Lark Cottage – A Large Dog Friendly Cottage on the North Norfolk Coast

Lark Cottage is a superbly appointed large dog-friendly holiday home, situated in the village of Titchwell on the North West Norfolk coast.

To be invited to stay here once was an honour; to be invited back was a dream come true!

As I journeyed toward East Anglia, I felt lost in a myriad of emotions, my mind fleeting between excitement and nostalgia.

The last time I made this pilgrimage to Lark Cottage, was with my precious dog Poppy.

It was the beginning of March 2020. A pre-pandemic world where we all had an inkling something catastrophic was about to take hold, but none of us, least of all me, could predict the impact Covid was going to have as it gripped our world.

I remember listening to the radio on our journey and hearing stories of loo roll wars taking place in supermarkets! Naïvely, little did I know that was just the start of it. That we were about to be catapulted into an unfamiliar world, where the true colours of humanity would be revealed. And where we would become prisoners in our own homes overnight.

I felt incredibly privileged to be invited back to stay at Lark Cottage. Not least, because it’s one of my favourite holiday cottages, but also because it holds such treasured memories of my last solo adventure with Poppy dog.

Being given the opportunity to revisit this beautiful part of the country with Winnie and Gertie was a dream come true.

A warm welcome awaits at Lark Cottage

On arrival, Lark Cottage was just as charming as I remembered it to be. The property has a gravel driveway, large enough for three vehicles, which meant unloading everything but the kitchen sink from my car was nice and easy!

Inside, the impressive flagstone entrance hall leads the way to a cosy sitting room, and spacious light and airy kitchen-diner.

With a generous selection of goodies for the dogs and me to enjoy throughout our stay, it didn’t take long for us to relax and unwind. I was soon tucking into a slice of the most scrummy chocolate cake and a glass of Prosecco! [The cake could remain a souvenir on my thighs for some months to come!]

The property is an exquisite blend of traditional and modern. Bursting with character, the carefully curated artefacts and trinkets dotted around the cottage create a warm and homely atmosphere, making it the perfect holiday retreat.

Everything that you need to know about staying at Lark Cottage is sent to you via email in advance. The online information manual is super handy because you know exactly what you need to pack and what you can leave behind.

There are lots of recommendations for local walks, along with places to eat and visit in the area. It’s such a fab little resource and saves so much time as the information is all in one place.

The ground floor living space

Most of the downstairs living space consists of hardwood and stone flooring making it super practical for our four-legged friends.

Clean, well-behaved dogs are allowed to relax on the furniture downstairs. There are plenty of throws provided. Although I always like to bring a few extra, so the dogs have something with a familiar smell to make them feel at ease. As you can imagine, it didn’t take long for my two princesses to make themselves at home!

The living room provides the ideal space to kick back and relax. There are two sofas to cosy up on and a high-backed armchair. [Which I think Gertie thought had her name on!]

There is Smart TV to catch up with all your favourite shows on the box, and unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, so you can keep in contact with all those adoring Insta fans too!

Adjacent to the sitting room is a large open-plan kitchen-diner/ conservatory area. This is undoubtedly my favourite room in the cottage. With magnificent views of the Norfolk landscape, it’s the perfect place to sun-puddle in the warmth of the Spring sunshine.

I spent hours here lost in the pages of my book and chilling out with my girls at my side.

The modern kitchen is well equipped with every appliance you could wish for. There is a separate utility room, where you will find a washing machine, tumble dryer, and chest freezer. [Perfect for storing raw dog food if required].

There is also a downstairs cloakroom in the entrance hall which, bearing in mind the accommodation is split over three floors, is most convenient!

The upstairs living space

On the first floor of the property, there are three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The rear bedroom boasts magnificent views looking over the marshland and Brancaster beach.

There is also another king-size bedroom and a twin bedroom on this floor.

I couldn’t resist making myself at home in the master suite on the top floor. With a vaulted ceiling, super king-size bed, and a telescope to take advantage of the stunning landscape, who could resist?

The master bedroom has an ensuite bathroom, which comprises a large bathtub with a separate shower cubicle.

Complete with a Jack and Jill sink, I felt rather like the lady of the manor! [This is a lifestyle to which I could quite happily become accustomed!]

The dog friendly enclosed garden at Lark Cottage

With a large garden, laid mainly to lawn, there is plenty of space for the dogs to run around and chase each other to their heart’s content!

The garden is entirely enclosed and secure. Leaving me free to relax and soak up the magnificent views of the horizon whilst Winnie and Gerts happily indulged in a garden sniffari!

When the weather is a little warmer, the patio area would provide the ideal sun trap. And with a large table and chair set, it would be perfect for dining alfresco during the summer months.

As it was, I enjoyed basking in the sunshine in the conservatory and admiring the impressive vista.

For the dogs at Lark Cottage

When it comes to our four-legged friends, dogs are well-catered for at Lark Cottage.

There is a selection of doggy supplies, including food and water bowls, dog tags, and dog crates are available on request.

Outside, there is a garden hose to wash off mucky paws.

Make sure you pack your own doggy towels as these are not provided.

Dog friendly places to visit near Lark Cottage

North Norfolk is super dog-friendly, and when it comes to places to dine with your pup, you are spoilt for choice! There are so many eateries in Titchwell village and the surrounding area, you could stay for a month and still not visit them all!

