Dog Friendly Holidays

You can edit a photo, you can wide-angle a room, but you can’t fake the atmosphere of a place when you actually step through the door. This is another in our series of ‘Before You …

We all know the value of good customer service; making customers feel like they matter. That’s hardly groundbreaking stuff. I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know. So why do so many businesses still …

We’ve all been there. Life gets busy, the daily grind takes over, and suddenly you and your partner feel less like soulmates and more like really efficient roommates. Between the endless life logistics, work deadlines, …

The phrase “dog-friendly” gets thrown around a lot now. You’ll see it on cottage websites, hotel listings, pub guides, glamping sites and booking platforms. But the problem is that it can mean almost anything. In …

The Granary Barn finer details You enter The Granary Barn through a stable door into an open lounge/diner with a farmhouse galley kitchen, which also has a door leading to the huge enclosed garden. In …

For 17 years, my professional life has been dedicated to the Suffolk landscape. As the owner of a holiday cottage business, I’ve spent nearly two decades encouraging people to discover the beauty of our county. …

We’ve done this a couple of times now, and as you can imagine, it has gone down an absolute storm! It’ll come as no surprise to anybody that although January is a mega busy month …

You know you have to do Christmas shopping, don’t you? Whether or not you want to is irrelevant, you must do it, right? You don’t have a choice. It’s Christmas, and you have to buy …

We often think of taking a break as a luxury; something to fit in when the list of jobs allows. But the truth is that taking time out, whether it’s a few minutes or a …

You’ve planned the trip, packed the bags, double-checked the passport, and finally arrived somewhere that looks like the photos. You’ve got the views, the peace, the freedom; everything you were hoping for. Except there’s one …

You know that feeling, don’t you? You’re scrolling through lovely holiday photos, everything looks calm and quiet, and then a little voice starts up. Not the voice of excitement; it’s the quiet whisper of dread: …

Have you ever found yourself going to somewhere with a number of properties and being forced to join in the fake fun? That whole setup where it’s technically optional but somehow you’re the weird one …

Over the last few months, I’ve been asking guests a simple question when they arrive: “What made you choose Woodfarm?” Nothing formal, no clipboard, no survey, just a chat as they arrive and settle in. …

Our inaugural collection of canine chewable timber is a curated quartet of nature’s finest. Each piece, plucked from the sylvan bounty of Suffolk, offers a nuanced experience for the discerning hound. Situated just next to …

You thought you were going to finally switch off. You know that moment when you open the door, drop your bag, and take a breath you feel all the way down? That was the hope. …

There’s something tempting about the idea of just staying put. “We’ll have a quiet week at home,” you say, maybe with vague plans to take the dog somewhere new or finally start that book. But …

Hi, my name is Bluey. I’m a 12 month old Biewer Terrier. Yeah, probably never heard of that breed. KC registered in USA in Canada. Not heard of it? Kinda like a Yorkie: worth a …

Since we started our Loyalty Reward Points Programme TOGS 18 months ago at the beginning of 2024, we have now given back over £8,500 to loyal returning guests. That’s a lot of money for a …

Planning a break in Suffolk should be effortless; that’s why we created The Bucket List. This free service provides curated itineraries, so you can unwind without the stress of planning. For years, we have gathered the …

There’s a moment after they leave. After the noise, the routine, the full calendar. After the years of doing, planning, cooking, chasing. And then, one day, the house just… quietens. You notice it in the …

Have you ever wondered why 3-Day Stays are the Ultimate Relaxation Hack? It’s one of the best-kept secrets of grown-up life: you don’t need a fortnight in the sun to properly unwind. Sometimes, all it …

There are times in life when everything feels too fast, too noisy, too online. The countryside doesn’t just offer a change of scene. It offers a proper pause. A chance to draw breath. Picture a …

You know that reluctance to go away due to the burden of packing for both humans and dogs? Would there be some relief in knowing you’re not the only ones? It’s weird how something as …

Suffolk’s Hidden Treasures & Coastal Corners Planning a break in Suffolk should be effortless; that’s why we created The Bucket List. This free service provides curated itineraries, so you can unwind without the stress of planning. …

There’s a specific kind of tired that comes from staying somewhere that’s technically beautiful… but emotionally hollow. Maybe you’ve felt it before. You walk into the space – and everything looks perfect. Styled, curated, polished. …

When a Holiday Feels Like More Work. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? You pack everything up, organise the dog stuff, sort the route, try to remember where you left the leads, the treats, the …

