Old Way Dog Fields

A proper stretch of open ground east of Woodbridge where dogs get to do what they do best - absolutely lose their minds. Old Way Dog Fields is exactly what it sounds like: unfenced grassland where your dog can sprint around without a lead, chase a ball into the middle distance, or just paddle through whatever boggy bits appeal to them that day.

It's free and there's no formal opening hours, which means you can rock up at dawn or dusk when the light's lovely and the crowds are thinner. Locals swear by it, though I'd warn that come school holidays it fills up fast with families. Allow an hour minimum if you've got a high-energy spaniel, less if your dog's the type to sniff one spot for twenty minutes then declare the walk finished.

The ground can get muddy after rain - proper squelchy - so bring a towel or accept that your car interior will need cleaning. Facilities-wise, there's not much: no cafe, no facilities building, just space. Worth knowing if you're staying at Savage Glamping nearby - it's only 3.2 miles away and your dog will sleep properly that night. The Croft Campsite is another option at 5.2 miles out.

For dog owners planning a Suffolk holiday, this beats paying for pricey dog parks. Parents without dogs will find it dull within ten minutes. But if you've got a four-legged friend that needs a proper run? Head east from Woodbridge and don't overthink it.