We understand that it’s not always easy to plan family trips when one of the nearest and dearest is a furry friend. It may be particularly difficult planning trips to unfamiliar towns without knowing all the best places to take your pooch where he/she will feel welcome and settled. Thankfully, Ipswich is a town filled with dog-friendly establishments plus parks and sites for your dog to explore and keep active. So, with dog-owners in mind, Ipswich Town & Waterfront have comprised some of the best places to eat, play and sleep to ensure your whole family have the best visit possible in Ipswich.
This itinerary will follow a key to represent what activities you can do at these places.
All About Dogs Show |
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| Address: | Trinity Park, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, IP3 8UH | Telephone: | 01702 549623 | ||
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| A whole weekend dedicated specifically to your furry, four-legged friends. The All About Dogs Show is designed with both dogs and dog owners in mind. There are plenty of stalls and activities for the owners and challenges and activities for the doggies too. A wonderful day out for your pooch to meet and play with other canines and enter some of the puppy pageants, if that’s what you wish. The next All About Dogs Show is on Friday 18th April (Good Friday) and Saturday 19th April 2014. Doors open from 10am-5pm. | |||||
| Additional Information | Free parking on site. Dogs must remain on a lead, must have full and up-to-date inoculations and you must clear up after your dog. |
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Chantry Park |
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| Address: | London Road, Ipswich, IP2 0BE | Telephone: | N/A | ||
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| When it’s not packed with music fans crowding to see their favourite artists performing on stage, Chantry Park is an ideal place for taking your dog. The largest park in Ipswich, there is plenty of room to let your puppy stretch his legs. The park is also home to two large duck ponds, a children’s play area and a cricket ground if you’re looking for a park that will provide entertainment for the entire family. | |||||
| Additional Information | Architecture alert! At the north side of the park lies a 17th Century country house which has now been converted into the Sue Ryder care home. | ||||
Christchurch Park |
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| Address: | Soane Street, Ipswich, IP4 2BE | Telephone: | N/A | ||
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| Right at the heart of Ipswich Town, Christchurch Park is an ideal location for dog-owners. One of the most popular parks in Ipswich, Christchurch park covers over 70 acres of land, offering secluded pathways, ancient monuments, duck ponds and botanical gardens. Your dog will love the open space and there are plenty of things for the owners to enjoy too, including Fonnereau's Tea-Rooms in which you can purchase refreshments and enjoy them in the newly refurbished garden seating area. | |||||
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Felixstowe beach |
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| Address: | Sea Rd, Felixstowe, IP11 2DN | Telephone: | N/A | ||
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| If the sands in Ipswich aren’t enough for your energetic pup, then why not take a trip to Felixstowe beach. Technically it’s not a ‘thing to do in Ipswich’ but this is such a popular favourite for the people of Ipswich, how could we not share it with you? It is a 20 minute drive from Ipswich but it worth it for the humungous stretch of beach that you and your dog will be able to enjoy. Felixstowe beach is separated into two parts, Felixstowe and Old Felixstowe. In Felixstowe you will find ice-cream, hot dog stands and fish & chip shops as well as numerous arcades and markets to entertain the family. Unfortunately dogs are not permitted on the main beach area from May-September but there are other beaches either side of the restricted area that your dog can lounge on, including Old Felixstowe which is just slightly further down the road and much quieter. | |||||
| Additional Information | Dog restrictions apply May-September. Free bay-parking along Sea Road. |
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Holywells Park |
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| Address: | Cliff Lane, Ipswich, IP3 0PG | Telephone: | N/A | ||
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| Holywells park makes for a great day out for the entire family, particularly the children and furry friends. Holywells Park has a large children’s area which has its own water features for children to run through in the summertime. It also has plenty of ponds to feed the ducks and go fishing for tadpoles whilst following some of the secret wooded trails. The dogs will be happy to scamper around the 67 acres of land which are well equipped with doggy bins and have plenty room to let your well-behaved dog off the lead. | |||||
