Everybody knows that the UK is filled with dog lovers and, fortunately, many accommodation options invite your four-legged friend to join you on unforgettable family trips. After all, your dog is a family member, and they should also be allowed to enjoy a family holiday.
Suffolk offers a wide range of dog-friendly holiday cottages that accept pets and encourages your furry friends to have a great time at all the dog-friendly pubs and dog-friendly attractions Suffolk has to offer. Your well-behaved dogs would be welcome at any one of the wonderful dog-friendly cottages in Suffolk listed below, so start scrolling now and plan a trip you and your best friend won’t soon forget. We are a pet-friendly team that likes to see people living their best lives with their dogs at their side.
The Stables Studio, Aldeburgh (An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty)
The first cottage on our list of dog-friendly cottages in Suffolk is the one and only Stables Studio. As one of the top Aldeburgh holiday cottages, The Stables Studio is great for exploring the lively streets of the town and walking the shores of the beautiful beaches. This cottage is a lovely place for couples to get away with their pets to the Suffolk coast. This single-story pet-friendly cottage features a wide-open space with a lovely courtyard where you and your dog can get some air.
Bedroom
The bedroom is set a step up from the open-plan living space and is elegantly decorated with a spacious atmosphere as the ceilings are high, and the window invites lots of natural light. The bedroom offers a tranquil ambience with neutral colours and textures that surround you. A king-size bed, ample storage space, and well-appointed lighting make it easy to sit back and unwind.
A sliding door in the room takes you to the lavish shower rooms, where a rainfall shower, large wash basin, and heated towel rail give you all the luxuries of a five-star hotel.
Kitchen & Living Space
The living area is perfect for some relaxing downtime. The modern kitchen features everything you may need for a comfortable cooking experience, including an electric oven, toaster, dishwasher, kettle, coffee machine, fridge and freezer, and a comfortable breakfast area with a bar and stools.
A two-seater sofa, armchair, and side tables make the living room a lovely space to watch a movie or listen to some music. Guests can cosy up with their dogs at this dog-friendly accommodation.
Outside
A small step from the bedroom leads you down a path two a quaint courtyard garden with comfortable seating. This is the ideal place to enjoy your morning coffee while your dog catches some sun before the day starts.
May Barn, Bury St Edmunds
One of the most beautiful dog-friendly cottages in Suffolk is found in Bury St Edmunds at May Barn. This pet-friendly property features its original character, modern amenities, and stunning flint walls.
The cottage can sleep three guests in its two lovely bedrooms, and the ground floor provides an authentic country-style kitchen, a beautiful dining and living room, and a cloakroom. Ixworth is where you will find the wonderful pet-friendly May Barn.
Bedrooms
The exposed beams, soothing tones, and double-aspect windows all contribute to the open and airy feeling of the master bedroom. The bedroom consists of charming lighting and bedside tables next to a king-size bed with a big and comfortable headboard. A dressing table and wardrobe provide all the storage space you may need.
In the family bathroom, you’ll find a roll-top bath, a wash basin with a mirror, and a WC. You can enjoy a relaxing bubble bath with a glass of wine here while your furry friends await the day’s activities. The second bedroom contains a single bed with decorative lamps and ample storage space.
Kitchen, Dining, & Living Room
The well-equipped kitchen boasts views of the peaceful garden and offers all the useful utilities you could need to cook some delicious food. With a large electric oven, a dishwasher, a fridge and freezer, a kettle, a toaster, and a microwave, you’ll surely have an easy time preparing a meal while music is playing on the kitchen radio.
The spacious and light living room offers stunning views and many of the original features that made this property so attractive back in the day. A two-seater sofa and two armchairs provide more than enough space to stretch out with your pet and relax in front of the TV. A small dining area is perfect for enjoying your well-prepared dishes.
Outside
Dog-friendly cottages in Suffolk never fail to offer at least a little outdoor space where you and your dog can play a game of tug of war, and May Barn is no different. The pebbled enclosed garden is a great spot for some alfresco dining or an outdoor BBQ.
