Suffolk is home to many beautiful beaches, all of which have their draws, depending on your needs. With that in mind, we have taken a look at the best beaches in the area, and what they are best for.
1. Southwold beach
Best for swimming
The Pier Beach in Southwold is a Blue Flag beach, meaning it has the highest quality of water, making it the perfect place for a swim.
The Pier Beach is a traditional beach, and a great location for a family day on the beach. This place also has an 800-foot-long pier that has been refurbished, and now home to a pavilion, amusements, restaurant, and the famous water clock.
The sand and shingle beach with beach groynes has repeatedly been recognised as a clean beach with an array of easily accessible amenities, and the beach is backed with a promenade that leads to the town and harbour area.
2. Lowestoft beach
best for sandcastles
Close to the coastal town of Lowestoft (and close to Tingdene Broadlands Park & Marina and North Denes Caravan Park), there are facilities on or near to the beach that include tennis courts, lawn bowls and a variety of places to eat along the sea front.
During the warmer months, you will find a host of activities taking place along the beach, including volleyball and a range of watersports. You will also find a range of beachside cafes to enjoy, and even a pier complete with amusements.
Lowestoft beach is full of soft, golden sand which makes it the perfect spot to build your sandcastle!
This golden sandy beach is just north of Claremont Pier, that has zones specifically for water sports like jet-skiing, diving, surfing and wind surfing. The beach is dog friendly too. When visiting beaches in Suffolk with your dog, be careful to check which ones allow dogs.
There is easy access to East Point Pavilion from the beach, where the Tourist Information Centre is based. There is a variety of amenities there too including cafés and restaurants and you are close to Lowestoft, the most Easterly town in the UK.
The south side of Claremont Pier, known locally as ‘Victoria Beach,’ has great water quality and the popular area has been dubbed the ‘Sunrise Coast’. It also provides the same water sport activities visitors can do on the north side and also some sailing.
3. Felixstowe beach
best for families
From windsurfing to crazy golf and even a 16th century fort to explore, there are plenty of exciting activities for all ages to be enjoyed in Felixstowe.
The sand and shingle beach can be enjoyed simply with a bucket and spade, whilst the water quality is excellent for taking a quick paddle. There is certainly something for everyone to do when you visit Felixstowe.
4. Dunwich beach
best for wildlife
Dunwich beach and the surrounding areas are the perfect place to spot a wide variety of rare plants and wildlife. You will find species as the Dartford warbler, woodlark and even adders! The hides located between Dunwich and Minsmere also provide the perfect photo opportunity, so don’t forget your camera!
5. Aldeburgh beach
best for fish & chips
The East Coast is well known for being home to great fish and chips, but Aldeburgh has been voted as having the best! Grab yourself a portion and head out to the shingle beach to enjoy them, or take a seat on the sea wall and take in the sights over the water.
The seaside town is also home to many art galleries, as well as a cinema and summer theatre, so is well worth a day trip!