Explore the Suffolk Coast : 12 must-visit destinations
Who doesn’t love to be beside the seaside? It’s holiday season, so here we pick out twelve destinations to visit and various things to do along Suffolk’s stunning coast. From exploring historic seaside towns like Aldeburgh and Southwold to crabbing at Walberswick
A lovely old fashioned pier that is more of an affectionate hark back to days gone by than a case of ‘kiss-me-quick’ tackiness. There are the obligatory games, with a mad and unique twist in the ‘Under the Pier’ show – ‘Whack a banker’, anyone? But the pier is also home to cafes, restaurants and boutique gift shops.
Landguard Fort, Felixstowe
While the current fort was built in the 18th century, fortifications there date back even further, and it was the site of a successfully repelled Dutch invasion in 1667. Audio tours, guided tours and even ghost tours are available.
Dunwich Cliffs
Suffolk is home to one of the least developed stretches of coastline in England. Nowhere exemplifies this better than the rugged landscape of Dunwich. However, it was not always so uninhabited. The lost city of Dunwich has been referred to as ‘Britain’s Atlantis’, the sea having claimed numerous medieval buildings which have fallen foul to coastal erosion and toppled off the cliffs. Legend has it you can still hear the drowned church bells toll.
Crabbing at Walberswick
A village that’s a haven for names from the film, television and fashion worlds seeking to escape London for a quiet second home by the sea. But perhaps the most famous residents are the crabs. Until 2010, Walberswick was home to the annual British Open Crabbing Championship. It had to be ended as the event became so popular that it was no longer manageable. However, with just some string and a piece of bacon needed, crabbing still makes for a great day out for families with children.
Brewery Tour of Adnams Southwold
If or when the weather means the beach is not an option, a tour of the Adnams brewery in Southwold is an interesting way to spend an hour or two. You will be shown how their various ales are made, and have a chance to sample some of Suffolk’s favourite tipples. Adnams also make their own vodka and gin, so if beer doesn’t take your fancy you can opt for a tour of the distillery.
Orford
A pretty village on the River Ore with a castle, and even somewhere to purchase home-made wicker baskets. A short boat trip away, the largest shingle spit in Europe at Orford Ness, offers an eerie juxtaposition. A large, wild North Sea desert, it is the site of an internationally renowned nature reserve. Yet Orford Ness also has a strange and intriguing military past, once owned by the Ministry of Defence and the site of wartime bomb testing. The old lighthouse is a beacon in the sprawling landscape.
RSPB Minsmere
Minsmere is a nature lovers’ paradise. The low lying reserve offers walks that aren’t dependent on the sunshine for a great family day out. As well as the diverse birdlife, there is a variety of insects, flowers, and you might even spot an otter. The two mile Coast Trail circuit takes you through coastal, woodland and wetland scenery, with a number of hides for better viewing, the opportunity to rent binoculars, with experts on hand to help you through the (figurative) jungle of different wildlife.
Snape Maltings
The complex at Snape Maltings, near Aldeburgh, is a ‘please all destination. There are several boutique shops, selling ceramics, antiques, fresh produce, and more; as well as a cafe, a tea room and a pub. If you want access to all of the best local producers, there is also the monthly farmers market. Fitting in with these creative surroundings, the galleries offer various exhibitions. The main attraction, however, is the famous concert hall, hosting performances every summer as part of the Aldeburgh Festival.
Sample the best fish and chips at Aldeburgh
Aldeburgh Fish and Chip Shop – and its sister restaurant the Golden Galleon – have a national reputation for serving some of the best fish and chips in the country. You may have to wait – there are often queues – but once you get your food, it is just a short saunter to the beach where you can enjoy it with great views and maybe some sunshine.
Play golf
For fun you can play crazy golf on Felixstowe’s seafront or, for a more serious test, play the links at Felixstowe Ferry. If it’s blustery expect some balls to be gusted away onto the beach. A little further up the coast, Aldeburgh and Thorpeness are well worth playing while Southwold has a nice nine-holer to try.
Water sports in Lowestoft
If you’re willing to brave the cold North Sea, then get your wetsuit on and head to Lowestoft. You can simply hire the gear, or lessons are available in stand up paddle boarding and kiteboarding. For tuition in a wider range of activities, head to the Oulton Broad WaterSports Centre on the edge of Lowestoft. There are courses for adults and children in sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, etc.
Go celeb-spotting
You never know who you might meet strolling through any of our coastal towns. In Walberswick you may bump into local residents, broadcaster Simon Mayo, writer and film director Richard Curtis and his wife Emma Freud, or Bourne director Paul Greengrass. In Orford you may spot BBC political editor Nick Robinson, or author Anthony Horowitz. You may even be sitting next to Twiggy in a Southwold hotel – it was where the model was ‘spotted’ and invited to take part in those yesteryear Marks and Spencer adverts.
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