Introduction
The Suffolk coast is home to some of the most beautiful and unspoilt beaches in the UK. Here are the top eight beaches to explore during your stay in one of our holiday homes.
From the family-friendly resort of Southwold to the remote and rugged Covehithe, these beaches have their own unique charm and character.
In this blog we explore what each beach has to offer so you can plan your coastal adventure before you arrive at any of our holiday cottages!
Listed in order of distance, starting with the closest first.
Pakefield Beach
Well, we had to start with the one on the doorstep! Pakefield Beach is a long, wide stretch of sand and shingle that is popular with families and dog-walkers alike (dog friendly all year round). There are plenty of facilities nearby, including cafes, pubs, and shops, and the beach is easily accessible from all of our holiday cottages.
Pretty beach huts line the promenade and some are available to hire. The iconic All Saints & St Margaret’s church sits on the cliff edge overlooking the local fishing boats that are still used today. Pakefield beach is also a great spot for fishing and fossil hunting and the local riding stables take daily hacks along the beach.
Lowestoft Beach
Lowestoft Beach is a long stretch of golden sand that’s perfect for families and sunbathers. There are lifeguards on duty during the summer months.
The beach is backed by a promenade that’s lined with cafes, pubs, and shops, and there are plenty of facilities nearby. There’s also a pier that’s home to a range of amusements and attractions. It’s a great spot for swimming, kite surfing, and paddleboarding.
Dogs are not permitted on the beach from the end of May until September, they are allowed along the promenade whilst on a lead. Lowestoft Beach is a short walk north along the prom from all of our holiday cottages.
Kessingland Beach
Kessingland Beach is another family-friendly option, with a long sandy beach that’s perfect for building sandcastles and paddling in the sea. The beach is backed by sand dunes and there are plenty of facilities nearby, including cafes, pubs, and a children’s play area. It’s also a great spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding.
Kessingland beach is also dog friendly all year round.
It is possible to walk from Pakefield to Kessingland from all of our holiday homes by heading south along the shoreline.
Be sure to check the tide times as parts are unpassable at high tide.
Covehithe and Benacre Beach
Covehithe Beach is a remote and rugged stretch of coastline that’s perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. The beach is backed by sand dunes and cliffs, and there are no facilities or services nearby, so be sure to bring everything you need with you. It’s a great spot for walking and wildlife spotting.
Park near the medieval St Andrew’s church and follow the marked footpath down to the beach and Benacre Broad. Walk north along the beach to Covehithe Broad and take a moment in the bird hide to take in the spectacular view across the broad, the beach, and out to sea. You can then walk up the cliff path which will take you to the disused road and back to the church.
Southwold Beach
Southwold Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the Suffolk coast and for good reason. The beach is a long stretch of sand and shingles that’s perfect for families, with plenty of facilities nearby, including cafes, pubs, and shops. The town itself is also well worth exploring, with its pretty beach huts and pier.
Parking can be a challenge in the summer, there is an overflow car park just as you enter the town near the Blyth Hotel or alternatively head towards the pier where there is on-street parking plus a large car park.
Walberswick Beach
Walberswick Beach is a tranquil and unspoilt spot that’s perfect for those looking to get away from it all. The beach is backed by sand dunes and there are facilities in the village with a couple of pubs and tearooms/cafes.
Walberswick is famous for crabbing along the creeks off the river Blyth, crabbing equipment can be purchased in the village stores and at the ice cream van in the main car park.
Dunwich Beach
Dunwich Beach is a wild and windswept spot that’s perfect for nature lovers. The beach is backed by heathland and there are plenty of walking trails nearby, including the Suffolk Coast Path.
There are limited facilities in the main car park which also has a fish and chip shop and ice cream store.
Aldeburgh Beach
Aldeburgh Beach is a shingle beach that’s popular with families and dog walkers. The beach is backed by a promenade that’s lined with cafes, pubs, and shops, and there are plenty of facilities nearby. The town itself is also well worth exploring, with its pretty cottages and famous fish and chip shop.
It’s also worth a stroll along the beach to nearby Thorpeness to see the mere and beautiful houses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Suffolk coast is blessed with some of the most stunning beaches in the UK, each with its own unique character and charm. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, rugged and remote coastline, or a secluded spot to relax and unwind, there’s a beach in Suffolk to suit everyone.
So why not come and stay at one of our beautiful holiday cottages, pack up a picnic, grab your bucket and spade, and head to one of these eight beautiful beaches?
