Dogs Welcome Suffolk Cottages

Suffolk is mainly rural, dotted with farms and villages - lots of long and short walks

Suffolk is idyllic for pet-friendly holidays, so many walks through beautiful countryside and farmland. Sign-posted paths lead across the edges of fields and through woodland. Stop and take in the view. Occasionally, a liberal farmer allows a colourful spectacle of bright red poppies and vivid blue cornflowers a patch of ground by a field.

There are masses of wild flowers at the various nature reserves, such as Minsmere, along the coast, especially during spring. Dogs invariably have to be kept on lead because of the wildlife.

The beauty of the Suffolk countryside is renowned. John Constable made his part of southern Suffolk, named after him as Constable Country especially famous and people come on their thousands to enjoy the same views. However, there are thousands of acres of picturesque scenes, both in the heart of Suffolk and on the coast, all very good places for walking dogs.

It is possible to buy books of suggested Suffolk walks, written by people who have walked and liked them. These often suggest a pub for lunch or an especially good tea shop. Some people may prefer to book a pretty Suffolk cottage and just explore the walks within that area. Suffolk is not huge, although with a car, everywhere becomes accessible and people may wish to prioritise the most beautiful places to visit.

It is not only the landscape of Suffolk that is outstanding, the hundreds of well-preserved ancient villages keep visitors enthralled. Any holidaymakers planning to stay in Suffolk will find it an endearing location, full of charm, pleasant polite inhabitants and oozing with history.

The Church below is in Groton, a tiny Suffolk hamlet and is on the American Heritage trail. It displays images about the Winthrop family and in particular John Winthrop who worshipped at the church and sailed to America as one of the founding fathers. Suffolk is full of small historical gems, it doesn't matter that much where you take a dog-friendly Suffolk holiday because there will be much to discover and amaze.

Step into Suffolk's old market towns such as Bury St Edmunds and admire the handsome medieval buildings. Often, there are inscriptions on the buildings that tell of their former life as alms houses or homes of prominent Suffolk residents. The following photograph shows Boxford Alms Houses that have been converted into private homes.

Local Suffolk events can add some fun into your pet-friendly self-catering holiday?

People are used to dogs in Suffolk. Being mainly rural, there is plenty of room for people and their dogs, so you'll be welcome if you stay.

Various events are held such as summer fayres that give an insight into rural activities and provide a certain amount of entertainment for local people and visitors. Summer fêtes, such as this one in Felsham, offer good wholesome family fun.

What other activities can I do to enjoy my pet-friendly cottage holiday in Suffolk?

A holiday in Suffolk is never dull, there is so much to see and do. Out and about with dogs, all kinds of unexpected encounters are possible. It may be spotting deer or as in this case, the Suffolk Air Ambulance landing on Aldeburgh Beach. It's being out and walking that allows the unexpected and chance encounters. Do bring your dogs on holiday to Suffolk, it'll be wonderful.

A list of fabulous pet-friendly holiday cottages in Suffolk