A Rainy Day Guide to Seaside Towns
Have you booked your next getaway to the seaside and you're worried about the weather? Then our rainy day...
Welcome to the scenic world of Suffolk beaches, where pristine coastlines meet enchanting landscapes. Nestled on the eastern shores of England, Suffolk boasts an array of picturesque beaches that are sure to leave you in awe.
From charming seaside towns to unspoiled stretches of golden sand, this coastal gem offers an idyllic retreat for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Our guide contains all you need to know about the best Suffolk beaches and answers all your pressing questions about this part of the East Anglian coast.
Read on for the ultimate beach day inspiration…
– Suffolk Beaches FAQs
– 8 Must-visit Beaches in Suffolk
Yes, there are plenty of sandy beaches in Suffolk! From Southwold’s sands to Felixstowe, you’ll find plenty of sandy gems dotted along the shore. Keep reading the blog to find more.
Definitely! Suffolk is such an underrated location when it comes to beaches. Many of these coastal delights boast vast expanses of sand, access to great facilities and panoramic views.
This is a tough decision to make, but my personal preference must be Southwold. Not only can you find a lengthy beach here, but you have access to so many fun things to do, including its bustling pier. Carry on reading to find out more about Southwold and Aldeburgh.
Best for: Keeping the family entertained
This idyllic stretch of sand makes for a great beginning to our Suffolk beaches guide! Denes Beach winds along the southern shore of Southwold, lined by colourful beach huts and enjoying far-reaching views.
Enjoy lengthy strolls along the sand, where several cafés and ice cream kiosks await, including the North Parade Kiosk. Here, you can tuck into a range of iced sweet treats as well as sandwiches and coffee during cooler days.
There is ample space on the beach for you to lay out towels and sunbathe, before wandering down to the water and enjoying a splash! Alternatively, venture northward to the pier, where a wealth of amusements will keep you entertained, including the Under The Pier Show.
If you reach the end of the beach, why not tour The Alfred Corry Lifeboat Museum, which is open four days per week and showcases the area’s maritime history. With all this on offer, Southwold is undoubtedly one of England’s best beaches!
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes
Car park: Yes, for a fee
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: IP18 6HQ
Best for: Stunning sights of the coast and architecture
Second up on our best Suffolk beaches list is Thorpeness Beach! This gem also offers wonderful sights, with its highlight being the fabulous properties the beach backs onto!
If you embark on a walk along the coast here, you’ll come across properties sporting all sorts of exteriors, from charming fishermen shacks to glass-clad, contemporary dwellings. After soaking up the architectural delights, why not try your hand at beach combing here? Alternatively, if it’s low tide, enjoy the sandy fringes and go for a splash in the water.
After enjoying this beautiful Suffolk beach, head into Thorpeness village where a range of things to do can be found, from the Thorpeness Emporium to The Spanish Main lake. Whilst you’re here, why not see if you can spot the House in the Clouds?
Type of beach: Shingle and sand
Dog-friendly: Yes
Car park: Yes, for a fee
Public toilets: No
Postcode: IP16 4NR
Best for: Scenic walks along the coast
One of the most popular tourist spots in Suffolk, there was no question that Aldeburgh Beach would feature here! This beach in Suffolk consists of shingle, making it perfect for shell hunting and beach combing.
A popular fishing spot, you’ll find the odd boat and angler perched by the shore, trying to get the best catch. Many of the fish caught here are smoked and served up in the shacks overlooking the beach, such as The Marriott Fisheries.
The Suffolk beach boasts access to multiple walking paths, including the Snape Footpath to the walk along Thorpe Road. Alternatively, go for a walk through Aldeburgh’s town centre and uncover a range of eateries, including Ives Ice Cream Parlour; arguably the most popular in town!
Type of beach: Shingle
Dog-friendly: Yes, but ban is in place between 1 May – 30 September
Car park: Yes, for a fee
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: IP15 5BD
Best for: Sand dune strolls
Dubbed a “wild beach”, this Suffolk beach rests by Southwold Harbour and is perfect for a stunning walk. After parking up at the adjacent car park, make your way along the boardwalk, where you can enjoy the sights of the unspoilt sand dunes.