Planning a break in Suffolk should be effortless; that’s why we created The Bucket List. This free service provides curated itineraries, so you can unwind without the stress of planning. For years, we have gathered the …

Woodfarm Barns hits Sweet 16 at the beginning of May! Your Perfect Premium Prize: A four-night break at Woodfarm Barns in Suffolk. A tail-wagging Doggy Holiday Hamper from our friends at Doodledales if you have …

Guess who has a little place in Tuscany, that features in The Times in an article on 21 Amazing Villas in Tuscany? Yes, we do! Absolutely delighted to share some brilliant news. Casa Trebbio, our …

We’ve been doing a lot of digging into human behaviour lately, and we’re making some really interesting discoveries, if you’re interested? As well as this stuff fascinating me as a business owner, by providing these …

A three-night weekend is better value than two. The idea of The Bucket List is that each month we present you with an itinerary for a 3-night break, to take all the planning out of it for …

Thinking of Booking a Holiday or Short Break? Here’s What to Consider First In this instalment of our You Ask, We Answer series, we’re addressing something that many people are currently finding more difficult than …

At Woodfarm Barns & Barges, we often receive questions about accessibility, and we’re happy to provide clear answers to help our guests make informed decisions. In this instalment of our ‘You Ask, We Answer’ series, …

Running a holiday business isn’t just about offering great accommodation; it’s about understanding what makes guests tick. Over the years, I’ve noticed an interesting pattern: no matter how much people enjoy their stay, a large …

You may not have heard of this unless you are in marketing, but the 7-11-4 rule from Google states that in order for a customer to make a purchase, they need to be engaged with …

In this edition of our You Ask, We Answer series, we’re addressing a common question: “Do we have anything with more than one bedroom?” Our Barns and Barges cater to different group sizes, so let’s …

If you’ve ever felt frazzled, knackered, or like you can’t remember the last time you actually switched off, keep reading. This one’s for you. If you never read another word I write, read these ones. …

When planning a holiday, choosing the right location and surroundings is crucial. But don’t just take our word for it – this is backed up by research! In this edition of our ‘You Ask, We …

Planning a break in Suffolk should be effortless; that’s why we created The Bucket List. This free service provides curated itineraries, so you can unwind without the stress of planning. For years, we have gathered …

Too often, you’ve returned from a short break or weekend break feeling like you barely had time to settle in. A quick 2-night stay may give you a taste of escape, but it rarely lets …

What’s the Most Important Thing to you when making your holiday or short break booking decisions? We did some research into booking motivation and asked for public opinion via a couple of polls. Thank you …

More fresh air, less messing about. Welcome to another episode of You Ask, We Answer, where we tackle the most common questions about staying at Woodfarm Barns & Barges. Today, we’re looking at whether you …

Long Weekend Breaks in the UK – Your Perfect Escape We hear it all the time. Guests arrive for a quick weekend getaway, settle into the cosy charm of their holiday cottage, and then… BAM. …

No hassle, no stress – just tailor-made ideas to help you make the most of your Woodfarm break. And the best bit? It’s completely FREE! We’ve always loved sharing top tips to make your stay …

Welcome to The Paw-trait Gallery At Woodfarm Barns & Barges, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming some of the most photogenic four-legged guests. From wagging tails to floppy ears, our canine companions have brought plenty …

Welcome to another video in our “You Ask, We Answer” series, where we tackle some of the most common questions about staying at Woodfarm Barns & Barges. This series is designed to provide clear, straightforward …

Please note this giveaway is now closed. Check out our blog for our latest news and offers.  It’s that time of year again when we like to do something a little special. January is one …

We’ve all been there. You’re out for a long walk in the Suffolk countryside, your dog has found the muddiest puddle imaginable, and now your pristine holiday Cottage faces imminent paw-print peril. Enter our doggy …

In November 2024, The Times spotlighted a fascinating trend: inland surfing in the UK. And here at Woodfarm, we’ve decided to ride the wave too. Well, we do like to jump on a bandwagon if …

This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot to answer the common question of “Are there places to visit near you?”. It’s also part of our You Ask, We Answer series, where …

Our holiday lodges in Suffolk consist of a collection of eight dog friendly holiday lodges, seven of which have their own private Hot Tub for human indulgence. For those looking for a log cabin type …

This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot to answer the common question of “Where do we park at your Barns & Barges?”. It’s also part of our You Ask, We Answer …

This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot to answer the common question of “How far is it to Woodfarm?”. It’s also part of our You Ask, We Answer series, where we …