Arlo Cottage, Orford
Another one of the best Suffolk dog-friendly cottages is found in the heart of the beautiful village of Orford at Alro Cottage. The cottage has undergone a major renovation to result in a beautiful holiday home that couples and their furry friends can enjoy right throughout the year.
The design is focused on luxury and class. On the ground floor, you’ll find a comfortable sitting room with a wood burner to create a cosy atmosphere. A lovely garden and patio offer an ideal retreat for both you and your pets to enjoy. From the cottage, Orford Castle, the quay, and the main square are all within easy reach.
Bedroom
This sizeable room features vaulted ceilings and offers the perfect opportunity to get some rest. The neutral-toned decor and walls bring a sense of peace to your stay, and there is ample space for all your storage needs. A large TV is perfect for those rainy days when you and your dogs are forced to stay indoors.
The luxurious bathroom almost makes you feel like you’re in a boutique hotel with a rainfall shower, a roll-top bath, a wash basin, heated towel rails, and WC.
Kitchen, Dining, & Sitting Room
The sitting room is filled with character and light and features an armchair and a two-seater sofa where you and your furry friend can enjoy a good movie in front of the wood-burning stove.
The airy kitchen is drenched in the light streaming in from the bi-fold doors. This is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunrise and cook up some delicious culinary delights. The contemporary kitchen includes an electric oven, fridge and freezer, dishwasher, kettle, coffee machine, and toaster. You can enjoy your dish at the breakfast bar, at the dining table, or in the fresh air in the garden.
Outside
The Alro Cottage is one of the few pet-friendly cottages that has such an unrivalled patio garden, ideal for some valuable time in the sun and enjoying a refreshing drink on hot days.
The Curious Oyster, Orford
This lavish ground-floor holiday cottage is set in the historic town of Orford and provides stunning scenery in rural Suffolk. Boasting views of the magnificent 12th-century Orford castle, The Curious Oyster is the perfect destination for a romantic break in a dog-friendly location.
Here, guests are treated to a myriad of opportunities for a peaceful dog walk, river cruise, bird watching, and a superb range of wonderful restaurants. Guests can enter the idyllic garden through the double doors and get a true feel for the beautiful Suffolk countryside.
Bedroom
The bedroom features high ceilings, elegant decor, and soothing tones that all come together to make for a relaxing stay. The wool carpets give the room a cosy and warm atmosphere, and the large window invites streams of natural light to enter. The room brings textures and colours together in calming harmony and consists of a king-size bed, fixed lamps, and ample storage space.
Walking into the bathroom brings you to a fixed rain shower and a folding glass screen. The bathroom is inspired by Victorian decor with elegant tiles, a big Velux, and blinds, giving the room a sophisticated yet modern feel.
Kitchen & Living Space
If you and your four-legged friend are not dining at a dog-friendly pub, you can prepare your meals in this luxury dog-friendly cottages’ modern kitchen, which includes wooden worktops, a fridge and freezer, a dishwasher, an oven grill, and a breakfast bar.
You will find a charming dining area next to the patio doors by the kitchen, along with a comfortable living area. The living space is lined with thick rugs to contribute to the warm atmosphere of the room, and you and your four-legged friend can enjoy a good movie here.
Outside
All you need to do is step out of the kitchen and living area to find the serene cottage garden, where you can enjoy alfresco dining with incredible views of the Castle. The garden also features a great BBQ for some outdoor cooking. The market square is within easy reach of this dog-friendly cottage and features many superb eateries where you can enjoy some fresh local food, such as Pinney’s, where you can benefit from a 25% discount from The Curious Oyster. This cottage is certainly one of the best Suffolk dog-friendly cottages you will find.
The Bothy at Snape Hall, Snape
Another top destination in our list of pet-friendly holiday cottages is tucked away on the grounds of Snape Hall in the stunning countryside. This traditional longhouse in Suffolk dates all the way to 1556 and is an ideal retreat and a wonderful choice for those who love history and the beauty of the Suffolk countryside and coast.
