Hop to It! on The Suffolk Coast

Soak up a blend of outdoor adventure, local charm and great food in Beccles. Kick things off with a dip at Beccles Lido, the community-run 30 × 16 m outdoor pool on Puddingmoor, heated to a toasty 28 °C in summer and complete with a diving board, slide and toddler pool—plus a café and picnic area right by the River Waveney 

From there, rent a paddleboard (or canoe or kayak) or hop on board the Big Dog Ferry and glide along the serene Waveney—perfect for wildlife spotting and exploring the picturesque ‘Back Gardens of Beccles’ 

Once on dry land, browse the town’s independent shops—quirky gift boutiques, artisan delis, bookshops and more—showcasing real local character. After working up an appetite, head to Rao’s on Northgate for a relaxed bite, coffees and homemade ice cream (even pup-friendly flavours!)  It’s a perfect day of lido swims, river adventures, boutique browsing and delicious treats—all in quintessential Suffolk style.

Want to extend your stay? Book a stay at the award-winning floating pods at Hippersons Boatyard, ideally located for exploring the Norfolk & Suffolk Broads.

Lowestoft offers a classic coastal day out packed with seaside fun and local flavour. Start your day lounging or paddling on the wide, sandy South Beach, which holds a Seaside Award and is supported by a lively promenade lined with beach huts, kiosks, showers, and lifeguards in the warmer months 

Just steps away, East Point Pavilion is a beautifully restored glass-fronted venue where you can savour coffee, craft beer, cocktails or street-food from rotating pop-ups—all overlooking the sea—while enjoying live music, workshops and community markets year-round 

A little further along the coast stands the historic Claremont Pier, a 1903 pleasure pier with amusements, arcade games, a restaurant, takeaway fish & chips and an ice-cream kiosk—perfect for a nostalgic seaside afternoon 

Then turn inland to explore Sparrow’s Nest Gardens, a charming Victorian green space home to the Lowestoft War Memorial and Maritime Museums—a peaceful spot to wander ornate paths, learn about local naval history, and enjoy a relaxed picnic 

Add some sunshine, a fresh sea breeze and a picky itinerary, and you’ve got yourself a splendid day in Suffolk’s eastern gem!

Want to extend your stay? Both the newly refurbished First Light Hotel and sea fronted Best Western Hatfield Hotel are perfectly situated for a stay by the sea.

Woodbridge offers a delightful mix of history, riverfront charm, and ancient mysteries. Begin your exploration at the Woodbridge Tide Mill, a Grade I listed working mill where the towering waterwheel still grinds wholemeal flour—visitors can watch milling demonstrations, tour the three floors of interpretive displays, and soak in centuries-old industrial ingenuity.

Afterwards, wander down to the quayside and embark on a scenic Suffolk River Trips cruise from the Town Steps—these guided 45-minute trips glide past serene waters, wildlife-rich marshes, picturesque Kyson Point, and even the historic Sutton Hoo burial mounds across the estuary.

Round out your day with a visit to the Sutton Hoo site itself—this nationally significant National Trust property showcases the 6th-7th century Anglo-Saxon ship burial through atmospheric mounds, an award-winning exhibition, and a reconstructed burial chamber, shedding light on East Anglia’s royal past.

Together, these experiences offer a rich, riverside journey through Woodbridge's living heritage.

Want to extend your stay? Book a night or two in the stylish Crown Hotel or find a self-catering cottage to call your own.

Felixstowe is a vibrant seaside town where there's something for everyone. Begin with thrills at Manning’s Amusements, the classic Art Deco arcade and funfair by the South Beach—try your luck on slot machines, play crazy golf or ten-pin bowling, and don’t miss the bustling Sunday market.

Then wander over to Beach Street, a quirky food-and-shopping destination built from colourful shipping containers—perfect for artisan snacks, boutique browsing, and chilled coastal vibes.

When you're ready to stretch your legs, head to the Activity Park close to the promenade, where you’ll find outdoor gyms, climbing walls, ping-pong tables and play spaces for all ages 

Of course, no trip is complete without a lazy afternoon on Felixstowe Beach itself—award-winning sand and shingle backed by a lively prom and traditional huts 

Finish the day exploring Landguard Fort at the tip of the peninsula, a well-preserved 18th-century coastal defence with tunnels, exhibits, beautiful nature reserve walks, and amazing harbour views.

Want to extend your stay? Book a stay in one of the many holiday cottages and apartments, and hire a beach hut for an authentic stay by the sea!

Ipswich is a vibrant riverside town that blends cultural richness, waterfront charm, and retail therapy into a delightful day out. Begin at the stunning Christchurch Mansion in Christchurch Park—a free-to-enter Grade I Tudor mansion housing beautifully preserved period rooms, rare Suffolk art including Constable and Gainsborough masterpieces, and ever-changing exhibitions and family workshops.

After exploring the mansion and its leafy parklands, wander down to the waterfront for a sail aboard the historic Sailing Barge Victor, a lovingly restored 1895 barge offering scenic public cruises (complete with food, commentary, and the chance to take the helm) along the River Orwell from the Old Custom House.

Back ashore, the bustling town centre beckons with a mix of independent boutiques, high-street shops, and cafés—from artisan gift-lists to cosy coffee houses and riverside dining spots, there's something to satisfy every taste. All in all, Ipswich invites you to journey through centuries of history, glide under the majestic Orwell Bridge, indulge in some local shopping, and refuel at one of its many eateries—a perfect blend of culture, calm, and community.

Want to extend your stay? The uber stylish Salthouse House Hotel is ideal for a weekend break in Suffolk's county town.