7 of the best dog-friendly beaches in Suffolk

With the summer season over, many beaches will become dog-friendly this weekend.

Our furry friends often miss running in and out of the sea when beaches close to dogs for the summer months.

Those with water-loving pooches will be glad that on Sunday, October 1, many UK beaches lift their restrictions and dog-walkers can enjoy long strolls along the Suffolk sands once more.

Dogs can enjoy running around several Suffolk beaches from October 1 (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Here are the best beaches to take your pet for a stroll:

1. Southwold

Southwold has restrictions on dogs wandering the golden sands at the popular seaside destination from May - September.

However, October 1 sees freedom for dog walkers, whose pooches can enjoy the sand and sea.

The Adnams cafe is dog friendly so those who need a drink after a windy beach walk can find shelter and refreshment there.

2. Dunwich

Dunwich has a shingle beach that welcomes dogs all year round.

Owners can remove their pets from their leads to allow their furry friends a run around the small beach.

The Ship at Dunwich is a dog-friendly pub and hotel that is well worth a visit for their delicious range of hot food and drinks. It was named one of the best dog-friendly locations in the UK by The Times in 2022.

Dogs can enjoy the sea without a lead at most of these Suffolk locations (Image: Chris Bishop)

3. Covehithe

Hidden between Southwold and Lowestoft is Covehithe, a little-known and secluded spot perfect for those looking for a quiet location to walk their dogs.

The beach is only accessible by foot or bicycle, but you can park near the church and walk your dog along a footpath to the beach.

While there aren't any facilities in the area, it is just a short trip along the coast to Southwold.

4. Aldeburgh

Like Southwold, Aldeburgh has restrictions in place from May - September.

During the off-season however, dogs are very welcome to run along the stone beach and walkers can enjoy the wander to Sizewell, a location not far from the coast.

Aldeburgh is home to a branch of the Two Magpies Bakery which is dog-friendly and well worth a visit. The chain celebrated its 10th birthday this year.

5. Felixstowe

Felixstowe is only open to dogs from October 1, and it is recommended that you keep your furry friend on a lead as the beach can remain quite busy during the off-season.

Dogs are welcome to take a trip around Beach Street Felixstowe, where their owners can enjoy a plethora of different cuisines from the food outlets.

Lots of the beaches have nearby dog-friendly cafes or restaurants for a pit stop (Image: Charlotte Bond)

6. Walberswick

Walberswick is dog-friendly all year round and has sand dunes that are a fun place for your furry friend to run around and explore.

It's a short walk across to the Southwold ferry, where it's a quick trip to the Southwold harbour, a great place to sample the freshest fish and chips.

7. Kessingland

Just south of Lowestoft is Kessingland, a shingle beach that is open to dogs all year round.

Kessingland is a quiet village, but dog walkers and their pooches can enjoy a trip to The Waterfront for a hot drink or a meal after a windy wander.