A Walk, A Pub & and Place to Stay: A Dog-Friendly Gathering

Aldeburgh is a great place to go if you want to really lose yourself away from the hustle and bustle.

Start with a stroll along the seafront, where fishing boats are still hauled up onto the shingle and seafood kiosks sell the day's catch. There are plenty of places to stop and sample the seasonal goods. Pause at The Scallop, Maggie Hambling's striking tribute to Benjamin Britten, and pay a visit to O&C Butcher to treat your 4-legged friend to a new lead and jacket or something for yourself!

If you're up for a little more of a hike, continue north along the coast to Thorpeness, where the whimsical House in the Clouds rises above the treetops and where you can hunt for treasures at the antiques emporium. Back in Aldeburgh, dine and stay at The Suffolk, a boutique hotel in the heart of town. Many of the rooms enjoy sea views and are decorated with a mix of contemporary and antique furnishings. 

Orford feels a little like stepping back in time, with its narrow streets, handsome cottages and impressive castle keeping watch over the village. Start with a walk around the riverside and surrounding countryside using the Orford Explorer route, which takes in everything from grazing marshes and river views to some of the area's curious military history. Even though it’s bijou, there’s plenty to enjoy in the village.

If you're visiting with friends, you could even book onto one of the classes at Pump Street, where everything from doughnut making and sourdough baking to pâtisserie and chocolate workshops are on offer. When hunger strikes, head to the Butley Orford Oysterage, where seafood is the focus of the menu and local oysters are a speciality.

Afterwards, hunker down at the charming Crown and Castle, a characterful hotel with views overlooking Orford Castle itself. The rooms range from cosy spaces tucked inside the historic building to contemporary courtyard rooms, making it a rather indulgent bolthole to relax with a leisurely glass of fizz...or two. 

Southwold has a knack for elevating even the simplest of days with its easy going but utterly chic vibe. There are plenty of ways to explore, depending on your mood and energy levels; a walk along the pier is a must, with vast sea views and cute shops and unusual things to see.

If you'd rather discover the town itself, follow the Southwold Town Trail, romping across the green to the many independent shops that line the High Street. You can also call into Adnams for a tasting or browse the brewery shop for a few Suffolk-inspired souvenirs to take home. If you want a quieter, more rural jaunt, head beyond the town towards the marshes and riverside footpaths for big skies, reedbeds and wildlife.

For dinner, head to The Sole Bay Inn which sits beneath Southwold's famous lighthouse. This traditional pub serves everything from fresh seafood to pub favourites, and afterwards you could pop into The Crown, where you can work your way through an impressive selection of wines in a cosy setting. Afterwards, stay at The Swan, a beautifully restored hotel right in the heart of town. The cosy garden rooms are dog-friendly and perfect for an overnight stay with your pooch.

Pull on your walking boots and head straight for the beach, where Walberswick's dunes and wide sandy shoreline make for a walk that really gets you out of your head and enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors. You could follow the coast towards the harbour and hop aboard the rowing ferry to Southwold, a simple crossing that has become part of the ritual of visiting this corner of Suffolk. If you'd rather venture a little further, strike out through the marshes and nature reserve, where winding footpaths cut through reedbeds and you might even spot some rare birds or wildlife along the way.

Back in the village, The Bell Inn is a fab spot for lunch or dinner, with a menu that ranges from small plates for sharing to comforting pub classics and dishes showcasing local produce. The puddings are also very tempting.

Afterwards, make your way to The Anchor, a stylish coastal inn with a distinctive Arts and Crafts feel, just a short stroll from the beach. The thoughtfully designed rooms are light, airy and simple in their styling, with views across the beach, the main street or the village allotments. There are also garden rooms and dog-friendly rooms to accommodate you and your canine companion.

After arriving in Woodbridge, start the day with a walk from Kyson Point, following the route through marshes, mudflats and riverside paths, though keep your wits about you as the tide changes alongside the Deben.

Back in the market town, spend some time exploring the Thoroughfare and surrounding streets, dipping into independent shops, galleries and cafés as you go. There are also excellent charity shops (if bargains are your thing), along with stylish pop-ups and wonderfully curated antique shops. For lunch, grab a table at New Street, you could even opt for dinner here too at one of the many themed food nights.

For a pub lunch alternative, head to The Unruly Pig just outside town. Named the UK's Best Pub by the National Restaurant Awards in 2022 and regularly featured in the Top 50 Gastropubs list, it has built a reputation for bold flavours, inventive cooking and a menu that champions high-quality local ingredients.

At the end of the day, stay at the historic Seckford Hall, a Tudor hotel set within acres of sprawling parkland. Be sure to make time to use the spa facilities and perhaps book in for a treatment or two. The hotel's rooms each have their own distinct character, with luxurious bedding, bathrobes and toiletries adding to the experience. The Courtyard Rooms accommodate dogs and you can dine with your dog in the Lounge, Lounge Bar, Terrace and Garden Room. 

Often called ‘Britain’s Atlantis’ Dunwich is a mysterious little coastal town with a legendary history. It was once a booming Anglo Saxon capital with a port to rival London in size, but after years of coastal erosion the land and the dwellings on them fell away into the sea never to be seen again.

These days Dunwich is home to only 50-ish residents and offers groups a delightful little getaway. A dog's playground; stride out on coastal walks that pass by unusual features such as the striking relics of a medieval Friary and the last remaining gravestone that hasn’t fallen victim to the crumbling cliffs, as well as beautiful views of the countryside and sea- exploring feels like a real adventure.

Stay and dine at The Ship with its restful pastel-toned rooms complete with luxury toiletries and tea and coffee making facilities. Dogs are welcomed with open arms here and you will see many a'pooch snoozing by the restaurants open fire. Grab a table and choose from the hearty menu which features everything from steak and pies to pasta, ploughman’s and of course fresh seafood.