Dog-friendly Pubs & Restaurants in Suffolk
By Carl Scott
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 a crisp wine list.
Whether you’re after a lazy Sunday lunch or just somewhere welcoming to park yourself after a long walk, you’ll find no shortage of options.
We’re lucky enough to be surrounded by pubs that welcome dogs in the bar area and often go the extra mile with water bowls, biscuits, and a proper warm welcome. You’ll also find many places with great pub grub, traditional decor, and a strong local flavour thanks to brewers like Adnams, Greene King, Aspall, Calvors, The Earl Soham Brewery, and St Peters. Not forgetting Wyken and Shawsgate Vineyards.
Pubs and Restaurants Across Suffolk That Welcome Dogs
From Southwold to Bury St Edmunds, Orford to Needham Market, there’s no shortage of good pubs Suffolk has to offer. Some of our favourites include:
If you like the look of our suggestions, please check websites or phone ahead to confirm opening times and dog-friendly situations, as sometimes this can change. All of these pubs and restaurants were dog-friendly at the time of writing.
But here are lots of dining experiences near our Barns & Barges in no particular order:
Suffolk pubs and dog friendly restaurants closest to our Barns
The Crown, Stowupland
The Crown, Stowupland – Ten minutes from Woodfarm / Dog-friendly / IP14 4BQ The Crown is one of our favourite very friendly restaurants, with not one but several extensive menus and a truly welcoming approach to dogs! The owners describe it as a traditional Suffolk pub with a twist. Complete with a thatched roof and wonderful slate floors, it’s a great Suffolk country pub with freshly prepared food and they’ve also incorporated the spectacle of a stonebake pizza oven, where you can watch your dinner cooking. Open all day, seven days a week, food is served lunchtimes and evenings from Tuesday to Saturday, as well as Sunday lunchtimes. No food on Mondays (it’s a Suffolk thing).
The Four Horseshoes, Thornham
The Four Horseshoes, Thornham – 15 minutes from Woodfarm / Dog-friendly / IP23 8HD An example of great proper old Suffolk Pubs/Restaurants, serving freshly cooked food and a great selection of beers and wines. The Four Horseshoes is a beautiful 12th Century pub, set in the pretty Suffolk village of Thornham Magna, with lots of original features and a roaring log fire. Open every day, with food served every lunchtime and evening. There’s an awesome carvery on a Sunday lunchtime, and there is a great forest walk nearby called Thornham Walks so you can burn the calories off!
The Black Horse, Thorndon
The Black Horse, Thorndon – 15 minutes from Woodfarm / Dog-friendly / IP23 7JR Another traditional country pub with a beer garden overlooking their own allotment! Great pub food and local beers. The Chef/owner has a love of Asian food inspired by his travelling days but they still feature classic British pub dishes including his fab Local Steak & Adnams Ale Pie. Sunday Carvery featuring three joints of local meat and all the trimmings and they even offer a takeaway service for many of their dishes too! A very beamy old building with bags of character.
The Kings Head, Laxfield
The Kings Head, Laxfield – 30 minutes from Woodfarm / Dog-friendly / IP13 8DW A fabulous old pub without a bar! Yes, you heard me, no bar. This is one of the last pubs left with the original ‘Tap room’, pulling pints directly from the barrels. Lots of little snugs, this is such a cosy place, with old quarry tiled and wooden floors. Very dog-friendly and they do fabulous food. This is a great place to work into your schedule when you’re heading off to the Heritage Coast; a great day out! Open and serving food seven days a week.
The Highwayman, Coddenham Green
The Highwayman, Coddenham Green – 10 minutes from Woodfarm / IP6 8PD / 4.5 mile walk from Woodfarm Barns
A great pub near Woodfarm Barns, but not dog-friendly inside. Dogs are welcome in the garden though.
One of the closest pubs to us, you’ll get a very warm welcome from owner David who, along with his wife Olga handling all things kitchen, has been feeding Woodfarm guests since we started.
Superb home-cooked food using as many local ingredients as possible, often with a Ukranian twist from Olga’s homeland. Closed on Mondays but open every other day.
Sundays are lunchtime only.
Food served every lunchtime and evening other than the Monday and Sunday thing.
The Victoria, Earl Soham
The Victoria, Earl Soham – 10 minutes from Woodfarm / Dog-friendly / IP13 7RL
This is a great old pub on the A1120. Old wooden floors and mish-mash of antique furniture, with a roaring fire going if it’s a bit chilly outside. It’s only a little place but they have their own micro-brewery, brewing Victoria and – yes you’ve guessed it – Albert ales. They do simple home-cooked food, with meat coming from the butchers just around the corner, as well as a selection of veggies too, and it has a very friendly ‘little local’ atmosphere. Open every day and serving food every lunchtime and evening. Very dog-friendly. Ideal for a hearty lunch on your way to the coast.
