Hardwick Heath

Hardwick Heath is a 55-acre landscaped park on the edge of Bury St Edmunds, popular with local dog owners for its open grounds and off-lead freedom. Dogs are welcome across the whole park and can run off the lead as long as they stay under control – ideal for a proper sniff-and-sprint session without the usual lead wrestling.

The park has picnic areas, toilets and its own car park, making it an easy stop for a short outdoor visit rather than a full countryside walk. The car park has a 2.1-metre height restriction barrier and opens daily from 8am to 5pm, so plan your arrival accordingly.

It's the sort of place that suits a quick leg-stretch, a picnic with the dog sprawled on the rug, or a mid-journey break when you all need fresh air and a bit of space. Just remember to keep the dog under control and pick up after them – the usual park rules apply.