Top 10 things to do in Lowestoft

Nestled along the scenic Suffolk coast, Lowestoft is a charming seaside town known for being Britain’s most easterly point. With its golden sandy beaches, captivating local attractions and vibrant cultural scene, Lowestoft offers the perfect blend of relaxation, fun, and adventure for all types of travellers. Whether you’re looking to unwind by the sea, explore unique nature reserves or immerse yourself in the town's rich history and lively arts, Lowestoft provides a variety of experiences to suit every interest.

For those seeking relaxation, Lowestoft’s award-winning beaches are a major draw. With soft sands and gently rolling waves, they are perfect for sunbathing, swimming or enjoying a leisurely beach walk. South Beach, in particular, is a family favourite with its traditional seaside charm, colourful beach huts and nearby cafes, making it a wonderful spot for families to enjoy a classic day by the sea.

Whether you’re planning a fun-filled family vacation, a romantic retreat or a solo escape, there are plenty of things to do in Lowestoft. With its mix of natural beauty, cultural richness and entertainment, there’s something for everyone in this delightful corner of the Suffolk coast. Keep scrolling to read our comprehensive guide on the top things to do in Lowestoft or read our guide to Suffolk for more activities across the region.

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About Lowestoft

Lowestoft, a charming seaside town on the picturesque Suffolk coast, is renowned for its stunning beaches, captivating maritime history and quintessential British seaside atmosphere. With a heritage dating back to the Middle Ages, Lowestoft was once one of England’s most important fishing ports, thriving on the herring industry that brought prosperity to the town. Today, visitors can still sense this maritime legacy through the town's historic landmarks and museums, offering glimpses into its vibrant past.

Lowestoft is the perfect destination for a traditional British seaside holiday, with its blend of sandy shores, family-friendly attractions and rich cultural experiences. The town is also notable for being the birthplace of Benjamin Britten, one of Britain’s most influential composers of the 20th century. Britten's connection to Lowestoft is celebrated each year at the First Light Festival, a unique 24-hour event held during the summer featuring live music, art and cultural performances on the beach.

For nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, Lowestoft is a hidden gem. Pakefield Beach and the surrounding coastal areas are havens for birdwatchers, with some of the UK’s rarest birds, such as the Marsh Harrier, Snipe, and Bearded Tit, frequently spotted along its dunes and marshes. The town’s proximity to Suffolk’s national landscape, including the nearby Broads National Park, provides ample opportunities for outdoor exploration, making it a perfect spot for those who enjoy walking, birdwatching or simply soaking in the tranquillity of the coast. Whether you’re drawn by its beaches, wildlife or historical ties, Lowestoft is a delightful escape that captures the essence of the Suffolk coast.

Visit Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park

Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park is Suffolk’s award-winning family destination. It has been delighting visitors since it first opened its gates in 1983 and offers over 35 exciting rides and attractions, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers and families alike. The park is home to the region’s tallest rollercoaster, Wipeout, which delivers an adrenaline-pumping experience with its high-speed twists and turns, perfect for those looking for a heart-racing adventure.

Pleasurewood Hills caters to visitors of all ages with a variety of family-friendly attractions and live shows. The sea lion and parrot performances are perennial favourites, offering entertaining displays of the animals' skills and personalities. Younger children can enjoy gentler rides, themed play areas and interactive experiences, making it an ideal place for families with children of all ages.

A charming piece of the park’s history is its royal connection. In 1985, during a visit to Lowestoft, Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh made a special trip to Pleasurewood Hills and met the park’s beloved mascot, Woody Bear. In a memorable moment, Woody Bear presented Her Majesty with two plush toy versions of himself, which were gifted to Prince William and Prince Harry. With its beautiful woodland setting, diverse range of rides and strong family atmosphere, Pleasurewood Hills continues to be a favourite destination for those seeking a day packed with fun, adventure and cherished memories. For more local inspiration, read our guide on the best things to do in Suffolk.

Visit Ness Point

Lowestoft is home to the UK's most easterly point: Ness Point. This iconic location holds the title of being the first place in the country to witness the sunrise, offering breathtaking views over the North Sea. Nestled just to the east of the town centre, Ness Point features the "Euroscope", a unique direction marker that points out various global locations and their distances from this easternmost point, providing an interactive and educational experience for visitors.

One of the standout features of Ness Point is Gulliver, Britain’s tallest wind turbine, which towers at an impressive 125m. This massive structure is not just a marvel of engineering but also a vital source of renewable energy, generating electricity for the National Grid and symbolising the town's commitment to sustainability.

In addition to its fascinating landmarks, Ness Point offers a delightful play and picnic area, making it a perfect spot for families to relax and enjoy the scenic surroundings. The performance stand adds to the lively atmosphere, hosting events and gatherings that celebrate the community spirit of Lowestoft. The area is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with its unique flora and diverse ecosystems all contributing to the rich natural beauty that surrounds the town. Ness Point's landscapes are deeply intertwined with Lowestoft’s maritime heritage, providing a glimpse into the town's historic relationship with the sea.