After climbing the dunes, you can make the most of the scenic shore and views of the North Sea. Walberswick Beach is a popular spot for crabbing, being the home of The British Open Crabbing Championship, so why not settle down and cast your net?
If you want to stretch your legs more, why not enjoy a walk along the nearby Dunwich River, or enjoy a well-deserved sit down on the Southwold Ferry? Here, you can savour the sights along River Blyth before docking and stopping at the Harbour Inn for a bite to eat and heading into Southwold.
Type of beach: Sand and stone
Dog-friendly: Yes
Car park: Yes, for a fee
Public toilets: No
Postcode: IP18 6NB
Best for: Fish and chips!
Dunwich Beach is a marvellous addition to our Suffolk beaches guide, offering peace, tranquility and, of course, great fish and chips!
Upon arrival, you’ll come across the Flora Tea Rooms resting steps away from the shore. The main menu varies from afternoon teas to classic fish and chips, with the latter featuring then freshest catches, including cod and haddock; yum!
After tucking into a tasty dish here, make your way down to the sea and embark on the Dunwich Beach Walk? The beaches wealth of tidal areas, views of Sizewell and the rare wildlife from Dunwich Heath are a few highlights.
Once you’ve made the most of this beach in Suffolk, we recommend heading into Dunwich village itself, where you can learn all about its fascinating history and how half the town disappeared at Dunwich Museum.
Type of beach: Shingle and sand
Dog-friendly: Yes
Car park: Yes, for a fee
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: IP17 3DE
Best for: Adventures with your pooch
This large Suffolk beach is the “paw-fect” spot for you and your canine companion! With plenty of space for them to run, sniff and play; this is a fantastic day out for your pooch.
The unspoilt beach offers relaxing panoramas of the North Sea, and thanks to its great surf, you can enjoy ample watersports here! Swim, surf, kite surf; there’s something for most watersports enthusiasts here.
A promenade lines the beach, providing access to a range of eateries, including the popular Waterfront restaurant. Here, you can enjoy local seafood whilst savouring the sea views from the terrace.
If you’re looking for more to do nearby, why not head to the Africa Alive Zoological Reserve? This safari is home to 80 exotic animal species for you to admire.
Type of beach: Shingle and sand
Dog-friendly: Yes, but please keep dogs on a lead near the nature reserve
Car park: Yes
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: NR33 7NU
Best for: Peace and quiet
If you’re looking for a secluded beach outing, look no further than this Suffolk beach. Looking like something out of a fantasy series, thanks to its golden cliffs and tree trunk “sculptures”, it’s a beautiful hidden gem along the coast.
Another great beach for dogs, Covehithe Beach welcomes pooches throughout the year, so you can look forward to peaceful dog walks amidst the views. After walking, make the most of the expanse of sand and settle down for a picnic!
Be sure to head into the tiny village of Covehithe after visiting this Suffolk beach, where you will come across the unique ruins of St Andrews Church. The Benacre National Nature Reserve is also close by, home to lagoons and a wealth of birdlife.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes
Car park: Yes, for free
Public toilets: No
Postcode: NR34 7JP
Best for: A bit of everything
We’re finishing off our guide to the best Suffolk beaches with the golden delight of Felixstowe South Beach. There is simply so much to do at this beach, and you’ll easily keep the whole family entertained!
When you’re at this beach in Suffolk, you’ll have an array of activities at your feet, including Mannings Amusements and Ocean Boulevard Fun Park. Don’t forget to explore Felixstowe Pier, with its eateries, amusements and sea views in abundance.
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Felixstowe, head towards Landguard Fort, a historic attraction nestled moments away from the sand, offering views of the Port of Felixstowe and access to a nature reserve.
Type of beach: Shingle and sand
Dog-friendly: Yes, but seasonal restrictions apply
Car park: Yes, for a fee
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: IP11 2DF
Can’t wait to see these Suffolk beaches in person? We don’t blame you. You can explore these sets of sand from one of these Suffolk holiday cottages. If you want to uncover more coastal gems in the UK, our guide to the best UK beaches has you covered.
Hi, I'm Lola and I joined Sykes in 2021. My favourite holiday destination in the UK has to be Suffolk, I have so many happy memori...
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