| Additional Information | Be alert when around the duck ponds as these are not fenced off. It may be wise to keep your pup on a lead until you cross this first section of the park. | ||||
Milsoms, Kesgrave Hall |
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| Address: | Hall Road, Kesgrave, IP5 2PU | Telephone: | 01473 333741 | ||
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| A boutique hotel that combines 23 bedrooms and a bar/brasserie for drinks and dining. Milsoms, Kesgrave Hall boasts of luxury, comfort and complimentary mini-bars as well as an open-plan kitchen allowing diners to see exactly what goes on behind the scenes in the kitchen. There is also the option of outdoor dining 24 hours a day on the terrace which looks out over the grounds. | |||||
| Additional Information | Well-behaved dogs are welcome to stay at Milsoms, Kesgrave Hall. Dogs are allowed out on the terrace but not in the bar area. |
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| Address: | Bridge Wood, Orwell Country Park, Nacton Road Ipswich, IP3 0LG | Telephone: | N/A | ||
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| Orwell Country Park is a treasured wild-life preserve which offers a beautiful scenic route for dogs and owners alike. Stretching over 80 hectares, the Orwell Country Park is full of wild flowers and trails to follow – time it right and you might catch the bluebells in season. It is also maintained to the highest of standards and is cared for by the Ipswich Borough Council. It is also a close walk to the River Orwell with a trail that leads down to Nacton shores, just in case your pooch wants to go for a paddle! | |||||
| Additional Information | Lots of doggy-do-do bins around as the council are highly dedicated to preserving the grounds. Free car parking and toilets available on-site. |
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The Greyhound
Address: 9 Henley Road, Ipswich, IP1 3SE Telephone: 01473 252862
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The Greyhound is praised for being a dog-friendly pub/restaurant. In addition to its warming environment, The Greyhound has been voted Adnams pub of the year. Serving traditional pub food all year round, the Greyhound has received 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor and is voted number 12 of all pub restaurants in Ipswich, as voted by visitors.
Additional Information Free parking in rear
The Lord Nelson |
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| Address: | 81 Fore St, Ipswich, IP4 1JZ | Telephone: | 01473 407510 | ||
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| The Lord Nelson is described as a traditional country pub, with all the features you would expect from a 17th century building including low beams on the ceiling and a full wooden interior. Situated adjacent to the waterfront in Ipswich The Lord Nelson is an ideal inn to eat and drink at before an evening out on the waterfront. During the day The Lord Nelson provides guests with a pub garden in which to try their full range of real ales, fine wines and spirits, plus their comprehensive lunch time and evening menus. | |||||
| Additional Information | The Lord Neslon is formerly known as Noah’s Ark and has free wifi for guests. | ||||
The Salthouse Harbour hotel |
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| Address: | 1 Neptune Quay, Ipswich, IP4 1AX | Telephone: | 01473 226789 | ||
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| The Salthouse Harbour Hotel is an eccentric 4-star hotel overlooking the Ipswich Marina. With dazzling views of the harbour, The Salthouse Harbour Hotel is a favourite among the people of Ipswich. The modern interiors and rooms are rich in design and adorned with vintage furniture, sculptures and eclectic art. The cuisine includes breakfast, dinner and the latest trend, afternoon tea! | |||||
| Additional Information | Dogs are welcome in the hotel rooms for a small surcharge of £5 per night. Dogs allowed in the lounge area but not in the restaurant. |
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The Sorrel Horse |
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| Address: | Norwich Road, Barham, Ipswich, IP6 0PG | Telephone: | 01473 830327 | ||
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| Slightly further afield, The Sorrel Horse is a family run pub just 10 minutes outside of Ipswich. The traditional grade two listed building is situated in the quaint village of Barham and provides the ideal surroundings for a quiet drink and some pub grub. The extensive garden with large children’s play area is ideal for hungry customers in the warmer months. The Sorrel Horse also offers furnished accommodation adjacent to the inn. | |||||
| Additional Information | Dog friendly pub and accommodation. Double En-suite Room (Including Breakfast) With A Dog (2 adults) - From: £60.00 to £65.00 |
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