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We all love to go away with friends, even our four-legged, furry ones and there is no county that welcomes dogs more than Suffolk.

With dog friendly pubs and accommodation, even to the town of Bury St Edmunds opening their doors for them, your canine companions will be made to feel completely at home here.

Shaggy dog

DOG FRIENDLY BURY ST EDMUNDS

There's no need to leave your pooch at home when you're visiting the historic market town of Bury St Edmunds. The town has officially declared itself as dog friendly! Throughout the streets and lanes you will see the #dogfriendlybse paw print logo in the windows of independent cafes, pubs and even a designer boutique. Outside the shop fronts, fresh water bowls are presented each morning to ensure your hound stays hydrated and happy.

After exploring the town with its twice weekly market (Weds and Sat), head out to the 200 acres of landscaped gardens at Nowton Park.

Keeping your dog on a lead, you can wander through the arboretum before a visit to the cafe with seating inside and out for visitors with dogs.

Douglas a happy visitor to Bury St Edmunds

DOGS LOVE BEACHES

There's nothing more satisfying than seeing your dog being able to run and enjoy the open space of a beach.

During the summer months some beaches such as Aldeburgh, Felixstowe, Lowestoft and Kessingland have restrictions, which will be signposted. However, the beaches at Southwold, Sizewell and Walberswick are free for dogs to go on throughout the summer.

The stunning National Trust site of Dunwich, which offers blooms of heather to play in, cool breakers to paddle in and a tearoom with doggie refreshments, is blissfully open all year round. The only restrictions are on Dunwich Heath during bird nesting time, due to the proximity of RSPB Minsmere. For more information on taking your dog to Dunwich, see the National Trust website.

Just had a lovely swim

PET FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION

The choice of accommodation offering a bed for both you and your dog is growing daily. From hotels to self-catering cottages you will be able to find that perfect place to rest your heads after a day out and about. With a cosy bed, treats and sometimes even toys to play with, your dog will not want to leave.

Here are some of our suggestions of dog friendly places to stay:-

The Crown and Castle Hotel in Orford

The Ickworth Hotel nr Bury St Edmunds

The Bell Hotel in Clare

Wheatacre Hall Barns nr Beccles

Mollett's Farm nr Southwold

The Swan at Lavenham

Canine Cottages throughout Suffolk

Salthouse Harbour Hotel in Ipswich

The Swan Hotel in Lavenham (c) The Swan at Lavenham

Stay with your dog at The Swan at Lavenham

SUFFOLK DOG DAY

Just to show how much we love dogs in Suffolk, there is even a day dedicated to them. On Sunday 28th July it is Suffolk Dog Day

In the beautiful grounds of Helmingham Hall, dogs have their day with fun dog classes, lots of stalls selling everything they may need and stalls selling delicious food for you.

Entry to event also includes admission to the renowned 16th century gardens of Helmingham Hall, making it a great day out for the whole family.

COUNTRYSIDE WALKS

Walking is a very popular pastime in Suffolk, not just because the terrain is reasonably flat but because there are so many waymarked footpaths which make for an easy ramble.

One great place to explore and really give your dog a good stretch is at the Brecks, with waymarked walks through forests and woodland. Here you will find plenty of places in the shade for a picnic and see a variety of wildlife. Close by is Brandon Country Park where there is a choice of 5 different trails to take.

In the afternoons, after the horses in Newmarket have had their morning excercise on the gallops, it's the dogs turn to burn off some energy. The gallops are situated around the town and there are plenty of marked paths to follow.

On the other side of Suffolk is Woodbridge with beautiful views and walks along the River Deben. The pretty town has plenty of places to eat, drink and relax in.

Walking through the Dedham Vale, affectionately known as Constable Country on the Flatford and Constable walking trail will give you an insight into the life of the painter, John Constable. Be sure to stop off at the National Trust's riverside Tea Room for freshly made scones and cakes.

Brandon Country walks

TAKE YOUR BEST FRIEND TO THE PUB

The Kings Head or Low House in Laxfield. They are the same pub but with two names. Here you will find both a dog-friendly and highly unusual pub. It is one of the few pubs left without a bar (you choose your beer straight from the tap room).

Just outside Stowmarket in the village of Stowupland is The Crown, a stylishly renovated country pub with restaurant which specialises in authentic Neapolitan style pizzas. Dogs are welcome in the bar and garden and don’t forget to ask for a doggie treat from behind the bar!

You’ll find some lovely dog-friendly pubs near Bury St Edmunds too. The Crown at Hartest offers homebrewed ales, an extensive wine list, and top quality, locally sourced food. They bake their own bread and host ‘pie and pint’ nights.

Over on the coast, is The Ship at Dunwich and The Westleton Crown, both of which have dog-friendly rooms for the night, and The Crown Inn at Snape, which is well known for its locally sourced food.

In Ipswich you will find the Woolpack is a very dog friendly pub. Situated in the centre of town, it's a great place to have a drink and meal after taking the dog for a leisurely stroll in Christchurch Park which is just over the road.

The Crown at Stowupland

WHAT DO YOUR DOGS LOVE ABOUT SUFFOLK?

Let us know why your dog loves Suffolk.... what are their favourite walks and cafes? Tell us all about it via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

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