10 Best Dog Walks In Suffolk
For local dog owners and visitors alike, Suffolk is packed with excellent dog-friendly hangouts. So whether you’re travelling to the area with your dog or looking out for somewhere beyond your usual haunts, we’ve put together this list of 10 of the best dog walks in Suffolk – all recommended by Pitchup users and their pets.
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.
If you’re visiting the area, you’ll need somewhere to stay – and outdoor stays are often perfect for those travelling with dogs. Book a dog-friendly campsite or glampsite and you’ll have easy access to open space for your pet to run around and do their thing, and you’ll both be able to relax in attractive rural surroundings.
Click the link below to see Pitchup’s fantastic range of Suffolk campsites that accept dogs – it’s got everything from simple grass pitches to cosy wooden lodges
See all dog-friendly Suffolk campsites
Rendlesham Forest UFO trail
Rendlesham Forest is criss-crossed with miles of walking trails, making it a great place for a dog walk of any length, but surely the best-known option is the UFO trail. As you make your way along the route (an easy three miles long), you’ll learn more about the forest’s 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.
Dunwich Heath and Beach
The National Trust-protected coastal heathland at Dunwich 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 the specially designated two-mile 'Woof Walk’ at any time of year.
Knettishall Heath
Knettishall Heath, near Thetford, is a dog-friendly nature reserve with lots of walks to explore. One of the best routes for dog walkers is the 1.5-mile Pine Trail, where dogs are allowed off lead all year round. In other areas, you might need to put your dog on a short 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
A short drive from Ipswich, Alton Water Park is a lovely place for a walk, with or without a dog. This is a place where you can watch boats sailing on the wide lake, spot wildlife like barn owls and foxes, and stroll through 400 acres of woodlands and marshes. If you’ve brought a dog you’ll need to keep them 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 Estate
At the National Trust’s Ickworth Estate, most of the grounds – except the Italianate Gardens and Ickworth House itself – are 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 1800 acres of landscaped parkland. Outdoor café Porter’s Lodge is an ideal place for coffee and a water break (and maybe a dog treat or two).
Brandon Country Park
Deep pine forests, wild heathlands, woodland glades – and a haunted mausoleum – await at Brandon Country Park. There are three waymarked trails to follow here, ranging from one mile to five and a half – or you could just see where your paws take you and venture into the vast surrounding Thetford Forest. The walled garden and arboretum are worth visiting while you’re here, and there’s a café that’s open all year round for drinks and snacks.
Clare to Cavendish
Looking for more of a challenge? This seven-mile circular walk connects the villages of Clare and Cavendish via gorgeous green Stour Valley farmland, country lanes, an abandoned railway track and a castle, crossing over the border into Essex for a while. 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, isn’t it? 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 270-acre National Trust site. Dogs are welcome almost everywhere, with the exception of the Sutton Hoo exhibition hall and inside Tranmer House. That leaves plenty of scope to explore the rest of the site, including the Royal Burial Ground; you’ll just need to keep your dog on a short lead to protect the resident sheep. Need a drink or snack? Stop in at King’s River Café, which has a designated dog-friendly zone and water bowls for pups.
Hadleigh Railway Walk
This easy out-and-back route runs from the centre of historic market town Hadleigh, along the trackbed of the old railway route to Raydon Wood, where your dog can have an extra sniff around if you have time. The main trail is a gentle two-mile amble (in each direction) 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
Covehithe’s secluded and wild beach doesn’t have any dog restrictions, so it’s a favourite with dog walkers all year round; you’ll just need to make sure they stay away from fenced-off areas at certain times because of ground-nesting birds. Make the most of Covehithe’s long sandy shores by going at low tide – at high tide, waves cover almost all the walkable beach. As this is a wild beach, it’s worth noting there are no toilets, cafés or other facilities here.
Heading to Suffolk for a short break with your dog? This is one of the warmest and driest counties in England so it’s a fantastic place for an outdoor holiday, whether you opt for a traditional camping pitch or a comfortable glamping stay. Choosing an outdoor stay is an excellent way to travel with a dog as well; if you’ve never done it before, take a read of Pitchup’s tips on camping with a dog before setting off.
Pitchup also has a great collection of dog-friendly Suffolk campsites to choose from – with something for every budget and taste. Take a look at the range to find something that suits your requirements.