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

Suffolk beaches are, unsurprisingly, what many people place at the top of their ‘to-do list’ when it comes to planning a holiday with us. Thankfully, dog friendly beaches in Suffolk are in abundance! Along the Suffolk coast, you will find a range of different coastal towns, giving you access to the best beaches in Suffolk. Whether you’re looking for a sandy beach or a shingle beach, we have a great choice of dog friendly beaches in Suffolk.

These Suffolk seaside towns all have 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, as some have dog restrictions for part of the year, whilst some are dog-friendly all year round. Fortunately, there are many beaches in Suffolk which welcome your four-legged friend.

1) Southwold beach

Southwold is a postcard-perfect seaside town on the Suffolk coast. Although the main south beach doesn’t allow dogs between 1st April and 30th September, if you wander further north of the main beach in Southwold (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 beach, Southwold hosts a variety of amenities, with beautiful architectural styles, and is popular throughout the summer. However, if you have a winter-season dog, then cold, frosty winter walks can take place in Southwold admiring the frost-covered houses. Beautiful pub food is also on offer for those on the lookout for a meal to warm up with after their stroll.

2) Walberswick beach

Just south of Southwold, you’ll find the quaint village of Walberswick. The beach isn’t connected to Southwold, as the river Blyth runs between the two; 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 beach

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 beach

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 beach

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 where you can 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 village centre. 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 Aldeburgh beach, it isn’t far away to walk and dogs are allowed to 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.

6) Covehithe beach

Nestled between Southwold and Kessingland, Covehithe Beach is one of Suffolk’s best-kept secrets. This serene and hidden gem is reached via a quiet lane, followed by a leisurely walk through scenic fields. The path alone is a delight, leading you to a stunning, untouched stretch of coastline that feels like a true escape from the world. With its striking cliffs, sandy shores, and the haunting ruins of St. Andrew’s Church, Covehithe’s beauty is both dramatic and mysterious.

Ideal for a peaceful walk or a tranquil spot to listen to the waves, Covehithe offers a wild, ever-changing landscape due to coastal erosion, which only enhances its allure. There are no facilities here, so you’ll need to bring your own provisions, but that’s part of its charm – it’s a place to disconnect from everyday life and fully immerse yourself in nature’s solitude.

7) Dunwich beach

Dunwich Beach stretches along a mix of sand and shingle, framed by heathlands and the eerie remnants of a town slowly claimed by the sea over centuries of coastal erosion.

What sets Dunwich Beach apart is its connection to the beautifully managed Dunwich Heath, a National Trust site. The heathlands are a haven for wildlife, including rare bird species, while the cliffs offer breathtaking views of the coastline.

After a tranquil beach walk, you can wander through the nearby heath and woodlands, making it a fantastic spot for nature lovers. With a cosy café and a charming pub nearby, Dunwich provides the perfect place to relax and refuel after a peaceful seaside stroll. What more could you ask for from a hidden Suffolk beach?

8) Shingle Street beach

Tucked away near the mouth of the River Ore, Shingle Street is another of Suffolk’s hidden coastal gems. This quiet pebble beach offers expansive views of the North Sea and a sense of isolation perfect for those who seek a more peaceful, crowd-free beach experience. Though not sandy, the striking landscape of Shingle Street, with its shingle banks and salt marshes, draws a variety of wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.

The serene atmosphere has made Shingle Street a popular spot for walking, beachcombing, and even sea kayaking. The gentle sound of the waves against the shingle adds a calming, almost meditative quality to the surroundings. With no amenities in sight, the charm here lies in its untouched, natural beauty. Our advice from Woodfarm Barns and Barges? Pack a picnic and soak in those stunning views.

Do check our complete guide to bringing your Dog to Suffolk as well as some further Suffolk dog info that you’ll find useful too.

Beaches with No Restrictions

1. Dunwich – A shingle beach.
2. Southwold Pier – A mix of sand and shingle.
3. Southwold Denes – Also a mix of sand and shingle.
4. Walberswick – Sand and shingle beach.

All these beaches have great pubs within easy reach, making for a fantastic day out.

Beaches with Restrictions

1. Thorpeness
2. Aldeburgh

These restrictions usually apply from May to September. These areas are particularly convenient if you are staying in Aldeburgh, as it’s only 10 minutes away.