This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot to introduce you to “Bridge Farm Barns in Monks Eleigh”. It’s also part of our You Ask, We Answer series, where we answer tons …

This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot to answer the question of “Framlingham: What’s it like?”. It’s also part of our You Ask, We Answer series, where we answer tons of …

This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot to answer the question of “Kersey: What’s it like?”. It’s also part of our You Ask, We Answer series, where we answer tons of …

This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot to tell you about “Long Melford: History & Antiques galore ”. It’s also part of our You Ask, We Answer series, where we answer …

This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot to show you Needham Lake: A great Dog walk near Woodfarm . It’s also part of our You Ask, We Answer series, where we …

This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot to answer the common question of “Do we get a Suffolk breakfast basket with every stay?” It’s also part of our You Ask, We …

This blog post introduces you to a video that we shot with hidden microphones to record Dogs talking amongst themselves, to answer the common question of “What do Dogs think of our communal meadow?” It’s …

This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot to answer the common question of “Do you have fans for the summer?” It’s also part of our You Ask, We Answer series, where …

This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot to answer the common question of “Are all your properties heated?” It’s also part of our You Ask, We Answer series, where we answer …

This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot to answer the common question of “How do you look around property videos?”. It’s also part of our You Ask, We Answer series, where …

This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot to answer the common question of “How do I take a look around your Accommodation pages?”. It’s also part of our You Ask, We …

This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot to answer the common question of “How do I check for Last Minute deals at Woodfarm?” It’s also part of our You Ask, We …

This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot to answer the common question of “How do I check Prices & Availability?” It’s also part of our You Ask, We Answer series, where …

This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot to answer the common question of “How do I look around your homepage?” It’s also part of our You Ask, We Answer series, where …

This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot to answer the common question of “Lavenham… What’s it like?” It’s also part of our You Ask, We Answer series, where we answer tonnes …

This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot to answer the common question of “Dedham… What’s it like?” It’s also part of our You Ask, We Answer series, where we answer tonnes …

This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot to answer the common question of “What do real guests think of Woodfarm?” It’s also part of our You Ask, We Answer series, where …

This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot to answer the common question of “Kit Kats – what have they go to do with #HolidayCottages?” It’s also part of our You Ask, …

Exciting News: We have just published our new Magazine “Paws and Relax”. Paws, geddit? “Paws and Relax” is our latest magazine, now available in all our Barns and Barges. It’s packed with information about enjoying …

This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot to answer the common question of “Are you Dog-Friendly?”. It’s part of our series of ‘You Ask, We Answer’ videos and blogs. They cover …

This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot to answer the common question of “Do you get fireworks in the area? ”. It’s part of our series of ‘You Ask, We Answer’ …

This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot to answer the common question of how many dogs do you allow in your properties? It’s part of our series of ‘You Ask, We …

We are pleased to have been awarded the VisitEngland Dogs Welcome accreditation as we have openly welcomed dogs since the start. All of our Suffolk holiday cottages have enclosed gardens making them very dog-friendly. This page …

Is your dog getting restless at home because he knows there are plenty of fun things to do out there, but you just don’t have the time or energy to take him on big, extravagant …

You’ve just met a Woodfarm Brand Ambassadog! And we’re paws-itively thrilled you did! If you’ve landed here, chances are you were out enjoying a tail-wagging wander when you bumped into one of our official Woodfarm …

Dog walks are automatically better when you stay at Woodfarm Barns – but here are five more tips to help you and your pup get the most out of your dog walks! Take them somewhere …

As spring and summer approach, what could complement the warmer weather more than a trip to the beach with your dog? Just like humans, many dogs will adore the fresh air and the chance to …

There’s no questioning it – dogs are more than welcome at both our Luxury Cottages and unique, historical Dutch Barges! We provide all the comforts and conveniences that you need to keep your dog happy …

What is Crash on Planet Trash and what does it have to do with Holiday Cottages? Well, kind of nothing, except that it is an amazing Suffolk based educational project that my friend James is …

Visit England are, as the name suggests, the authority on tourism standards in our fair country. And for the sixth year in a row they have awarded us their Gold Standard for all of our …

With a Woodfarm Dog Passport when they stay, your Dog becomes our VIPooch forever.  Dog Passport?!?! Or should we say ‘Pawsport’? (sorry, couldn’t resist!) You don’t have to have a Dog to come and stay …

