Southwold is a lovely place to spend quality time with your four-legged companions.
With the glorious sandy beach, a wealth of footpaths and bridleways to explore plus many dog-friendly pubs and cafes, there’s no reason to leave your beloved furry friends behind when you come on holiday to Southwold.
We’ve listed our favourite dog-friendly places to visit and walks for you to try when you’re visiting Southwold and the surrounding area with your furry friends.
Reydon Smear, Reydon
Approximately 1.4 miles from the centre of Southwold, this easy walk begins just past the recreational ground and finishes on the other side of the village. It’s the perfect walk to try during late summer when juicy blackberries can be found along the hedgerows. It’s a quiet route which is mainly flat but be aware cars can drive along this route so we advise dogs be kept on the lead.
Distance from the centre of Southwold: 1.4 miles
Reydon Wood
Reydon Wood is a fantastic nature reserve which is often overlooked given it’s tucked away location. It’s a small reserve but a must-see in Spring when swathes of bluebells appear. Your furry companion will love the new smells and exploring the enchanting dens. A few species to look out for include woodcock, tawny owl and sparrowhawks.
The circular trail takes approximately 30 minutes and dogs must be kept on a lead in the wood. We’d advise taking dog towels with you in case of wet weather the wood can become muddy.
Distance from the centre of Southwold: 3 miles
Denes Beach
We are fortunate in that the Denes beach is dog-friendly all year round and it’s the perfect spot to keep away from the usual hustle and bustle of Southwold’s picture postcard beach. This part of the beach is backed by the sand dunes and is ideal for those looking for a different part of Southwold to enjoy. We often spot families picnicking in this location and parking can be found adjacent to The Sail Loft (a very handy dog-friendly restaurant – see below!) plus a smaller area beneath the sand dunes.
And finally places to dine…
The Canteen, Southwold
One of Southwold’s newest cafes offering Mediterranean cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, and best of all it’s dog-friendly! We love how versatile The Canteen is – pop in for a quick coffee and cake or indulge in brunch with friends. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a beverage or two and your four-legged friend is sure to be welcomed by the staff. You can find The Canteen at The Old Hospital Hub on Field Stile Road, next door to the library.
Distance from the centre of Southwold: 0.2 miles
The Sail Loft, Southwold
This fabulous beachside restaurant is located in Ferry Road and enjoys incredible views across the marshes and beyond to Walberswick. We love that there are so many dining options from the informal bar area, restaurant and outdoor dining areas. The whole restaurant is dog-friendly and would make a great choice for a special occasion without the worry of leaving your dog in your holiday cottage alone.
Distance from the centre of Southwold: 0.3 miles
We want everyone to be included on your next holiday adventure, so choose one of our dog-friendly holiday cottages in Southwold and the surrounding area when searching for your next Southwold escape. We have a fantastic choice from family homes with large gardens or cosy cottages with a roaring fire to curl up in front of.