I lost count of the number of thriving pubs and cafés that we encountered during our stay. Thornham Deli is an all-time favourite of mine. Not only do they love dogs and made a huge fuss over my girls, but their mouth-watering menu is to die for!

One of the reasons I love this area of Norfolk is that you are totally at one with nature. There are very few towns nearby, so you are forced to enjoy a slower pace of life. Days are spent strolling along a beach, exploring the beautiful countryside, and indulging in an obligatory coffee and cake stop here and there!

If you fancy venturing to somewhere a little more lively Burnham Market is the place. This thriving village is bustling with activity and just oozes charm and character.

Burnham Market

Situated just a stone’s throw from the coastline, Burnham Market is a truly unique 17th-century Norfolk village. Whether you’re after somewhere to eat, or just fancy having a browse, it’s the perfect place to while away a few hours.

Nicknamed Chelsea-on-Sea by the locals, this upmarket village offers all the shops you could expect to find in a traditional High Street. With its very own butcher, fishmonger, hardware store, and pharmacy. However, there’s also a plethora of independent boutique shops, delicatessens, and an exciting array of eateries.

Like everywhere on the Norfolk coast, Burnham Market is extremely welcoming of our four-legged friends. It provides the perfect spot to relax with your dog and watch the world go by whilst you soak up the charm of this quintessentially English village.

Breathtaking Dog Friendly Norfolk Beaches

The Norfolk beaches are just out of this world, and with miles of coastline to explore, it really is a dog lovers paradise.

We awoke on our first morning to blustery but dry conditions. Which given the slightly inclement forecast, I was thankful for!

Eager to hit the sand, we headed for nearby Brancaster beach. This beach can be seen from Lark Cottage and is an impressive expanse of golden sand, that reaches as far as the eye can see.

You can walk to Brancaster beach from the cottage. However, I remember from my previous visit with Poppy that the walk encounters marshland, which is home to rare species of birds.

With my very own little twitcher (a.k.a. Winnie) in tow, I decided it was a safer option to drive to Brancaster beach car park on this occasion!

There is a beach kiosk in the car park during the Summer months. Unfortunately, when we were there it was closed, as they were sprucing it up ready for the grand opening at Easter. 

Wells Next the Sea

Framed by an array of colourful beach huts, Wells Next the Sea remains one of my favourite beaches of all time.

Apart from a picture postcard appearance and the ideal photo opportunity, it has a unique feel all of its own.

Accessed via a pinewood forest path and a series of quaint wooden boardwalks, it feels as though you’re entering a magical kingdom.

Like most beaches on the North Norfolk coast, it boasts never-ending shorelines, where you can meander for miles. In fact, if you’re feeling energetic, you can walk to Holkham beach.

From the car park, you can also stroll into Wells town centre which takes about 15 minutes. It’s such a quaint seaside town, dominated by an impressive old granary building, and is well worth a gander.

Nestled in the centre, you will find Staithes Street, home to an abundance of independent shops. There’s everything from gift shops to art galleries and traditional grocery stores. With a somewhat nostalgic feel, it’s like stepping back in time to my childhood!

Wells has a smattering of tasteful seaside attractions with a few arcades along the harbour front and the obligatory fish and chip shops. [Talking of which I can highly recommend Plattens if like me you can’t resist the smell of a chippy!]

Holkham National Nature Reserve and Beach

When it comes to unspoiled beaches, Holkham is the jewel in the crown.

Famous for being one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the country, this breathtaking expanse of infinite white sand is quite something.

The beach is accessed via Holkham Nature Reserve, which is home to many rare species of flora and fauna. A pinewood forest leads you from the car park, through a maze of creeks and salt marshes, before arriving at the pièce de résistance!

At low tide, this magnificent beach stretches for miles and miles, and you can get lost in a landscape of sea, sand, and sky.

Next to the car park, you will find a visitor centre and The Lookout Cafe, which provides the perfect spot for post-walkies refreshments. It is dog friendly, so even on a rainy day, you can shelter from the elements inside.

Getting caught out!

We had intended to visit Heacham Beach on our last morning. However, the local tide times scuppered our plans!

So, after bidding a very fond, but reluctant farewell to Lark Cottage we headed back to beautiful, but breezy, Brancaster beach for a final scoot around on the sand.

A final few words about Lark Cottage

Lark Cottage really is an incredibly special place, and perfectly situated to explore the beautiful North Norfolk coastline. It is ideal for large family gatherings, a getaway with friends; or is equally perfect for one [slightly crazy!] lady who loves to indulge her two terriers!

It comfortably sleeps eight adults (plus 2 extra on camp beds), and welcomes an unlimited number of dogs at no additional charge. [Which, as you can imagine, is music to my ears]!

In case you haven’t guessed, holidays for me totally revolve around Winnie and Gertie. [As does my whole life!]

However, if you fancy a dog-free day during your stay, Angela, who owns Lark Cottage, provides a doggy daycare service and would be more than happy to look after your canine companion/s. All the details of which you can find in the online cottage manual.

So, why not pop on over to their website, check out their availability, and book yourself a break in doggy paradise?

A huge thank you to Angela for inviting us back to stay in your beautiful cottage. Once again, we’ve had the most amazing time. The weather could not have been more perfect and we’ve made memories that will last a lifetime.

Lark Cottage is a home-from-home that will forever hold a very special place in my heart.

Woofs and Wags

Kate, Gertie and Winnie

xox