Dog showers for Mucky Pups at all our cottages! With a hot and cold water supply outside every cottage, come rain or shine, we’ve got it covered for your furry family. Drizzly days with puddles …

Blue Cross Suffolk is all about animals and you probably know by now (and if you still don’t know, where have you been?!) that our luxury, historic Dutch barges are dog-friendly. That’s right, your canine …

Holiday Postcards are as quintessentially English as it gets, and we’ve been giving them away to Woodfarm guests for years. But now we’ve got some new ones and we’ve decided to go the extra mile …

Brambles Animal Sanctuary is a not-for-profit animal sanctuary in neighbouring Norfolk. And we’d never heard of them until yesterday. Here’s how… Brambles Animal Sanctuary in Downham Market, Norfolk was completely unknown to us until a …

Our Suffolk Holiday Cottage business now has 600 Five Star Reviews! I am so humbled to read every one of them as they come through. What it means to me is that our guests do …

This Dog-Friendly Holiday review from a unique perspective took us by surprise when it came in the other day. We like to think that our quirky accommodation at Woodfarm Barns & Barges are universally appealing, …

Pets Pyjamas are a national site for all things to do with travelling around the UK with your dogs. And we’ve just won one of their annual awards! The nice people at Pets Pyjamas contacted …

Woof! Are you in need of a dog-friendly Suffolk holiday? Bring your human to Woodfarm Barges, where you and your furry friends make up a massive proportion of our guests. Our Suffolk holiday barges offer …

Looking for a break in Suffolk with your four-legged friend? You’re in luck. Suffolk is packed with dog-friendly pubs and restaurants, from rural gems with log fires to coastal spots serving fresh sea bass and …

This blog post is all about dog agility champ Fen, a 5-year-old working English Springer Spaniel. Fen is a regular guest at Woodfarm Barns, coming every year for a dog agility event held locally. He …

Our Dutch Barge Onderneming is now moored as your ‘floating holiday cottage’ at the iconic Snape Maltings. This is the story of our epic voyage round in July 2017 I say epic, but Snape Maltings …

Snape Maltings is a cultural Mecca in Suffolk and we are holding an  ‘Open Barge’ day on Sunday 19th August aboard our recently relocated Dutch Holiday Barge to give you all the opportunity to come …

Our Holiday Barge business is newer but we’ve had our Holiday Cottage business for almost a decade as I write this and yet we are still working on new ideas to entice people. We thought …

We are absolutely over the moon to bring you some incredible news about Onderneming. As of 21st July 2018 she will be moored at the iconic Snape Maltings! Location, Location, Location! Pin Mill has been …

So there I was aboard Onderneming last week and ITV turned up! I was happily minding my own business when reporters Kate Prout and Becky Jago turned up and said hi! They were filming a …

Dog Friendly Magazine is arguably one of the industry leaders, and a respected journal amongst dog lovers. So we were delighted to have such an amazing 6-page feature in June 2018! We met one of …

Following The Times newspaper featuring our other Dutch Barge Twee Gebroeders in February 2018, we are delighted that Onderneming has now been featured by them too! We thought it was pretty cool to have a …

We are absolutely over the moon to tell you about our latest project, which certainly puts us on top of the world of Unique Holiday Cottages. We thought we’d cracked it with our Dutch Barges …

Get a £25 Discount on your next Suffolk Holiday with us, just for sending us your Mug Shots! We’ll also enter you into our PRIZE DRAW to WIN a FREE BREAK too!!! **PLEASE NOTE: THIS …

Bury St Edmunds Christmas Market is just around the corner, literally. Both in miles and also in time as I write! The Bury St Edmunds Christmas Market is a real barometer for me to tell …

Great photography requires real skills, and landscape photographer Gill Moon has them in spades! When I met Gill, it was as the previous owner of one of our beautiful Dutch Barges ‘Twee Gebroeders‘. It was …

The River Orwell is home to a number of sailing clubs, some stunning scenery and one of our Dutch Sailing Barges, Onderneming (Enterprise in English) The Butt & Oyster is one of the best known …

Nestled between the rivers Stour and Orwell in Suffolk, the Shotley Peninsula is a beautiful out-spur of villages and farmland that has been designated a Special Protection Area.  Shotley Peninsula is named after the village …

With its rich farming lands and its proximity to the continent, our area has needed the Castles of Suffolk to watch over and protect us for many centuries. Therefore the Castles of Suffolk afford us …

