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The Ship at Dunwich

4.0 star property
Guests enjoy evening drinks and breakfast discoveries at this welcoming inn where hospitality shines through comfortable rooms and relaxing spaces

Choose dates to view prices

The Ship at Dunwich blends modern comfort with rustic charm. Enjoy authentic British dishes at the restaurant, drinks at the bar, or peaceful garden walks. Free WiFi keeps you connected in your room, and convenient parking ensures stress-free arrivals.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Bar
The current price is £134
includes taxes & fees
31 May - 1 Jun

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 7 of 7 rooms

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Hypo-allergenic bedding, individually decorated, individually furnished

Standard Double Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 129 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Family Double Room

Family Double Room | Hypo-allergenic bedding, individually decorated, individually furnished

Family Double Room

  • 161 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Luxury Double Room

Hypo-allergenic bedding, individually decorated, individually furnished

Luxury Double Room

  • 161 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Basic Room

Basic Room | Hypo-allergenic bedding, individually decorated, individually furnished

Basic Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(7 reviews)
  • 108 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Superior Room

Hypo-allergenic bedding, individually decorated, individually furnished

Superior Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 151 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Double or Twin Room

Hypo-allergenic bedding, individually decorated, individually furnished

Double or Twin Room

  • 129 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Superior Double Room

Superior Double Room | Hypo-allergenic bedding, individually decorated, individually furnished

Superior Double Room

  • 151 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi
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About the area

Located in Saxmundham, The Ship at Dunwich is on the beach. Dunwich Museum and Long Shop Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include RSPB Minsmere and Southwold Maize Maze. Leiston Leisure Centre and The Cut Arts Centre are also worth visiting. Visit our Saxmundham travel guide
View more Inns in Saxmundham
Map
St James Street Dunwich, Saxmundham, England, IP17 3DT

What's nearby

  • Suffolk Coast and Heaths
    Suffolk Coast and Heaths
    1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Dunwich Heath and Beach
    Dunwich Heath and Beach
    1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Southwold beach huts on the Promenade; Shutterstock ID 245957998
    Southwold Beach
    15 min drive - 7.7 miles
  • Norfolk Broads black and white windmill landscape
    Norfolk Broads
    32 min drive - 17.0 miles
  • Dunwich Museum
    1 min walk - 0.0 miles

Getting around

  • Darsham Station
    18 min drive

Restaurants

  • Two Magpies Bakery
    7 min drive
  • The Fox Inn
    7 min drive
  • The Clockhouse
    14 min drive
  • Adnams Cellar & Kitchen Store
    13 min drive
  • Sole Bay Inn
    13 min drive

About this property

The Ship at Dunwich

  • Upscale inn
  • You can look forward to a terrace, a garden and a bar at The Ship at Dunwich. The on-site British cuisine restaurant, The Ship, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
  • You'll also find perks such as:
    • Free self-parking
    • Full breakfast (surcharge)
    • Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff
  • Room features
  • All guestrooms are individually furnished, and boast comforts such as free WiFi and room service.
  • Extra amenities include:
    • Bathrooms with baths or showers and free toiletries
    • Wardrobes/cupboards, electric kettles and heating

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM for a fee: GBP 18.50 for adults and GBP 10 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • The Ship

Family friendly

  • Separate bedroom

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Bathroom emergency pull cord
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

More

  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Room service

More

  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 11:00 PM

Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property

The host will greet guests on arrival

This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Host will greet you

Pets

Pets are allowed for an extra charge of GBP 25 per pet, per night

Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees

Welcoming dogs only

2 total pets

Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation

Food and water bowls are available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Rollaway/extra beds are available for GBP 15.00 per stay.

Cots (infant beds) are available for GBP 15.00 per stay

Payment types at the property

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for full breakfast: from approximately GBP 18.50 for adults and from GBP 10 for children
  • Pet fee: GBP 25 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Crib (infant bed) fee: GBP 15.00 per stay
  • Rollaway bed fee: GBP 15.00 per stay

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

Frequently asked questions

Is The Ship at Dunwich pet-friendly?

Yes, The Ship at Dunwich allows dogs (limit 2 total). There's a fee of GBP 25 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at The Ship at Dunwich?

As of 28 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Ship at Dunwich on 31 May 2026 start from £134, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at The Ship at Dunwich?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Ship at Dunwich?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 11:00 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at The Ship at Dunwich?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Ship at Dunwich located?

