Planning a trip to Suffolk? Whether you're seeking some downtime in nature or a fun-filled holiday by the sea – or perhaps a little bit of both – there's nowhere better for it. It's also a doggy haven, with so much for them to explore. Luckily for you, our travel experts at Plum Guide have all the inside knowledge of this idyllic county. We've selected the best dog-friendly cottages in Suffolk, so that you don't have to leave four-legged members of the family behind.
The Miller’s Cottage
The Miller's Cottage, Plum Guide home in Suffolk
This restored Regency cottage is bursting at the seams with charm. The hosts have gone above and beyond to recreate that period feel, adding antique furnishings, floral drapes and wainscotting on the walls. Right outside your door is a nature reserve the hosts have also restored – it’s just the place for dog walks and cycles on the provided bikes. Meanwhile, the seaside town of Aldeburgh is a ten-minute drive away. Back at home, warm up with a soak in the roll-top bath before tucking into a hearty dinner in the dining room. During the warmer months, you can even sit outside at the table. Bag one of the plush armchairs and gather around the range fireplace for a glass of wine and some board games before bed. There is a TV, but we think this is just the place to disconnect.
The Wisteria Cottage
The Wisteria Cottage, Plum Guide home in Suffolk
Adorned with wisteria, this two-bedroom home sits in the riverside town of Woodbridge. Step inside and you’ll be pleased to find that it’s just as charming as it is on the outside. The fresh white walls and grey colour palette create a calming feel, while period features blend together with contemporary touches. Round the back is a paved garden surrounded by lush greenery, your very own oasis where you can read and catch up with friends and family. There are plenty of bike trails in the area, and the home even has a shed to store your bikes. Alternatively, enjoy a day on the water. The Tidemill Yacht Harbour is a ten-minute walk where you can take a leisurely sail down the river. In the evening, tuck into a hearty dinner at the table before warming up by the fireplace – try not to fall asleep on the comfy sofas.
Whispers of the Heart
Whispers of the Heart, Plum Guide home in Suffolk
Sleeping up to ten people, this is one of our best dog-friendly cottages in Suffolk for big gatherings. Although much larger than traditional cottages, this home still has that snug and cosy feel inside. Keen chefs will want to make use of the spacious kitchen, but they won’t feel left out of the conversation as there’s a breakfast bar for socialising. There’s also a games room with ping-pong, but if the sun is out, we’d recommend heading around the back of the house for games on the lawn. Alternatively, take a dog walk or cycle around the local area – Walberswick village is great for shopping, while the seaside town of Southwold is a forty-minute stroll. After a day out, head back home for an evening of charades in the large living area, or settle down for a movie night in the smaller lounge.
Jacobean Gem
Jacobean Gem, Plum Guide home in Suffolk
Take one look at this home and you won’t be surprised that it’s been featured in The Sunday Times ‘Coolest 100 Cottages’ list. It’s packed with period charm, from the original fireplaces to the beams and the stone floors. We love that the hosts have kept the interiors old-school, with vintage furniture, tapestries and period paintings. If you can tear yourself away, you’ll find a nature reserve right behind the cottage – your dogs will love the footpaths meandering through meadows and woodland. When you get back, put the kettle on and get comfy on the plush sofas. Whoever’s lucky enough to bag the main bedroom will get to sleep in a sumptuous four-poster canopied bed fit for Jacobean nobility. There’s also a medieval-style box bed, the perfect cosy space for little ones.
The Free Ranger
The Free Ranger, Plum Guide home in Suffolk
Whether it’s a solo escape or a romantic retreat, this thatched cottage is the ideal base for your Suffolk getaway. Bradfield Woods National Nature Reserve is a ten-minute drive away and has some spectacular walks through ancient forest. Meanwhile, Aldeburgh and its beach is an hour’s drive. Even if you feel like staying at home, there’s a large garden for your furry friends to run around in, as well as boules, croquet and badminton to keep you busy. You’ll love spending time indoors, too, with the cottage’s lofty ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows flooding the space with natural light. Rustle up meals in the open-plan kitchen and enjoy them outside in the sunshine. On chilly evenings, grab a blanket and sit around the fire pit for some quality time with your other half – or with your canine companion if it’s just the two of you.
