Holidays are best shared with loved ones, including our four-legged companions. Here we explore exhilarating beach walks where you don’t have to leave your beloved pet behind. In fact, the Suffolk coast is well-explored and loved by our trusty companions. Start exploring our 7 dog-friendly beaches here:
1. FELIXSTOWE
At the southerly tip of Suffolk is the picturesque beach of Felixstowe with its golden sandy beach, pier and attractive seafront gardens. So long as you avoid the Manwick Road to Arwela Road area, dogs are allowed on other parts of the beach until 30th September. However, areas such as Old Felixstowe and the Fludyers are far more flexible and provide enough scope to enjoy the seaside with your pet.
2. KESSINGLAND
In the northerly region of Suffolk lies Kessingland; a stunning beach where dogs are permitted all-year-round. And with the beach growing instead of receding, there’s plenty of space to roam. If you’re looking for something a little quieter, without all the fussy regulations and with great facilities, then this is the perfect spot for you and your four-legged friend.
3. COVEHITHE
Between Southwold and Lowestoft is Covehithe, a beach so beautiful it was recently included in The Daily Telegraph’s list of Britain’s 40 Best Beaches. This soft, sandy beach, with organic tree structures sticking out of the sand like a Gormely sculpture, has been hit by serious erosion. It is only accessible by foot or bicycle, but park near the church and walk your dog along a footpath to the beach. There aren’t any facilities to boast about but it is popular with dog walkers because of its serene and secluded location and best avoided during the peak season.
4. WALBERSWICK
Best known for crabbing, kite-flying and surfing, Walberswick is a popular Suffolk coastal village with its iconic black beach huts, cafés, a great dog-friendly pub The Anchor, – and a kids park on the green. Make your way through the sand dunes, where dogs are allowed on the beach throughout the year.
5. THORPENESS
Perhaps one of the most unique coastal destinations in Suffolk is Thorpeness. Its existence is due to one man with a single vision; Stuart Ogilvie created an adult playground for his family and friends in the early 1900s. This attractive coastal village is dominated by colourful seafront houses, mock Jacobean and Tudor style houses, a golf club and an attractive boating lake, Thorpeness Meare. Dog restrictions are in place until 30th September; signposts help direct you. During your visit, attempt the coastal walk between Thorpeness and Aldeburgh.
6. DUNWICH
Once a thriving city which famously disappeared beneath the waves centuries ago, Dunwich has an atmosphere all of its own. The shingle beach, in a gap between the cliffs, is much quieter than some of the surrounding beaches. The National Trust’s Dunwich Heath and Beach site welcomes dogs throughout the area, as does its rather tempting tearoom. However, if walking with dogs through the heathland, watch out for birds and other wildlife.
7. DENES BEACH, SOUTHWOLD
During the peak season (1st April to 30th September), dogs are banned from the main beach at Southwold. However, an area just north of the main Southwold Beach, is Denes Beach (off Ferry Road) in between the northern end of the beach huts and Gun Hill Café. Not overwhelmed with facilities, dogs are welcome on this quiet stretch of shingle beach. Out of season, dog-walkers are welcome back onto the main beach with its quirky pier and colourful beach huts.