• Year of the Coast - Cyclists on Beach

Year of the Coast 2023

2023 is the Year of the Coast - and we want to share our love of the Suffolk Coast with you!  This celebratory year includes a programme of events - with festivals, markets, trails and experiences all taking place, around the UK and on the glorious Suffolk Coast.

The English coastline is one of the most exciting in the world; more than 185 million years old, and one of the most varied – rich in maritime port cities, smuggling villages, family resorts, nature and unique sea life. 

Join us in celebrating all that we love about the coast; from our wild beaches, coastal villages and seaside resorts to watersports, sailing, nature and wildlife. 

Discover The Suffolk Coast

Covehithe from the Sky

Whether you’re looking for a great family day out, a bird watching haven, or a trip back in time, the beaches along the Suffolk Coast make for a memorable day out whatever the time of year.

In the winter, Suffolk's beaches 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 ones, or enjoy a solitary dog walk.

In summer, they're the perfect place to soak up the sun and enjoy a day by the sea; head to Walberswick and take part in the traditional Suffolk pastime of crabbing, visit Southwold and stroll out to sea along the traditional pier, build a sandcastle and slurp an ice cream in Felixstowe, and swim in the sea and hire your own beach hut in Lowestoft. 

Check out our Beaches Guide to plan your day by the sea! 

Year of the Coast Events

First Light Festival - view of festival from above

2023 is set to be an exciting year of events on The Suffolk Coast; with the Aldeburgh Festival, First Light Festival, Maverick Festival in June, Latitude Festival in July, FolkEast in August, Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival in September and loads of other events taking place throughout the year - all celebrating our wonderful coast!

Check out the Year of the Coast events and plan your visit!

Experiences on The Suffolk Coast

Fishers Gin - Bar with gins

Make 2023 the year you turn 'I've always wanted to do that' to 'I did it!'. Try unique, authentic and fabulous hands on experiences, tours and trails on The Suffolk Coast and you will discover the full beauty of our landscape, people and places, and gain memories that will last a lifetime!

Click here to book an experience on The Suffolk Coast 

Walking on The Suffolk Coast 

Suffolk Coast walking guide - Dunwich Beach - Emily Fae Photography

Walk The Suffolk Coast Path! As part of the new England Coast Path, you can follow the beautiful Suffolk coast path from Felixstowe to Lowestoft passing through the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which covers 150 square miles in East Anglia and includes wildlife-rich wetlands, ancient heaths, shingle beaches and historic towns and villages.

Take in the charming coastal towns and villages of Bawdsey, Snape, Aldeburgh, North Warren, Thorpeness, Minsmere, Dunwich Forest, Southwold and Kessingland and discover what makes this stretch of coast so unique.

Click here for more walking trails and routes on The Suffolk Coast

Book a stay on The Suffolk Coast

House in the Clouds - from below

Lonely cottages on wild shores, tipi-filled glamping sites, luxury hotels with panoramic sea views, even a fairytale house that floats above the clouds; The Suffolk Coast has an extraordinary array of accommodation.

If space and tranquillity are what you're looking for, how about a converted barn deep in the Suffolk coast countryside? Perhaps the quirky charm of a fisherman’s cottage, or a luxurious stay in one of our many boutique hotels? Whatever's on your 'where to stay' wish list you'll find your ideal bolt hole here on The Suffolk Coast.

Click here to find a place to stay on The Suffolk Coast

Things to Do on The Suffolk Coast

Jet Adventures - View of boat from above

Whether it’s browsing the delights of a local market, listening to a string quartet in stunning surroundings, building a bird house or meeting animals from the African savannah, The Suffolk Coast has a day out for you.

Perfectly seasoned, with culture, landscape and history, The Suffolk Coast is home to a range of attractions providing live theatre and music, outdoor pursuits, literature and comedy, history and heritage and food and drink. Enjoy a day out, a short break or a holiday packed with memorable experiences.

Click here to discover things to do on The Suffolk Coast

Dine out on The Suffolk Coast

Cooking on Aldeburgh Beach

Home to some of the region's finest food producers and restaurants, The Suffolk Coast is blessed with a broad range of quality local produce including smoked fish, Suffolk ham and pork, quality beef and lamb, hand-picked asparagus and strawberries, cheese, honey and jams, a taste sensation for all foodies.

For breakfast and lunch, head to one of the many cafes, delis or restaurants, making the most of the fabulous alfresco dining opportunities along the coast! After an exhilarating day exploring or for that special treat, indulge in a glorious afternoon tea, a Suffolk coast speciality - set in beautiful surroundings using great local produce!

Click here for our Food & Drink Guide



Things to see and do

Lowestoft Beach

Lowestoft Beach

Lowestoft beach is home to two award-winning stretches of golden sandy beach - Lowestoft South Beach and Lowestoft North beach.

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Seaside Award 2023

Pakefield Beach

Pakefield Beach

A little more wild than the neighbouring beach at Lowestoft, Pakefield Beach is made up of a sand and pebble beach, with marram grass and dunes and fishing boats to sunbathe amongst. 

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Kessingland Beach

Kessingland Beach

A huge stretch of beach framed by imposing cliffs, perfect for those looking for a wild beach experience.

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Southwold Beach

Southwold Beach

Officially recognised as an environmentally-friendly beach, Southwold is a top spot for those wanting to take a paddle in the sea and a stroll along the prom. 

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Blue Flag Award Seaside Award 2023

Covehithe Beach

Covehithe Beach

One of The Suffolk Coast's wild beaches, Covehithe is a beach where you can escape the crowds and get away from it all.

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Walberswick Beach

Walberswick Beach

A wilder beach than neighbouring Southwold, Walberswick Beach is a favourite with families, dog walkers and sea swimmers.

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Dunwich Beach

Dunwich Beach

Popular with pups and with those wanting to avoid the crowds, Dunwich is one of The Suffolk Coast's popular wild beaches.

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Thorpeness Beach

Thorpeness Beach

The enchanting coastal village of Thorpeness is not only home to the famous Meare, but also a charming shingle beach.

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Aldeburgh Beach

Aldeburgh Beach

The delightful pebble beach at Aldeburgh is a favourite for a day at the seaside on The Suffolk Coast.

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Felixstowe Beach

Felixstowe Beach

The attractive seaside town of Felixstowe is home to a 4-mile beach, with family-friendly spots and more rural stretches for those looking for a more rural experience.

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Seaside Award 2023 Blue Flag Award

Sizewell Beach

Sizewell Beach

The small fishing village of Sizewell is home to a wild beach, back by dunes.


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Shingle Street Beach

Shingle Street Beach

A remote stretch of coastline, Shingle Street is located to the north of Felixstowe, known for it's shingle and pebble beach.

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