For centuries people have flocked to the seaside to take in the fresh salty air, the sound of waves lapping at the shore and the exhilarating coastal breeze…but not everyone likes the feel of sand beneath their feet!
The Suffolk Coast is home to some beautiful, historical seafront gardens which means you can still appreciate the charming coastal atmosphere without having to step onto the sand…
Meander around the delightful Kensington Gardens which flank the award winning Blue Flag beach in Lowestoft – a relatively quiet haven of fauna and flora in contrast to the bustling activity to be found on the nearby beach.
The gardens were opened in June 1922; Almost one hundred years later its original infrastructure remains largely intact although some of the basic elements are now hidden under a canopy of mature evergreen oaks.
From May to September Kensington Gardens are a haven for bowling and tennis fanatics alike - Well-kept bowling greens nestle amongst borders of colourful shrubs and floral bedding displays and the newly refurbished tennis courts become a magnet for all ‘would be’ Andy Murrays!
Budding little sailors love the large boating lake - a firm favourite with children, and an ideal launching pad for homemade sailing vessels or hi-tech model power boats.
For those who prefer simply to sit and watch the world go by the on-site tea room, serving a refreshing brew or a cooling ice-cream, is a popular gathering place to watch the bowling matches or catch up with friends and family.
Travelling south down The Suffolk Coast, the quaint seaside town of Southwold has its own equivalent of seafront gardens – Southwold Boating Lake and Tearooms. This little gem, located directly opposite the famous Southwold Pier, seems to be the place where sea meets land, an eclectic mix of colourful bedding displays just a stones throw from the wild bird hides nestling in the reeds.
There’s lots of family entertainment in the offing here from paddle boats on the lake to trying your hand at the 9 hole Crazy Golf course!
Be sure not to leave before you have stopped off for refreshments at the enchanting tea room, perched on its own little island – their afternoon cream teas are reported to be the best around!
The Suffolk town of Felixstowe became known as the ‘Garden Town of East Anglia’ because of the stunning seafront gardens…
The eight interconnected Grade II listed gardens, beautifully landscaped and sumptuously planted borders, were created a hundred years ago - Victorian visitors came to promenade next to the sea, enjoy the sea air and to take the reputed health giving qualities of the Felixstowe Spa water.
After its regeneration in 2015, Felixstowe Seafront Gardens still have much to offer residents, day trippers and holiday-makers alike. Bring the family along and take time to wander through the fascinating 'Heritage Trail' and uncover the many historical features, structures, colourful and unusual planting.