10 Best Dog Walks In Suffolk
Where are the best places to go dog-walking in Suffolk? Well, whether you’re visiting for the first time, or you’re simply looking to expand your horizons beyond your usual haunts, we have good news for you: this corner of East Anglia is absolutely stuffed with dog-friendly hangouts.
From the ancient archaeological site of Sutton Hoo to landscaped country parks and wild beaches, there’s plenty to entertain both pups and people here. Some of these routes require dogs to remain on a lead year-round, or during certain times of year (usually nesting season), while others let four-legged friends run free. Either way, there’ll usually be signage to let you know.
Read on to explore our 10 best dog walks in Suffolk.
Rendlesham Forest UFO trail
Rendlesham Forest is criss-crossed with miles of walking trails. If you’re coming here for the first time (or if you and your dog are keen UFO enthusiasts), start with the waymarked UFO trail. As you progress along the route (an easy three miles long), you’ll learn more about the 1980 UFO sighting, see an artist’s impression of the alien craft (in the very spot where it was allegedly seen), and stretch your legs on paths through atmospheric pine forest, wetlands and heathland.
Book dog-friendly campsites near Rendlesham Forest.
Dunwich Heath and Beach
This National Trust-protected site is home to rare species and sensitive habitats, but dogs are welcome all year round. They’ll need to be on a lead around ground-nesting birds (from 1 March until the end of August) and around any livestock on site during the winter, but can go off-lead on the cliff-topped beach and specially designated 'Woof Trail' at any time of year.
Keen to dip your paws in the water? Check out our guide to the best beaches in Suffolk.
Knettishall Heath
Knettishall Heath is a dog-friendly nature reserve with lots of walks to explore. For off-lead adventures all year round, head to the waymarked Pine Trail. In other areas, you might need to put your dog on a lead in nesting season (just look out for seasonal signs). As the name suggests, much of the nature reserve is heathland – spattered with purple-blooming heather and with expansive views of the sky – but there’s also a patchwork of woodland, riverside meadows and grazing land here.
Alton Water
Watch boats sailing on the wide lake, spot wildlife like barn owls and foxes, and stroll through woodlands and marshes. You’ll need to keep your dog on the lead the whole time, but it’s worth it for the scenic views (for you) and the varied terrain (for your dog). Walking routes include an accessible trail.
Ickworth House grounds
Everything except the Italianate Gardens and Ickworth House itself is fair game for dog-walkers here. Dogs need to be kept on a lead throughout, but in return you’ll see glorious views out over the estate and Rotunda, explore wild woodland, and roam through acres of landscaped parkland. Stop off at outdoor café Porter’s Lodge for a water break (and maybe a dog treat or two).
Brandon Country Park
Deep pine forests, wild heathlands and woodland glades await at Brandon Country Park. There are four waymarked nature trails to follow – or you could explore further and venture into the vast surrounding Thetford Forest. See where your paws take you…
Clare to Cavendish
Looking for more of a challenge? This 11.6km-long circular walk connects the villages of Clare and Cavendish via rolling Stour Valley farmland, country lanes, an abandoned railway track and a castle. If you get peckish, there are plenty of pretty (and dog-friendly) pubs and cafés to stop off at. In winter, parts of the route can get quite muddy – but that’s part of the joy of dog-walking. Wear sturdy boots and you’ll be fine.
Sutton Hoo
Your dog might not appreciate the historical importance of Sutton Hoo, but they’ll certainly appreciate the miles of walking trails around this 245-acre site. Dogs (on leads) are welcome everywhere except the Sutton Hoo exhibition hall and inside Tranmer House – including King’s River Café, which has a designated dog-friendly zone. Book dog-friendly campsites near Sutton Hoo, or see all our dog-friendly campsites in Suffolk.
Want more local activities? Here are our top things to do in Suffolk.
Hadleigh Railway Walk
This route runs from the centre of historic market town Hadleigh, along the trackbed of the old railway route to Raydon Wood. It’s a gentle two-mile amble along flat paths. Along the way you’ll see small streams, lush woodland that’s filled with wildflowers in spring, and quite possibly a cyclist or two.
Covehithe Beach
This secluded wild beach doesn’t have any restrictions, so it’s a favourite with dog walkers. Make the most of its long sandy shores by going at low tide – at high tide, waves cover almost all the walkable beach. To the south of the beach, there’s a lagoon to splash about in.
Still got bags of energy? Plan even more routes with our guide to the best walks in Suffolk.