The charming villages of Thorpeness and Aldeburgh are within close reach of this destination, although the grounds offer so much to do and see that you, your family, and your dogs alike will be compelled to spend all your time here.
The Bothy is well-known as a place for weary travellers to rest and regain their strength. Like most dog-friendly holiday cottages in Suffolk, this cottage is elegantly furnished and decorated and makes for the perfect accommodation for a romantic getaway. A cosy atmosphere and spacious environment welcome you to settle in and soak in the afternoon sunlight on the grand patio.
Bedroom
The stylish bedroom features a king-size bed covered with a warm herringbone throw, a wardrobe with ample storage space, an armchair, bedside tables, and a large window that brightens the room with sunbeams. Guests can benefit from the luxurious shower room with a cubicle shower, heated towel rails, a wash basin, and a WC.
Kitchen, Living, & Dining Area
The kitchen has been cleverly designed to make the most of the space and features a fridge, dishwasher, microwave, electric oven, and freezer. The room has a distinctive Scottish flare to it, with rich tones and lighting illuminating the kitchen.
The sitting area is perfect for an afternoon of relaxation, with a two-seater sofa and armchair providing guests with the opportunity to kick their feet up and unwind. A wood-burning stove is perfectly positioned to warm the space while you and your dog enjoy an entertaining movie on the sofa. A table and chairs allow you to enjoy your homecooked food in peace, and there is even a quiet working space if you need to work for a few hours.
Outside
This property is one of the best-located cottages in Suffolk because it is set on the grounds of Snape Hall, which is home to barn owls and private woodlands. The large parking area is available to all guests, and the cobbled road will lead you to the gate of Brothy. There is a lovely patio on the south side of the cottage where guests can relax with a cup of tea and a good book or simply lose themselves in the fascinating wildlife in the paddock. The Nookery is another holiday cottage situated next to The Brothy and offers the perfect opportunity to bring the whole family or a large group of friends with you on your Suffolk holiday. These two holiday homes are both set in this ideal location, boasting beautiful gardens that are perfect for country walks and not enforcing many limiting dog restrictions.
The Cottage, Peasenhall
Another wonderful dog-friendly cottage in the lovely Suffolk countryside is found in Peasenhall at The Cottage. Set on six acres of stunning grounds, The Cottage boasts a serene sun terrace and far-reaching views, ideal for a couple’s getaway. You and your dogs can explore the countryside together before returning to this 16th-century farmhouse that brings historic charm and modern luxuries together. So pack your dog treats and a picnic lunch, and get immersed in the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the grounds of Peasenhall.
Bedroom
The bedroom window offers awestriking views of the massive farming grounds, and the room consists of a comfortable king-size bed, exposed beams, wooden floors, and a red brick chimney, creating a cosy atmosphere.
The bathroom features a freestanding tub, a large shower, a wash basin, and a lower-level WC.
Kitchen & Sitting Room
The dual-aspect sitting room offers views of the garden at the front and the peaceful meadows in the distance. A grand inglenook fireplace with a wood-burner also features an authentic bread oven. The natural wooden flooring and exposed beams give the room a cabin-style feeling, and the sofa and armchair make it easy to relax here and enjoy some quality time with your dog.
The kitchen units are all handmade and contribute to the farmhouse theme of the cottage. There is ample counter space, an electric oven, a dishwasher, and a coffee machine. A quaint dining space with benches is ideal for enjoying a homecooked meal. The yard bricks used to make the floor originate from Elizabeth Garrett Anderson’s Alde House.
Outside
Guests can reach the cottage by means of a shared drive that also leads to two other holiday cottages. Past these neighbouring cottages, a gate will bring you to the garden with a paved sun terrace and charming garden furniture. From here, you can enjoy the views of the broad field, grazing livestock, and towering trees.
Red House Barns, Sternfield
With a games room and large communal dining room to house all ten guests, this barn conversion comprises three separate homes. Indoor and outdoor games, as well as individual hot tubs, ensure that you will have a great time regardless of the weather.
