With over 50 miles of enchanting coastline and the Suffolk Heath and Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to explore, this east-coast county is blessed with bountiful outdoor space and wonderful history for you and your faithful friend to encounter on a holiday to dog-friendly Suffolk.
Medieval towns, tranquil villages and fun-filled attractions await. There’s a host of dog-friendly places in Suffolk for you to investigate, including beaches in Suffolk perfect for energetic pups, family attractions every generation will love and traditional pubs where you can refuel after rural dog walks.
Be inspired by browsing through our collection of dog-friendly holiday cottages in Suffolk or read on and get to know all the best bits of this exquisite region.
Dog-friendly Suffolk cottages
Discover dog-friendly Suffolk
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Suffolk beaches for dogs
Dog walks in Suffolk
Dog-friendly attractions
Dog-friendly pubs
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Places to stay with dogs
Suffolk beaches for dogs
Felixstowe Beach
A wide, sand and shingle dog-friendly beach in Suffolk, Felixstowe Beach offers plenty of space for our four-legged friends to race about to their heart’s content, soaking up fresh sea air and taking in the scenic coastline.
Ensure you take a gentle stroll through Felixstowe Seafront Gardens, and stop by one of the many beachside cafes to watch the waves over a steaming mug of cocoa. While there are restrictions on the central stretch of beach, the areas of beach either side welcome dogs all year round.
What makes it so dog friendly? The chance for beach walkies and a garden stroll too ensure any pups will be thrilled to visit this seaside spot.
Kessingland Beach
If you’re searching for dog-friendly sandy beaches in Suffolk, Kessingland Beach may be your ideal destination.
Build a magnificent sandcastle and moat before the tide comes back in, and pop into a beach café when you're ready for a bite to eat. Benacre Nature Reserve sits just south of the beach and is an unspoilt location for a dog walk, just keep your dog on a lead as it’s an important wildlife habitat home to rare species.
What makes it so dog friendly? Shingle lines the top of the beach but once the tide goes out, there’s a wonderful large swathe of sand providing plenty of space for beach games and rounds of fetch.
Covehithe Beach
For a more secluded spot to escape to with your faithful friend, Covehithe Beach is somewhat of a secret beach and a puppy haven! It’s a dog-friendly sandy beach in Suffolk, close to Southwold, and backed by crumbling golden cliffs – it’s best to stay away and keep your dog a safe distance from the cliffs in case of rock falls.
If you take a walk towards the village of Covehithe, you’ll pass by the enchanting ruins of medieval St Andrews Church. After it became too expensive to maintain, a smaller, more manageable church was built within the shell, a curious place to visit.
What makes it so dog friendly? The beautiful landscape, quiet nature of the beach and views down the coast ensure this is just the place for a tranquil outing with your dog.
Dunwich Beach
Another curiosity of the dog-friendly Suffolk coast, Dunwich was once a thriving seaport that has since been submerged by the sea. Today, it is made up of a small, characterful village and the wonderfully wide, shingle stretch of Dunwich Beach.
It’s a delightful Suffolk beach for dogs and their owners to explore, backed by the same stunning cliffs as Covehithe Beach, and you’ll often spot small boats bobbing about in the water.
What makes it so dog friendly? Besides the peace, quiet and space for running, the National Trust cares for nearby Dunwich Heath which runs along the coast and is a lovely place for you and your dog to sniff out wildlife before popping into the beachfront National Trust tearoom – they even have dog treats!
Dog walks in Suffolk
Aldeburgh to Thorpeness Coastal Walk
This circular stroll takes you through two of the top places to visit in Suffolk and along the Suffolk Coastal Path so you can admire the sea while you stretch your legs.
As you make your way along this Suffolk coastal walk, you’ll be able to spot the iconic House in the Clouds at Thorpeness and see the famous scallop sculpture on Aldeburgh Beach, making this one of the best dog walks in Suffolk.
What makes it so dog friendly? For sociable mutts, this is an exciting place to spend time with the chance to get a little fuss or meet other families out on a coastal walk.
Ramsholt and Shottisham Circular Walk
A scenic 7-mile circular walk near Woodbridge, Suffolk, the Ramsholt and Shottisham Circular is just right for uncovering the natural beauty of the Suffolk Heaths and the River Deben. It can get a little muddy near the river so bring sturdy boots, and you’ll pass the lovely Woodhall Manor and mighty All Saints Church along this nature trail.
Best of all, there are two dog-friendly pubs along the way for you to pop into: The Sorrel Horse and The Ramsgate Arms. Tuck into a hearty feast to refuel after you’ve made your way around this wonderful circular walk in Suffolk.
What makes it so dog friendly? Muddy puddles to splash through and dog-friendly pubs to snooze in – what dog wouldn’t love this fantastic Suffolk walk!
Ickworth Walled Garden and Canal Walk
At just 1 mile long, this circular walk near Bury St Edmunds is a delightful route to follow if you’re only looking for a short stroll and is quite possibly another of the best dog walks in Suffolk. Dogs on leads are welcome on the Ickworth Estate between the Italianate Garden and Walled Garden, leaving plenty of well cared for parkland where they can wander by your side.
Despite being only a short walk, there’s plenty to see along the Ickworth Walled Garden and Canal Walk. You’ll pass by Parson's Pond, St Mary’s Church, Canal Lake and see views over Linnet Valley – fallow deer and sheep roam the parkland too.
What makes it so dog friendly? There’s lots to see and sniff out as you make your way around this scenic walk.
Rendlesham Forest dog walks
Last but not least, there are three easy-going trails all less than 5 miles in beautiful Rendlesham Forest if you’re keen to head out on a forest dog walk. There are three routes to choose from, two of which are accessible and mobility-friendly walks, one of which will lead you through a range of habitats made up of a conifer plantation, heathland and wetland.
