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Pakefield guide

A coastal village with a fascinating maritime history

Sat atop a dramatic cliff and with a panoramic view out to the North Sea, Pakefield is a quaint suburb of Lowestoft with an identity that is all its own. Echoes of Pakefield’s maritime past are all around, from the little fishermen’s cottages to the diminutive 19th century lighthouse. Whether you visit for the day or stay for a long weekend your imagination will surely be captivated by this peaceful and understated historic coastal gem.

Did you know?

Pakefield has plenty of evidence of the significant coastal erosion its cliffs have suffered over the years. It is perhaps because of this that it is a geological site of special interest, with the crumbling cliffs revealing many important finds such as fossils and even flint tools dating back to 700,000 bc- some of the earliest pieces of evidence of human habitation. In addition, the known history of the horse in Britain begins with remains excavated in Pakefield. Today you can often see horses from the local riding school galloping along the sand just as their ancestors did many years ago.

Sitting atop the cliff, the beautiful All Saints abs Saint Margarets Church, was in fact once two churches. The two separate parish churches sat side by side until the 18th century. However, the easternmost of these former parishes has now been completely taken by the sea.

things to do in pakefield where to stay in Pakefield where to eat in Pakefield

Location

Pakefield Highlights

1. Art and Culture

Towns & Villages - Pakefield - Ferini Art Gallery

Visitors to Pakefield will notice an interesting glass building set back from the coast and at the heart of the village. The Ferini Art Gallery is a creative hub for artists and collectors alike. The light and airy gallery houses work by over 20 artists and changes its exhibitions regularly. Wander around, take in the beautiful landscapes and abstract portraits and perhaps even take a souvenir away with you.

Pakefield is home to the characterful and historic Seagull Theatre; a cherished building which, up until the end of WW2 was Morton Road School. It now has a cosy auditorium that seats 112 people and boasts a packed program that includes new writing, comedy, live music and a range of participatory events such as karaoke and quiz nights.

2. Horse Riding

Towns & Villages - Pakefield - Pakefield riding school

Budding equestrians will be thrilled to experience the dramatic coastline on horseback, riding along the sand with the waves crashing under-hoof. Pakefield Riding School has been taking riders for hacks along the beach for over 50 years and you can join them on a one-hour beach ride for £38.50. They have 25 experienced horses and cater for all riders from the complete beginner to the seasoned pro.

3. Enjoy a coastal retreat

Suffolk Coastal Escapes - Living room

If you're dreaming of spending a few days by the sea, snuggle up in a coastal cottage with Suffolk Coastal Escapes; a collection of properties just a stone's throw from the beach.

All are just a short stroll from the colourful beach huts, the picturesque Kensington Gardens and the glorious sandy beaches of Pakefield and Lowestoft.

4. Enjoy Beach Hut Life

Eastern Edge Beach Huts

Experience beach life on The Suffolk Coast and hire your own beach hut for the week! Located just below picturesque Kensington Gardens, Eastern Edge beach huts are new for 2022! Designed by local architects, the new contemporary beach huts are positioned on two levels and face partially south to ensure maximum sunshine throughout the day. The tips of the structures will face eastwards reflecting their position as the most easterly location in the country.

Pakefield Beach Guide

TTDA - Pakefield Beach - Mum and boy paddling (c) Amy Louise Photography

Pakefield beach is pebbled and rustic, strewn with patches of Marram grass and the ideal place for a dog walk or a spot of kite flying on a windy day. You might even spot a seal on the shore. The pretty beach huts which line the promenade are privately owned, but some are available to hire, should you wish to enjoy a taste of Suffolk seaside life!

For more information and to plan your visit to Pakefield Beach, check out our Pakefield Beach Guide.

Safety Notice:

Autumn storm conditions have led to erosion of the cliffs at Pakefield.

This affects ordinary access to the beach via the steps from Arbor Lane.

People are asked to avoid the area and stay away from locations which may still be vulnerable. There may be debris and the possibility of further collapse and public safety is a priority.

Useful Information

Public Toilets and Baby Changing Facilities in Pakefield

Pakefield Street, Pakefield NR33 0JT

Accessibility

Check out AccessAble's detailed access guides to Suffolk and work out if a place is going to be accessible to you.

The access guides cover multiple locations and venues across Suffolk, including places to stay, attractions, places to eat, stations, shops, trails and more.

The access guides are 100% facts, figures and photographs, checked by AccessAble's trained surveyors in person, people who know everyone's accessibility needs are different and understand how important it is for information to be detailed and accurate.

How to Get to Pakefield - Public Transport

With Suffolk on Board you can plan journeys using public transport from and to a town or village, named station or stop, or point of interest.

As many destinations along the Suffolk coast are rural there can be limited public transport services on many routes, but there are journey solutions through various local community transport services that will get you to where you want to go/your final destination. These tend to need to be booked in advance but you can find out more and plan your journey at Suffolk on Board.

By Bus:

Frequent buses travel within the town from Lowestoft to Pakefield and there are regular services from Norwich and Ipswich.

Buses travel from Pakefield to Southwold and Beccles. Timetables can be found at www.suffolkonboard.com/

By Train:

The nearest railway station is Lowestoft with links to the national train network via Norwich and Ipswich. Ongoing services are provided by Greater Anglia to Ipswich and London Liverpool Street. All train tickets can be purchased via the Greater Anglia Website or the app.

Car Parks in Pakefield

The most convenient ways to find parking places in East Suffolk are either via Find My Nearest, and where parking fees apply the council’s RingGo parking service .

The free RingGo app allows drivers to locate a parking place before starting their journey, receive navigation to it, see how busy car parks are within an area, pay for your parking session and extend it if you need to. Signing up to RingGo is as easy as entering your car’s registration and your payment details. Find out more about registering and using the service on the RingGo how it works page.

All Saints Road, NR33 0JN - 2 hours free parking.

Pakefield Street, NR33 0HS - Pay & Display, £2 for 2 hours parking

Pakefield Road, NR33 0HS - Pay & Display, £2 for hours parking

Walking in Pakefield

Walking in East Suffolk has just become easier. In partnership with East Suffolk Council, walking app Go Jauntly has launched a collection of East Suffolk walks.

Go Jauntly is a free community-based app to promote walking, wayfinding and nature connection. You can find local walks created by people who know and love them, discover the greenest walking routes from A to B, create your own jaunts and enjoy outdoor adventures with friends and family.

Go Jauntly is available to download, for free, on the App Store and the Play Store.