Suffolk Coast and Heaths

Southwold, United Kingdom
Southwold, United Kingdom
Starting at a single row of cottages known as Shingle Street, you'll head up the coast to the river mouth at Orford Haven before cutting inland through fields and along well-signposted tracks and lanes back to the start. Why it's special From the Martello tower that marks your starting point, built to protect England from invasion during the Napoleonic wars, to some well-preserved second world war pillbox defences, this walk has an impressive military pedigree. Just up the coast is Orford Ness, where the first experiments with radar were conducted in the 1930s, while Shingle Street itself has been the subject of fevered speculation ever since it was evacuated in 1940. Conspiracies include rumours of a German landing and a shoreline littered with burning bodies, schemes to protect the coastline with an impenetrable barrage of flames and the testing of experimental chemical bombs. Four dead German airmen were certainly washed up on the beach, and weapons testing did result in the Lifeboat Inn being blown up. As for the rest, the conspiracy theories rumble on. Find the whole walk here https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/jun/08/shingle-street-walking-guide-suffolk How to get there By car From Ipswich, take the A12 towards Woodbridge, then the A1152 towards Melton. Take the second exit at the roundabout after the river, towards Hollesley, then follow signs to Shingle Street. By public transport Take the Ipswich-to-Lowestoft train and get off at Melton, but it's an 11km walk to the start, mostly on minor roads with no pavement. #beach #coast #coastal #suffolk #uk #england #britain #walk
Southwold is described as the jewel of Suffolk's Heritage Coast, and it does not disappoint. With its famous pier, lighthouse and beach huts, Southwold is certainly one of the most popular resorts in East Anglia. Granted a Royal Charter back in 1489 by Henry VII, Southwold has a fascinating history and many links with the past can still be seen all over the town. The centre piece is the magnificent church, with its 100 foot tower and dedicated to the last king of East Anglia, St Edmund. Nearby, the lighthouse, also 100 feet tall, has given safe passage to sailors and fishermen since 1890. The pier and its history are closely connected to that of Southwold. Its original use was, of course, practical – it was a landing stage for the steamships which arrived from London Bridge. #uk #britain #suffolk #england #coast #sea #pier #coastal #seaside #sunset
In an area as steeped in history as the Suffolk Coast, it takes something special to stand out. Dunwich manages to do just this. Known as the lost city of England, this tiny village certainly has a story to tell. Dating back to Anglo-Saxon times, Dunwich once stood proud as the capital of the Kingdom of the Eastern Angles, at its mightiest matching 14th century London for size. It was a seat of power for the Anglo-Saxon bishops for centuries, an international port, and the Domesday book of 1086 puts the population at over 3000. The little village of Dunwich was once a thriving seaport; but over the centuries the sea reclaimed the town leaving not much behind except for a wonderful stretch of beach. This expanse of shingle seems to go on forever in both directions, backed by low crumbling cliffs. Dunwich beach is set in a break between the cliffs where the road literally ends on the beach. Here you will find a number of small boats pulled up on the sand and a the National Trust tearoom. In fact, the National Trust own the beach and much of the surrounding countryside including Dunwich Heath which runs along the coast. This whole area is teeming with wildlife which thrive in these rare habitats. Just a short drive from Dunwich you will find RSPB Minsmere. Here you can spend a day spotting some the UKs rarest birds and wildlife including the Avocet, Bittern, Otter and Red Deer. USEFUL INFORMATION Public Conveniences and Baby Changing Facilities in Dunwich Public toilets with disabled access and baby changing facilities are located at the Beach Car Park in Dunwich. HOW TO GET TO DUNWICH - PUBLIC TRANSPORT By Train: Darsham is approximately six miles away with train services by Abellio Great Anglia running to Lowestoft and Ipswich and on-going connections to London Liverpool Street and Cambridge. All train tickets can be purchased via the Abellio Greater Anglia Website or the app. HOW TO GET TO DUNWICH - BY CAR From Norwich -Take the A146 to Beccles, followed by the A145 From Ipswich - Dunwich is signposted from the A12 – approximately 24 miles north of Ipswich. From Lowestoft - Follow the A12 to Ipswich. At Blythburgh follow the B1125 and signposts to Dunwich. From London - Follow the A12 towards Ipswich, then Lowestoft before taking the B1125 at Blythburgh and signposts to Dunwich. CAR PARKS IN DUNWICH Beach Car Park, Dunwich, IP17 3DE Dogs allowed, no lifeguard services, cafe open from spring to fall. #beach #coast #coastal #suffolk #uk #england #britain #walk #dogwalk #wildlife

