Destination Norfolk!

I have been holidaying in Cornwall for more years than I can remember, but thanks to many local dog bans on beaches making it so much more difficult to enjoy walks with my girls these days, I reluctantly decided that this year would be the perfect time for us to enjoy a change of scenery...

I began my search for the perfect dog friendly holiday online. Google makes finding holiday properties easy, but it is a bit like being a kid in a sweetie shop, there is so much choice it is almost impossible to decide on just one! Fortunately 'Pack Holidays' in Norfolk popped up as the ideal choice for us and our arrangements quickly fell into place thanks to the excellent service provided by holiday provider Gail.  We booked Gail's 'Oak Cottage' in East Ruston and when we pulled up at the gate on the first day of our holiday, we couldn't have been happier.

Polly and Betty immediately claimed the fabulous wrap around and completely secure garden as their own. They had a wonderful time playing chase while we unloaded and explored the house ... and what a house it was! Not only was it clean, comfortable, spacious, a definite 'home-from-home', it truly was the most dog friendly property we have ever had the pleasure of staying in, with everything a dog owner could possibly need provided, including home baked doggy treats, poo bags and would you believe it, dog showers and an actual poo bin!!!

 Once unpacked, we played with the dogs and settled in the garden to watch the sunset with a glass of wine, at which point Polly decided it was time to go home ... she hopped back into the car and bluntly refused to leave the comfort of the back seat. She would not be budged! I think as far as she was concerned, we had been visiting, it had been fun, but now it was time for us all to go home and we needed reminding of that. She is so funny, not to mention clever at times!  Eventually, with a heap of cajoling and some treats, I succeeded in convincing Polly to leave the car.  From that point on, she settled down with us, set up camp at the foot of our bed each night and positioned herself with one eye fixed on the front door during waking hours ... there was no chance of any holiday intruders slipping past my girl unnoticed that's for sure!

We were delighted to discover miles of beautiful sandy dog friendly beaches so close to our holiday home and spent many fabulous hours wandering along the shoreline, enjoying a salty breeze while our girls chased excitedly through the waves and across the sand.

And yes, of course, we had a nice paddle together too!

Norfolk is famous for seals and on one of our beach days, the dogs suddenly began to pay closer attention to the waves as we strolled along, when suddenly, a curious seal popped his head out of the sea to stare back at them!  Unknown to us, he had been following my girls quite close to the surface as they ran along the beach.  It was an incredible moment! I happened to have my camera in my hand to capture what was a real holiday 'wow' moment!

I also had my trusty dog whistle around my neck (never leave home without it!) so quickly gave that a jolly good blast and thankfully managed to recall my awestruck girls back to me to have their leads on, just to be on the safe side. It's unusual circumstances like these when all those years of obedience training really pay off.

We had such a lovely time on the beaches in Norfolk.  It was a fantastic experience for Polly and Betty to be able to run so freely through the sea and along the beaches and wonderful to see them enjoying their runs so much as sisters.  They had an absolute blast!

We also visited Felbrigg Manor and the local pub and tea shops with the girls while we were away and as usual, they were exceptionally well behaved wherever we took them ... my girls really do love a holiday!

For me a holiday these days is all about making my dogs happy because when they are happy, I am happy. I don't miss foreign holidays, hot climates, or flying, I am far happier when the car is packed full of dog paraphernalia, wellies and waterproofs and my husband and I can share fresh air, peaceful beaches and gentle waves with our girls, as a family.

Pack Holidays gave us the best dog friendly holiday we have had yet. Norfolk was beautiful, peaceful and very welcoming and we are looking forward to returning soon ... with our girls, of course.

Thank you Gail, for creating the perfect dog friendly holiday for us and making us all feel so welcome. Polly and Betty were sleepy for a week when we came home ... definitely the sign of a successful holiday!

:-)