Here’s Sky’s edit of the most pawsome dog-friendly beach walks in beautiful Suffolk.
Southwold
With golden sands stretching as far as the eye can see, this beach is a doggy paradise; from paddling in the North Sea to playing fetch with those pieces of driftwood. The only area to avoid is clearly signposted between the northern end of the beach huts to Gun Hull Café.
There are pet restrictions from 1st April to 30th September so if you’re visiting during those dates, we suggest you head to Southwold Denes which is just north of the main beach and is dog-friendly 365 days of the year. If your dog likes ice cream, then head to Harris & James where your four-legged friend will be spoilt rotten with homemade gelato. Woof!
Dunwich Beach
Bear in mind that this is home to RSPB Minsmere so while it is dog-friendly, we recommend you keep yours on a lead. Dunwich Heath is a National Trust site and is home to many fantastic walking routes. The good news is dogs are welcome all year round! Head North and Walberswick is only a few miles away or head South and you will reach Sizewell Beach.
If you want a pit-stop, head to The Ship. Warning: the cliffs and heathland surrounding the beach offer a scenic backdrop but please be careful!
Covehithe Beach
Fancy a beach walk with a touch of history? Head to Covehithe Beach where you will enjoy the hauntingly beautiful ruins of St Andrew’s Church. Nestled between Southwold and Kessingland, the beach itself is rather secluded but it’s a peaceful spot for you and your canine companion all year round.
It’s soft and sandy so paws will be happy, but owners will need to take snacks and drinks as there is no café nearby.
Shingle Street
Covered in smooth pebbles, this is a bit of a secret gem! The beach is a cove with lagoons and rock pools, so if your dog loves water they will be spilt for choice here.
Birds do nest in the lagoons, so it is appreciated if you keep your dog on a lead, but it isn’t mandatory.
This is our most remote recommendation making it ideal for keen explorers, just be warned that there are no toilets!
Aldeburgh Beach
One of our favourite dog walks is the track from the Wentworth Hotel in Aldeburgh all the way to Thorpeness (The Dolphin is an excellent dog-friendly pub).
The RSPB does ask you to keep your furry friend on a lead to avoid disrupting the local wildlife. We would recommend this anyway as there is a road which runs parallel to the path, with fast-moving traffic.
Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach between 1st May to 30th September but don’t worry because Sizewell Beach is only a few a 15-minte drive away and dogs are allowed all year round.
Felixstowe Beach
Slot machines, candy floss and pier games, you will just love this traditional seaside resort. And so will your dog.
The mix of stones and sand on the beach makes for great playtime and they can have fun chasing the surf either side of the pier.
There are restrictions from 1st May to 30th September, but there are signposted areas near Arwela Road that are dog-friendly providing you use a lead.
The Alex Café Bar and Brasserie will welcome you all in, as will The Flyders. The fish finger sandwich is the perfect post-walk treat!
Woodbridge
While Woodbridge doesn’t have a beach, we couldn’t not mention this dog-friendly town. The River Wall is a haven for dogs and ideal for those that don’t like crashing waves.
On or off the lead is up to you, but you will definitely bump into walkers, runners and cyclists.
If you start in Woodbridge and head towards Melton/the Wilford Bridge you will pass the Deben Café on HMS Vale which is moored on the banks of the river. It’s a vision and has water bowls for thirsty dogs.
Now, that’s a lot to wag your tail over!
The Curious Retreats Pawlicy
With all our suggestions, please be careful of the tides and always clean up after your dog(s)!
