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A guide to Suffolk beaches

Whether you prefer lonely walks along the shore or building sandcastles with one hand while ice cream drips all over the other, you’ll find a Suffolk beach that you love. Here’s a run-down of Suffolk’s best spots, from hidden gems to traditional seaside favourites, and spanning the breadth of the Suffolk coast, we give you all the inspiration to start planning your next coastal vacation.

Secret beaches

ORFORDNESS

Mysterious, wild, isolated… These are all words that could describe Orfordness.  It was once a secretive military base but is now a National Nature Reserve.  Many rumours still surround Orfordness’ strange past including tales of a covered-up Nazi landing, and an infamous UFO sighting. We recommend going to find out the truth for yourself on this most unusual of Suffolk beaches…

Orfordness beachThe wildness of Orfordness adds to sense of secrecy

COVEHITHE BEACH

Voted one of Britain’s best 40 beaches by The Telegraph, Covehithe is located just a few miles south of Lowestoft and is possibly the wildest and most beautiful of Suffolk beaches. Driftwood forms beautiful shapes protruding from the sand, while Covehithe’s unique church inside a church adds an element of the surreal to this Suffolk beach.

Covehithe BeachCovehithe beach is a rugged charm on the Suffolk coast

Family favourites

LOWESTOFT

Fun in the sun is the name of the game on Lowestoft’s Blue Flag beach. With wide golden sands, Lowestoft is the place to be if you’ve got a young family in tow.

children paddling on Lowestoft beachFamily fun at Lowestoft beach

SOUTHWOLD BEACH

Charming Southwold is an eternal favourite with Suffolk visitors and residents alike. Lined with picture-perfect beach huts and the odd beach café selling bacon sarnies, tea and ice cream, and just a stones throw from some fantastic shops, pubs and restaurants, Southwold beach is an undisputed classic. Don’t miss out on a visit to Southwold Pier while you’re there.

Southwold beachSouthwold on the Suffolk Coast with its many coloured beach huts

FELIXSTOWE

Felixstowe is full of exciting activities for the kids, mum and dad, even grandma and granddad! Windsurfing, golf (crazy and sane!), nature trails, and exploring a 16th century fort are just some of the things you can do in Felixstowe, and that’s before you even reach the beach! Once there, you’ll be ready as anything to settle down with an ice cream.

sunrise on Felixstowe beachHead out early and see the sunrise on Felixstowe beach

THORPENESS BEACH

The quirky village of Thorpeness already has a lot to offer as a day trip destination, including the Peter Pan-inspired boating mere, mock Tudor buildings, a house floating above the clouds and an acclaimed golf course. The lovely shingle beach simply adds to the magic. Look out for the futuristic Dune House, created by renowned Norwegian architects Jarmund/Vigsnæs and Living Architecture.

Thorpeness beachThe shingle beach at Thorpeness

More than a beach

WALBERSWICK BEACH

The unofficial crabbing capital of the UK, Walberswick beach is the place to go to indulge in this quintessential summer sport (Walberswick held the Annual Crabbing Championships until 2010, when it had to be shut down because it was too popular). Walberswick is also a great starting point to explore the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a beautiful place throughout the year.

couple on Walberswick beachWalberswick on the Suffolk coast

DUNWICH BEACH

Dunwich beach and the surrounding heath and woodland are one of the most precious Suffolk beaches, home to a plethora of rare plants and wildlife. Dunwich is also a fascinating place historically – look out to sea from the beach and you’re staring at the watery resting place of what was once a city larger than London!

Dunwich Heath and beachDunwich Heath is a kaleidoscope of colour, with beautiful beach to heath walks (c) Malcolm Farrow