Dog-Friendly Ipswich: Things to do in Ipswich With a Dog

If you’re thinking about house sitting in Ipswich, or you’re already an Ipswich pet sitter or pet parent, you’ll find a town full of parks, cafes, and riverside trails perfect for exploring with a four-legged friend. In this guide to dog-friendly Ipswich, we’ll introduce you to some of the local favorites that make this historic waterfront town well worth a visit with your pooch.

Dog-friendly pubs, Ipswich

Want to grab a brew and some bar snacks with your best bud? The dog-friendly pubs in Ipswich won’t disappoint…

The Woolpack

Not far from Christchurch Park, this pub serves proper pub grub while paying special attention to pooch pals. Grab a pint and a snack (Scotch egg?) or go the whole hog and order a sausage casserole – and don’t forget to get a couple of treats for your furry friend.

Location: 1 Tuddenham Rd, Ipswich IP4 2SH

The Greyhound

Home-cooked meals and fresh pints of Guinness are served in this cozy tavern, complete with a dog-friendly patio. Come here for their famous Sunday Roast!

Location: 9 Henley Rd, Ipswich IP1 3SE

The Beagle

Here, you and your four-pawed pal can grab a seat in the bar area or head out onto the lawn if the weather’s nice. Either way, Fido will appreciate perusing the dog station and getting pets from friendly staff.

Location: Hadleigh Road, Sproughton, Ipswich IP8 3AR

Mermaid

This family-and-dog-friendly pub offers a daily carvery with a choice of three roast meats, alongside a menu of pub classics and modern dishes.

Location: Yarmouth Rd, Ipswich IP1 2EN

Isaacs On The Quay

Food and drink deals, live sports screenings, and water bowls for dogs make this spacious pub a popular place for locals, pet parents, and students alike.

Location: 7 Wherry Quay, Ipswich IP4 1AS

Raven

Four-legged visitors are treated to a bowl of water and gravy bones in this local’s pub, which serves burgers, pizzas, and sharing plates.

Location: Ravenswood Ave, Ipswich IP3 9QJ

The Butt & Oyster

Stop here for a pint and some food after a walk along the river, and enjoy views of barges and swans as your pup chomps on a sausage.

Location: Pinmill Rd, Ipswich IP9 1JW

The Fat Cat

Dog-friendly despite the name, this pub is known for having a huge selection of ale and cider on tap, and delicious rolls for when you need to refuel.

Location: 288 Spring Rd, Ipswich IP4 5NL

Dog-friendly restaurants, Ipswich

If the pub’s not your vibe, why not try one of these dog-friendly restaurants?

The Fountain

Set by the River Fynn, this cozy pub welcomes pups both in the bar and large garden area. They serve big portions of traditional British dishes with seasonal specials and an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients.

Location: The St, Tuddenham, Ipswich IP6 9BT

Cosy Club

Furry friends can join their humans in the bar area of this shabby chic spot, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The menu features a mix of British and international dishes, with plenty of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.

Location: Buttermarket Shopping Centre, St Stephen's Lane, Ipswich IP1 1DT

The Boot

Housed in a 17th-century building, this pub will bring four-legged friends a bowl of water and a treat as humans settle in for a drink and brunch, deli bites, or dinner à la carte.

Location: The Boot, Freston Hill, Ipswich IP9 1AB

Hank's Dirty Ipswich

A fun selection of plant-based comfort food like burgers and fries is served in this dog-friendly spot, which has welcoming staff and live music on some nights.

Location: 66-68 St. Helen's St, Ipswich IP4 2LA

Dog-friendly cafes, Ipswich

Four-legged furries can join their pawrents or sitters at any one of these dog-friendly cafes.

The Grazing Sheep

Breakfast, brunch, and lunch are all served in this cafe by the quay, where your furry friend can enjoy a bowl of water and even a treat or two. If you’re on the hunt for a lovely afternoon tea, book here in advance.

Location: Regatta Quay, 15a Key St, Ipswich IP4 1FH

Milk Shed Café

Milk Shed is well worth the trip out of town with your pooch pal – surrounded by greenery, it’s only natural that the focus here is on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Location: Hadleigh Road Springvale Studios, Sproughton IP8 3AS

Honey + Harvey

Honey + Harvey is known for its all-day brunch menu, artisan coffee sourced from Butterworth & Son, and a selection of pastries and cakes. Furry friends are welcome!

Location: 4-6 Queen St, Ipswich IP1 1SS

Cafe Myra

Located in the center of Ipswich, Cafe Myra serves coffee, tea, and light bites. People come here for the full English breakfast (vegan options available) and dog-friendly outdoor seating.