Gooseberry Cottage
Gooseberry Cottage, Plum Guide home in Suffolk
Just a fifteen-minute drive from Aldeburgh, this is the perfect home for a family holiday by the sea. You’re also just a twelve-minute drive from RSPB Minsmere, its wildlife-rich coastal lagoons and grassland providing fun for the whole family. When you’re all tired out, the cottage is a welcoming space to come home to. Savour the last rays of sun out on the terrace while your four-legged friend takes a nap in the garden. Freshen up with a soak in the tub before gathering everyone around for dinner by the fire – on warm evenings, you can even have an alfresco meal under the vine-covered pergola. When it comes to bedtime, the three bedrooms are each a decent size, although we particularly like the ground floor double that opens up onto the garden.
Baked to Perfection
Baked to Perfection, Plum Guide home in Suffolk
This is one of our most characterful dog-friendly cottages in Suffolk. Once a bakery for the on-site farm, it’s been transformed into a cosy little home for two. The original oven is still intact, and has been repurposed as an open coal fire that keeps the cottage toasty during the cooler months. During the summer, open the French doors and let the breeze in while you relax on the sofa. Many of the original features remain, from the brick floors to the beamed walls and the vaulted ceiling. There are six other cottages on-site, but the ample outdoor space means it never feels too crowded. There are picnic benches dotted around, while dogs will love running around the acres of grassland. You can also enjoy various walks and cycle routes in the nearby area.
Chaffinch Cottage
Chaffinch Cottage, Plum Guide home in Suffolk
Dating back to the 16th-century, this fairytale cottage is a fantastic choice for a small family or four friends. It may appear rather unassuming from the outside, but step inside and you’ll find bright and homely interiors. The open-plan living and dining area is the heart of the home, with squishy sofas, plenty of soft furnishings and an inglenook fireplace to keep you warm. There’s even a piano for some dinnertime entertainment. The back garden has a large dining table for when the weather’s good – your dog will love this space, too, especially as the home comes with a special doggy treat. Adventures are just around the corner, with the centre of Wickham Market just a quick stroll away. Further afield, Sutton Hoo is a twelve-minute drive, while Aldeburgh is reachable in twenty.
Blackbirds Singing At Dusk
Blackbirds Singing At Dusk, Plum Guide home in Suffolk
This cottage was made just for romantic breaks. Tucked away next to a private nature reserve, it’s a lovely place for some peace and quiet. There are winding footpaths leading you through meadows and forests, so your pooch will be in absolute heaven here. On rest days, enjoy lazy lunches out in the courtyard, while the back garden is an idyllic spot for reading or painting. Inside, the cottagecore interiors feel like a warm hug with their floral curtains, patterned rugs and armchairs arranged around the wood burner. There are also original features to look out for, including the 17th-century white brick flooring and oak floorboards. Upstairs, the canopied bed is a luxurious place to rest your head, but not before you’ve had a soak in the roll-top bath.
The Old Apple Tree
The Old Apple Tree, Plum Guide home in Suffolk
Nestled on a quiet street in the village of Kersey, this is one of our favourite dog-friendly cottages in Suffolk for exploring the countryside. It’s a seven-minute drive to RSPB Wolves Wood and twenty minutes to Dedham Vale AONB, and you’ll also find plenty of walks right from your door. Before you leave, have a home-cooked breakfast in the country kitchen. Once you’re fueled and ready to go, lace up your walking shoes or grab one of the bikes from the shed and set off down the country lanes. You can also drive sixteen minutes to Lavenham, known as England’s best-preserved medieval village. Wherever the day takes you, you’ll look forward to coming home to a roaring log burner and gorgeous beamed bedrooms.
