Guide to the Suffolk coast

Travel as far east as you can on the British mainland and you will hit the Suffolk coast. This coastline has seen a lot of action over hundreds of years of conflict; it sat on the frontline during the Second World War, the Napoleonic Wars and other historical flashpoints.

Nowadays, the Suffolk coast is a lot more peaceful – its miles of unspoilt beaches and small fishing villages characterise the area and draw in many holidaymakers each year - Lowestoft is England’s most easterly town, jutting out into the English Channel. There are traditional seaside resorts with promenades and piers, as well as some of the country's most distinctive nature reserves and wild stretches of beach. Suffolk is popular with archaeologists too as some famous treasure hordes have been uncovered here, like at Sutton Hoo.

Our guide features some of the best places to stay and visit along the Suffolk coast. Read on to discover why you should choose a self-catering holiday cottage on this beautiful stretch of coastline in the East of England coast, or click the button below to start searching for a holiday cottage break. 

Felixstowe

Felixstowe is associated with its deep-water docks, yet while you can see the town's distinctive cranes for miles around, there’s much more to this seaside resort than just industry. There’s an uncanny beauty to the docks at sunset. The majority of the town is located on the clifftop and is home to an interesting array of independent shops and high street favourites. There is also a large choice of places to eat and drink, alongside a cinema and a few pubs to try out. Felixstowe is directly connected to the city of Ipswich, 12 miles away, by the road and rail network. 

The resort part of the town is about 1 mile to the north. A restored pier, opened in 2017, shows a renewed vigour that makes Felixstowe a desirable spot for a day trip or holiday. Also popular are the amusement arcades along the front strand, like Manning’s and Ocean Boulevard. You could also go sailing at Felixstowe Ferry, a village at the northern end of the beach. 

Walberswick

Found amidst thousands of acres of coast, heath and marshland, you’ll find one of Suffolk’s most picturesque coastal villages, Walberswick. Sat prettily on the south bank of the River Blyth, the village is at the centre of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). What was once a thriving fishing port is now a sleepy village which charms and beguiles visitors with its lovely beach and rural appeal.

Walberswick has always attracted artists and you can see the village, the marshes and the beach in the works of the impressionist Philip Wilson Steer (seek out the 1992 film ‘The Bridge’ which was filmed here), and the Scottish architect and symbolist Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The neighbouring town of Southwold is within 1.5 miles from the village for even more beaches, places to dine and handy amenities.

Southwold

Southwold is close to Walberswick, across the marshes to the north along the coast. It’s larger than its neighbour and it serves as a local centre for amenities and entertainment. Southwold is home to a distinctive and lovely pier, a lighthouse and colourful beach huts. 

Walk along the seashore and relax and play on the beach, or take the 7-mile circuitous walk to Walberswick and enjoy a pint in the 300-year-old Bell Inn with its low beamed ceiling and roaring fire. Southwold is home to some great places to eat in the area, like Cleone’s Italian and the Singtong Neeyom Thai Restaurant. Enjoy a river trip around the River Blyth and the estuary in a motorboat or go bird spotting. 

Orford

The village of Orford is worth a visit if you love unusual nature reserves. Orford Ness dominates the area – it’s a dramatic shingle peninsula now managed by the National Trust and can be reached via ferry from Orford Dock. There’s a very pleasant cafe at the dock but if you are planning a day trip across to Orford Ness, take a picnic lunch and lots of drinking water as there are no facilities beyond some WCs on the reserve. 

A former military base, many curious buildings still stand in ruins across the expanse. Many groundbreaking radar and weapons tests were undertaken at Orford Ness, but thanks to the classified nature of the trials, the place evokes a strong sense of intrigue. Orford Ness is also home to a lighthouse and a visitor centre with exhibits and displays outlining the history of the place. If you are planning a day to the coast with a difference, then a trip to Orford Ness is an unforgettable experience.

Aldeburgh

Aldeburgh is a lovely town which upholds all the fine traditions of your typical English seaside resort. Aldeburgh will forever be associated with the famous composer Benjamin Britten who was also the founder of the Aldeburgh Festival. This event runs every June and is a great cultural celebration.

Aldeburgh is also a beautiful place to stay because of its pebble beach, long promenade and the former home of Benjamin Britten, The Red House. The town centre is full of interesting shops and quality cafes and restaurants where you can have a relaxing lunch. You can also see an intact example of a Martello Tower which was constructed as a bombastic coastal defence during the Napoleonic Wars.