Spend the day at Africa Alive

Africa Alive is an award-winning wildlife park located just outside of Lowestoft, offering a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Set in 100 acres of picturesque Suffolk countryside, the park is home to over 80 species of animals, many of which are native to the African continent. From lions and giraffes to meerkats and endangered rhinos, Africa Alive provides a fascinating insight into the diverse wildlife of Africa, making it a must-visit attraction for animal lovers and families.

One of the park’s standout features is the “Plains of Africa” exhibit, a large, open space designed to replicate the African Savannah. Visitors can watch herds of zebras, giraffes, and antelopes roam freely or for a more up-close experience, the Lemur Encounters walkthrough allows guests to get closer to these amazing primates in their natural habitat.

Africa Alive also offers daily animal feeds, talks and demonstrations, where keepers share interesting facts about the park’s inhabitants and their conservation efforts. The park is deeply committed to animal conservation, working closely with organisations around the world to protect endangered species and promote awareness of wildlife preservation.

Visit Lowestoft Beach

Lowestoft Beach is a gem of the region and an iconic Suffolk seaside destination made up of two wide, sandy stretches of beach on either side of Claremont Pier; North Beach, and South Beach. The most popular stretch of beach is South Beach which has a beautiful promenade with traditional seaside cafes, ice cream parlours, amusement arcades, and plenty of spots to set up a deckchair and soak in the sunshine.

There are many activities for visitors to enjoy, such as swimming with a lifeguard present in the summer, surfing, windsurfing, jet skiing, fishing, and crabbing, making it an ideal spot for families and anyone looking for a relaxing coastal retreat. The beach is also a Blue Flag award-winner, recognised for its cleanliness and high standards.

North Beach has a more relaxed atmosphere, with an extra-rugged and pebbly terrain, it’s ideal for those wanting tranquillity and to connect with nature. This beach is perfect for long, peaceful walks and beachcombing. Its uncommercialised feel makes it a favourite for dog walkers and nature enthusiasts, especially those who enjoy birdwatching and coastal scenery.

Lowestoft Harbour boat tour

A relaxing boat tour of Lowestoft Harbour and Lake Lothing is a fantastic way to explore the rich maritime heritage and picturesque waterfront of this historic coastal town. Lowestoft Harbour has long been a central hub for fishing, trade and tourism. It was built in 1831, connecting Lake Loathing to the sea. In the 14th century, Lowestoft became a popular fishing port and also imported clothing, food, salt, and ice for the boats.

The boat tour offers a unique perspective with the crew pointing out all the key sights such as beautiful coastal scenery, shipwreck sites, and huge research vessels that are regular visitors to the port. There are many tales and stories to be told from over the years, such as an infamous boat-building criminal to Richard Branson’s boat that was built in Lowestoft.

Go horse riding on Pakefield Beach

One of the most unique activities in Lowestoft is to take an hour-long beach ride from Pakefield Riding School. This amazing experience takes you on a relaxing ride across Pakefield’s lovely, sandy beach and is available for all levels of riders, whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced rider. Children from the age of 2 years can also ride, so this is a great family activity to be enjoyed by all.

For riders that have never ridden before, staff will lead the horse and take you on a walk along the shore, and for riders who are more advanced, you will be able to walk, trot, and canter along the beach depending on your ability and levels of confidence. Group rides are also available.

Walk the Lowestoft Scores

The Lowestoft Scores are an important part of the town’s history. They are a series of 12 narrow lanes and steep pathways that connect Lowestoft High Street and Whapload Road. Dating back to the 16th century, they were built for a range of purposes but mainly to connect the town and beach fishing village, making visiting them one of the best things to do in Lowestoft for history lovers.

The Lowestoft Scores is a 1.5-mile-long trail and includes steep slopes and steps that visitors can walk along with plaques that share a piece of history. Over time, the Scores developed names that refer to notable buildings in their vicinity or people associated with them, which makes for an interesting read at each Score you visit. The most popular with tourists are The Ravine, Cart Score, Lighthouse Score, Mariners Score, Crown Score, Martin’s Score, Rant Score and Wilde’s Score.

Go shopping in Lowestoft

Lowestoft has numerous shopping areas throughout the town. With over 40 national retailers, small independent shops, and department stores, it’s ideal for enjoying some retail therapy. Visit Lowestoft High Street, North Quay Retail Park, and Britten Shopping Centre which has many different clothing brands such as Lyle and Scott, Animal, Joules, and Superdry to browse through.

Britten Shopping Centre was built in 1987 and is open every day. It has plenty of shopping space for visitors to enjoy and has recently introduced new retailers such as Pandora, Shake and Cake, Edinburgh Woolen Mill, and B&M.

Lowestoft High Street is home to a variety of independent shops that add character and diversity to its shopping scene. These small, locally-owned businesses sell unique products and gifts such as confectionary, healthy food, arts and crafts, home decor, and more. Exploring the town's independent shopping scene is one of the best days out in Lowestoft for those who love retail therapy.