A Winter Guide to Dog Friendly Beaches

Lowestoft South Beach is a popular destination, known for it’s long stretch of sandy shore, vibrant atmosphere and excellent facilities, makes it a favourite for families and a great spot for dog owners, particularly during the winter months when seasonal restrictions are lifted, and dogs are welcome to roam freely along the soft silky sand.

South Beach offers a stretch of golden gentle beach, backed by dunes and open space, ideal for long walks with your pup. There are many nearby amenities along the sea front, including East Point Pavilion where you can sit inside with your dog and soak up the atmosphere together. The Beach backed by a picturesque and well-maintained promenade, lined with colourful beach huts, cafes, shops and bars, offering a lively atmosphere with beautiful views of the sea. You have two piers to pick from, The South Pier and Claremont Pier, both with dog-friendly amusements. You can walk along to Pakefield which connects the shoreline, where it welcomes dogs all year round.

South Beach is committed to being inclusive and accessible to everyone. One of the standout features is a wheelchair access which extends down to the waters edge. Lowestoft is a charming seaside stop, ideal in the winter months for you and your dog. 

Kessingland is another fantastic destination for dog owners looking for an expansive, year-round dog-friendly beach. This award winning beach has a wild, untouched feel, with a mix of sand and shingle and backed by marshlands. The beach stretches for miles and has areas where dogs can splash in shallow waters. There are also some beautiful coastal trails nearby, perfect for adding a bit of variety to your walk. After a pleasant beach stroll, you can stop by one of the nearby cafes or local pubs in Kessingland Village, many of which welcome dogs.

All year round dog friendly, making it a wonderfully relaxed, dog-friendly outing on the Suffolk Coast

Covehithe beach is one of Suffolk’s hidden gems and an ideal spot for adventurous dog owners. Known for its rugged beauty, Covehithe offers a peaceful and scenic escape from the more popular beaches nearby.

The secluded stretch of sand and shingle is backed by eroding cliffs and bordered by eerie, weathered tree skeletons, which create a unique landscape. Go see for yourself and let your dog play amongst it. Dogs are welcome year-round, and the beach’s remote nature means you’ll have it almost entirely to yourself, especially in the off-season.

There’s no direct car park for Covehithe Beach, so you’ll need to take a short walk through fields and along footpaths to reach it. Nearby the hauntingly beautiful ruins of St. Andrew’s Church are worth a stop, and the surrounding fields and marshes provide additional opportunities for nature walks.

All year round dog friendly, ideal for owners and nature lovers looking to experience the wilder side of the Suffolk coast.

Southwold, one of Suffolk’s most beloved seaside towns, combines traditional charm with dog-friendly spaces, making it a fantastic choice for a coastal outing with your furry friend.

Southwold Pier Beach, known for its iconic colourful beach huts, historic pier and sweeping views is popular all year-round, but especially scenic during the quieter winter months. Whilst seasonal restrictions apply during the summer (such as dogs only allowed in certain areas), Southwold Beach is a dog friendly beach from October to April, allowing your pup to enjoy the sand and sea freely in the off-season.

Even during restricted times, dogs are welcome on Southwold Denes Beach, which leads towards the beautiful Walberswick, accessible via short ferry ride or a walk over the footbridge. Southwold has a delightful promenade, perfect for leisurely strolls with your dog, and the town itself offers plenty of dog-friendly cafes and pubs, such as The Harbour Inn and The Sail Loft.

Dog walks in Dunwich offer a blend of natural beauty, history, and tranquility that feels uniquely special. Dunwich's beach boasts long stretches of open coastline allow for ample room for dogs to wander and explore. Dunwich's quiet, slightly mysterious charm—echoed in its history as a once-thriving medieval town now lost to the sea—adds a meditative feel to each step, making it a perfect spot for both dogs and their owners to unwind.

There are plenty of winding trails through the nearby heathland and forest for dogs and their owners to explore, with National Trust Dunwich Heath being a favourite spot. Whilst the heath asks for dogs to be kept on leads, the neighbouring forest is ideal for long walk off lead.

The landscape shifts between open fields, ancient woodland, and coastal views, providing a range of scents, sights, and textures for curious dogs to enjoy. If you're in need of sustenance, there's a National Trust cafe at Dunwich Heath, whilst The Ship is a popular pub where both humans and canines are welcome in the cosy restaurant, on the terrace and in the garden.

