Dog-Friendly Holidays Suffolk

Just 500 yards from the glorious sand duned beach at Kessingland, a traditional seaside village on the Suffolk Heritage Coast, is this superb, very spacious, detached holiday home. The house has the added addition of a private hot tub, large garden, its own cinema room with a 2½ metre screen and a games room, and is the ideal base for a family holiday or for friends to get together to relax and unwind. Only 4 miles away is the popular resort of Lowestoft, which offers traditional seaside entertainment, and children will love Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park, which is just a short drive away. Just down the road is Africa Alive, or visit the lovely seaside resort of Southwold, famous for Adnams Brewery, the pier and summer theatre. Dunwich Heath and Beach, RSPB Minsmere, Aldeburgh with its fishing boats and local seafood, and Snape Maltings Concert Hall are also easily accessible. Hire a boat on the glorious Norfolk Broads and watch the weekly speed boat racing on nearby Oulton Broad. The medieval city of Norwich, with its fine shopping, castle, cathedral and museums, is an easy drive. Beach 500 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 100 yards.

Set in one of Suffolk’s prettiest villages, this delightful, cosy and comfortably renovated barn and its pretty patio are the perfect place to relax and unwind. Nestling in the grounds of the owners’ home, it lies close to 60 acres of set aside land and Thornham Walks for dog walking, horse riding, easy rambles and watching the local wildlife, whilst the surrounding quiet country lanes offer lovely cycling. Just 3 miles away is the historic little town of Eye, and arts and music venues, a steam museum and plant centre are under 7 miles. The cathedral, castle, museums, theatre, cinema and excellent shopping in medieval Norwich city; Southwold; Walberswick; RSPB Minsmere and fish and chips at the beachside cafe by Dunwich Heath (National Trust) are all within an easy drive. Locally brewed cider and chocolates on arrival. Shop and pub serving food 200 yards.

Tollgate Cottage is a beautiful, detached single level property enviably located on the edge of the Blythburgh Estuary. It is tucked away alongside the A12 which runs the length of the Suffolk Heritage Coast making it the ideal spot for those wishing to explore this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In the village you will find a popular pub and walks including those by the famous church. The legend of the Black Shuck, a ghostly black dog, dates back to 1577 and has been immortalised in songs and folk legend. The church itself is an incredible structure, overlooking the Blyth Valley.

Public transport is superb here and you can get into the ever popular Southwold to enjoy all the quintessential town has to offer with ease. From its independent shops, brightly coloured beach huts and traditional pier, it’s easy to see why this coastal town is a holiday hot spot all year round. Walberswick is also an excellent must see during your visit. Crabbing here is the sport of choice and it will keep kids entertained all day. All you need is a line, a bucket and bacon (we hear smoked bacon is the preferred kind!).

This is also a dog friendly area with endless woodland and beach walks. A trip to Dunwich and the woods are highly recommended. With a much needed pub at the end of the route this is a destination ideal for both summer and winter getaways. RSPB Minsmere is also close by with incredible sighting of rare species reported by birdwatchers. Beach 3 miles. Shop 2 miles, pub and restaurant 50 yards.

Connect with nature and relax at Topplesfield Hall. Silver Birch Lodge was designed and built by the owners in 2022. With its own hot tub, gas BBQ, firepit and outdoor seating, this purpose-built lodge is a perfect base for you to enjoy the beautiful villages of North Essex, Suffolk and beyond.
Toppesfield Hall is a holiday retreat location set within 6 acres. There are 5 different holiday homes spread around the estate. The owners also live on site at the main hall next to the cottage. The accommodation is entirely open plan and made up of a well laid out sleeping area, spacious living and dining area and a modern kitchen featuring everything you’ll need for a short break or holiday. The outdoor space is a real sun trap, and it is a great spot for enjoying your morning coffee whilst planning your day ahead. After a busy day exploring, sit back and relax, light the fire pit when it starts to get a little colder at night, or submerge yourself in the hot tub. The choice is yours.
Feeling energetic? You are welcome to take full advantage of the on-site tennis court (shared with other properties), hire bikes (please pre book to avoid disappointment) or run around in the dedicated playing field. This area is also great for exercising your beloved dogs.
Silver Birch is situated within a peaceful rural location in the North Essex village of Toppesfield. The village has a great local pub which can be reached on foot from your accommodation, and a small village shop and brewery. The English Spirit Distillery (just 5 minutes away) or Tuffon Hall (also 5 minutes away), both offer wine tours and are excellent to pick up some local English wine. You can even sample Toppesfield’s very own award-winning wine during your stay too. Great Yeldham, Sible Hedingham and Castle Hedingham are all less than 10 minutes away by car.
Twelve minutes in the opposite direction and you will find Finchingfield, its famous village green and duck pond together with three pubs and eateries. Further afield to the north but still less than an hour’s journey, you’ll find the wonderful city of Cambridge. Located on the River Cam and home to the world recognised university. You may enjoy punting along the river. For all you shopaholics, you’ll be pleased to know that Braintree Designer Village is less than 30 minutes away. Fancy a day beside the sea? The Essex coast at Clacton on Sea or Mersea Island can both be reached in approximately 1 hour.
Other local popular attractions include Colne Valley Railway, Hedingham Castle, Boydells Dairy Farm, Gosfield Lake and Watersport Centre, Clare Castle Country Park. Get out and about, explore the wooded walks and parks or simply relax and enjoy some quality relaxation. The Imperial War Museum at Duxford is roughly 40 minutes away and London reachable by car and train if you fancy venturing further afield. With lots of day-out opportunities from your doorstep, make Silver Birch Lodge at Toppesfield the base for your next adventure, long weekend, or holiday. For larger families or groups, why not book both Woodland Lodges.
This property can be booked with English Oak (ref UK40478) to accommodate up to 8 guests.

