What’s Albion Cottage like?
This quirky brick-and-flint cottage in Happisburgh (pronounced Haze-bruh) harks back to the to Victorian era. Packed with character, it has everything from twee wallpaper to oil lamps and old photos… there’s even a chamber pot! Staying here is a bit like stepping back in time but the cosy two-bedroom cottage also has all the mod-cons you could possibly need. There’s nowhere else quite like it.
How dog-friendly is Albion Cottage?
Very. Guests can bring up to two large dogs or three smaller ones for a one-off fee of £25 per pet. Cats are also welcome at the cottage. In fact, any animal in a cage can enjoy a stay. There is an enclosed courtyard garden for pets to explore, too – just remember to shut the front gate to make it secure.
No provisions are provided for pets so you’ll need to bring all your own food and bedding. Look out for the Nero’s Kitchen dog treats in the local shop, though. They are handmade in Happisburgh and come Ernie-approved!
Tell me more about Albion Cottage
If you like period properties, you’ll love Albion Cottage, which harks back to a bygone era. Owner Liz – who lives next-door – has put a lot of time and effort into creating this beautiful Victorian home, which has tons of antique trinkets as well as portraits of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
Downstairs you’ll find the formal parlour, with its open fire and ticking antique clock, as well as a cosy dining room, well-equipped kitchen and small conservatory leading out into the garden. The two bedrooms – a double and a single – are both located upstairs, along with the family bathroom, which has a traditional high-level toilet with pull chain.
There’s nothing old-fashioned about the facilities at Albion Cottage, however. There’s wifi throughout, a flatscreen TV with sound bar in the parlour and a DAB radio in the kitchen, as well as complimentary toiletries in the bathroom. There are also plenty of books, DVDs and games, which come in handy on rainy days. The cottage doesn’t have parking but there’s usually space in the lane right outside.
What’s the food like at Albion Cottage?
This is a self-catering property so you’ll need to bring your own – although we did have some homemade scones, jam and cream waiting for us when we arrived. The cottage kitchen is fantastically well-equipped, with plenty of pots and pans as well as cake tins and cookie cutters. You’ll also find some basics in the fridge as well as handy essentials like oil, herbs and spices.
If you’d rather not cook, there are some great pubs nearby. The Hill House Inn, where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle penned one of his books, is within staggering distance. The pub has a lovely open fire, as well a micro-brewery and a cafe. It’s very dog-friendly, too – the staff made a real fuss of Ernie and brought him some treats.
The steak and ales pies at The Lighthouse Inn, a short drive from the cottage, also come highly recommended. But if it’s breakfast or lunch you’re after, don’t miss a trip to Sugar & Spice in Bacton. This cool cafe, which also sells local crafts, has tons of tasty options on the menu. Visiting dogs get their own plate of biscuits, too.
Are there resident dogs at Albion Cottage?
No, but you’ll see plenty of pooches out and about in Happisburgh and the surrounding towns and villages.
Where are the best dog walks near Albion Cottage?
Sandy Happisburgh Beach is just a 10-minute walk from the cottage and from there, you can walk the five miles to the neighbouring village of Sea Palling. Keep your eyes peeled for the famous red-and-white lighthouse – it’s the only independently-operated one in the UK.
The beach to the north of the 18th Century lighthouse is dog-friendly all year round but don’t get too close to the cliffs as there is a real problem with erosion here. Flint tools and human footsteps thought to be more than 850,000 years old have been discovered in the area, earning it the nickname, the Deep History Coast.
If you’re lucky enough to visit the area between October and February, be sure to visit Horsey Beach – a 15-minute drive from the cottage. Here, thousands of grey seal pups are born every year and in winter, you can see them frolicking on the beach. Dogs are welcome to watch from a safe distance, but make sure they stay on lead. Parking at Horsey Gap costs £3 for two hours.
For more ideas and inspiration when it comes to dog-friendly things to see and do, check out our Ruff Guide to North Norfolk.
What Ernie loved about Albion Cottage
Lazing in front of the open fire, having an enclosed garden to explore, being so close to the beach
What I loved about Albion Cottage
The quirky decor, the well-equipped kitchen, the peaceful location
How to book Albion Cottage
Three-night breaks start from £55 per night. For more information, visit the Albion Cottage website or book via Airbnb.