The Suffolk Coast's Top Insta Spots!

One of Suffolk's most iconic images, the Scallop has been on Aldeburgh's shingle beach since 2003. Designed and created by local artist Maggi Hambling, it was awarded the Public Monuments and Sculpture Association Marsh award for Excellence in Public Sculpture for the Scallop, so it's little wonder it's a popular shot for photographers; from professionals wanting that perfect landscape photo, to smartphone users wanting to capture the serenity of this beautiful beach. 

If you're looking for an iconic 'seaside' photo, then Southwold Pier is definitely that backdrop for that! The 623m long Edwardian Pier offers a number of places to the perfect snap; walk out to sea and stop by the water clock, designed by inventor Tim Hunkin, stand on the right hand side and enjoy views of the town and the pastel coloured beach huts which line the prom or swap over to the left side to see the coast stretching towards Covehithe and Kessingland. 

Visit the riverside location of Oulton Broad at sunset and you're treated to some pretty magnificent views of the Broads National Park. Sitting on the banks of the river is Nicholas Everitt Park, take a walk through the park and along the river to see boats bobbing on the water, or hire a canoe or kayak from the watersports centre and head out along the River Waveney to see and capture kingfishers, marsh harriers and barn owls. 

Mentioned in the Domesday Book, the coastal village of Dunwich has a fascinating past. Most of the buildings that were present in the 13th century have disappeared over the cliffs during storms, including all eight churches. Popular local legend will tell you that the church bells can still be heard ringing at certain tides from beneath the waves. The remains of a 13th-century Franciscan priory and the Leper Hospital of St James can still be seen and make a great backdrop for Instagram, especially when the mist eerily rolls in off the sea!

Aldeburgh's pastel coloured coastal cottages, independent cafes and boutique shops that line the High Street require no filter! Whilst there, pay a visit to Aldeburgh Fish & Chip Shop - the family-run shop has been here since 1967 and was recently described as '...arguably the best in the world!' by the Sunday Mirror. Take a short stroll to the beach, find a spot to sit and rip open your steaming hot packet of freshly made and locally caught fish and chips - definite food porn for Instagrammers!

The inspiration for Ed Sheeran's 'The Castle on the Hill', Framlingham Castle dates back to 1148 and has a fascinating past; for it was here that Mary Tudor was proclaimed Queen of England. The Castle is owned by English Heritage so you have to pay for entry but walk along the ramparts of the castle and you are greeted with some pretty spectacular views of the surrounding mere and next door Framlingham College. 

For views of the castle itself, the Suffolk Wildlife Trust nature reserve which surrounds the Castle and encompasses the mere is made up of wet meadows that are home to migrating birds such as marsh marigolds, delicate ragged-robin, and lady’s smock. This spot is considered by many to be the best view in inland Suffolk, so definitely one to capture in your Insta stories and feed.

Arguably one of the prettiest villages on The Suffolk Coast, Orford is packed with spots that are sure to gain you some love on Instagram. Arrive early morning and walk along the ten-mile shingle spit, made up of marsh, lagoons and waterways before heading back into the village to wander through the pretty lanes and streets. Stop in at Pinneys for fresh fish and locally caught oysters and take a photo outside the pink walls of Pump Street Bakery.

It doesn't get much more 'getaway' than Covehithe Beach. Only accessible by foot, you're most likely to be the only one there, save for the odd angler or lone dog walker! There are no facilities or places to grab an ice cream, but the landscape is spectacular with windswept sands, imposing cliffs and the flotsam and jetsum of the days tides. 

It's wise to not go alone though due to the remoteness of the beach and care should be taken walking along or close to the cliffs as due to the tides, they can be unstable.

Located in the historic market town of Beccles, the recently restored bell tower, is adjacent to St Michael's church in the town centre. It stands on the edge of a cliff within the town, and is 97 feet high so once you've climbed the steps, you are rewarded with views of the Waveney Valley, the North Sea on the eastern horizon, and the flat terrain of the broads extending south into Suffolk and, across the river, into nearby Norfolk. 

One of Suffolk's most iconic buildings, located in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Snape Maltings is packed with scenes that make the perfect Instagram installment. Walk out from the Maltings complex along the River Alde, stand beside one of the many sculptures placed about the site by artists including Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, Tracey Emin, Gary Hume and Sara Lucas or soak up the atmosphere and be inspired by the magnificent concert hall.

Situated on the banks of the River Deben, Woodbridge Tide Mill is one of just two working Tide Mills in the country. Inside you can see watch the historic water wheel in action and see the millers making flour. After your visit, walk along the river wall or wander along the Quay to watch the sailing boats bobbing on the water.

England's oldest inhabited town, Ipswich's waterfront has undergone massive regeneration over the past few years and today is home to trendy bars, cool eateries and boutique hotels. Enjoy a cocktail or two and watch the sunset on the water at Isaacs on the Quay, tuck into a meal made with Suffolk's finest produce at the Salthouse Eaterie or hop on board the Orwell Lady and head out along the Orwell Estuary to take in the magnificent views.

Here you will also find Old Customs House, one of the finest buildings on Ipwich Waterfront, ornately decorated with carvings of the Borough Arms, which are estimated to date back to around 1200, when the first Charter was granted to the Borough by King John.

Situated at the southernmost point of Felixstowe, Landguard Peninsula encompasses the nature reserve and  Landguard Fort; one of England's best preserved coastal defenses, with a fascinating past spanning almost 450 years. 

Surrounding the Fort and Museum is the vegetated shingle habitat of the Landguard Nature Reserve, with its rare plants, migrating birds and military history. After a day of exploring, pay a visit to the View Point Cafe for coffee, cake, ice cream and fish and chips; with views across to Harwich Harbour and the Port of Felixstowe (Britain's largest container port), to watch the tankers and cargo ships sail by. 

Probably Suffolk's most Instagrammed spot, Thorpeness and the House in the Clouds are a magical place to visit and capture on camera. The house, which is privately owned and available for holiday stays, is one of the country's most famous follies. It is set within 1-acre of grounds and boasts views of the village, Mere and beautiful Suffolk Coast. 

Built in the early 1900s by architect Alexander Ogilvie, Thorpeness was created as a holiday village, and still retains many of its original features including the man-made Mere. Hire boats and paddle out across the Mere, enjoy tea and cake in the nearby cafe, and look for vintage treasures in the Emporium.

The village has many connections with the famous children's story by J.M.Barrie; the author was a friend of the Ogilvies and regularly visited the village. His characters inspired the magical little islands in the centre of the famous Meare. The landings are still marked with names from the storybook, and you can find locations such as the pirate's lair and Wendy's home.