Reindeer Cottage, Christmas Cottage, and Stable Cottage, three barn conversions that are beautifully designed and feature their own hot tub, are part of the Red House Barns, a wonderful getaway for a large family or group of friends. Here, you can escape from it all.
Bedrooms
The bedrooms in all three cottages provide guests with king-size beds, ample storage, and a cosy atmosphere like no other. The bathrooms are all open and bright, with luxurious showers and bathtubs that offer the perfect relaxation experience. The Stable cottage includes a wheelchair-accessible bathroom, so all guests are catered to.
Kitchen & Living Area
All three cottage kitchens feature an electric oven, dishwasher, fridge and freezer, toaster, microwave, washing machine, and all the class you could want from an authentic farmhouse-style kitchen.
With an open-plan living space containing a wood-burner, TV, and charming dining area, any one of these cottages is ideally designed to provide you with everything you need to unwind in the stunning countryside.
Outside
Red House Barns offer a wonderful escape from the city, set among fields and just a short drive from the coast. The large lawn is the perfect spot to spend lazy afternoons relaxing in the sun. There is an enclosed terrace area with tables and chairs accessible through French doors in each sitting room and your own private hot tub.
There’s ample room for ball games and barbecues in the grassed area beyond the games room. Tent pitching is open to all holidaymakers.
The Best Things To Do With Dogs in Suffolk
A Trip to the Beach
Suffolk boasts miles and miles of stunning coastline that dogs will enjoy just as much as anyone. There may be dog restrictions on some of the main beaches during the busy summer months, but for the most part, well-behaved dogs are welcome on most Suffolk beaches. Another great bonus is that many of the best dog-friendly cottages are ideally located near the sea, providing you with the perfect opportunities to enjoy fantastic days out with your four-legged friend.
We provide a comprehensive list of dog-friendly beaches in Suffolk, but here are just a few of the top beach destinations for you and your furry friend:
- Aldeburgh
- Dunwich
- Southwold and Walberswick
- Covehithe
- Kessingland
Country Walks
Rural Suffolk is the ideal location to enjoy long walks with your dogs in the stunning countryside. Here are a few of the best country walks you simply can’t miss out on:
Orwell Country Park
This country park is situated near Ipswich and offers just short of 500 acres of amazing parkland adjacent to the Orwell estuary for you and your pooch to explore. The park offers attractive walking trails, one of which even goes all the way to the shoreline, where you and your dog may participate in a lovely paddle over the serene waters. Pond Hall is a functioning farm that is also set here, so dogs must be kept on a leash for the sake of the livestock.
Hardwick Heath
Hardwick Heath in Bury St Edmunds features a wide-open space of 55 acres where your furry friends can let loose. There are various walking trails available to visitors, along with a wonderful playground, toilets, and a picnic area.
Rendlesham Forest
Rendlesham Forest offers a truly unique experience where visitors can enjoy the many walking trails and relax with a picnic lunge under the towering trees. This site is well-known for a UFO sighting that occurred in 1980 and features many exhibitions that follow that theme.
Sailor’s Path
Snape is home to some of the finest nature walks in Suffolk. Sailor’s Path follows in the footsteps of history’s seamen who traded in these coastal areas a long time ago. The sailor’s boats used to get stuck in the mud at low tide at Snape Maltings, forcing them to walk the path back to their Aldeburgh homes. The Sailor’s Walk extends for six miles and leads hikers through the stunning Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
On the opposite side of the golf club at Aldeburgh, you’ll find a slightly less strenuous walk that takes you into woodlands.
Lavenham
This beautifully preserved wool town is the ideal place for a relaxing dog walk in nature. The lovely Lavenham Walk leads down the old railway line that extends from Sudbury to Bury St Edmunds. While you stroll, you’ll see exquisite wildlife all around you. If you’d like to explore more parts of Suffolk on a walking expedition, why not book yourself a room in one of the many pet-friendly holiday cottages you found below and prolong your adventure?