Here’s your chance to WIN a FREE Break aboard a beautiful Holiday Cottage Barge as we launch our new brand! Yes, a completely FREE BREAK aboard Twee Gebroeders, a Holiday Cottage Barge, moored in Woodbridge, …

The Table Woodbridge is a tremendously popular brasserie restaurant located in one of the most beautiful and historic market towns in our area.  Whilst enjoying the river Deben on Twee Gebroeders, one of our Dutch …

Jimmy’s Farm became a household name when the BBC made a documentary about Jimmy Doherty’s farm near Ipswich in Suffolk.  It’s easy to see why Jimmy’s Farm has proven to be such a popular destination …

Dedham Vale on the Essex-Suffolk border has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and it’s easy to see why.  We think Dedham Vale is an ideal piece of East Anglia to explore …

The River Deben offers some of the most beautiful scenery in England, let alone Suffolk. And what better way to enjoy it than with a walk along its banks? We are so lucky to have …

The Suffolk Food Hall has developed a well earn’t reputation as the ‘Champion of champions’ for local  Suffolk food. We think this makes Suffolk Food Hall an ideal spot to visit when exploring our county …

The Butt and Oyster is one of Suffolk’s favourite and most well known pubs.  Named after the part the pub played in the old oyster trade in Suffolk, The Butt and Oyster is part of …

The Anchor Woodbridge is just minutes from Twee Gebroeders; it’s the ideal place for quick pint or home-cooked meal.  If you’re staying on the beautiful river Deben here in Suffolk then there’s a very strong …

The historic Tidemill Woodbridge makes for a great location for a break on a Woodfarm Barge  There are few things in this world that are better than spending some quality time on the wonderful waterways …

We’ve worked for many years to make Woodfarm the very best of Dog Friendly Suffolk and now the two-acre wild meadow opposite Woodfarm is a secure place for your dogs to run wild and get …

Another new business tying in with our Dog-Friendly accommodation in Suffolk! We are always looking for new businesses that our guests can tap into in order to enhance their Dog-friendly holiday here. Doodledales is a family-run …

We suggest that your dogs come and put their paws up in our dog-friendly cottages. Our hard-working K9 friends deserve a break the same as the rest of us. We think that a self-catering holiday …

So then. Lucky Number Eight. Yup, eight years ago on May 9th, 2009, I became the proud (?) owner of a dilapidated old farmhouse and some run down old barns, set in two acres of …

It may be the ‘calm before the storm’ if you have grandchildren, or you may simply have some time off before the Summer to avoid crazy season, but whichever it is we’ve decided to treat …

I’ve written about Aldeburgh before but not sure if I’ve ever put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard) for you about Snape Maltings, so after a lovely day out this week with my daughter, …

This may sound a little odd but have you ever dreamed of having a hit single? If you’re anything like me you hear some of the songs in the charts that sound so simple, and …

Our Dog Friendly Cottages are ahead of their time, but what will the Dog Friendly Cottages of the future look like? Here at Woodfarm Barns we always go the extra mile to welcome our K9 …

Ever wondered what makes a Holiday Cottage a Holiday Cottage, as opposed to a holiday home, or a holiday house? We have, and here’s the answer we uncovered about Holiday Cottages. The word Cottage finds …

Yes it’s that time of year again. This Christmas we’re All About Dogs here at Woodfarm Barns. Right now as I type millions of people all around the world are getting ready to celebrate Christmas, …

Your dog needs a holiday too! Dogs account for a massive proportion of our guests to sunny Sufolk and we even allow some of them to bring their well-behaved owners! We combine a dog-friendly ethos with …

We are so pleased to have been awarded the VisitEngland Dogs Welcome accreditation as we have openly welcomed dogs since the start. All of our Suffolk holiday cottages have enclosed gardens making them very dog …

SLEEPS 2: 500 years’ worth of history, character and atmosphere, with oak-beamed lounge including an inglenook fireplace and squishy sofa. This leads through to your dining area, galley kitchen and wet room. Upstairs, a quirky …

Woodfarm House and all six of our Suffolk barn holiday cottages are dog friendly so your dog can feel at home too as he or she holidays with you. Now you can have a luxury …

We are so proud to be affiliated with Wood Green, The Animal Charity We aren’t a faceless corporation and our association isn’t either. This all came about when someone from Wood Green stayed here. She was …

Blue skies, open landscapes, country lanes and public footpaths, mixed with picture postcard villages, beaches, marshland and a large dollop of eccentricity, Suffolk is an ideal Autumn holiday escape. All the pics on this page …