Spend a holiday in Suffolk and this county will always have your heart. Peppered with cute villages and thatched cottages, it’s a place that inspired Benjamin Britten to compose music, and John Constable to paint masterpieces. There are a wide range of dog friendly days out in Suffolk, so your canine companion doesn’t have to miss out either.
The Best Places To Take Dogs in Suffolk
Suffolk boasts a handful of popular seaside resorts, such as Southwold with its beach huts, Kessingland that’s popular with families and Lowestoft home to Pleasurewood Hills theme park.
And then there’s Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds packed with museums, shops, restaurants, bars and even a well-known football club. Here’s our selection of the most popular dog friendly attractions in Suffolk:
Activities & Things to Do
Find below 7 of the best days out in Suffolk for dogs and also take a look art our guide for dog walks in Suffolk.
1. Suffolk Aviation Museum
Opened in May of 1976, this fantastic aviation Museum attracts over 40000 people every year with the vast range of equipment, aircraft’s, uniforms, engines, models and other interesting artefacts. Regardless of your taste or interest, the sheer volume of attractions mean everyone of all ages can enjoy the Museum. The attraction is located in the majestic Waveney Valley with great countryside views and a tranquil surrounding.
2. Visit Framlingham Castle
The staff at Framlingham Castle welcome doggies with open arms. Your pooch can join you as you climb the 12th-century ramparts and take in the spectacular views. The grounds surrounding the castle are magnificent and they take around an hour to stroll through. Spot all kinds of insects and birds as you wander the gardens, it’s a wonderful haven for wildlife. The town of Framlingham is delightful too so stop by while you’re in the area.
3. Take Your Pooch To A Suffolk Beach
Suffolk has many pretty beaches, but the more popular ones that are located in seaside towns have summer restrictions for doggies. Explore the quieter areas outside of these, and your four-legged friend can usually roam free all year round. There’s a long sandy stretch from Covehithe to the outer edges of Southwold where dogs and humans can all play together beside the sea no matter what season it is.
4. Spend The Day At Jimmy’s Farm
Just outside of Ipswich, Jimmy’s Farm is home to a selection of rare-breed pigs, sheep, cows, peacocks and alpacas. There’s a butterfly house, reptile barn and a petting area with rabbits and Guinea pigs too. Fields have been set aside for organic fruit and veg, and little ones will go wild in the adventure playground. Plus there’s a restaurant, tea room and shop to visit as well. Dogs are welcome to visit as long as they are kept on a lead.
5. See The Suffolk Punch Horses
Established to protect Suffolk Punch horses, the oldest breed in England, the trust has developed a lovely site where the public and their doggies can meet the animals and learn all about them. There is also a heritage museum where interesting artefacts are displayed, all connected to Suffolk life over the ages. Lots of events happen in the fields surrounding the trust, such as car boot sales and jazz festivals, and walking routes start here too which are popular with dog-owners.
6. Visit Leiston Abbey
The ruins of Leiston Abbey are close to Sizewell Power Station – the 2 building couldn’t be more different! The grounds of this 14th-century abbey are atmospheric and calming, and the information boards explain the history of the building and the changes that have occurred over time. The crumbling walls and incredible arches are popular with photographers and amateur painters, you can return as often as you like as it’s free to enter. Take along Rover’s lead and you can wander this place together.
7. Tour Helmingham Hall Gardens
Helmingham Hall Gardens are simply incredible. The care that goes into every tiny detail is evident as soon as you enter, and your four-legged friend is welcome to tour the grounds at your side. With flower borders for every season, a rose garden, herb area, kitchen garden, orchard and knot garden, you could get lost in the planting for hours. And in the winter, they illuminate the walkways giving the grounds a magical look that will stay with you forever.
Looking at Visiting the Area
We hope you try some of the dog-friendly places in Suffolk, if you’re not local you may want to book a long weekend or holiday here, so we have put together some properties which allow pets and have great reviews
Holiday Cottages
It’s never been easier to book a holiday in the UK, but dog owners need somewhere where they and their furbaby feel at home. That’s why we created a list of dog friendly Suffolk holiday cottages and for those who want luxury, we also have Suffolk hot tub cottages for pets.
Log Cabins
Looking for peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of city life? These dog friendly lodges in Suffolk could be the ideal choice.