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When it comes to seaside resorts, Suffolks has something for everyone. The beautiful countryside, quaint villages and long stretches of unspoilt coastline all make for a seductive weekend retreat.
Famed for hosting the smallest pub in the country, Suffolk is also home to the most easterly point in the UK, making it the first place you can observe the sunrise.
And where better to watch the sunrise than on one of Suffolks beautiful stretches of coastline. We’ve compiled a list of the ten most seductive seaside resorts in Suffolk to help you decide where to head first.
Kessingland
The long, wide stretch of beach at Kessingland is quieter and less commercial than many of the resorts on this list, so if you hate crowds, this vast expanse of coastline could be just what you’re looking for.
The beach is backdropped by stunning cliffs and is also home to Benacre natural nature reserve, which is home to some of the rarest birds in the country. Kessingland is best for tranquillity and bird spotting.
Thorpeness Beach
Thorpeness is the quintessential English seaside town. It is brimming with character, mock Tudor houses, and even a boating lake.
The beach itself is a long shingle shelf that leads down to the sand at low tide. Thorpeness is great for dog walkers and runs from Dunwich to Aldeburgh.
Covehithe
This easily missable stretch of beach should be on every Suffolk visit to-do list. A long walk through fields brings you to the edge of the crumbling orange cliffs. A passageway leads to the beach, which is lined with blanched tree trunks that once grew atop the cliff.
Covehithe is fast eroding, as evidenced by the crumbling cliffs and felled trees. This beach is best for things to see before they’re gone.
Lowestoft South Beach
Topping the list of the most happening resort on our list is Lowestoft South Beach. Just south of Great Yarmouth, it is the main resort beach in the area. It boasts a blue flag and multiple tourist board awards.
If adventure and facilities are your things, Lowestoft doesn’t disappoint. It offers jet skiing, waterskiing, swimming, surfing and windsurfing. There is also a seasonal lifeguard service for added peace of mind.
South Beach is on Suffolks sunrise coast and boasts all manner of amenities, from crazy golf and amusements to showers and ice cream parlours. Lowestoft South Beach is best for an action-packed family fun day out.
Southwold Pier Beach
Southwold is one of the oldest and best known seaside resorts in Suffolk. Its famous 800-foot pier was first opened in 1900. Over the years, the pier has taken some beatings from the sea and was closed for major refurbishments in 1998. Nowadays, it is home to a pavilion, amusements and a restaurant.
The beach itself has won numerous blue flag awards for its clean water and beachside facilities over the years. The sand and shingle shore is backdropped by a promenade that leads to both the harbour and town, and of course, no English seaside resort would be complete without some colourful beach huts.
Southwold is best for traditional seaside promenades.
Dunwich Beach
Dunwich beach was once home to a small thriving seaport town. As the sea reclaimed the land, all that was left was this beautiful expanse of shingle coastline. The beach is backed by low crumbling cliffs and goes on as far as the eye can see in both directions.
Access to the beach is via a road that runs down to the beach between the cliffs. The National Trust tearoom is at the end of the road. The entire area is full of rare wildlife and is owned by The National Trust. Dunwich Beach is best for long walks by the sea.
Aldeburgh Beach
Possibly the most famous Suffolk seaside resort on our list is Aldeburgh beach. The beach itself is a long sand and shingle stretch that is truly inspiring. It’s no wonder that the town of Aldeburgh is synonymous with art and culture. The town bears strong ties to Benjamin Britten and has a thriving cultural and historical scene.
Here you will find a Norman church, a 400-year-old Moot Hall, and a giant scallop lit up on the beach (a monument to Benjamin Britten). The best thing about Aldeburgh beach, in our opinion, is the infamous fish and chips that have been voted the best on the East coast.
Walberswick Beach
A short walk from Southwold, across the River Blyth, is the pretty little sand dune-backed beach of Walberswick. It is home to some marsh and heathland and its very own nature reserve. A short walk from the beach is the town of Walberwick itself, a pretty little village that is well worth a little exploring.
Walberswick is best for getting away from the hustle and bustle and enjoying nature.
The Denes Beach (Southwold)
From the north side of the River Blyth, this beautiful sand and shingle beach stretches all the way to Southwold. The beach is popular with tourists and has good facilities. It’s flanked by marshland and dunes, and it boasts a lifeboat museum and a small caravan park.
Pretty coloured beach huts line the shore. It’s popular in summer for windsurfing, canoeing and swimming. The Denes is best for peaceful family days out.
Dunwich Heath Beach
Dunwich Heath is a pretty little family-friendly beach. It is made up mainly of shingle, but there is a good expanse of sand exposed for digging and running around at mid to low tide. The National Trust owns Dunwich Heath, and they provide facilities. There is a nature reserve nearby, and RSPB Minsmere is also housed here.
You can find all sorts of amazing creatures, from adders and red deer to nightjars and warblers.
Dunwich Heath is best for nature lovers.
The historical Suffolk coastline doesn’t disappoint. Whether you are looking for an action-packed adventure or a slow walk through nature, Suffolk has something to suit every taste. The area is infamous for archaeological finds dating back as early as 2.6 million years ago. You never know what a walk on the beach in Suffolk might unearth.