8 Reasons to Visit in Winter

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. 

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 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!

As a designated National Landscape 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 Winter River and Reedbed Rambles from Snape, Winter Wildfowl and Birdwatching for Beginners.

The Suffolk Coast is also home to a number of nature reserves including National Trust Dunwich Heath; where you can enjoy family stargazing, Dunwich Heath history talks and folk music in the cafe and National Trust Sutton Hoo; a fascinating Anglo-Saxon burial site, surrounded by 245 acres of woods and parkland.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust also boasts some of the region's most unique and beautiful landscapes; Carlton & Oulton Marshes, Captain's Wood near Woodbridge, Framlingham Mere, Gunton Warren, Hen Reedbeds Snape Marshes and Sutton & Hollesley Common. 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 with events including Wild Tots, creative workshops such as exploring tree dies and tannins and willow weaving. 

For downloadable maps and guides, check out our ‘Walking Guide’. 

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. The whimsical village of Thorpeness is majestic at any time of year, after a walk along the beach and round the mere, sit in front of a roaring fire at The Dolphin Inn or head to the market town of Saxmundham to enjoy some hearty British classics from The Bell Hotel.

Just a short drive from the riverside town of Woodbridge you will find 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 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.

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 Millennium 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!

The Suffolk Coast's idyllic coastal landscape offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life, where one can immerse themselves in the soothing rhythm of the waves, meander along pristine beaches, and explore picturesque villages. The open expanses of the coastline provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities, from leisurely walks along the sand dunes at Walberswick to cold water swimming at Lowestoft, Southwold and Felixstowe.

If you prefer a little indulgence, a spa day at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall is sure to calm your mind and body; the award-winning spa boasts saunas, steam rooms and a pool, with an impressive selection of treatments on offer.

Offering spa days and breaks, Seckford Hall Hotel's luxurious spa includes a sauna, steam room and Spa Garden with outdoor spa facilities, complimented by a range of treatments to enjoy. or book a stay or a spa day at Retreat East and you can make the most of the on-site spa facilities with treatments that focus on the five elements of traditional Chinese medicine; Water, Earth, Metal, Fire, and Wood. 

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! 

From stargazing at Haw Wood Farm, landscape photography days with Anthony Cullen photography, and wildlife photography weekends at Bawdsey Hall, to cooking workshops at The Food Hub Cookery School at Kenton Hall, The Next Loaf providing fun, informative, hands-on classes taught by the founder of Two Magpies Bakery, adrenalin thrills with Anglia Indoor Karting, boat building at the International Boatbuilding Training College and clay pigeon shooting at High Lodge – a trip to The Suffolk Coast in winter is the perfect opportunity to learn something new. 

For full event listings, visit our ‘What’s On’ guide.