3rd October 2018 (Updated on 19th June 2024)

Dog Friendly Holidays, Things To Do

Dog-friendly Pubs & Restaurants in Suffolk

Suffolk Pubs that are dog friendly

If you’re looking for a holiday in Suffolk to visit with your four-legged friend, you’ll be pleased to know that we have so many superb, dog-friendly pubs and restaurants to choose from!

Many have log fires, traditional decor and great food and drinks, not to mention a range of fabulous local beers, ciders and wines from such brewers and vineyards as Adnams, Greene King, Aspall, The Earl Soham Brewery, St Peters, Hellhound, Calvors and Wyken & Shawsgate Vineyards, to name but a few.

We are lucky to have two slices of the UK known as an area of outstanding natural beauty on our doorsteps, and many of these pubs and friendly restaurants give you an opportunity for a spot of pub grub, or to book a table for a special occasion in those AONBs.

Whether you fancy nipping in for a quick pint, an ice cream, a dog-friendly place for food and drinks, or you’re looking for a romantic meal, there are some great Suffolk pubs around. We have written extensively about loads of them all over the county so check our other blog posts and our own Tourist Guide website Where Do We? for places to eat & drink.

Dog friendly pub photo by James Lacy

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:

Pub List in alphabetical order

The Anchor, Woodbridge
The Black Horse, Thorndon
The Black Lion, Long Melford
Bildeston Crown
The Butt & Oyster, Pin Mill
The Cock Inn, Polstead
The Crown, Southwold
The Crown, Stoke By Nayland
The Crown, Stowupland
The Duck, Campsea Ashe
The Four Horseshoes, Thornham
The Four Horseshoes, Thornham
The Highwayman, Coddenham Green
The Kings Head, Laxfield
The Kings Head, Orford
The Kings Head, Woodbridge
The Lighthouse, Aldeburgh
Pea Porridge, Bury St Edmunds
The Plough & Sail, Snape Maltings
The Queen’s Head, Bramfield
The Ramsholt Arms, near Woodbridge
The Red Lion, Needham Market
The Regatta, Aldeburgh
The Shoulder of Mutton, Assington
The Sorrel Horse Inn, Woodbridge
The Star Inn, Wenhaston
The Tollgate, Bury St Edmunds
The Victoria, Earl Soham
The Walnut Tree, Thwaite
The White Horse, Tattingstone

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.

Fish and Chips by Nick Fewings

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!

Pub meal photo by Jay wennington

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 here

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 here

The Shoulder of Mutton, Assington

A real old country pub in the Suffolk Countryside. You’ll find fresh seasonal food, much of which is from local suppliers. It’s a free house so they serve a selection of local ales and ciders. Here you’ll find a pleasant restaurant area and an open fire in the bar. They have delicious pub favourites on the menu, like mixed grill, steaks, cajun chicken, scampi, and fish and chips, all cooked well and served with chips or salad. Just 26 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here

Scutchers Bistro, Long Melford

On the edge of the beautiful green in picturesque Long Melford sits this award-winning restaurant. They have a collection of Good Food Guide Awards as well as the Michelin Bib Gourmand, so it’s worth checking out! Owned and run by Nick & Di Barratt, they serve a mouth-watering à la carte menu. They are dog owners themselves and will allow small, well-behaved dogs to sit under the table. If you’re ‘borderline’ it’s best to phone, but they are very accommodating. Just 25 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here

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 here

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 here

Pea Porridge, Bury St Edmunds

In the heart of residential Bury St Edmunds sits quirky, award-winning restaurant Pea Porridge. Privately owned and run by a couple as passionate about food as you would hope! It’s got three rooms, lots of old timber and brickwork and a really imaginative lunch and dinner menu, with influences from all over the world. As well as lunch and dinner, they have a great three course set menu costing about £18.50 at the time of writing. Just 25 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here

The Red Lion – Veggie Pub/ Restaurant near Needham Market

This is a fabulous pub in the countryside just outside Needham Market. The Red Lion is East Anglia’s first and only exclusively vegetarian pub The pub offers a great choice of homemade dishes using fresh, locally produced ingredients. Owner Jan Wise wanted to achieve her dream of serving quality, meat-free food in a comfortable and relaxing, 100% dog-friendly environment, and she has succeeded! Just 11 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here

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 here

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 here

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. Just 10 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here

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 here

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 here

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 here

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 here

The Star Inn, Wenhaston

The Star Inn is a cosy and friendly pub in Wenhaston that welcomes well-behaved dogs. Owned and managed by Carl and Virginia, it has a large garden and serves good food including pies, fish and vegetarian options. Only 25 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here

The Tollgate, Bury St Edmunds

The Tollgate is a lovely restaurant and bar in Bury St Edmunds and has a large garden and seating area where dogs are welcome. A Greene King pub, The Tollgate serves burgers, steaks and other meat dishes, as well as pub classics and sandwiches, and Sunday roasts. Only 24 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here

The Queen’s Head, Bramfield

The Queen’s Head, Bramfield, is an award-winning pub and dogs are welcome in both the pub and the garden. Enjoy delicious, locally sourced grub here, from roast pork belly, to fish pie, to Italian lamb cassoulet, as well as local beers. Only 22 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here

The Sorrel Horse Inn, Woodbridge

The Sorrel Horse Inn in Woodbridge are very pet-friendly and dogs are allowed in the pub and garden. Owned by Bridget, Matthew and Philip, the Sorrel Horse has been family-run for 28 years. Here you’ll find a tradition pub interior with exposed beams and antique decor. Only 6 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here

The White Horse, Tattingstone

The White Horse is a 17th Century Grade II listed inn serving delicious food and real ales, wines and spirits. Outside the pub, you’ll find a large beer garden and campsite, while inside the pub is a homely interior with exposed beams and brickwork, and a log-burning stove. The whole pub is “dog and muddy-boot-friendly”! Only 16 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here

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 here

The Kings Head, Orford

An Adnams pub, The Kings Head in Orford is a beautiful 13th century pub which allows dogs in both the pub itself, as well as in their accommodation. The bar and dining room feature wood burning stoves, creating a toasty, homely atmosphere. Enjoy Adnams drinks and delicious homemade pub classics, sandwiches and specials. Only 25 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here

The Cock Inn, Polstead

Dog walkers taking a stroll around Dedham Vale will love The Cock Inn in Polstead, with its 17th century restaurant and tea room. Grab a beer in front of the log fire, or on a summer’s day eat a meal al fresco in its large garden. Here you’ll find a cracking fish and chips, as well as various meat and vegetarian dishes. Only 25 miles from Woodfarm – Have a look at their website here

Some honorable mentions

The George and Dragon, Long Melford allows dogs in the pub, except when food is being served. The George in Cavendish has a terrace/garden area where dogs are welcome, although they are not allowed inside the pub and the same goes for The Brantham Bull in Manningtree. The Ship Inn in Woodbridge is dog-friendly, and so is The Angel Inn Wangford. Please do check with any of these pubs before you visit with your dog as their pet policies may change at any time. I hope this blog has been helpful in your search for dog-friendly pubs and restaurants in Suffolk. If you think we should add any other places, then please feel free to email with a little bit of a write-up, weblink and a photo if possible to carl@woodfarmbarns.com

Suffolk pubs listed by category

When you are on holiday in Suffolk you might want to choose your pub by knowing what the pub is best known for. So here is a list of Suffolk pubs categorised by type.