Seaside sanctuary with secure dog friendly garden

“It is not often that I return to establishments where I have sojourned unless they are of outstanding quality. My short visit last year prompted me to book a week long stay at Sand Drift, one of the many self-catering properties available via East Ruston Cottages. Eccles on Sea, Norfolk may not sound the most glamorous of locations but that is exactly its attraction to those, such as myself, who are looking for a quiet destination to enjoy with their four-legged companion(s). Positioned down an unmade, but car passable, track this delightful accommodation is as close as it is possible to get to the sandy beach without actually camping on the shore! Equipped with all mod cons there is absolutely nothing that any holidaymaker needs to bring bar themselves! Fans for when it is hot, good wall heaters, including a heated towel rail in the bathroom, plus a wood burner when a cold spell beckons it would be impossible not to feel comfortable here. Every conceivable amenity is here designed to make both human and canines feel at home including a handily placed paw/shoe/foot bath outside, beach paraphernalia, dog toys and  beds not to mention the fantastic welcome packs for both man and beast. The back garden is secure even for a hyper vigilant, athletic large dog with no passing traffic/pedestrians and the front garden safe enough for the less athletic, reactive, smaller canines. A busy day on the beach was when we came across 7 people and their dogs, but it felt like we were on a desert island somewhere! If you want ice cream shops, gaming arcades etc this is not the place for y ou, although you do not have to drive far to access these plus great places to eat. But if you want to enjoy peace, quiet, dark skies and an old-fashioned getaway this is it!” – Allyson Tohme (June 24)

“What a fantastic place you have here! First trip to Norfolk and this has to be the ideal spot as a base to explore. Great relaxing experience in your welcoming and comfy cottage. The fenced gardens were perfect for our two lively rescue dog and this is honestly the first holiday cottage that we have felt totally relaxed with them. They loved the toys, but mostly being able to run free safely in the gardens and beaches and then snooze the evening away on the sofas. Can’t wait to come back.” – Claire, Dave, Barry and Ivy (Sept 23)

“We were so lucky to find Sand Drift. It is a new cottage for East Ruston Cottages and that was why it has late availability. My wife, two dogs and myself arrived to find some lovely gifts for us and the dogs – a real treat and a wonderful gesture. The cottage is everything we had hoped for. We especially like the enclosed garden (properly enclosed with a six foot fence round the back garden and a five foot fence round the front), where you can sit out and hear the sea. It means we can let the dogs roam and not worry about them getting out. Everything we could need for our two weeks is here. The kitchen is fully stocked with implements and condiments and there are plenty of comfy sofas to lounge about on. I love that there were throws on the furniture, so we don’t have to worry about the dogs jumping up. The beds are very comfy and there is more than enough space for us. We were looking for peace and quiet and we certainly found it at Sand Drift. You can be on the beach in two minutes and we have not encountered many people when we are out and about. All the major supermarkets deliver here and there is a Tesco about 10 minutes away in the car. We love that the dogs are well looked after – from temporary dog tags for them whilst we are here, to towels to dry them off when they jump in the sea. A perfect holiday for us is when we relax because the dogs are safe and we have found this at Sand Drift. I can’t recommend Sand Drift enough and we were so lucky to have found it last minute. We will be back and next time we will book in advance as I know it will be popular.”

“Oh my goodness, I had a great time – I’ve never seen so much beach in my life! The waves got me a lot and I went on so many walkies! Thanks for the comfy beds and sofas in the lounge. I really needed my beauty sleep after such tiring days! My mum says a drying rack would be handy, but everything else was perfect!” – Nico, August 2023

“Fantastic accommodation with lots of thoughtful touches.  Just what we needed!”  – August 2023