lots of free parking is available.

3. Bacton Woods

Bacton Woods (Image: Newsquest)

The forest near North Walsham is a perfect rural spot for a dog walk with plenty of trails which dogs can explore off their leads all year round.

Horse riding is popular in the woods, so it is advised to keep an eye on your dog at all times.

The circular walk is around 2.5 miles long.

4. Holkham beach

Holkham beach (Image: Newsquest)

Not much makes a dog's tail wag like the sandy shores of a beach.

Holkham beach's four-mile stretch of golden sand is ideal for dogs to run along the beach, dig in the dunes and splash in the sea.

Dogs must be kept on leads on a 90-hectare section of beach around Holkham Gap between April 1 and August 31, and dog owners are advised to keep pets on leads in the 20-hectare area called Gun Hill on the beach's western edge during the same timeframe.

5. Thetford Forest

Thetford Forest (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Stretching for 18,730 acres, Thetford Forest is the largest lowland pine forest in Britain, with plenty of routes for your dog to explore leadless, as long as they are under control.

There are little brooks to keep them hydrated amid the pines, heathland and broadleaves.

Lynford Arboretum and Brandon Country Park are good places to start your walk from.

6. Whitlingham Country Park

Whitlingham Broad (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Let your dog off as you enjoy views of Whitlingham Great Broad and the River Yare before you head into the forest areas and grassy spots for a change of scenery.

Nearby, the Rushcutter Arms is a dog-friendly pit stop on the River Yare.

7. Salhouse Broad

Salhouse Broad (Image: Newsquest)

Sitting within the Norfolk Broads National Park, Salhouse Broad's 40 acres of water-side woodland and grassy open spaces has lots of space for your pooch to fun free.

And if your dog needs to cool off, there is plenty of space for them to swim.