Dog-friendly places to stay in Suffolk
There’s a lot to love about Suffolk and its sublimely scenic beauty — a delightful stretch of coast, picturesque towns and villages, and miles of unspoilt countryside all wait to be explored on two legs and four. So, we’ve handpicked a selection of places that offer a truly dog-friendly welcome, from thoughtful extras to useful necessities: come for homemade treats, a special “doggy table” in a smart restaurant, free-ranging walks from the door, and beds, bowls, towels and more. With all that covered, you can jump straight in and discover grand abbeys and lavish cathedrals, superb restaurants and cosy pubs, or simply sit back and relax in your special place to stay.
Dons Barn and The Bakery, Grove Farm, Lavenham
Up to 2 well behaved dogs are always welcome, it costs £20 per pet for up to 7 nights.
Two cottages, rambling and lovingly cared for, with open fires, kilim rugs and colourful throws under original brick floors and beams. You’re just off a tiny country road in a very rural setting with a footpath from the house. Stride in one direction to the church, the other for a good dog-friendly pub, or head to the river Stour for a splash. You’ll find a hugely generous welcome hamper in the kitchen with all you need for at least two big breakfasts and basics like milk and fruit. It’s homely here with a lovely garden, orchards and meadows for sitting out, where your dog can also roam free. Dog washing station and towels provided.
“The mediaeval village of Lavenham, Long Melford, where Lovejoy was filmed, and Kersey are all nearby.” – Owner Mark
Stay at Dons Barn and The Bakery, Grove Farm >
The Crown & Castle, Orford
Dogs £10 for up to 2 dogs per room per night. Max. 2.
Orford is hard to beat, a sleepy Suffolk village blissfully marooned at the end of the road. The inn stands in the shadow of Orford’s 12th-century castle. Uncluttered interiors have a warm, airy feel with stripped floorboards, open fires, wonderful art and flickering candles at night. Five of the crisp garden rooms are dog-friendly and your pal is welcomed with homemade treats, towels, walks, and a bookable “doggy table” in the restaurant. Don’t miss supper, the food here is hard to beat: local, seasonal and served with an artistic flair. Wellington boots wait at the back door, so pull on a pair and explore Rendlesham Forest or stroll beside the river.
“Lovely, friendly hotel. Staff were great and the food was excellent. Definitely go again to explore more of the area.” – Guest John
The Curious Oyster, Orford
You’ll feel happy to arrive at this light, larch-clad space in pretty Orford. A welcome hamper is brimming with biscuits, chocolates and bread from the famous Pump Street Bakery, bottles of Adnams ale and a pack of Pinney’s smoked salmon. You’ll also find a voucher to use in the owners’ restaurant, baskets for shopping, lovely fresh flower arrangements and a neat dog blanket with a bowl and some treats. The open-plan living and kitchen space is neat as a pin, comfortable and practical in turn. This is a rare, secluded spot – silence broken only by birdsong. The water meadows lead on to the salt marshes with their wildlife, and the mysterious river Ore. The Jolly Sailor, Kings Head and Crown & Castle in the village are all dog-friendly.
“A perfect place to stay, in the perfect location. We had a lovely weekend and unforgettable encounter with a barn owl, out hunting by Butley Creek.” – Guests Sarah & Paul
The Old Post Box, Halesworth
This traditional Suffolk cottage is believed to have been built in 1650 as a smithy and has been extended over the years without losing its snug feel. Arrive to a welcome treat and all the necessary basics. Choose a book and settle on a sofa in front of the wood burner in the huge old fireplace. One bedroom overlooks an enclosed little garden leading off from the kitchen, and there’s a shaded loggia for eating outdoors. A water bowl, towel and poo bags are provided for your dog, and there many wonderful walks nearby, including a nice stroll from the door with rabbits to chase and undergrowth to sniff. Find several pubs nearby; Southwold, Aldeburgh and the coast are near.
“Such a lovely place to stay, you feel at home as soon as you walk in. Lots of local attractions and we were spoiled for choice when it came to places to explore with the dog in tow.” – Guest Katie
The Pear Tree Inn, Troston
£25 per dog, per stay.
The Bull has been the community hub of the village since the late 1800s and is now beautifully renovated. You’ll still find a cracking beamed bar and a cosy rear dining room filled with locals but it’s now a destination for food and has introduced fresh and delightful rooms — a handful are dog-friendly — in the Pear Tree Inn, a 1760s Suffolk farmer’s cottage just up the road. You nip to the pub for breakfast, lunch and supper. Start your day with a belting Bloody Mary, homemade jams and pastries, home-baked bread and a full English in the dining room. Set off into gently rolling countryside or visit Bury St Edmunds for shops and culture. Back at the bar for a seasonal supper chosen from daily-changing menus.
“Best friends Ben and Sam bought the boarded-up Bull in 2020 and with passion and dedication have transformed the place into a vibrant community hub and cosy country bolthole.” – Inspector David
Written by
Carmen McCormack
Carmen is a freelance writer specialising in travel. She once lived in a bus in north Wales, skipped off to study in Barcelona, and now calls Bristol home. When she’s not tapping away on her laptop, she can be found reading (a lot), lake swimming (a little), and pottering on the allotment with husband and two kiddos. She’s currently dreaming about cold cerveza and torta in Mexico.
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