Nestled on the beach, this Saxmundham inn is within 1 mi (2 km) of Dunwich Museum and Dunwich Heath and Beach. RSPB Minsmere is 2.9 mi (4.6 km) away.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on selected room rates because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

The Ship at Dunwich Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.0

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

9.0

Staff & service

8.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 76 out of 147 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 47 out of 147 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 17 out of 147 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 147 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 147 reviews

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Christopher

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Fantastic. Staff were friendly and helpful, food was excellent.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Lori A

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Clean room, friendly and helpful staff. Very nice food. The room was tiny with no place to layout a small suitcase. The bathroom had no shelf space for toiletry bags. It's a nice place, but they need to work on storage space. We only had 2 very small cases and there was no where to lay them out except on the bed.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is an old building very well looked after, clean throughout, excellent menu, staff works hard and are accommodating, we will be coming back, thank you
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Avril

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is a real find. It has character and it is reasonably priced for the service received. Breakfasts were great and reasonable choices for our 2 night dinner stay. Very close to a pebbly beach and not far from Southwold, Aldburagh, Norwich and the broads.
Bedroom
Bedroom
Dunwich beach
The Ship
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Frances

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay, very convenient for beach. Lovely food, very friendly service
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stay here!

Everything great, no complaints, staff lovely, highly recommended, Hope can return for another stay
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elinor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Had a really great stay. Fab location, comfortable room and great staff. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

christian

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Bedroom was clean, location good. Staff subdued, food below average.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Get away break

Excellent food, friendly staff and a cosy relaxed environment. Great location for walking.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Delia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff and quirky outside spaces
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Raymond

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff, both at reception and behind the bar and at breakfast. Dining room could have been a little warmer, though.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Fern

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Perfect weekend

We had the most lovely weekend away and loved everything about the hotel. The staff, service, food and room were all exceptional. We can’t wait to return again in the summer.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jill

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful place

The Ship is in a quiet country lane 2 minutes from a fabulous beach. The staff are friendly and helpful, the room was really lovely, the bed so comfortable and ours had a beautiful view across the fields. We had dinner which was delicious too. A really peaceful place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Charming hotel in the beach

Great hotel, pleasant staff in a wonderful location. Unfortunately there was a problem with the gas when we stayed so there was no hot water and the food choice was limited. On checkout the hotel generously discounted the bill.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very good and friendly staff throughout our stay. A special thank you to Brenda for her dedication. If this is the standard of all the Chestnut Inns then we shall seek them out for our leisure breaks in East Anglia
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
shower was a bit low.Difficult to find plugs for recharging phone Staff were great nd helpful
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely hotel, facilities in room were quite basic. But it was clan and comfortable
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Jonathan

Liked: Cleanliness

Good for evening meal

Check in was not good, we had booked a snug room as we have a dog, it had been described as a courtyard room, it was upstairs! When I questioned it the man said oh you booked through experience & he pulled a face. The bar man told us where to go for breakfast. Sink in our room filled up with water although the plug wasn’t in it .could have been a bit cleaner . Evening meal was very nice, breakfast was a bit hit & miss
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Fiona

Disliked: Cleanliness
Hi hotel is in a lovely location however the hotel itself needs some tlc. The main bar area had huge cobwebs and our en-suite had a terrible smell. The staff were all really pleasant and our dinner and breakfast were good but I felt considering the cost per night it wasn’t to the standard we were expecting.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Staff were very co-operative finding an alternative room to the one originally allocated to us as the room was not suitable for my wife as she is disabled. Meant having a smaller room but it was ok for our one night stay. Food was very good.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eamonn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Friendly old country pup with modern rooms

Lovely rambling country pub with modern rooms. The staff were very friendly and helpful, we really felt welcome. Inside and outside dining with courtyard area and beer garden. I liked the slightly quirky building with several small dining rooms. Food was good and typical pub prices. The location is very quiet and nearby houses are hidden away. It’s only about 3 minutes walk to a fantastic beach, 5 minutes to the parish church and under 8 minutes to a monastery ruin. There is even a local museum a few houses up from the pub. It was a perfect way to spend a beautiful summers evening. We enjoyed our visit and would consider staying there again.
Beach only a few minutes walk away
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

stephen

Liked: Cleanliness
We have stayed at this property many times and have always enjoyed it for its position. Slightly disappointed this time as I paid for a superior room and I am not sure that is what we had. It was ok but not as nice as the other rooms we have had before. The service in the bar area was also very slow as it was not permanently managed.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Lovely stay but not 5 star .

We stayed for one night and the room and bathroom was very clean and all members of the staff were both very helpful and polite. Did not get 5 stars due to the smell we found in the bathroom. When the shower door was opened there was a bad drain smell that made it difficult to have a shower. It was mentioned on our departure and was noted but nothing came our way .
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Rebecca

Liked: Staff & service
Overall very nice. Bedroom very small but better furniture placement could help with that. Room felt a bit dungeon like with the high windows. Bath tub needed re-grouting and a non-slip bath mat should be made available. Cobwebs on front door weren’t too welcoming. Just a little shabby overall. Location wonderful. Relaxing and peaceful. And the fish and chips were just not good :-(
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Anna

A nice stay but a few things could’ve been improved. Food was lovely and staff were friendly. However they just don’t have enough staff so the service was really slow. The room wasn’t great for the money we paid either. It was overlooked a bit and next to the kitchen so outside was a bit scruffy. The toilet was broken too and my husband had to fix it. Parking was a bit of an issue too. When we arrived we couldn’t even get a space on the same road. Lovely location though as walkable to beach.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024