Staverton Thicks Ancient Wood Walk
Suffolk
Staverton Thicks is a genuinely unusual place, a surviving fragment of medieval deer park where huge pollarded oaks stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the tallest hollies in Britain. This dog friendly walk loops through the Thicks and adjoining Staverton Park on a public footpath, with twisted trunks, hollow oaks and filtered green light making it feel more like a folk tale than modern Suffolk.
The site sits within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths National Landscape and is private land crossed by a public right of way, so dogs should stay on a lead or under very close control to respect the SSSI habitat and nesting birds. Underfoot the paths are sandy and mostly flat, with some roots, fallen timber and boggy patches after rain, so waterproof boots are sensible year round. There are no facilities on site, so come prepared with water for the dog. Limited roadside parking sits at the layby off the B1084 Woodbridge to Orford road, with toilets and a cafe available at nearby Rendlesham Forest Centre.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.0 km (2.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 15 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- None on site. Toilets, cafe and bins at Rendlesham Forest Centre about 3 km west.
- Parking
- Small roadside layby on the B1084 between Wantisden and Butley, space for four or five cars.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Staverton Thicks Ancient Wood Walk dog friendly?
Yes, Staverton Thicks scores 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness and is a lovely spot to explore with your dog. The walk follows a public footpath through the ancient woodland and adjoining Staverton Park, with sandy, mostly flat paths that suit most dogs well.
Can dogs be off lead at Staverton Thicks Ancient Wood Walk?
Dogs should be kept on a lead or under very close control throughout the site. Staverton Thicks is a designated SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) on private land crossed by a public right of way, so it's important to protect the sensitive habitat and nesting birds.
What should I know before visiting Staverton Thicks Ancient Wood Walk with my dog?
There are no facilities on site, so bring plenty of water for your dog. The paths are sandy and mostly flat but can have roots, fallen timber and boggy patches after rain, making waterproof boots a sensible choice year round. Parking is limited to a small roadside layby on the B1084, with space for around four or five cars — if you need a toilet or a coffee before or after your walk, Rendlesham Forest Centre is about 3 km to the west and has both.
What’s Nearby?
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