Thorpeness, a unique and charming village along The Suffolk coast, is a wonderful destination for a dog-friendly beach outing with a touch of quirky charm. The beach here, with it’s mix of shingle and sand, is dog-friendly and stretches towards Aldeburgh, providing ample space for long walks and stunning views of the North Sea. Thorpeness beach is genuinely quiet, even in it’s busier months, making it another peaceful spot for dogs to explore off-lead.

One of the highlights of Thorpeness is the village itself, known for its story book atmosphere. Make sure you don’t miss landmarks like the famous 'House in the Clouds' and the Thorpeness Meare, an enchanting boating lake inspired by Peter Pan. Whilst dogs aren’t allowed directly on the lake, there are plenty of walking trails around it, as well as paths through the village and along the coast. After your beach adventure, you can head to The Dolphin Inn, a cosy, dog-friendly pub in the village. 

October to April, seasonal restrictions are lifted and dogs are permitted, any restrictions during the summer months are signposted. Thorpeness offers a blend of seaside beauty and village charm, providing a variety of scenic routes to enjoy with your pup. 

Aldeburgh, known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant art scene is another picturesque coastal town on the Suffolk coast. This charming destination is perfect for dog owners, especially during the off-season when dogs are welcome to roam freely.

In addition to the award winning beach, the town itself features a lovely promenade ideal for leisurely strolls, and the surrounding coastal paths provide even more opportunities for exploration. The beach is lined with cafes and seafood shacks, including the famous Aldeburgh Fish and Chip Shop. Many of these establishments are dog-friendly, allowing your pup to relax by your side as you enjoy the local delicacies. 

October to April, dogs are welcomed on Aldeburgh beach. It’s a fantastic destination giving you and your furry friend plenty of opportunities for a memorable outing. 

Bawdsey, a charming coast village, known for its serene atmosphere and scenic beach, makes an excellent destination for dog owners. Primarily a shingle beach. offers a beautiful setting for long walks. Dogs are welcome year-round allowing for off-lead exploration along the shoreline, where they can enjoy the fresh sea air and the waves.

The remote beach is relatively quiet compared to some of the more popular coast towns. The surrounded landscape is characterised by coastal paths and gorgeous views of the Deben estuary. There are nearby grassy areas and dunes where dogs can run. Bawdsey is also home to the historic Bawdsey Manor, and while the manor itself isn’t accessible to dogs, the surrounded area provides plenty of open space for walks. After enjoying the beach, you can relax at one of the nearby dog-friendly pubs and cafes in the village, grab a bite to eat while your pup enjoys the company. 

All year round, dog friendly. Whether your dog loves a good splash in the waves or a sniff along the shore, Bawdsey is a scenic, welcoming spot for a beach outing year-round.

Shingle Street is a unique and secluded beach located near the village of Bawdsey. Known for its striking landscape of smooth round pebbles and shingle, this quiet beach is a hidden gem for dog owners seeking a peaceful spot to explore with their little companions.

The beach is surrounded by natural beauty, expansive views of the North Sea and nearby you’ll find Denge Marsh, home to a variety of wildlife. This relatively remote location means you can enjoy an atmosphere away from the crowds, allowing your dog to run and play until their heart’s content along the shoreline all year round. While there aren’t many amenities directly at Shingle Street, you can easily find dog-friendly pub sand cafes in nearby Bawdsey or Aldeburgh to relax after your beach outing. 

All year round, dog friendly. Shingle Street is a wonderful destination for a day out along The Suffolk coast, perfect for those looking to enjoy the rugged charm of this unique beach. 

Felixstowe, a popular, award winning seaside town on The Suffolk Coast, offering a range of dog-friendly options for beach lovers with their furry companions. The town’s beaches, particularly the southern end, welcome dogs throughout the year. Felixstowe provides a diverse landscape to explore, one of the highlights is the promenade that runs alongside the beach.

Lined with cafes and shops, many of which, yes you guessed it, dog-friendly! In addition, the nearby Felixstowe Seafront Gardens offers lovely green spaces for dogs to enjoy, complete with lovely flower beds and walking paths. For those looking for more adventurous walks, the nearby Landguard Peninsula is a must visit. This area features coastal paths with stunning views of the estuary and the shipping lanes of the North Sea. You can explore the nature reserve and take in the sights of local wildlife, including various bird species. 

October to April, dogs are welcomed. With it’s combination of scenic beaches, welcoming amenities, and beautiful coastal paths, Felixstowe is a great choice for a day out with your dog. What’s better than ending a day at the beach with warm refreshments, while your pup relaxes at your feet.