bridge

Walking along the River Orwell

By

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 pubs in Suffolk, well known for its great beer, great food and great views. It’s the hub of the hamlet of Pin Mill on the River Orwell and just a gentle stones throw from Onderneming. The pub gets its name from the oyster fisheries, originally a major export from the river Orwell.

The reason we start by mentioning the pub is that Onderneming is moored right next the pub and there are two great walks in either direction, and just after lunch at the pub would be a good idea! Or, as I have done, one before lunch to work up an appetite and one after to work off lunch!

Timeless shores with the most enchanting sounds of nature, you can immerse yourself in an artist’s inspiration and soak up the views of Thames barges, fascinating shipwrecks, swans and all the wonderful array of other wild birds along the River Orwell.

Pin Mill, once a smugglers’ haven, offers beautiful walks and amazing scenery. You can choose to walk upriver past the boatyards and the Pin Mill Sailing Club, or downriver towards the sea, past all the houseboats. Either way you have some amazing views and dogs love it!

Downriver

If you head downriver from the pub away from Onderneming, you’ll be heading towards the sea. There’s a well-worn path through the edge of the forest. It’ll take you a long time to actually get to the sea so I recommend just walking as far as you fancy, then turning back. This is a short walk really, taking in foreshore, woodland and heath. The terrain is mostly easy, walking on grassy and sandy paths. There are some steps on the route and also a steep dip. At high tide you will need to take a higher route past the pub. Or wear wellies!

Upriver

There’s a longer walk upriver in the other direction, across some farmland, through Woolverstone Marina, and it then doubles back around Woolverstone Hall. The terrain ranges from some metalled tracks to footpaths that are likely be muddy in wet weather.

Your dogs will enjoy either route but should be kept under close control, or on a lead. They MUST be on a lead between 1 March and 31 July, to protect breeding ground-nesting birds.

You can look up more details of these walks on the Suffolk Coast and Heaths website.

Dates & Availability

Loading availability

Reasons to Stay at Woodfarm, Suffolk

We happen to think what we have on offer is pretty bloomin' good. However, we thought you might like a bunch of reasons to stay, other than we think you should!

dog paw print
Dogs stay FREE

Genuine, welcoming Dog-Friendly ethos, making you all feel at home, and they won’t cost you a penny.

dog biscuit
Free Doggy treats

Dog bowls, treats, showers, towels and more. Your furry family are safe, secure & happy in our fully enclosed gardens.

thumbs up
Over 1,000 5 star reviews

Peace of mind from our 1,200 + Five Star Tripadvisor, Facebook & Google Reviews. Over 30% of our guests come back!

beach huts
Brilliant beaches

We know that guests want the best location and surroundings. Suffolk has an incredible Heritage Coast, all in easy reach of us.

fence
Dog exercise meadow

Pawesome, fully-enclosed two acre Pooch Paddock at the Barns for your Dogs to go bonkers and make new friends in. Happy hounds!

trophy
Multi-awards

Rest assured choosing Woodfarm: Visit England Gold Awards for all our properties, as well as their ROSE Award for Service Excellence.

hot tubs
Private Hot Tubs

Private Hot tubs with seven of our eight Barns and Cottages. The ultimate in relaxation and reconnection: just because you're worth it.

boots
Stunning Countryside

Unwind and connect with nature in our Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Yes, plural. Suffolk Coast & Heaths, and Dedham Vale.

river walks
River Walks

Stunning river walks directly from your gangplank on either Barge! Wildlife and breathtaking scenery in abundance.

Fetch the latest news!

The perfect rural retreat

The Perfect Rural Retreat for you and your Dog

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 …

Artisan food and drink in Suffolk

Artisan Food & Drink in Suffolk

Suffolk is a goldmine for artisan food and drink lovers. This county is bursting with independent producers, farm shops, delis, bakeries, microbreweries, vineyards, and small‑batch creators, all crafting high‑quality, locally‑sourced goods with passion and care. …

Drowning in holiday choices

Drowning in holiday choices?

Right now, the thought of planning a break feels like more work than the break itself, doesn’t it? You open the laptop thinking, “I’ll just have a quick look.” But an hour later, you’re ten …

Join our newsletter for £50 OFF your first break!

Please provide a valid email address.
* indicates required