An all-seasons destination, there’s no doubt that The Suffolk Coast is a popular choice for a summer holiday, but head here during the colder months and you get a completely different experience, we’ve picked just a few reasons you should visit during the winter…
1. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to deserted beaches
During Summer, many of The Suffolk Coast’s beaches are a popular destination for holiday-makers, but in the winter, they take on a whole new persona; with windswept dunes, crashing waves, and bracing winds, they are the perfect place to blow away the cobwebs, stroll hand in hand with your loved one, or enjoy a solitary dog walk.
For family-friendly stretches, head to the award-winning beaches at Lowestoft, Southwold and Felixstowe, where you're never very far away from a coastal cafe to warm up in with a mug of hot chocolate. For those 'get away from it all' winter walks, visit Shingle Street, Kessingland and Covehithe, or for dog walks head to Walberswick and Pakefield.
2.You can grab a bargain!
Not only can you take advantage of some great last-minute and winter offers, you can make the most of lower ‘out of season’ prices on self-catering cottages, apartments and houses as well as bed and breakfasts and hotels.
This winter, there are plenty of bargain getaways to be had, with 2-4-1, money off and package breaks being offered by hotels, self-catering properties and bed & breakfasts. Take a look at our 'Special Offers' page and start planning your winter break on The Suffolk Coast.
Or for more places to stay inspiration, check out our ‘Where To Stay’ guide!
3. Explore the Outstanding Landscape
As an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there are plenty of places to head out into the great outdoors for an invigorating walk. Whilst you’re out, you can spot some of the UK's rarest birds, so remember to pack the binoculars!
If you fancy some company or someone to point out top wildlife spots, then join one of the guided walks at RSPB Minsmere. This winter choose from the Magic of Minsmere Weekend Walk, Otter Tracks and Signs, Birdwatching for Beginners, and Minsmere Reedlings; a wonderful outdoor adventure for 2-5 year olds!
The Suffolk Coast is also home to a number of nature reserves including National Trust Orford Ness (currently closed, please check the website for updates), National Trust Dunwich Heath, Carlton & Oulton Marshes, Captain's Wood near Woodbridge, Framlingham Mere, Gunton Warren, Hen Reedbeds Snape Marshes and Sutton & Hollesley Common. Managed by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, there are plenty of ways to explore these stunning reserves and lots of ways for nature enthusiasts of all ages to discover Suffolk's wildlife and plantlife.
For downloadable maps and guides, check out our ‘Walking Guide’.
4. Enjoy seasonal food at a local pub
You can experience something a bit different at a Suffolk Coast pub this winter...
After a walk along the windswept beach at Dunwich, find a table next to the fire at The Ship, or travel a couple of miles inland and enjoy a course or two at The Westleton Crown.
Just a short drive from the riverside town of Woodbridge, The Ufford Crown is a great option for a family meal or Sunday lunch, or book a table at The Unruly Pig; with cosy wood burners and original beams it's the ideal place to tuck into some of Suffolk's finest fayre after a winter walk, in fact it was featured in The Financial Times ‘5 of the Best: Pubs with Walks.'
Spend a day birdwatching and walking in the Deben Peninsula followed by a meal at The Sorrel Horse or head down the coast to Walberswick and snuggle up and enjoy a pint and dinner at The Bell or The Anchor.
For more pubs, restaurants and places to eat inspiration on The Suffolk Coast, head to our 'Food & Drink' guide.
5. Dogs have free reign!
The Suffolk Coast is a dog-friendly destination year-round, but during the summer months, there are restrictions on some of the beaches. Not the case in winter! Your 4-legged friend can enjoy a paddle in the North Sea, a roll around in the sand and a game of fetch right along the coast. Not forgetting spots such as Rendlesham Forest, Beccles Common, Halesworth Millenium Green and the riverside walk in Woodbridge, should you prefer to stay away from those bracing sea winds!
There's plenty of ‘dog friendly’ accommodation available too, so your dog can join you for a quiet drink in front of a roaring fire at the end of the day.
For downloadable maps and walking routes, head to our Walking Guide for inspiration!
6. Great Golf all year!
Experience winter golf at its best at Thorpeness Golf Club; a heathland course designed in 1922 by architect James Braid. It's open 365 days a year, is 6,421 yards long and plays to a par of 70.
Tee off by the sea at Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club; the 5th oldest club in England and the only true links course in Suffolk or for golfers of all skill levels, book a round at Woodbridge Golf Club which has two courses; an 18-hole heathland course and a 9-hole forest course.
If you want to make a weekend of it, the course at Ufford Park has been voted top winter golf course by Today’s Golfer magazine. You can buy a 5 or 7 day membership for your stay, and when staying at the hotel you can also take advantage of the gym and spa facilities and enjoy a meal in the restaurant.
7. It’s oyster season!
Although served all year round, Oysters are at their best during the winter months. During your visit, be sure to pay a trip to Pinneys of Orford where you can enjoy a delicious bowl of freshly caught Pinney’s Oysters or Oyster soup, as well as a delicious selection of seasonal fish including smoked trout, smoked mackerel, griddled prawns, skate wings and fish pie to name but a few.
Home to many award-winning food & drinks producers, if you're looking to take a taste of The Suffolk Coast home with you, then pay a visit to one (or a few) of the many delis and producers. Take a look at our Food & Drink Guide to plan your shopping list!
8. You can learn something new