Our favourite Suffolk beaches

Much of the stunning Suffolk coastline is part of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This landscape is largely undeveloped and is full of fantastic beaches. Whether you’re looking for a family day out, wildlife walks or just to get away from it all, this is the place to come. Below we pick our favourite Suffolk beaches…

1. Kessingland Beach

Kessingland is an unspoilt, sand and shingle beach. This is a great place to relax in the sun whilst admiring the pretty beach huts behind and the little fishing boats. You might also be able to see seals relaxing in the sun too. The beach attracts many holiday-makers but rest assured you’ll always manage to find space of your own to enjoy even on the hottest sunny day. The beach allows dogs on leads except during the months of May to September. But there is a dog-friendly pub nearby called The Sailor’s Home which will welcome your pet all year round, as well as serving excellent food and refreshments. The historic village of Kessingland is also worth a visit.

2. Walberswick Beach (family)

Walberswick beach is a good sand and shingle beach backed by sand dunes. There is a nature reserve here and the beach is known for hosting the World Open Crabbing Championships each year in August. Walberswick is an ideal place for a bucket and spade holiday, the village is pleasant and the beach is surrounded by heathland and dunes where the kids can run around. The beach is also noted for its wildlife, and otters, deer and a variety of bird life can be spotted in the nature reserve. Dogs are welcome without restrictions all year round. There are some good pubs in the village where you can stop for lunch.

3. Southwold Bay Beach

Southwold Bay beach is one of the most popular beaches in Suffolk. Southwold beach is an excellent holiday destination thanks to the great number of things to do here. It is home to pier, a lighthouse and colourful beach huts which are dotted along the promenade. There is also a boating lake, a putting green and an unusual water clock located on the pier. Don’t miss the glorious and iconic lighthouse where you can climb the 100 steps to the top to get magnificent views of the coast.

4. Covehithe Beach

Covehithe beach is a quiet hidden gem. The inviting soft, white sand backed by rapidly eroding cliffs make this beach a wonderful place to relax. Covehithe is a great spot for swimming too. The beach is off the beaten track and has a wild feeling to it. There are a number of nature reserves in close proximity so this is a good area for walking. Covehithe is disappearing into the sea and might well not be here in 50 years time. Visit while you still can!

5. Dunwich Beach

Dunwich beach and heath is a beautiful National Trust site and important conservation area. From July to September the heath is full of colour with pink and purple heather and yellow gorse. This dramatic but peaceful landscape is a haven for nature and wildlife lovers looking to get away from the busier beaches of Suffolk. Dogs are welcome on the beach all year round, but are occasionally restricted from the heath if birds are nesting.

6. Lowestoft Beach

Lowestoft beach is divided into north and south beaches. The north beach has great facilities including a number of restaurants and cafés, a bowls green, tennis courts and good parking. The south beach has a newly refurbished seafront and promenade with a pier. There are children’s activities and play equipment near to the promenade and a new Golf Garden on the Royal Green. The beaches make excellent places to have a go at some water activities such as surfing, sailing, wind-surfing, jet skiing, swimming and scuba diving, making this the beach of choice if you’re looking for a little sporting adventure!

This incredible undeveloped stretch of coastline is home to some wonderful beaches that offer something special for everyone. If you want to escape the crowds then the beaches in Suffolk are for you.