There are also two cycling trails, an orienteering trail, picnic areas and play areas too, perfect for mid-Suffolk walks and adventures with your dog.
What makes it so dog friendly? Perfect for pups with little legs or older dogs who’d rather not walk too far, you can set the pace by choosing whichever route suits your pack.
Looking for more places to go walkies? These 10 Suffolk walks with a view offer even more great options.
Dog-friendly days out in Suffolk
Easton Farm Park
Fun for all the family, well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome at this superb Suffolk attraction in Woodbridge.
Children will love meeting ponies, pigs and goats on the farm, racing around the Adventure Play Area, and hopping aboard the tractor ride that’s the perfect size for youngsters at Easton Farm Park.
What makes it so dog friendly? When parents and pups are ready to rest, there’s a snack shack and a barn for grabbing a bite and a sit down, and a Green Trail and meadow walks so you can step out into nature.
Thorpeness
Thorpeness has to be one of the most iconic Suffolk attractions and a wonderful place for family days out with your dog in tow. At the heart of the village is a huge Meare, a boating lake that is no more than 3 metres deep at any point to ensure children can sail around in relative safety.
It was inspired by Peter Pan so youngsters may discover a pirate’s lair, Wendy’s home, or the Captain’s house.
What makes it so dog friendly? It’s all outdoors so your dog won’t have to leave your side – and as there are cafes lining the bank, you and your dog can enjoy lakeside walks before settling in to watch your children play.
Helmingham Hall Gardens
Take in vibrant springtime displays and floral summer scents on a visit to these dog-friendly gardens in Suffolk.
A moated hall, classic formal parterre, vegetable beds, and a rose garden are just some of the delights you’ll come across on a wander around Helmingham Hall Gardens – there are even red deer roaming the site to look out for. Stop by one of the tearooms after your tour of these spectacular 15th-century gardens.
What makes it so dog friendly? Your dog will no doubt be keen to spot the red deer – just keep him or her on a lead in case they try to get too close!
Dog-friendly pubs in Suffolk
Shepherd and Dog Inn
Offering up traditional, cosy surrounds, this dog-friendly Suffolk pub is just the place for you and Fido to settle in for a dinner out. With home-cooked food and friendly staff, the Shepherd and Dog Inn is a gem of a find in the Suffolk countryside.
What makes it so dog friendly? They’ve been known to give out Bonios to well-behaved pups!
Sailor’s Home
A seafront place to eat right by dog-friendly Kessingland Beach, Sailor’s Home is just the place for dining while you watch the waves. They pride themselves on ‘generous portions and personal service’ and they even offer a boat hire service too if you fancy trying to catch your own meal – although your dog might not fancy joining you on that one!
What makes it so dog friendly? It's the ideal place to work up an appetite with a walk along the dog-friendly beach.
The Wrestleton Crown
This dog-friendly pub in Suffolk is super stylish, with colourful prints lining the walls and thoughtfully presented dishes. Set on the edge of Wrestleton village green, head to The Wrestleton Crown for a light lunch or tasty Sunday dinner during your Suffolk break.
What makes it so dog friendly? With a warming wood burner in one corner and a green outside for leg stretches, your pup will love this delightful setting.
The Mill Inn
In the heart of Aldeburgh, a bustling coastal town full of arts and culture, this dog-friendly Suffolk pub is a great place to stop during a visit to the town. With a lovely range of wines and ales, original beams creating a cosy atmosphere and sea views too, you’ll feel welcomed at The Mill Inn.
What makes it so dog friendly? A quick stroll around beautiful Aldeburgh and down Crag Path, one of the prettiest streets in Suffolk, will leave your pup happy to snooze under the table.
Map of dog-friendly Suffolk
Plot your next break to the East of England on our map of dog-friendly Suffolk.
Pet-friendly cottages in Suffolk
The Holiday Barn, Needham Market | sleeps 22 and 2 dogs
An impressive holiday escape ideal for a big celebration or group get-together, plan an unforgettable stay at The Holiday Barn with all your favourite people!
With a host of wonderful luxuries including a sheltered hot tub and a games room with pool and karaoke, everyone will be well entertained and enjoy a fun-filled experience at this Suffolk holiday cottage.
The Holiday Barn
Burgate's Old Rectory Cottage, Eye | sleeps 4 and 1 dog
This stylish holiday let, complete with contemporary furnishings and fashionable wood burner, is just the place for a wonderful family getaway.
Natural light floods into Burgate's Old Rectory Cottage through glass sliding doors, while outside seating and a bubbling hot tub ensure you can make the most of the beautiful surroundings from the comfort of your retreat.
Burgate's Old Rectory Cottage
Harling Lodge, Thetford | sleeps 3 and 1 dog
Cosy up in this delightful country cottage complete with original features and farmhouse-style furniture.
Harling Lodge is just the place for a small family, a few friends or a couple to enjoy a tranquil getaway, with a fishing lake and river on-site, and a gazebo providing a delightful picnic spot by the water too. After getting to know nearby Thetford, return to spend time in the pretty garden or snuggled around the atmospheric wood burner.
Harling Lodge
Discover the best of Suffolk
Get to know this pet-friendly destination and get inspired for your next UK holiday with your four-pawed pup.
Dog-friendly holidays to Suffolk
Escape with your four-pawed friend on a dog-friendly holiday to Suffolk and make memories as you navigate the enchanting countryside, scenic coastline, and get to know the delightful towns and villages scattered across the county.
From wild forest walks to farm park days out, there’s so much to do during your break we reckon you’ll be spoilt for choice! Begin making plans for an unforgettable holiday to dog-friendly Suffolk.
Dog-friendly Suffolk cottages