Escape the Everyday - Freedom to Explore

Night swimming at Beccles Lido

Situated on the banks of the River Waveney, Beccles Lido is a traditional, heated outdoor pool complete with slide and diving board. For younger swimmers, there's also a separate toddler and paddling pool, plus a children's play area and cafe serving snacks, meals, sandwiches and ice creams.

If you want to escape the crowds, you can enjoy a the truly unique experience of swimming under the stars at one of the after-dark swimming sessions. The pool is illuminated by under water lights, and there's a pace to suit all levels of swimmer.

Escape the Crowds on the Coast

Ideal for families, Lowestoft has the biggest stretch of golden sandy beach on The Suffolk Coast. There's oodles of space here, even on busier days, so you'll easily find a spot to set up for the day. Moving south Pakefield beach is a little more wild, with marram grass and dunes and fishing boats to sunbathe amongst. Children will love searching the shores for flotsam and jetsum and throwing stones in the sea. 

A huge stretch of beach framed by imposing cliffs, you'll have no trouble social distancing and staying away from the crowds at Kessingland. The coastal village has a number of places to park, but there isn't a beach car park, so expect a walk to reach the sea. 

Just a short ferry ride across the River Blyth from the popular beach at Southwold, Walberswick's beach is accessed by crossing over the bridge and through the dunes. A beautiful stretch of sand and shingle beach awaits you here, with views of Southwold to the north and Sizewell beach to the south.

A fabulous alternative to the seaside towns of Southwold and Aldeburgh, Felixstowe boasts a 4-mile shingle and sand beach. The traditional seaside experience is on offer here, with the Pier and amusements and ice cream parlour sitting alongside a wilder beach as you head towards Landguard point. 

Watch the sunrise at Britain's most easterly point

Not only does the town of Lowestoft boast a glorious sandy beach, it's also home Britain's most easterly point; Ness Point. An understated spot, Ness Point is one of the first places to see the sunrise, and boy is it with the early start!

Head to Ness Point itself, or make your way to the beach to watch the sun rise into the sky from the horizon as flickers of light catch the waves. 

Camping & Glamping

What better way to discover The Suffolk Coast have freedom to explore than with a night under the stars on a camping holiday. From campsites, caravans and campervans to shepherds huts, bell tents and airstream trailers, you can choose to rough it as little or as much as you like. Our Ultimate Guide to Camping & Glamping has all you need to plan a night under the stars!

The Roundhouse at Alde Garden

A new addition to the off-grid accommodation at Alde Garden, The Roundhouse is made from local materials and has been designed for maximum solar gain. The cob floor acts as a thermal mass, storing the heat and slowly emitting it later to warm the house.

There's a large round window, big enough to sit inside, a little reading nook with a bookshelf above and lots of coloured bottle 'light tunnels' designed to catch the sun. The roof rafters have been debarked and sanded to reveal the natural light colour of sweet chestnut giving you the feel of being under a tree's branches beneath the dark night sky.

Hire bikes and explore The Suffolk Coast

If you're an experienced cyclist looking for a challenge, Suffolk is home to two National Cycle Routes; Cycle Route 1 is the main north/south route through Suffolk, travelling all the way from Stratford St Mary to Beccles, before entering Norfolk, whilst Cycle Route 51 goes west/east, travelling from Cambridge to Felixstowe. 

If you prefer a more leisurely pace, hire bikes from Southwold Cycle Hire and explore the seaside town and surrounding areas from the saddle, stopping by a deli to pick up a picnic lunch, and taking the ferry across the River Blyth to continue your bike ride around Walberswick.

Pub Walks with a Pint of Adnams

If you prefer to adopt a slower pace, incorporating a taste of The Suffolk Coast into your walk, then try one of the pub walks from Adnams. Stopping along the way for drinks and lunch, a pub walk is a great way to get the whole family out and about enjoying the great outdoors.

Cycling & Wildlife Spotting at Dunwich and Minsmere

This cycle route commences at Dunwich, and if you're planning an early start, breakfast at The Ship is sure to set you on your way. Serving traditional breakfast including local Blythburgh pork sausages, eggs, kippers and freshly made omelettes.

Upon arrival at Westleton, pop into The Westleton Crown for a pot of tea or lunch, before heading on to RSPB Minsmere to spot some of the UK's rarest wildlife.  Carrying on to Greyfriars Priory, sit amongst the ruins for a perfect picnic spot, or continue back to Dunwich where an ice cream at the cafe on the beach awaits you.

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

A short break or holiday on The Suffolk Coast, is a unique experience, especially if you choose to stay at one of the many quirky places to stay! 

Letheringham Water Mill Cottages

Nestling in the heart of beautiful rural Suffolk, Lethringham Water Mill Cottages are situated within 7 acres of gardens, with views across the river. There are 5 cottages to choose from, for a truly unique experience, book to stay at The Riverside; nestled within the actual historical Water Mill building with an illuminated viewing gallery into the actual mill workings.

The House in the Clouds

Set in an acre of private grounds, The House in the Clouds in Thorpeness is one England's most famous follies. Located high above the ground, the accommodation boasts views of the surrounding golf coursem meare and coastline. With 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a drawing room, dining room, and 'room at the top' with spectacular views, it's perfect for a unique getaway on The Suffolk Coast!

Easton Farm Park

Wake up to the sounds of rural Suffolk, pull on some clothes and head out to help feed the bunnies and the chickens at Easton Farm Park. The Farm Park is open from 10.30am with two indoor playbarns and lots more fun on the farm - so it's the perfect place to enjoy a memorable family holiday!

If you prefer to stay somewhere a little out of the ordinary then opt for a Cow Shed! A mix between a caravan, camping and glamping, the Cow Shed experience is living in the outdoors but with home comforts!

Hippersons Boatyard

Glamping with a difference! The luxury glamping pod at Hippersons Boatyard sits right on the water! With underfloor heating and an outside floating deck where you can sit and watch the sunrise and sunset over Beccles Quay, it's a truly unique place to stay.

Complete with all mod cons including a two ring hob and a microwave with a double room and bunk beds in a separate room. Or, if you prefer to stay on dry land, then choose one of the glamping pods situated on the river's edge.

Places to Stay on The Suffolk Coast