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Ellen Kensington

Ellen Kensington

4 out of 5
London City Centre
Save 100% on your flight
Price was £326, price is now £183 per person
£183
per person
23 Mar - 26 Mar
found 6 hours ago
Return flight included
Belfast (BFS) to London (LHR)
8.2/10 Very Good! (110 reviews)
The location was excellent for our visit to London, the hotel was clean and beautifully decorated. Our room was spacious for London, clean, comfortable and had good amenities including a coffee machine, toiletries, gowns and slippers. The bed was comfortable, for us a little too soft, however we slept well with quality bedding and the surrounding area was quiet. Breakfast was excellent with good choice and tasteful food. Staff were professional and welcoming.

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026

Dreamtel London Kensington

Dreamtel London Kensington

2.5 out of 5
London City Centre
Price was £393, price is now £192 per person
£192
per person
8 May - 11 May
found 13 hours ago
Return flight included
Edinburgh (EDI) to London (LHR)
6.6/10 (928 reviews)
There was a very nice person at the front desk for check in and who also helped to try and find the heater switch. Room was so very small and the bed placed right by the wall and window. Could not tuck in the duvet and it kept falling off. Radiator not accessible, staff tried to help but fortunately it got warmer so did not need it the second day. Underground station is very close and there is a wide diverse variety of restaurants close to the hotel Can hear the underground trains from the room, but not too bothersome. Creaky stairs outside my room I think too expensive for this size room and I am sure the larger rooms are more comfortable

Reviewed on 12 Dec 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria

Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria

4 out of 5
London City Centre
Price was £1,187, price is now £616 per person
£616
per person
20 Apr - 24 Apr
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Aberdeen (ABZ) to London (LHR)
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,010 reviews)
Staff was very friendly, room was clean and we had a great stay.

Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026

Popular places to visit

You can find more the UFO in Rendlesham forest. Tawny owl camouflaged in a tree cavity for instance #Wildlife #owl #britain #uk #England #suffolk #tawnyowl #spring #treecavity #nature #forest #woods #wildlife #nature

Rendlesham Forest Centre

4/5(1 review)

Explore the great outdoors at Rendlesham Forest Centre, a lovely green space in Capel St. Andrew. Stroll along the area's seaside or simply savour its lively bars.

Rendlesham Forest Centre
Spring flowers blooming 🌸🌸🌸

Sutton Hoo

4.5/5(25 reviews)

You can browse the exhibits at Sutton Hoo, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Sutton. Visit the spas and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Sutton Hoo

Suffolk Punch Trust

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Suffolk Punch Trust in Hollesley. Stroll along the seaside in this relaxing area or visit its lively bars.

Suffolk Punch Trust

Bawdsey Radar

You can browse the exhibits at Bawdsey Radar, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Bawdsey. Visit the spas and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Bawdsey Radar

Woodbridge Tide Mill

You can browse the exhibits at Woodbridge Tide Mill, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Woodbridge. Visit the spas and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Woodbridge Tide Mill

Woodbridge Museum

You can browse the exhibits at Woodbridge Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Woodbridge. Visit the spas and lively bars in this relaxing area.

Woodbridge Museum

Top Hotel Deals

Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel, Golf & Spa

Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel, Golf & Spa

4 out of 5
Yarmouth Road Woodbridge England
Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel, Golf & Spa
Near Suffolk Coast & Forest

Near Suffolk Coast & Forest

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The Knox - Beautiful Two Bed Cottage Near Orford

The Knox - Beautiful Two Bed Cottage Near Orford

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Mollett's Farm

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White Lion Hotel - Aldeburgh

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3 out of 5
Market Cross Place Aldeburgh England
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