Dog-friendly Pubs and Restaurants
You’ll have no problem finding a restaurant or pub that invites your dog to join you in Suffolk. We provide a comprehensive list of dog-friendly pubs & restaurants in Suffolk, but here are just a few of our favourites.
There are two wonderful coastal locations for you and your dog, the Ship Inn in Dunwich and the Westleton Crown. In addition to maintaining a water bowl behind the bar, they offer dog treats and allow dogs to sleep in the same room as you. Having an excellent time with your best pal can be made even better by eating great food, enjoying the lovely Suffolk countryside, and walking on Dunwich beach.
Make sure not to miss the wonderful Dolphin Inn when staying in one of our dog-friendly holiday cottages in Thorpeness. Summertime sees a lovely beer garden; wintertime sees a warm fire and a dog-friendly bar. Both humans and dogs can look forward to delicious treats here.
Wenhaston’s Star Inn is a welcoming and convivial town inn that provides delicious food and drinks, as well as camping facilities. Two dogs already chilling behind the bar will welcome your pooch with open arms.
Take your canine friend to dine at Plough and Sail prior to attending a concert at Aldeburgh Maltings, where dogs are welcome in the bar area.
Woodbridge is home to The Dog, a pub with a welcoming atmosphere. It’s also got a great restaurant, a lively pub, and a Mediterranean-inspired garden with beautiful lavender bushes and a classic oven that cooks your pizza to perfection. All kinds of dogs are welcome at The Dog, and you can even dine with your canine companion in the restaurant.
Dog-friendly Cafes
In addition to being a café where dogs are welcome, Home with Paws is a grooming shop in Bury St Edmunds, a market town certainly worth a visit. There is also a bubble machine and a ball pool to provide hours of fun for dogs.
The view from the Harbour Café in Southwold is breathtaking, especially of the picturesque Southwold Harbour. Have a meal here and eat fresh, locally sourced food. There are always boxes of dog biscuits on the counter and plenty of outdoor seating, making this spot the ideal stop on your dog walk.
There’s also a lovely spot to dine with your pup in Woodbridge called Honey and Harvey. Here you can enjoy delicious local organic breakfast and lunch dishes, as well as dog treats for your furry friend.
After walking around Beccles Common, stop at Paws For Tea for doggie treats and fresh water bowls. In addition to freshly prepared sandwiches, homemade soup, toasties, and cheese scones, you can enjoy light lunches at our establishment.
Family Days Out
It’s not simple to satisfy all the family all the time, but Suffolk has a huge range of activities to choose from.
Taking a self-drive boat or scenic boat ride on Oulton Broad is a fun way to see Suffolk with your dog. The wonderful views of Suffolk countryside and wildlife will be enjoyed by all of you.
The Suffolk Punch Trust at Hollesley is another popular attraction, where you can admire this historic breed of domestic horse alongside other livestock. Any dog will be exhausted after exploring the 200-acre farm’s walking trails, which are home to a heritage museum!
Easton Farm Park and Jimmy’s Farm are a must-see for both children and pets if you’re visiting Suffolk’s farm attractions. Dogs are welcome at both locations, provided they are well behaved and kept on leashes, allowing everyone to enjoy the sights.
Dogs and children are both lured by the fairy-tale village of Thorpeness. Rent a rowing boat and explore the Meare and its islands, which are all named after the creator of Peter Pan, for simple pleasure. You may bring your dog with you on this delightful journey, provided that he is kept under control and does not bother the wildlife.
Dog-Friendly Events
Dogs and dog-lovers in Suffolk can enjoy a variety of activities at the annual Suffolk Dog Day, held in July. Here, you can find out about the different activities for dogs and their owners and children. This is an excellent way for The Suffolk Foundation to assist voluntary organisations and entities across the county. Helmingham Hall is a wonderful location for dogs and dog lovers to gather for an annual event.
The Southwold Sausage Dog Walk is one of the greatest charity events of the year. The cause is IVDD support, and the activity is a tremendous amount of fun.