The Walnut Tree, Thwaite
The Walnut Tree, Thwaite – 10 minutes from Woodfarm / Veggie Pub! / IP23 7ED Very excited by this one. The owners built a fabulous reputation with the first Veggie Pub in the area, The Red Lion in Great Bricett. This was 25 minutes away and well worth the short drive, but now they’ve moved to bigger, better premises just 10 minutes away! We have had several staff meals at the Red Lion and my carnivorous colleagues were sceptical. Until they ate the food! I’ve dined here with guests too. They have an amazing menu, with incredible flavours. And no meat! The added bonus is that they make a wonderful range of frozen redi-meals for about £4 a pop! They’re all vegan and gluten free and if you have a day out in Norwich they can also be purchased at their sister restaurant, River Green in Trowse, Norwich and at The Little Shop of Vegans, in Magdalen Street, Norwich.
Suffolk pubs and dog friendly restaurants closest to our Barges
At Woodfarm Barges, we’re in two prime locations for some of the best pubs in Suffolk: Onderneming is moored on the River Alde at Snape Maltings and Twee Gebroeders is at the Tidemill in Woodbridge. Both of these locations feature an array of delicious local cuisine and cosy pub atmospheres within easy reach.
The Anchor, Woodbridge
The Anchor, Woodbridge, IP12 1BX 5 minute walk from Twee Gebroeders 25 minutes from Onderneming
‘Proper’ pub just five mins walk from ‘Twee Gebroeders’
The Anchor is a great pub with a buzzing atmosphere, just a five-minute walk from ‘Twee Gebroeders’. It’s a vibrant place with a varied menu.
Clearly an old sailor’s pub as it’s a stone’s throw from the river. Local chef Vernon Blackmore and his hard-working team have been at the Anchor for over a decade. They want you to enjoy the history of The Anchor’s interior so they have been very careful not to remove the pub’s old charm and character.
The antique floor tiles may have been professionally cleaned but they are still wonky and remind you of all those sailors and their spilt beer from centuries past. They have a bar and restaurant, and are open and serving food every day.
The Plough & Sail, Snape Maltings
The Plough & Sail, Snape Maltings, IP17 1SR 20 minutes from Twee Gebroeders 2 minutes’ walk from Onderneming
The Plough & Sail is a two-minute walk from Onderneming!
Owned by twin brothers Alex and Oliver Burnside, The Plough & Sail is a delightful pub with a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere and first-class customer service. Located in the heart of the small village of Snape, just a two-minute walk away from the gangplank of Onderneming, this friendly pub is ideal for any time of day, whether you’re in the mood for a light meal or something a little more formal.
The menu consists of a brilliant range of upmarket pub favourites, with plenty available for those with special dietary requirements. Dogs are welcome in the old part of the pub, which includes a cosy snug and intimate balcony area.
The courtyard at the back of the pub is also very enjoyable on a summer evening!
The Duck, Campsea Ashe
The Duck, Campsea Ashe, IP13 0PT 13 minutes from Twee Gebroeders 11 minutes from Onderneming
You’ll find lots of duck-themed decor at the dog-friendly Duck at Campsea Ashe To truly get away from the hustle and bustle, visit The Duck in the beautiful village of Campsea Ashe.
A stylish pub with duck ornaments abound, you’ll find yourself lingering in the inviting atmosphere long after you’ve finished eating. The well-stocked bar features the best of Suffolk’s breweries, alongside popular spirits and wines. Continuing the ‘local’ theme, The Duck sources local and seasonal produce for preparation onsite, with plenty of options for those who are gluten intolerant, vegan and more.
This is a great place to visit if you want to try the county’s famous Gressingham Duck. The pub has a great relationship with the supplier and produces a number of dishes centering around this delicious ingredient.
The Kings Head, Woodbridge
The Kings Head, Woodbridge, IP12 4LP 11 minutes’ walk from Twee Gebroeders and 20 minutes drive from Onderneming
The Kings Head has a menu for dogs!
Settle into this 15th century pub in the heart of Woodbridge, little more than a 10-minute walk from our Twee Gebroeders barge. Dog owners will love The Kings Head; dogs are welcome in the pub, and even have their own ‘Mutt’s Menu’, which features snacks such as pig ears and knotted bones to enjoy while you grab a pint or choose a delectable, locally sourced dish from the main menu.
