5 of The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches to Visit in Suffolk

Beaches are, unsurprisingly, what many people place at the top of their list when it comes to planning a holiday. Thankfully, Suffolk isn’t short of them. Along the North Sea coasts, you will find a range of different seaside resorts, ranging from tiny villages to large towns, all with different features. Some have picturesque British piers, others have amusements and fish & chip shops. Many have fantastic beaches. However, if you want to bring your four-legged friend along you’ll need to head to one of the dog-friendly options. Fortunately, there are quite a few beaches which welcome pooches in Suffolk.

1) Southwold

Southwold is a postcard perfect seaside village on the Suffolk coast. Although the main beach at Southwold doesn’t allow dogs between 1st April and 30th September, if you wander further north of the main beach (which is a regular winner of the beaches Blue Flag), you will venture into Southwold Denes beach which does allow dogs. As well as the beaches, Southwold hosts a variety of amenities within the village, with the beautiful architectural styles, and is popular throughout the summer. Throughout the winter, cold, frosty winter walks can take place in Southwold with the frosty covered houses. Beautiful pub food is also on offer for those on the lookout for a meal and to warm up with after their stroll.

2) Walberswick

Just south of Southwold, you’ll find the quaint village of Walberswick. The beach isn’t connected to Southwold, however, it’s perfect if you fancy a more relaxed beach vibe, with a few pubs, restaurants, food shops and, of course, a fish and chip shop. The beach at Walberswick is dog-friendly and may not be as well known as other beaches, so can be quite a quiet and isolated beach on the stunning Suffolk shoreline.

3) Aldeburgh

The quintessential Suffolk seaside town, Aldeburgh is a fantastic choice for dog walkers who also fancy taking in the charm of a historic spot along the coast. Brimming with independent boutiques and locally owned eateries, there’s plenty for dog owners to see and do when visiting this beautiful part of the world.

4) Felixstowe

Whilst the main beach at Felixstowe is not dog friendly during the summer, either side of the main beach is, which means your four-legged friend is allowed to join you for a beautiful walk down the beach. Furthermore, Felixstowe town has plenty to offer. With many restaurants, pubs, retailers, independent businesses and lots more, as well as what you’d normally expect from a traditional seaside resort town, such as the amusements, crazy golf, and beautiful walks!

5) Thorpeness

Located in the middle of Suffolk’s North Sea scenic coast, you’ll find the quaint seaside village of Thorpeness. There is a small area of the beach here that is under a dog ban all year round, however, on either side of the no-go area, you will find parts to let the dog come with you. Within the village, you’ll find a little lake which offers a range of activities, as well as a couple of pubs and a few restaurants in the centre of the village. As well as that, why not be more adventurous and meander down through the reserve to Aldeburgh. Although during the summer dogs aren’t allowed on the Aldeburgh beach, it isn’t far away to walk and dogs are allowed for a stroll through the town, which hosts many independent businesses, pubs and restaurants, all of which are good for a wind-down during the beautiful English summers.