Location: 18 St Nicholas St, Ipswich IP1 1TJ

Paddy & Scott's • Ambition House Cafe

Paddy & Scott's works closely with farmers to ensure ethical trade and fair treatment – a commitment reflected in their delicious coffee blends. They also offer pastries, light bites, and pooch-approved pup cups.

Location: Ambition House, Neptune Quay, Ipswich IP4 1QJ

Dog-friendly accommodation, Ipswich

Looking for pet-friendly hotels in Ipswich? Here are a couple of our faves.

Salthouse Harbour Hotel

Located right on the waterfront, this boutique hotel has an award-winning restaurant and rooms overlooking the marina. It warmly welcomes dogs, and your furry friend will even be treated to a new toy!

Location: Neptune Quay, Ipswich IP4 1AX

Holiday Inn Ipswich

If you’re on the hunt for more affordable pet-friendly rooms, the Holiday Inn, Ipswich, is located right on the edge of the city. It has comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and plenty of space for morning dog walks.

Location: London Rd, Ipswich IP2 0UA

Dog-friendly walks, Ipswich

From riverside strolls to scenic parks, there are plenty of opportunities for you and Fido to stretch your legs in Ipswich.

Pin Mill

Follow the River Orwell through woodland and heath and enjoy views of historic boatyards and an array of wildlife. Check the tide before heading out – alternative routes are available.

Length: 3.2km

Location: Chelmondiston, Ipswich IP9 1EF

Blue Plaque Trail

Created by The Ipswich Society, this historic stroll highlights significant local figures like Thomas Wolsey (Lord Chancellor to Henry VIII), suffragette Constance Andrews, and artist Thomas Gainsborough.

Length: Various

Location: 32 Foundation St, Ipswich IP4 1BE

Orwell Country Park

Just a 10-minute drive from central Ipswich, Orwell Country Park is a huge 470-acre green space. It's divided into three main areas – Piper’s Vale, Bridge Wood, and Braziers Wood – all with beautiful trails.

Length: Various

Location: Ipswich IP10 0LA

Bramford meadow

Peaceful trails meander through woodland before opening out onto the river, where your furry friend can dip their paws in and have a swim.

Length: 2km

Location: Ipswich IP10 0LA

Boat wrecks at Pin Mill

Other dog-friendly places, Ipswich

What else is on the agenda? Here are a few other things to keep you and your four-legged friend busy.

The historic riverfront

Ipswich’s historic waterfront at Neptune Quay has plenty of dog-friendly cafes, bars, and restaurants – ideal for a relaxed walk with your four-legged friend and a bite to eat by the water.

Location: Neptune Quay, Ipswich IP4 1QJ

Christchurch Park

Christchurch Park is a pretty 70-acre green space in central Ipswich, complete with gardens, arboretums, and a duck pond. Dogs can’t enter Christchurch Mansion, but there’s plenty of outdoor space to explore and a small cafe for a quick break.

Location: 33 Bolton Ln, Ipswich IP4 2BX

Holywells Park

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Holywells Park, which has leafy woodland paths, grassy areas, and even a maze.

Location: Cliff Lane, Ipswich IP3 0PG

Chantry Park

Just outside Ipswich town center you’ll find Chantry Park – 124 acres of open fields, woodland trails, wildlife ponds, and orchards.

Location: Hadleigh Rd, Ipswich IP2 0BS

Jimmy’s Farm

Jimmy’s Farm, owned by TV’s Jimmy Doherty, has farm animals, wildlife, and feeding sessions. Pooch pals are welcome to visit on the leash, and can join their humans in the outdoor seating area of the restaurant.

Location: Pannington Hall Ln, Wherstead, Ipswich IP9 2AP

Christchurch Park, Ipswich

Tips for pet parents

Respect the wildlife

There are plenty of off-leash dog walking trails to explore – but make sure your furry family member responds well to voice commands. Keep Fido on the leash in areas with lots of wildlife, especially near nesting birds.

Watch out for the tides

Planning a walk near Pin Mill or Orwell Estuary? A quick check of the tide schedule should help avoid any soggy surprises!

Plan your vacation pet care

While it’s easy to find dog-friendly places in Ipswich, it’s not always the case! If you’re heading off on a vacation your pooch pal can’t join you on, why not treat them to a staycation of their own? Our verified, in-home pet sitters will come and care for your pooch pal in the place they know and love – their home.

How it works

Tips for pet sitters

Take a dog walk around town

The best way to get to know a place is on foot, and if your furry friend’s local, why not let them lead the way?!

Check pet policies

Before heading into cafes, pubs, or restaurants, check their pet policy. Many dog-friendly areas are outdoors, which might not be so appealing in certain seasons!

Get to know Ipswich as a pet sitter

Fancy exploring someplace new while staying in a real home with a pet for company? Exchange dedicated pet care for a place to stay while pet parents are away, and discover the country town of Ipswich through the lens of a local.