These two conversions of old farm buildings are set on a 70-acre arable farm in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, 6 miles from the Suffolk Heritage Coastline. They combine comfort with a superbly secluded location. Festive decorations and tree are supplied for Christmas bookings, and installed blackout blinds keep out the brightness when you need to relax and have a lie in! Beside the properties is a footpath leading to farmland, and close by are sandy beaches, RSPB Minsmere and Dunwich Heath (National Trust), whilst Aldeburgh is a little further. Castles, a wildlife park and Sutton Hoo are easily accessible. Farm shop 2 miles and market town of Halesworth 3 miles, shop and village pub within 1 mile.

The Nest is a beautiful, self-contained one-bedroom cottage situated next to the main farmhouse. It can sleep up to three adults or two adults with two children. It’s the perfect location for those wishing to explore the local area and is ideal for those interested in walking and wildlife. The living room is a former conservatory with a cosy roof and has underfloor heating to ensure comfort all year round. The living room has a double sofa bed, TV and dining table. You’ll also find a selection of games and toys to keep you entertained, and books and maps to help you whilst exploring the area. The small but perfectly formed kitchen has everything you need, with a full oven, gas hob, microwave and fridge. You’ll find some of the basics such as cooking oil, salt, pepper etc already in the cupboards. The bedroom features a super kingsize bed, reading lights, built-in wardrobes with a full-length mirror and French doors opening up onto the private garden. It’s a bright and airy room, but once you’ve drawn the curtains and dimmed the lights it’s the ideal place to cosy up with a good book. Just off the bedroom is a large shower room, with a walk-in shower, twin vanity units and toilet. The garden has a seating area, with gas BBQ and a chimnea with views out across the farm fields allowing you to listen to the birdsong.
We’ve made sure you don’t need to pack too heavily, with games, toys for the kids, DVDs, books, picnic blanket, flask, Tupperware, children’s cups, plates and cutlery all provided. We can even lend camping chairs, beach shelters and buckets and spades if needed. Don’t worry we haven’t forgotten your four-legged friend, there’s bowls, blankets, poo bags and a little treat ready for their arrival too.
Located in the heart of Suffolk Coast’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Nest is the perfect retreat for those wishing to explore the area. Situated discreetly off a private farm track, well away from the busy roads and directly on the Sandlings Walk, it’s ideal for walkers, cyclists and birdwatchers. The Nest is just 1½ miles from Aldeburgh town, which has an array of pubs, cafés, shops and plenty of other facilities. The nearest pubs are in Knodishall and Aldringham, only a 5-minute drive away or can be reached via country footpaths.
Popular places such as Thorpeness, Southwold, Minsmere Nature Reserve, Orford, Woodbridge and Framlingham are all within a 35-minute drive. One (two smaller dogs considered), well-behaved dog is permitted during your stay. Dogs must be kept under control at all times and be cleaned up after. Please note there are other resident dogs and horses on site. The garden is enclosed but is not fully escape proof! Beach 2 miles. Pub and restaurant 1¾ miles.

May Cottage is a tastefully renovated cottage on one level in a rural location with contemporary furnishings throughout and a sunny rear garden. Rendham’s traditional village pub, serving local beers and good food, is just steps from the self-catering cottage and the historic village church is across the road. This semi-detached cottage with patio garden is well laid out with the dining room at the heart and the kitchen leading off of it to one side and the living room to the other with a hatch between the two. There are two bedrooms, one with a super king zip and link bed with a separate shower room and the other bedroom with a kingsized bed and an en-suite bathroom.
Ideal for couples and small families wanting to explore the Suffolk Coastal “Area of Natural Beauty”, Rendham is within easy reach of the picturesque seaside towns of Aldeburgh and Orford, and the market town of Framlingham. There are two local pubs; one within a stone’s throw of the cottage, the other a 9 minute walk up the road. Shops: Saxmundham 2½ miles, Framlingham 5 miles. Beach 10 miles.

This beautiful timber frame barn conversion is all on one level making a perfect holiday retreat for couples and small families. Perfect location to explore all the area has to offer including the wonderful coastline. St Osyth has its own wonderful sandy beach. The busting traditional seaside town of Clacton-on-Sea backed with an array of entertainment facilities including a pleasure pier, promenade, arcades, theatre, golf course, water sports and fabulous sandy beach. The main shopping area contains many of the more familiar national chains, independent boutiques as well as many eateries. A shoppers’ delight is Clacton Shopping Village with famous name brands at discounted prices.
Furnished to provide a warm welcome all year round. Boasting open plan accommodation offering contemporary design. The main double bedroom has a separated area with bunk beds, suited to children. The bathroom has roll top bath and walk in shower. To the rear is a private enclosed lawn garden.
This area is well regarded as Essex’s best kept secret having the interesting and popular small towns of Brightlingsea, Wivenhoe, Mersea, Frinton and Walton-on-the-Naze, all within ½ hours drive. The town of Colchester is close by, famous for its cobbled streets, castle and zoo, with a wide variety of shops, pubs and restaurants. Further afield are Ipswich, Chelmsford and Felixstowe. Many picturesque villages and Constable country are close by, with Dedham, Manningtree, Nayland, Lavenham and Long Melford to name but a few. Other local pastimes include golf and horse riding. Beach 5 miles.