All about enjoying Landguard with your four-legged friends
Dogs at Landguard
The nature reserve at Landguard is first and foremost a mosaic of precious natural habitats which are a valuable home for wildlife. Always open to the public, it is also a popular place and recreational resource for the community and visitors. The Landguard Trust team strives to strike a balance between protecting the most sensitive areas of the site, whilst providing space for people – and their four-legged friends to enjoy Landguard.
In 2025, a new rule has been implemented to increase the breeding success of the Ringed Plover which nests and feeds on the shoreline, as well as to reduce disturbance to birds and seals resting on our shores.
An additional cordon has been put in place. New signage has also been installed on site to guide dog-owners.
Only the area highlighted in red on the map, which incorporates beach and bird cordons, is restricted for a period of 6 months. This restriction is similar to that already in place along Felixstowe Seafront.
Throughout this time, 16 hectares of the Reserve are still available to exercise dogs on leads and 9 hectares to exercise dogs off lead.
On this map of the Landguard Nature Reserve from Manor Terrace car park to Landguard Fort, dog waste bins are marked in blue; litter bins are marked in red.
There is clear signage located at strategic points across Landguard Nature Reserve to remind and guide dogwalkers and visitors about where dogs are permitted on leads, off leads, or where the summer ‘no dogs on beach’ restriction applies.
Leave only pawprints
Landguard welcomes responsible dog-owners and well-behaved dogs. But it’s not just about supporting wildlife and caring for the nature reserve by respecting restrictions and acting on guidance shared through on-site.
Please bring poo bags with you and be sure to clean up after your dog wherever you are on the Reserve. Red poo bins are provided around the site explicitly for the dispose of dog waste.
Why It All Matters
Dog-friendly refreshment stops
All walkies need some time out for a quick drink and even possibly a treat! It’s important for everyone whether you’ve got two legs or four and all part of the experience! You’ll find plenty of refuelling stations at Landguard, whether you’ve walked to the river to watch the great ships on the Haven, have included a visit to the Fort or just fancy time out sitting alongside – or inside – Felixstowe Museum.
As well as water bowls for dogs outside and dog-friendly faces inside, you might even find some special doggy-treat items on the menu.
Places to EatDid you know…?
There’s more to visiting Landguard appropriately than just being a responsible dog-owner. Understanding the very essence, the fragility and history of the place not only enables us all to enjoy and explore Landguard more, but it engenders a certain pride of place. We like to think that there’s a Landguardian in each and every one of us.
Enjoy more
33 hectares – 4 dog-friendly attractions – 1 awesome haven … There’s always more for hounds and their humans to explore at Landguard!
