Discover a variety of strolls, both long and short, to keep your four-legged friend’s tail wagging with excitement as you explore the scenic landscapes of Suffolk and Essex.
From sprawling fields and tranquil woodlands to picturesque coastal paths and charming village lanes, ensuring every walk is an adventure filled with new scents and sights for your beloved pet.
West Stow (pictured top)
With its interesting corridors of trees and sandy Breckland soil this is a fine dog walking spot not far from Bury St Edmunds. There’s free parking, off lead areas and pathed routes.
Further up the road towards Brandon, Kings Forest offers even more space to explore.
Ickworth Park
Classical Italy meets idyllic English parkland at the National Trust’s Ickworth Estate on the outskirts of Bury St Edmunds. You will find an eccentric mix of Georgian splendour, fine Italianate gardens and acres of parkland and woods. Be aware that dogs must be kept on leads at all times for the wellbeing of visitors and livestock. (Dog bins are located near the car park, deer park gate and the walled garden.)
Dedham and Flatford
We have to include a stroll in Constable Country, that beautiful part of the Suffolk/Essex border that inspired the great artist. You can walk between these two villages (it takes around 40 minutes) by following a path that runs alongside the River Stour. Just be aware dogs must be kept on leads.
Long Melford
Look out for a two and a half mile route in this sprawling village that takes you past the majestic Holy Trinity church and continues into the Stour Valley over a few sleepers and stiles. The walk takes you near to Kentwell Hall and Melford Hall, and the Black Lion Hotel at one corner of the green is well worth visiting after your exercise.
Did you know there is such a thing as the National Dog Friendly Awards? Last year Bury was voted the UK’s most dog friendly town so it should be a haven for pet owners who want to find canine compatible places to stay as well as cafes and pubs who are happy to have four legged friends sit with their masters. It’s a lovely place to explore and the local parks are ideal for giving your dog some freedom to roam. They are mainly allowed off lead at Hardwick Heath but under control, and there are similar requirements at Nowton Park.
Sizewell
An odd choice? Not really, the surroundings might not be as attractive as nearby Thorpeness or Dunwich, but park up near the nuclear power station and you can swiftly cut through to lovely dunes and a shingle beach. Lots of room for your dog to run free and take in the bracing sea air.
Newmarket
It’s the home of racing so don’t expect to take your dog for a walk on the famed Gallops (the town’s heath) until after the town’s equine residents have had their morning exercise. But after 1pm the public can enjoy walks in this open space and enjoy panoramic views of the town. You can also walk along the Devil’s Dyke, though dogs must be on their leads around sheep. A stroll up and down Warren and Side Hill is also recommended.
Finchingfield
Look out for a circular route between the villages of Finchingfield and Great Bardfield in North Essex with a mixture of sights and terrains. Can be busy with hikers and runners joining walkers. Dogs are welcome and may be allowed off lead in some areas. Details at alltrails.com
Sudbury Water Meadows
You have to be aware of grazing cattle on Sudbury’s ancient water meadows though there are places where dogs can go off lead but under control. In spring and summer this verdant area that circles around the town and the River Stour is a delight. The Mill Hotel is a good place to stop off for a snack or something more substantial.
Clare Castle Country Park
Be prepared to have your dog on – and sometimes off – lead as you ramble around this pretty part of Suffolk’s smallest town. Only humans can nip in for a coffee at the Platform One Cafe (a former railway station) but there’s a water bowl for dogs outside. The route of the old rail line makes for a flat and easy walk.
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