Suffolk is a county in the east of England and offers a large stretch of often undisturbed coastline bounding the North Sea. Historically, Suffolk was the closest seaside destination for Londoners and has remained a popular place for those wanting to escape from the stress of urban life. Its delightful coastal towns, open sandy beaches and windswept romantic skies can offer you a fabulous spot for a holiday.
Whatever the time of year, you'll find something to love about Suffolk's ancient seaside towns and villages. Discover Southwold with its famous pier and colourful beach huts, the artists' haven of Aldeburgh or the golden sandy beaches of Lowestoft.
For nature-lovers, you'll be hard-pressed to know which way to look, so abundant is the choice! Some of the country's rarest wildlife can be found here on the Suffolk coast. Soak up the charm by taking a stroll on one of the many wide open beaches, where in Spring in particular the whole area is bursting with new life.
Walking, cycling and sailing are all popular pastimes and with the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths being a designated Area of Natural Beauty, the largely undeveloped beauty of this part of the country can be explored on foot, on a bike or by taking to the waters!
Why not check beaches nearby as we have 13 beaches in Suffolk, or have a look at our list of Suffolk dog friendly beaches, or even our United Kingdom Blue Flag beach list.
Suffolk Coast Search Bar
Where would you like to go? Use our search bar to search across all our local listings, ideal for finding that nearest spot to visit:
Want some ideas on where to visit?
Every favourite location must be visited for the first time. Want some ideas, why not check out the below small selection of coastal locations, including beaches, activities, things to see and do, places to stay and eat:
- Dunwich Heath is an area of coastline on the Suffolk coast near to Saxmundham. Rich in wildlife, you can explore the sandy cliffs and beach as well as the heath which bursts into colour during the summer months,The heath is home to several rare species including nightjars, woodlark and adders. Here you can really escape from it all as it is haven of peace and tranquility and offers stunning views.For visitors to this beautiful stretch of Suffolk coast, there are heathland marked nature trails to go on, or take a picnic to the family-friendly Dunwich Heath beach.The coastal centre is run by the National Trust and has parking (for a fee), a shop and a tea room; www.nationaltrust.org.uk
- Dunwich Heath Coastal Centre and Beach. Remote and beautiful stretch of Suffolk coastline. Coastal lowland heath sandy cliffs and beach, rich in wildlife, offering tranquility and excellent views. The shingle beach backs onto a heath, large reedbeds and woodland. Click here for more details on the National Trust website Parking (free at beach but charged at Heath), toilets, good food, tea and gifts at the old Coastguard Cottages.
- Southwold pier was built in 1900 and was 810 feet (250 m) with a T-shaped end. The pier end was practically destroyed by a gale in 1934, with the T-shaped end being swept away. A series of events during the Second World War and a further major storm in 1979 reduced the pier to approximately 100 feet (30 m). The pier was bought in 1987 and over a period of 15 years has been refurbished and even has a T-shaped pier end. The pier is still less than the originalone at 623 feet (190 m).
- Southwold beach is on a section of the Suffolk coast that is declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This is a sandy beach with well maintained wooden groynes and beach huts make it the families choice. Walk along the beach away from the huts and you will see sand dunes at The Denes beach. You have all the facilities expected of a traditional seaside town, with the actual beach includes toilets, pier, promenade, beach huts, campsite and lifeguards by the pier in summer months.
- Felixstowe has a five mile coastline on the Suffolk North Sea coast, between the estuaries of the Rivers Deben and Orwell. This stretch is sand and shingle beach gently sloping to the sea within a sheltered bay. The beach is backed by a promenade and then behind the promenade you have Edwardian gardens. Felixstowe is popular with families due to it’s size and location within the town. The main stretch of beach is either side of the Pier and this is where you will find most of the facilities. Parking, pier, promenade, beach huts, arcades/amusements, bars/pubs, kiosks along the promenade, shops, and restaurants, cafes and fast-food outlets.
- Claremont Pier was constructed in 1902/03 and used originally as a mooring for Belle steamers. The pier was designed by D. Fox at 182 m in length and 11 m in width. In 1912, it was extended to a length of 230 m. A storm in 1962 washed a section of it away, reducing its length to 218 meters.
- Gunton Denes beach is a sandy beach backed by sand dunes and is good for bird watching within the dunes. Facilities: parking, toilets, campsite.
- The Denes beach at Southwold is a quiet shingle beach backed by sand dunes and marshes less busy than the main Southwold beach. The beach is between the mouth of the river Blyth and the historical seaside town of Southwold. Popular with walkers or those wanting a rural beach. The beach has toilets, parking and summer lifeguards with more facilities just a short walk away at Southwold.
- The beach to the North of Claremont Pier is a sandy beach with zones in place for watersports. Facilities include beach chalet hire, summer lifeguards, toilets, shops, food, parking
- Felixstowe Pier is a wooden pier built in 1905 and designed by the Rogers Brothers. The pier extended to a length of 2,640ft (800m) and was little more than a promenade deck, with railings along the entire length, and a T-shaped landing stage at the head. A large pavilion was at the shoreward end. The pier deck had an electric tramway takeing passengers and luggage to the steam boats. The pier was partly demolished for safety reasons and due to lack of funds looks set to disappear in the near future. Note that due to the lack of development plans the state of the pier could change. If anyone has an update please leave a comment.
- Trinity House responded to petitions regarding the dangerous sandbanks and shoals around the East coast by constructing Lowestoft lighthouse.
- At Pakefield the wooden groynes stop and the beach has more shingle/pebbles than the pure sand of Lowestoft. Cliffs and beach attract fossil hunters. A Waveney District Council/KiteboardingUK.com approved Kite Zone that starts at the last wooden groyne at Lowestoft and goes onto to Kessingland beach. Facilities include car park and small selection of shops in the village.