Owners Mike and Lucy Ball have two labradors themselves, so they know a thing or two about catering for dogs! This is the perfect place to stop for some grub after a scenic walk along the river – especially when the fire’s roaring in winter!
In addition to the above selection, there are loads of great Dog-Friendly pubs and restaurants in Suffolk. In no particular order, here’s a load more for you to take a look at. If you like the look of our suggestions, please check websites or phone ahead to confirm opening times and dog-friendly situations, as sometimes this can change. All of these pubs and restaurants were dog-friendly at the time of writing.
The Crown, Southwold
The Crown is just a stone’s throw from the sea. They have a snug ‘Back Bar’ where you can try out a range of fabulous Adnams famous beer. This is in addition to a more formal restaurant, so you get the best of both worlds. The food is great and they have an extensive wine list, not to mention the well-known Adnams beers. 2014 saw them win Suffolk Dining Pub of the Year for the second year in a row by The Good Pub Guide, and a Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence (like us then!) Just 29 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website.
Visit The Crown website
The Bell, Cretingham
A real country pub serving fresh, home-cooked food. A traditional Free House with local ales, open fires, and locally sourced, homemade food. What are you waiting for? Just 6 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website.
Visit The Bell website
The Ramsholt Arms, near Woodbridge
A fabulous pub by the river, near Woodbridge on the Bawdsey peninsula. It’s miles from anywhere but worth the trip! This pub was originally called the Ferry House and is around 350 years old. It has a large walled garden which has great views of the River Deben. It’s very dog-friendly, with a great menu including many fresh fish dishes. As well as offering the obligatory traditional Suffolk Adnams ales, they regularly offer guest ales too. Just 21 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website.
Visit The Ramsholt Arms website
The Regatta, Aldeburgh
A superb, well-known restaurant in the heart of beautiful Aldeburgh. Co-owned for over 20 years by Robert, the head chef who trained at the Connaught Hotel and La Gavroche in London before heading to Suffolk to treat us to locally caught fish and seafood, as well as vegetarian, poultry and meat dishes. A popular destination with our guests. Just 25 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website.
Visit The Regatta website
The Lighthouse, Aldeburgh
A great restaurant, smack-bang by the beach in historic Aldeburgh. This restaurant is a real favourite with Suffolk’s visitors for years, including our guests at Woodfarm. They offer freshly cooked, local, seasonal produce with a great atmosphere. I had the excellent meze and a superb duck salad the last time we went, followed by a walk on the beach afterwards. Just 24 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website.
Visit The Lighthouse website
The Crown, Stoke By Nayland
The Crown is an extremely popular pub/restaurant in the heart of Suffolk. They change the menu every month or so and creatively use seasonal produce. They have a bar, restaurant and terrace, all of which are really relaxing. The pub boasts an extensive wine list and great beers, including that traditional Suffolk fave, Adnams. I’ve experienced superb food here every time I’ve been. It’s well worth a visit. A real favourite with guests at Woodfarm! Just 24 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website.
Visit The Crown website
The Butt & Oyster, Pin Mill
Perhaps one of the most popular pubs in Suffolk and a real favourite with Woodfarm guests. This pub is located in the most stunning location, almost in the water on the river Orwell. It’s well known for great Adnams beers and superb home cooked food, all in a rustic, proper pub with bare oak floorboards, pints pulled directly from the keg and wonderful aromas wafting from the kitchen. Have a look at their website.
Visit The Butt & Oyster website
The Anchor in Nayland
This is a traditional countryside restaurant and inn, nestled in the stunning Stour Valley. Offering superb food and local beers, The Anchor sits on the river, and I’ve arrived here several times in my Kayak as it’s very easy to pull up on the bank and stroll in for a bite to eat and a beer! Located in the heart of Constable Country, this pub is perfect for a picturesque walk with the dog. Just 20 miles from Woodfarm – Check out their website.
Visit The Anchor website
The Black Lion in Long Melford
The Black Lion is one of my all-time favourite places to eat, drink and chill out. It’s a wonderful old restaurant right on the village green in the picturesque, historic Suffolk village of Long Melford. With such lovely decor, you feel like you are in someone’s (very nice) home. It’s an deal location for a long lunch or dinner. There’s also a great bar with comfy sofas and a roaring fire in the winter, with board games. Just 17 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website.
