• TTDA - Dunwich Beach - Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB
  • TTDA - Dunwich Beach - (c) Natalie Fromow

Dunwich Beach

A wild beach, perfect for walking and beachcombing

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

Once a thriving seaport and home to 8 churches, the village of Dunwich has been at the mercy of the North Sea over the years, with stories of church bells ringing from under the sea as parts of the village tumbled over the cliffs. Find out more in the Dunwich Museum.

Today, the wide shingle beach is perfect for a dog walk, a spot of fishing or a paddle in the sea. The beach is surrounded by marshes should you wish to continue you walk away from the shore.


Essential Information 

  • Public toilets are available at Dunwich Beach.
  • There are no kiosks at Dunwich beach, but you will find the Flora Tea Room on the beach and The Ship at Dunwich in the village.
  • There are car parks available within walking distance of the beach.
  • Please note, there is no lifeguard patrol at Dunwich beach.
  • Tide times can be found at https://www.tidetimes.org.uk/
  • what3words - swam.tenure.eating
  • For places to eat, where to stay and travel information, check out our Dunwich Guide.

Be Wildife Wise

Dogs are permitted on Dunwich beach, but please:

  • Pick up and take away any dog mess with you.
  • Do not allow dogs to run into the marshes behind the beach as this is a sensitive nature reserve, and this will affect the survival of the birds.
  • Keep well away from any areas fenced off for ground nesting birds and keep dogs on leads when near these areas. Disturbance to the breeding birds can easily result in nest failure.
  • The beach is home to a rare habitat called coastal vegetated shingle, avoid walking on or near the plants on the beach and please keep out of any areas fenced for its protection.
  • Follow requests on signs. This will keep you, your dog and wildlife safe.
  • Please do not bring or leave sources of fire such as barbeques, cigarettes, and litter near to plants and habitats at risk of fire. This includes plants on beaches, dunes and grassland. They will be at particular risk of fire during periods of drought and high temperatures.
  • The cliffs at this location are unstable. Please keep away from the base of the cliffs e.g. don’t walk or picnic too close.
Attraction name:
Dunwich Beach