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Escape the Everyday - Freedom to Explore

Plan your UK break this summer on The Suffolk Coast

With big open skies, miles of winding country lanes, forest, heath and coast; The Suffolk Coast gives you freedom to explore and then some!

A mecca for walkers and cyclists, there are routes to suit all levels of explorer - from pub to pub walks and wildlife trails to long rambles along coastal paths and hikes through forest and heath.

Crowd free bucket list experiences

TTDA - Beccles Lido - Night swimming

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.

Off-grid accommodation

WTS - Alde Garden - Roundhouse

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.

Walking & Cycling

Cycling in Tunstall Forest

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.

Quirky Accommodation

House in the Clouds Close up of exterior

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!

Happy Days Retro Vacations

A slice of vintage Americana in the Suffolk countryside, Happy Days Retro Vacations is a small campsite where visitors can live out their dreams of old Hollywood glamour by renting a beautifully restored Airstream trailer.

The six silver ladies named Betsy, Dee Dee, Annie, Gloria, Nettie and Peggy are all either four or five berth so ideal for families. Sharing the site with these old style American beauties is Elsie, a small British two berth caravan, perfect for couples plus there are two camping pitches for either vintage caravans, campervans or tents.

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.

CLICK HERE FOR ACCOMMODATION ON OFFER ACROSS THE SUFFOLK COAST AND START PLANNING YOUR UK BREAK:

Places to Stay on The Suffolk Coast

Things to see and do

International Boatbuilding Training College (IBTC)

IBTC in Lowestoft offers a variety of boatbuilding/maintenance and woodworking courses suitable for those looking for a career in the maritime industry as well as individuals wanting to develop existing or new interests and skills.

Allen Gardiner River Cruise Restaurant

Ipswich

Allen Gardiner River Cruise Restaurant provides a unique and exciting dining experience offering breakfast and a la carte lunch, sunset supper or candlelit dinner cruises.

The Suffolk Punch Trust

Woodbridge

The Suffolk Punch Trust is an educational and environmental charity dedicated to breeding and preserving the Suffolk Punch horse.

Snape Maltings

Snape

Snape Maltings sits on the bank of the River Alde, surrounded by an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and just five miles from Aldeburgh.

Easton Farm Park

Woodbridge

Fun family day out on the farm. Home to plenty of farm animals, including a new contingent of ducklings, lambs, foals, chicks, piglets and calves every spring, Easton Farm Park never ceases to be a popular day out for families and school trips.

Marina Theatre

The Marina Theatre is proud to be Lowestoft’s not-for-profit professional theatre. Their charity number is 1149133.

Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

The Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a stunning landscape packed full with wildlife and exciting places to explore and discover.

Oulton Broad Dayboats

Self drive boat hire by the hour or day, spend time afloat in the newly created Broads National park here in Suffolk.

We're Good to Go - VisitEngland Covid-19 accreditation scheme

Excelsior

Come and sail onboard one of Suffolk's historic sailing vessels! Excelsior LT472 is one of the few remaining Lowestoft sailing trawlers, built in 1921 and restored to her original specification on deck. And you can take a hand at sailing her!

Sailing Barge Victor

Sailing Barge Victor is a perfect marriage of a majestic and traditionally rigged 19th century sailing vessel with comfortable, modern facilities for guests.

Beaches

Whether you’re in search of a great family day out, a birdwatching haven, or trip back in time, the beaches along the Suffolk Coast will provide you with 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 one, or enjoy a solitary dog walk.

Orwell Lady River Cruises

Ipswich

From April to October each year, Orwell Lady cruises up and down the beautiful and historic River Orwell, offering passengers a choice of trips and experiences whilst taking in the beautiful wooded stretches of the river, local wildlife and points of local and historical interest.

Africa Alive!

Kessingland

Make your day out an adventure with a visit to Africa Alive!

Ufford Park Golf Club

The complete golfing experience; an award-winning 18 hole, par 71 golf course - perfect for all playing abilities.

St Peter's Brewery

St Peter's Brewery is a craft brewery in the heart of Suffolk, brewing award winning beers since '96.

Suffolk Escape Room

Suffolk Escape Room is situated in the unique location of original war time Nissen Huts on the edge of an American style Trailer Park.

Discover Landguard

The Landguard Peninsula is located at the southerly most point of the town of Felixstowe.

Iken Canoe

Iken Canoe hires out Canadian canoes, sit-on-top kayaks and stand up paddleboards (SUPs) on the stunning upper reaches of the River Alde between Snape and Aldeburgh, close to the Suffolk coast.

The Cut - Halesworth

Halesworth

The Cut Arts Centre offers Halesworth and the surrounding countryside an extensive range of arts, music, theatre, dance, comedy, cinema, workshops and art exhibitions.

National Trust Sutton Hoo

Woodbridge

This hauntingly beautiful 255 acre estate, with far-reaching views over the River Deben is home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time.

Mannings Amusements

Mannings Amusements have been providing traditional family fun on Felixstowe Seafront since 1946!

