Escape the Hustle and Bustle and UnLondon on The Suffolk Coast

While Southwold doesn’t have its own train station, you can take a Greater Anglia service from London Liverpool Street to Halesworth, then hop on a short taxi or local bus ride to this iconic seaside town. With its colourful beach huts, historic pier, Adnams brewery, and elegant promenade, Southwold is the picture-perfect coastal getaway. 

If you're travelling with children, a visit to the award-winning beach is must! Just a short stroll from the town centre, this sand and shingle beach is lined by the promenade with pastel-coloured beach huts (hire one through Durrants or Suffolk Secrets).

Coming as a couple or travelling alone? Book a tour of the Adnams brewery and distillery or venture up the iconic Lighthouse for unrivalled views of the town and out to sea.

In need of a little retail therapy? You won't be disappointed as there's a plethora of independent boutiques, galleries and homeware shops, plus delis aplenty selling the region's top produce for you to take home.

Click here to find a place to stay in Southwold.

Catch a train to Saxmundham, and you’re just a short drive or bus ride from Aldeburgh, steeped in cultural heritage and loved for its shingle beach and foodie scene. The beloved former home of composer Benjamin Britten 'The Red House' is set in beautiful five-acre garden, and is home to Britten and Peter Pears collections and archives - discover the house, follow the family garden trail, hear a story from the Archive, visit the shop and explore an exhibition.

Wander along the shingle beach, and visit the Scallop sculpture by Maggi Hambling; a tribute to Benjamin Britten, and tuck into steaming hot fish and chips from the famous Aldeburgh Fish and Chips. Catch a concert at Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall and stop by Ballroom Arts to peruse their latest exhibition.

Be sure to walk the coastal path to Thorpeness; The small village is dominated by the Meare, which is popular all year round and bears witness to the village’s fantastical past. Fill your boots at The Dolphin Inn before heading back to Aldeburgh.

Click here to find a place to stay in Aldeburgh.

Lowestoft has its own direct rail link from Norwich (which you can reach from London via Ipswich). Once there, you’ll find sandy beaches, a lively seafront, and cultural gems. It’s a great base for coastal walks and exploring nearby nature reserves.

The golden, sandy beach is popular with families; perfect for swimming, making sandcastles and watersports. The promenade is lined with traditional and modern beach huts, which you can hire for a day or weekend. Walk along the promenade and you can enjoy lunch alfresco at The Hatfield Hotel or enjoy live music, markets and family activities at East Point Pavilion.

In the north of the town, the beautiful Sparrows Nest Gardens is home to Lowestoft Maritime Museum and a short walk away from Ness Point - the most easterly point in the UK and explore the town's Historic High Street and enjoy outdoor art on the Lowestoft Heritage Trail.

The town is going through an exciting period of regeneration; with new restaurants, cafes and an arts and culture complex being built. The Marina Theatre is at the heart of this area, and although closed until autumn 2025 for, you can enjoy a show, concert or cinema screening later this year.

Planning for next year? Don’t miss First Light Festival in June — a free multi-arts festival of music, art, and wellness on the beach on the summer solstice weekend. 

Click here to find a place to stay in Lowestoft.

Accessible via train from Lowestoft or Ipswich, Beccles is a charming market town on the edge of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads. Set on the River Waveney, Beccles is a tranquil market town perfect for water lovers, from here, you can enjoy river cruises, hire a canoe, or simply soak in the laid-back atmosphere with a stroll around its boutique shops and riverside pubs.

Located on the river, you can rent a dayboat or paddleboard from Hippersons Boatyard and explore the Southern Broads. Alternatively, leave the hard work to someone else and step on board the Big Dog Ferry, which launches from Beccles Lido and travels along the river to Geldeston.

Whether you're an early morning swimmer or a family looking for summer fun, head to Beccles Lido, a heated outdoor pool with river views. Afterwards, head into the town and enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants or cafes. Finish your weekend with a visit to Beccles Bell Tower for panoramic views of the countryside and a wander around the independent shops for gifts and antiques.

Click here to find a place to stay in Beccles.

From London Liverpool Street, hop on a train to Ipswich, then switch to the branch line for a scenic journey to Felixstowe. This classic seaside resort has an old-fashioned charm, a wide beach promenade, and hidden gems like the Landguard Fort and nature-rich Felixstowe Ferry.

Spend a day at the beach and book your own beach hut for the day. After you've soaked up the sun, pop into Manning's Amusements for a go on the penny slots and head to Beach Street for street food and shopping. 

A town with a fascinating past, Landguard Fort is a a 17th-century coastal defence site; a lost-in-time world full of discoveries, where the maze of rooms and tunnels tell their own stories alongside engaging exhibits. 

Escape the summer crowds and head to Felixstowe Ferry at the river mouth, for boat rides and crabbing and complete your weekend with afternoon tea and a show at Felixstowe Spa Pavilion.

Click here to find a place to stay in Felixstowe.

Hop on a direct train from London to Norwich and step off at Woodbridge; sitting along the River Deben this beautiful town makes for a peaceful escape. With riverside walks, cosy cafés, and independent shops, it’s ideal for a relaxing day trip or weekend getaway.

Start your weekend with stroll along the River Deben, stopping for coffee at Maeve's Tearoom or a pub lunch at The Crown and take in the views aboard Gina from Woodbridge Town Steps and cruise along the River Deben for a sailor's view of the town and the maritime importance of this area through the ages.

History lovers should pay a visit to out the nearby National Trust Sutton Hoo—the site of one of Britain’s most important archaeological finds, here you will find stories of kings, mysterious mounds and buried treasure. 

The town is also home to the iconic Woodbridge Tide Mill, a working watermill which has stood on the banks of the River Deben for over 850 years and is now one of only two tide mills in the country still producing stoneground wholemeal flour. 

Click here to find a place to stay in Woodbridge.