by elizabeth | Aug 31, 2013 |

Beaches on the Suffolk Coast - North Suffolk to South Norfolk

The Suffolk Coast is a diverse and breath-taking stretch of coastline, comprising sand and shingle beaches. It runs from the beach gardens of Felixstowe, through the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that encompasses both wild and manicured beaches, sand dunes and beach huts, piers and promenades, to the Sunrise Coast of Lowestoft and Southwold. Further North you will find even more stretches of golden, blue-flag beaches, backed by grassy cliffs, all the way up to Great Yarmouth in Norfolk.

The English love of the beach dates back to the 19th century, when people began to seek the healthy benefits of sea air.

Nowadays, whether it be for crabbing, wind surfing, sun bathing, dog walking, or swimming, Suffolk’s coastline continues to attract innumerable visitors every year seeking the beautiful views and pretty seaside towns.

Felixstowe

With award-winning fish and chips, clean water and traditional seaside amusements, towns such as Southwold and Aldeburgh make for a lovely day out, whilst the wild beaches of Orford and Covehithe, quiet gems on the Suffolk coast, are perfect for dog walking.

And the still crisp air in Winter means that the beach isn’t just a place to visit in the summer sun. There’s nothing more refreshing than a stroll along Dunwich’s shingle or Kessingland’s marshland, wrapped up in your winter woolies.

Here we give you a run-through of some of the wonderful beaches the Suffolk coast has to offer near to the Norfolk-Suffolk border.

For the full article, covering the whole of the Suffolk coast, see here.

There’s something for everyone!

Covehithe

In stark contrast to Southwold, the wild beach of Covehithe is well off the beaten track – quite literally; the coastal path that leads to it is a bit of a tricky one.

But the soft, white sandy shores and marram grass dunes are a well-kept secret for those who really want to get away from it all.,

Backed by crumbling cliffs, this eroding peace of coast is a great spot for sea swimming, and just behind the beach you will find several freshwater lagoons.

It’s darker, and wilder than the more popular destinations on the Suffolk coast. Read Blake Morisson’s article on why Covehithe beach is his ‘Perfect Place’ here. (The descriptions are terrific!)

Distance: 5 miles from Southwold; 8 miles from Ellough; 10.5 miles from Lowestoft; 14.2 miles from Beccles; 17.5 miles from Bungay

Kessingland and Pakefield

These two unspoilt and spacious beaches, close to Lowestoft, are little-known gems on the Suffolk Coast.

Comprising marshland, shingle and sand, Kessingland is a peaceful and quiet dog-friendly beach, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The area is popular with wildlife, and Seals can sometimes be seen lying on the sandbanks.

Distance: 5.8 miles to Lowestoft; 7.3 miles to Ellough; 8.7 miles to Southwold; 10.3 miles to Beccles; 14.1 miles to Bungay.

How to get there:

NR33 7NU

Kessingland Village is accessed from the A12 via the B1437.

Lowestoft

Lowestoft is the most easterly point of the United Kingdom. The Edwardian seafront is a popular destination for beach-goers, and the town is at the forefront of the UK’s wind generation industry.

With everything you’d expect from a traditional seaside resort – including a pier with amusements, colourful beach huts (many are available for weekly and daily hire - telephone 01502 588444 ), beachside cafes, a lighthouse and soft golden sand – the Blue Flag beaches either side of Claremont Pier are perfectly inviting.

Things to see nearby:  

Ness Point is the most easterly point of the United Kingdom and of the British Isles. It is said that Sir Samuel Morton Peto often came to Ness Point to mull over his plans for the town for which he was largely responsible for the development of in the early 19th century. He purpotedly felt happier knowing that there was nobody further east than he, when searching for inspirational ideas.

Interesting fact:

How to get there:

South Norfolk

Hopton-on-Sea

Hopton-on-Sea is a sandy beach to the south of Great Yarmouth in Norfolk.

Large wooden groynes stretch down to the waters, and grassy cliffs run along behind the sands.

There a good views of the curving coastline here, and you may well see horses galloping along the shore. Scroby Sands offshore wind farm is visible on the horizon; you can take a boat trip here, which are popular for sightings of a large colony of seals.

How to get there: 

NR31 9SE

By Road:
From Great Yarmouth follow the A12 signposted to Lowestoft. With the James Paget Hospital and the Travel Lodge on your left follow across roundabout towards Lowestoft. At next roundabout take the 1st exit. Turn left onto Lowestoft road, turn right onto Station Road and then right again onto Coast Road.

Gorleston-on-Sea

Below the grassy cliffs of Gorleston –on-sea you will find the award-winning, family friendly, sandy beach. With a Quality Coast Award, and Marine Conservation Society Recommended, Gorleston is perfect for for bucket and spade lazy days in the sun.

Behind the sands you will find pitch and putt, bowling greens, tennis and basketball courts, seafront gardens and a lovely promenade.

Go for a dip in the ‘Excellent’, RNLI-monitored waters, take a body board to the waves, or enjoy the large paddling pool and yacht pond

There are a range of café’s and shops along the promenade.

Distance: 18.7 miles Bungay; 13.9 miles Beccles

How to get there:

NR31 6DX

The beach is signposted from the A12

Great Yarmouth

Great Yarmouth is a busy, family beach resort, complete with soft sand, seaside amusements, and donkey rides.

The bustling Brittania pier is packed with a selection of foods and refreshments, bars, amusement rides and live theatre shows. The ‘Pleasure Beach’, with high-octane rides and traditional attractions, sits on the top of the Golden Mile and dominates the seafront skyline.

Deck chairs are available for hire and boat trips out to Scroby Sands to see the seals leave Central Beach alongside Britannia Pier.

The beach is cleaned regularly and dogs are banned during the summer months. RNLI lifeguards watch the waters, which have been awarded with the Quality Coast Award and are Marine Conservation Society Recommended.

Stroll past the beach huts on the promenade and take in the buzzing atmosphere.

Distance: 15.4 miles to Beccles

How to get there:

NR30 2ER

Great Yarmouth is directly east of Norwich on the A47

See here for a list of self-catered properties in the North of Suffolk and South Norfolk.

See also our articles on beaches in southern Suffolk, and central Suffolk.

For the full article, covering the whole of the Suffolk coast, see here.