Whether you're looking for a spot to build a sandcastle or would prefer to sunbathe with a book in hand, these six Suffolk beaches - and their respective villages and towns - are a must-see in or off season.
ALDEBURGH AND THORPENESS
The colourful, quintessential fishing town of Aldeburgh is home to independent shops, miles of shingle beach and Maggi Hambling's 'Scallop' - a giant tribute to one of Aldeburgh's most famous residents, Benjamin Britten. Another blue plaque to look out for is none other than George Orwell, who also lived here! In fact, he loved Suffolk so much that he changed his surname to Orwell after the River Orwell that runs through the Ipswich.
After a mooch around the shops and a stop off at one of the tearooms, take a two mile stroll along the coastal path to Thorpeness. Although the beach isn't as special, we couldn't leave this family-favourite off the list. Inspired by his novel 'Peter Pan', J.M.Barrie named the small islands scattered through the meare. So, be sure to hire a rowing boat and take a picnic out to The Blue Lagoon.
Find out more about these locations on our previous blog post about how to spend time on the Suffolk coast out of season.
ORFORD
While away an afternoon in arguably one of Suffolk's prettiest, but peaceful, coastal villages. Stretching along the coast all the way to the mainland at Aldeburgh, Orford is home to Orford Ness' shingle spit. It's wonderful for long walks and paddling in low water.
Not only are the cottages in the village picturesque, take a look around the castle to find out more about this historical spot or enjoy a sweet treat from renowned Pump Street Chocolate.
SOUTHWOLD
This charming seaside town doesn't need an introduction; With striped beach huts stretching along the sandy beach and an impressive pier and lighthouse, its one of the most recognisable locations in the region. The pier itself, reopened in 2001 after restoration, is one of the few remaining traditional piers not in decline in the UK and has many a slot machine to while away the hours as well as a rather humorous pier clock, which you have to see to believe!
Back on shore there's many well-known coastal and country clothing brands as well as smaller, independent boutiques on the high street, alongside antiques shops, book shops and eateries. You may even want to go for a guided tour around Adnams brewery, situated in the middle of town, before heading back to ours for a pint of it afterwards!
DUNWICH
Once a thriving port and on par with London as the capital of East Anglia, medieval Dunwich is known as the lost city of England due to storm surges and coastal erosion meaning much of the land and original buildings were washed away. Folklore even says that you can still hear the bells of the church ringing at the bottom of the sea. When making a pit-stop at this historical village, be sure to find out more in the quaint museum.
The dog-friendly beach, only a two minute walk from The Ship, stretches along miles of heritage coastline and has free parking, so you can spend many an hour exploring, sunbathing or playing in the water.
LOWESTOFT
The most eastern settlement in the UK, Lowestoft is in an ideal location for watching the sunrise on a clear summer's day. However, if you'd prefer to have a longer lie-in, there's plenty to see during the daylight hours; From traditional Victorian family attractions to the harbour.
The vibrant town also has one of the biggest sandy beaches in Suffolk, so if you're looking for somewhere to take your bucket and spade we'd certainly recommend here. You could even hire one of the colourful beach huts for the afternoon!
Thinking of booking a stay on the Suffolk coast this summer? Check availability at The Ship in Dunwich and The Westleton Crown.
Comments