Waggy tails and fur-ever memories with So Southwold

Published: Thursday 9th Jan 2020

Written by: Suffolk Secrets Team

If you are a dog lover, you will know too well that going on holiday just isn’t the same without your canine companion by your side. That’s why at So Southwold, we are proud to offer paw-friendly holiday homes in the dog-friendly destinations of Southwold, Walberswick and Reydon. What’s more, bringing your dog on holiday doesn’t mean you have compromise on quality and our beautiful dog-friendly properties offer a touch of luxury for the whole family.

Here we share a few dog-friendly tips to help you plan the paw-fect holiday in the Southwold area.

Southwold

Walkies: Southwold is a very special place for you and your four-legged friend to take a holiday. Memories of dog walks along the shore line are just waiting to be made and there is plenty to explore while you are here. Be prepared, there are areas of the beach where dogs are not allowed between 1 April and 30 September; however throughout the year, the breathtaking Denes Beach (south of Gun Hill Café) is free for you and your dog to enjoy.

Eats: Head to Southwold’s atmospheric harbour and enjoy a pint or meal at The Harbour Inn, which is dog-friendly. Or on Southwold high street, Café 51 welcomes well behaved dogs as does The Lord Nelson pub. You can also buy doggy ice cream at Beaches and Cream or Harris & James.

Sleeps: For couples looking for pure paw-friendly luxury, Mole End in Southwold offers the ultimate in high-end self-catering accommodation and welcomes one behaved dog. For bigger groups, Briar Patch sleeps 8 guests and welcomes 2 dogs and features a lovely, large enclosed garden.

Top tip: Our sister brand Suffolk Secrets has a doggy poop bag dispenser outside the office on Southwold High Street, just in case you are out and about with your dog and need to scoop the poop!

Walberswick

Walkies: Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Walberswick is a wonderful place to explore on two legs or four! From the dune-backed beach to the acres of heath and marshland, there are dog walks aplenty. There are currently no dog restrictions on Walberswick beach but please remember to keep your dog on a lead to protect wildlife. For detailed information on walks in Walberswick, it’s worth taking a look at this great guide from Suffolk Coast and Heaths.

Eats: Both of Walberswick’s pubs, The Anchor and The Bell, are dog-friendly so there is no excuse not to stop for refreshments at the beginning or end (or even in the middle!) of your dog walk!

Sleeps: If you are holidaying in Walberswick as a family of four (plus your pooch), picture-perfect 2 Anchor Cottage welcomes one well behaved dog and has private parking too. For bigger families, spacious and contemporary Stocks Studio sleeps 8 guests and 2 dogs. Stylish Fern Cottage, also for 8 guests, is just a few minutes’ walk from the beach and 2 dogs are also welcome there.

Did you know? The Walberswick foot ferry (open seasonally) is dog-friendly so your pooch can also enjoy the gentle row across the harbour if you don’t fancy the longer route across the footbridge.

Reydon

Walkies: There are many pathways and bridle paths to explore around the village of Reydon and you are only around a 15-minute walk to the Southwold’s beach via a pretty footpath from Lowestoft Road (with fabulous views across Buss Creek) to the North end of the pier. For a more rural walk, head to Reydon Woods (particularly in spring to admire the bluebells) or take a stroll to the lesser-known Reydon Smear area (accessed via Rissemere Lane East at the crossroads at Covert Road, Green Lane and Cox’s Lane) a charming area made up of country lanes, farmland and pretty chocolate box cottages.

Eats: The Randolph Hotel in the heart of the village is dog-friendly and has a lovely family-friendly garden for happy summer days with a glass of something chilled.

Sleeps: For couples looking for a leafy village location not far from the beach, The Headmaster’s House gets top marks and welcomes 4 guests and 2 dogs. Two dogs are also welcome at High Croft, a light, bright cottage for 6 guests.

Reydon recommendation: The Old Hall Café and Walks opened last year and is fantastic for families, couples, friends and dog-walkers alike. Have lunch at the delicious dog-friendly glass-fronted café after following one of their picturesque trails that explore the wonderful wilderness of the Reydon marshes. Find out more here