What’s Brig Cottage like?
This former farm cottage in the village of Scratby is within easy walking distance of a gorgeous sandy beach. It sleeps up to four and has everything you need for a relaxed, dog-friendly break. The cottage is perfectly placed for exploring both Great Yarmouth and the Norfolk Broads.
How dog-friendly is Brig Cottage?
Excellent. Up to four dogs can stay for free – and possibly more, if you ask nicely. Pets will find a pack of dog treats waiting for them when they check in, and you’ll find more edible goodies and things like poo bags, towels, bowls and a ball in a dedicated ‘Doggy Cupboard’ in the hallway. There are even extra leads you can borrow.
The cottage has a lovely fully-enclosed garden, which is partly decked and partly covered in shingle. There is patio furniture to relax on and a barbecue tucked away in the shed. Here, you’ll also find a freezer – handy if you raw-feed your dogs. And if you run out of treats or just want to spoil your pooch, check out the garden centre at the top of Beach Road. It has an excellent selection of natural treats, toys and beds.
Tell me more about Brig Cottage
This spacious cottage is a real home from home, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, one of which is downstairs. A compact yet well-equipped kitchen contains a dishwasher, washing machine and all the pots, pans and utensils you could possibly need. And in the lounge, you’ll find two comfy sofas to relax on. There is also a flatscreen TV and a dining table, plus a cosy conservatory-style room overlooking the garden. This is a great spot to curl up with a book – and you’ll find plenty tucked away in the alcove quirkily branded the ‘Games Room’. Here, you’ll also find family favourites such as Monopoly and Guess Who?
From the lounge, a steep staircase leads up to the master bedroom – a large double – and there is also a twin room at the front of the cottage. Both are classically decorated and have lots of storage space. The landing benefits from a lovely light in the mornings and the bathroom just off it, which has an on-trend grey colour scheme, is a lovely place to enjoy a soak. If you prefer showers though, you can either clean up in here, or opt for the downstairs shower room.
All of the flooring on the lower level is either lino or stone, and the thick upstairs carpets feel brand new. When we visited, everything smelled squeaky clean and the vases of fresh flowers were a nice touch. I also loved the retro Norfolk rail posters in the lounge and the little nods to the seaside, in things like the coasters and cushions. The local attraction leaflets came in handy when it came to planning days out and it was good not to worry about parking, too. One spot is available right outside the front door and there is plenty of street parking nearby.
What’s the food like at Brig Cottage?
A lovely welcome pack was waiting for us when we arrived consisting of bread, eggs and homemade chocolate brownies. There was also a bottle of Prosecco in the fridge and all the essentials, like tea, coffee, sugar and milk. The kitchen, while compact, has everything you need to cook up a storm. Most of the major supermarkets deliver to Brig Cottage, but if you forget anything, there’s a Premier store just a short walk away.
If you don’t fancy cooking, several menus for local takeaways are provided. There are also some great dog-friendly pubs, cafes and restaurants close by. For burgers, ribs and other American-style food, check out The Smokehouse Bar & Grill. Hirst’s Farm Shop & Cafe is a great place to go for breakfast or lunch and The California Tavern does an excellent Sunday carvery. All three places are less than five minutes’ drive from the cottage.
Are there resident dogs at Brig Cottage?
No, but you’re sure to meet plenty of local dogs and other holidaying hounds while out and about in Norfolk.
Where are the best dog walks near Brig Cottage?
Scratby Beach is just a short walk from the cottage and dogs are allowed on the sands all year round. It’s a truly lovely beach fringed by sandstone cliffs and you can admire the distant Scroby Sands Wind Farm as you stroll. Walk to the south and you’ll find yourself in Caister-on-Sea. To the north, you can walk to neighbouring Hemsby in around 30 minutes.
From Scratby, it’s also easy to pick up the Norfolk Coast Path. This runs for a total of 84 miles from Hunstanton to Sea Palling. The Norfolk County Council website has some great walk suggestions ranging from circular strolls to longer walks that suit all ages and abilities. One of its recommended routes is the mile-long loop around the beautifully unspoilt Winterton Dunes National Nature Reserve.
Slightly further afield, in Great Yarmouth, I can highly recommend the Venetian Waterways and its ornamental gardens. The seven-acre site, with its hand-dug network of canals, is right on the seafront, just north of the ‘Golden Mile’. Once upon a time, tourists were transported around the waterways by gondaliers as classical music played but nowadays, this haven for wildlife is just a great place to unwind. You can still hire boats and pedalos though – and both they and the thatched Island Cafe are dog-friendly. For more ideas when it comes to dog-friendly things to see and do nearby, visit my Ruff Guide to… Great Yarmouth, Gorleston and Lowestoft.
What Ernie and Stan loved about Brig Cottage
Having an enclosed garden to explore, the dog treats, being so close to the beach
What I loved about Brig Cottage
The great location, the cosy vibe, all the thoughtful little touches
How to book Brig Cottage
Short breaks start from around £400, while week-long stays are from £650. A fully-refundable security deposit of £200 will be needed to secure your booking. For more information about Brig Cottage, visit the East Ruston Cottages website.