Suffolk Wildlife Trust

Felixstowe

From tiny meadows to rolling heaths, the nature reserves extend all the way along the Suffolk Coast from Trimley Marshes at Felixstowe to Lound Lakes north of Lowestoft and are some of Suffolk's most inspiring wild places.

Hippersons Boatyard

Some of the best ways to see and experience the river! Day boats, canoes, kayaks, Stand up Paddleboards (SUPs) and a pedal boat unique to the Norfolk Broads, are all available to hire on the southern reach of the Norfolk Broads in Beccles, with day hire from 9.15am till 4.45pm, costing £110 for the day on an electric boat or £55 a day on the canoe or double kayak. We also offer guided canoe and kayak tours with our guides, and SUP lessons with our qualified instructor.

Southwold Pier

Southwold

Southwold is a popular destination for the many visitors to the East Coast and its most prominent attraction, the pier, hosts a wide range of things to see and do.

Beccles Lido & Big Dog Ferry

Beccles

Beccles Lido is OPEN for swimming by advance booking only!

Anglia Indoor Karting

With indoor racing karts and their professionally designed, exhilarating multi-level circuit, Anglia Indoor Karting brings the thrill of motorsport to all adrenaline-seekers!

National Trust Orford Ness

Wild, remote and exposed, Orford Ness contains the ruined remnants of a disturbing past. Ranked among the most important shingle features in the world, rare and fragile wildlife thrives where weapons, including atomic bombs, were once tested and perfected.

Landguard Fort

Felixstowe

Discover the rich military and maritime heritage of Landguard Fort, one of England's best preserved coastal defences, with a history spanning almost 450 years.

The Long Shop Museum

Leiston

Based in the original Richard Garrett and Sons Town Works, The Long Shop museum tells an inspiring story of enterprise and innovation. Explore the buildings and the collections and reveal remarkable stories of the Garrett family and the local Suffolk folk that made the factory and its products world famous!

East Anglia Transport Museum

Lowestoft

The only museum in East Anglia where you can ride on working trams, trolley buses and narrow gauge railway!

Bawdsey Radar

Bawdsey Radar tells the story of the first operational radar station in the world where radar was developed that helped win the Battle of Britain.

Waveney River Tours

Lowestoft

Conducted river tours and boat hire through the Waveney Valley and the New Broads National Park.

Deben Cruises

Enjoy a two-hour river cruise along the River Deben.

Southwold Cycle Hire

Southwold

Unlike a larger town, there aren’t any major roads in Southwold, meaning it’s a far safer environment for anyone on two wheels. Plus it only takes a few minutes pedalling in any direction before you are taking in scenic views, whether it’s a breathtaking coastal panorama or Suffolk’s rural landscape.

Lady Florence River Cruise Restaurant

Lady Florence River Cruise Restaurant provides a unique and exciting dining experience offering breakfast, lunch, supper and dinner cruises from Orford Quay.

The Red House, Aldeburgh

Aldeburgh

Benjamin Britten was one of the greatest composers of the twentieth century. He wrote a vast amount of incredible music and wanted everyone to enjoy it – professional and amateur musicians, music enthusiasts, children and families.

Felixstowe Spa Pavilion Theatre

A glorious seafront theatre and restaurant complex, with stunning views, an art deco auditorium for up to 900 people and a fabulous British Seaside and Mediterranean-style fish, meat, pizza, pasta & grill menu.

Bawdsey Hall Wildlife and Photography Experiences

Join Bawdsey Hall Wildlife Watching, Photography Workshops and Hide Hire at their private nature reserve at Bawdsey Hall on the Suffolk Heritage Coast.

National Trust Dunwich Heath

Dunwich Heath and Beach is a precious landscape on the Suffolk coast where you can experience a true sense of being at one with nature.

Flint Vineyard

Flint Vineyard is one of England's most exciting new wineries. Winemaker, Ben Witchell, combines cutting-edge technology with traditional winemaking techniques to produce elegant and refined English wines.

RSPB Minsmere Nature Reserve

Westleton

Discover nature together on the beautiful Suffolk coast. Wander among the wetlands and woods, potter along the beach, and pause to watch some amazing wildlife.

Ipswich Museums

Ipswich Museums incorporates three historical venues in Ipswich; Ipswich Museum - a fascinating Victorian museum; Christchurch Mansion - a magnificent Tudor building; and Ipswich Art Gallery - a unique contemporary gallery.

Cycle Breaks

Ipswich

Supported, gentle cycling & walking holidays along the Suffolk Coast as well as in Constable Country, the Wool Towns and Norfolk plus quality bike hire too!

Escape the Everyday - Freedom to Explore

Plan your UK break this summer on The Suffolk Coast

Crowd free bucket list experiences

Off-grid accommodation

Walking & Cycling

Quirky Accommodation

CLICK HERE FOR ACCOMMODATION ON OFFER ACROSS THE SUFFOLK COAST AND START PLANNING YOUR UK BREAK:

Things to see and do

PLAN YOUR FUTURE TRIP TO THE SUFFOLK COAST IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME