Top 10 Ways to See the Season Change

There is no shortage of hedge rows on The Suffolk Coast and during late summer and autumn they are abundant with sun ripened berries. Blackberries are a particular favourite and are worth pricking your fingers for if you can persuade someone to make you a blackberry and apple crumble or blackberry jam.

Go well equipped with good walking shoes, a hooked walking stick to coax down the berry laden branches within your reach, gloves and containers to collect the fruit. Make sure children are well supervised and don’t eat unwashed berries!

For downloadable maps and walking routes, check out our Walking Guide. 

The autumn is a great time to head over to one of The Suffolk Coast’s glorious beaches – the swathes of summer holiday makers have long gone, making way for a more relaxed stroll along the miles of golden sands and pebbles. And, if it turns a bit chilly, treat yourself to a frothy hot chocolate and something to eat at one of the many dog friendly eateries along the coast.

After 1st October most beaches allow dogs to join you too – so it’s a perfect time to take your tail wagging friend away with you for a mid-season break. You’ll find a wide selection of superb cottages and places to stay that welcome well behaved dogs in our Where to stay section.

Check out our 'Beaches Guide' for more information!

The Suffolk coast is the perfect place to watch the autumn season unfold, revealing the wonderful native flora and fauna and natural environment, with wide open skies packed full of nature and wildlife.

In Autumn, migration is in full swing with a continuous stream of birds passing through. Wading birds include Curlew Sandpipers, Little Stints or Ruffs and perhaps a rare visitor from North America. The Red Deer rut is the star attraction on Dunwich Heath during October but keep an eye out, as you may spot foxes stalking rabbits, green woodpeckers searching for ants and much more besides…

Check out the wonderful range of walks, talks, wildlife watching and beach combing events on offer from Suffolk Wildlife Trust, RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB, bird identification walks with National Trust Dunwich Heath and wildlife photography workshops and hide hire with Bawdsey Hall, among many other activities taking place!

Soak up the sights of the changing leaves, bask in the autumn sun and enjoy an outdoor adventure this autumn! 

Heading out from Lowestoft Harbour, you can explore The Suffolk Coast by boat with Jet Adventures! Step on board Shearwater and hit the waves as you travel along the coast to Felixstowe or head up into Norfolk to see the seals at Horsey. 

If you dabbled ay paddleboarding this summer, improve your skills and enjoy a lesson and SUP hire in Oulton Broad with BlitzKiting. If you want something a little more adrenalin pumping, you can have a go at kitesurfing too! If you're spending down further down the coast, head to Iken Canoe where you can hire Canadian canoes, kayaks and paddleboards.

And there's no way better way to start your day than with an early morning hack along the beach with Pakefield Riding School; Best known for fabulous one hour beach rides, the stables also offer shorter rides to the woods and longer hacks for experienced riders, including a three hour picnic ride. 

When there’s a bit of a nip in the air there’s nothing better than indulging in a lovely home cooked lunch or supper. On The Suffolk Coast you can choose from bistros, cosy cafes, a la carte restaurants or good old pub grub!

On 25th & 26 September, you can stock up on the region's fine fayre at the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival to some of the UKs best food and drinks producers. Running throughout the year, you can enjoy a tour of the award-winning Flint Vineyard, Ipswich's famous Briarbank Brewery, the historic St Peter's Brewery near Bungay or Suffolk's famous Adnams Brewery in Southwold. 

Experience our wonderful food and drink producers first hand and watch our Local Food Heroes Video here! Check out our Food and Drink section here for ideas and inspiration.

Seize the chance to get out in the great outdoors before you feel the need to hibernate!

Cycling is one of the best ways to explore the beautiful Suffolk Coast, especially when the scenery is a blaze of colour with scarlet and golden leaved trees. There are some superb cycle paths mapped out which are designed to make the most of the fabulous coast and countryside available in our Cycling Guide.

If you are a visitor to the area why not book a holiday with Cycle Breaks and be guided through the outstanding landscape of The Suffolk Coast, with stops in luxury accommodation along the way! Or why not hire at bike from Southwold Cycle Hire for that perfect day out on wheels!

Summer may be a distant memory, but the slightly cooler days of autumn are perfect for enjoying a day on the river. Head to Beccles and start your journey from Hippersons Boatyard, travelling along the River Waveney to Oulton Broad. Alternatively, commence your journey in Oulton Broad with boat hire from Oulton Broad Dayboats, travelling south along the River Waveney or north into Norfolk to Burgh Castle.

If you don't mind getting wet, you can explore the River Alde with paddle board, canoe and kayak hire from Iken Canoe, or if you would prefer to sit back and leave the navigating to the professionals, book a trip with Suffolk River Trips, Waveney River Tours, Deben Cruises, Orwell Lady River Cruises, Sailing Barge Victor or the Excelsior.

With the summer wedding season at an end, perhaps it's given you an idea or two....?

Autumn is the perfect time to reflect and start to plan that all important event, not forgetting those hen and stag do's and mini-moons! Take your time and browse through our beautiful Weddings section, giving you ideas for that perfect seaside ceremony, romantic getaway, delicious local Suffolk food and drink or just an ideal place to up sticks and bring the whole family to celebrate Suffolk Coast style.

With more of us sneaking in an autumn break, there’s no better place to choose than The Suffolk Coast. It’s perfect for quiet romantic getaways or fun half term holidays with the kids.

October is a great time to get away for a few days – The weather is still reasonably mild, you can avoid the summer season crowds and the accommodation prices are great value for money too!

Select from cosy countryside cottages with a warming wood burner for those chilly evenings, luxurious coastal hotels, woodland lodges and action packed holiday parks.

You might even like to brave the chillier weather snuggled up in your own yurt, shepherds hut or airstream trailer! Just remember to pack the hot chocolate!

If you’re a keen golfer or fancy taking up a new hobby, there are some excellent golf courses in Suffolk so why not make a weekend of it?

Situated on the sunny Suffolk Heritage Coast within walking distance to the sea, Thorpeness Hotel and Golf Club offers modern accommodation with picturesque views of the golf course. 

The course is set on classic British heathland designed by five-time Open Champion and legendary golf course architect James Braid. This Par 70, 18 hole, challenging 6,421 yard course will test golfers of all abilities.

After the 18th hole, celebrate your victory (or commiserate losing your ball in the rough!) with a hearty breakfast, afternoon tea or homemade dinner which are available to hotel guests, golfers and visitors alike. 

The two courses at Woodbridge Golf Club are set in the beautiful surroundings of the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A haven for golfers of all ages and abilities; the 18-hole Heath course provides a serious golfer's challenge all year round, whilst the full length nine-hole Forest course is suitable for all standards.

High Lodge is perfect for those action packed weekends, offering various activities including clay pigeon shooting, archery, fishing and a 9 hole golf course, complete with luxury lodges and hot tubs! Perfect autumn getaway!