Visit The Black Lion website
The Angel, Stoke By Nayland
The Angel is housed in a lovely, 16th century timber-framed building which has been selling beer and food since the 17th century! It’s still very much a traditional coach house in the heart of this gorgeous Suffolk village. It has a superb reputation for its food, as well as its wide range of local beers and extensive wine list. Just 20 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website.
Visit The Angel website
The Four Horseshoes, Thornham
Reputedly the oldest pub in Suffolk, The Four Horseshoes is certainly a firm favourite of mine and many of our guests at Woodfarm. Here you’ll find rustic oak beams, a thatched roof and a quirky interior, as well as local beers and freshly cooked homemade food from an extensive menu. What more do you need? Only 9 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website.
Visit The Four Horseshoes website
Bildeston Crown, Bildeston
The Bildeston Crown allows well behaved dogs in the pub and they have a lovely, dog-friendly, outdoor seating area. Owned by Chris and Hayley, the pub is housed in a 15th century former coaching inn, and features an open fire and a courtyard and terrace. With quality, locally sourced produce, you’ll find upscale classics here alongside casual dining options. Only 16 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website.
Visit The Bildeston Crown website
Wherever you are in the county, there are loads of good pubs Bury St Edmunds visitors can enjoy, not to mention dog friendly pubs in Southwold. In fact, there are plenty of Southwold pubs dog friendly enough that your dog might want to move in.
Coastal Pubs Near Suffolk’s Dog-Friendly Beaches
A big part of the appeal in Suffolk is the coastline. If you’re headed to the beach with your dog, you’ll find no shortage of pubs in Suffolk UK that are a short walk from the sand. Places like Aldeburgh, Southwold, Orford, and Snape all have excellent pubs that welcome dogs. Whether you’re tucking into a Yorkshire pudding with a view of the sea or just grabbing a pint and a snack, Suffolk’s coastal pubs are ready for you and your dog.
Hungry Yet?
Whether you’re after fish and chips, sea bass, Sunday lunch, a full roast with all the trimmings, or just a good pint with your dog at your feet, Suffolk has you covered. From pub grub to something fancier, the list of pubs in Suffolk is long, welcoming, and full of character.
So now you’ve got the local knowledge. All you need to do is book your dog-friendly stay and start exploring. From muddy walks to pub fires, there’s nowhere quite like Suffolk.
Read Our Reviews and Trust Safety Standards
Still not sure where to start? You can read our industry leading trust safety standards and check out real reviews as part of our commitment to transparency. Each review is the subjective opinion of a genuine guest. Tripadvisor performs checks to ensure authenticity, and we know that both Facebook and Google perform checks on reviews to weed out anything suspicious. You can also read our transparency report to learn more about how we maintain high standards.
You’ll find lots of mentions of dog-friendly pubs in our reviews. Many guests highly recommend local pubs they visited during their stay at our Barns, Cottages or Barges. If you’re a details person, go and have a scan through – there’s a whole section of our site just for reviews that mention how dog-friendly we are.
Stu and Annie with Stanley and Stella the dogs:
We’ve loved the creaking bones and sloping shoulders of this wonderful hobbit house. Our dogs loved the secure garden and to run around the meadow. Nice trip to Debenham for coffee and Sunday lunch at the Four Horseshoes, Thornham. A perfect tonic from the big smoke!
Jamie and Ali with Nellie the dog:
We had a lovely time – the hot tub was great and the breakfast hamper was tasty. Great vegetarian food at the Walnut Tree and also nice food at the Dog and Shepherd at Onehouse. Our dog loved the meadow.
Richard and Maureen with Daisy the dog:
The perfect place to relax for a few days. Well-equipped cottage and breakfast basket far excel all other places we’ve been to.
Toby and Sarah with Raffia the dog:
First visit and we’ve loved it! Hot tub with prosecco was a big hit, and our dog loved the meadow, even better at dusk for us to watch out for owls! Lots of lovely pubs and places including Snape Maltings, Dunwich, Aldeburgh, Southwold all worth a visit.
Gail and Allan with Macey the dog:
This is our 21st visit in 6 years – we love it here and it feels like home from home! Carl and his team are so friendly. Visited Needham Lake, Helmingham and Thornham Walks, all great for walking our elderly dog in a buggy and she loves it!
If you like the look of our suggestions, please check websites or phone ahead to confirm opening times and dog-friendly situations, as sometimes this can change. All of these pubs and restaurants were dog-friendly at the time of writing.
Going further still than our reviews, we regularly run surveys, and share the results as a kind of transparency report to learn what our customers say about us, and for us to keep on top of our game. Additionally, we are constantly striving to see where we can progress as well. You can read our transparency report on our blog pages.
