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The Best Beaches in Suffolk

Suffolk’s stunning coastline boasts a mix of sandy shores, charming seaside towns, and serene natural landscapes. Whether you’re planning a visit or considering purchasing a holiday home, the beaches in Suffolk offer something for everyone. From dog friendly stretches to quiet coves perfect for unwinding, Suffolk is a destination that combines coastal beauty with countless opportunities for exploration and relaxation. In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the details you need to plan your perfect beach day, including information about nearby facilities, accessibility options, and the best times to visit. Plus, we’ll include clear directions from Azure Seas Holiday Village in Corton, our exclusive owners-only holiday park, so you can explore Suffolk’s stunning coastline with ease if you’re considering holiday home ownership.

Why Choose Suffolk?

Suffolk is a paradise for nature lovers and holiday homeowners, offering breathtaking landscapes, charming seaside towns, and an unspoiled coastline that promises peace and adventure. With long, scenic coastal walks, wide sandy beaches, and stunning sea views, Suffolk delivers the ultimate escape. Its beaches are not only visually stunning but also rich in history and wildlife, making them perfect for families, adventurers, and those looking for a tranquil retreat.

Best Suffolk Beach for Families: Southwold

How to Get There

Southwold Pier is easily accessible from the A12. If you’re traveling north from London, Ipswich, or Woodbridge, take the A1095 to Southwold just after Blythburgh. Alternatively, Southwold is a short 30 minute drive from Azure Seas Holiday Village in Corton. Simply follow the A12 south, and signs will direct you to the town, where ample parking is available.

Things to Do

Southwold is packed with activities for the whole family. Enjoy the iconic pier, climb the lighthouse for panoramic views, or stroll along the bustling promenade. Treat the kids to ice cream or fish and chips, and don’t forget to explore the colourful beach huts.

Beach Facilities

Southwold offers plenty of family friendly amenities, including public toilets, cafes, shops, and lifeguard services during peak season. Beach huts are available to hire, making your day at the beach comfortable, convenient and a little bit stylish.

Best Time to Visit

Southwold is a delight year-round, but summer is ideal for families to enjoy the vibrant seaside atmosphere. For quieter visits, consider autumn or winter when the beach offers a peaceful retreat.

Best Dog Friendly Beach in Suffolk: Sizewell

How to Get There

To get to Sizewell Beach, take the A12 towards Leiston. If you’re coming from Ipswich, continue on the A12 north and follow signs for Leiston. Once in Leiston, follow the signs to Sizewell Beach, which is a short drive from the town centre. Located 35 minutes south of Azure Seas Holiday Village via the A12, Sizewell is easy to reach with free parking available near the beach.

Beach Walks

Sizewell Beach is a haven for dog walkers seeking long, peaceful strolls along Suffolk’s stunning coastline. Its wide expanse of shingle and sand provides ample space for dogs to explore, while the breathtaking sea views and serene atmosphere make it a tranquil retreat for owners and their four legged friends. Best of all, with no dog restrictions year round, Sizewell is the perfect spot for uninterrupted adventures with your canine companion.

Beach Facilities

Facilities at Sizewell include a tearoom, beach huts, and ample recreational space. With its unspoiled natural beauty, Sizewell is ideal for those looking to escape the crowds.

Best Time to Visit

Sizewell Beach is open year round, making it a great destination in every season. Whether you’re visiting on a warm summer afternoon or during a crisp winter morning, this beach and its wide open expanse never disappoints. 

Most Accessible Beach in Suffolk: Felixstowe

How to Get There

To get to Felixstowe, take the A12 if you’re coming from Ipswich, following signs for Felixstowe. If you’re traveling from London, you can take the M25 and A12, or take the A14 to Ipswich and then follow the A12 south to Felixstowe. Felixstowe is approximately an hour’s drive from Azure Seas Holiday Village via the A12. The town offers plenty of parking near the seafront.

Accessibility Options

Felixstowe Beach features a flat promenade with easy access ramps, accessible toilets, and beach wheelchairs available for hire, ensuring everyone can enjoy the seaside.

Beach Facilities

The beach boasts snack kiosks, cafes, and shops along the promenade. The surrounding town offers even more dining and entertainment options, making it a vibrant destination for all.The beach boasts snack kiosks, cafes, and shops along the promenade, with the surrounding town offering even more dining and entertainment options, all within easy walking distance. For those driving, the closest parking is on Highfield Road, just a 2-minute walk to the beach, making it a convenient spot.

Best Time to Visit

Felixstowe is beautiful year-round, but for dog owners, the off-peak months are ideal, offering a quieter, more relaxed experience. While summer brings a lively atmosphere, the quieter months are perfect for enjoying peaceful walks with your dog. There are dog-friendly areas on either side of the restricted zone, where dogs must be kept on a lead. Families might prefer the summer buzz, complete with ice cream at The Dip, a kiosk that’s been serving tea, coffee, and ice cream for almost a century.

Best Sandy Beach in Suffolk: Corton Sands

How to Get There

To get to Corton Beach, take the A12 north from Ipswich towards Lowestoft. After passing through the town of Oulton Broad, follow the signs for Corton. The beach is located a short distance from the main road, and there are parking areas nearby for easy access. Corton Sands is just a 5–10 minute walk from Azure Seas Holiday Village. Follow the coastal path through scenic woodland on our holiday park to reach the beach.

Beach Facilities

Corton Sands is a tranquil, unspoiled beach with sand and shingle, offering minimal facilities for those seeking a quiet, natural retreat. At the rear of the beach, there is a large grassy area separated by a concrete walkway. Parking is available nearby for easy access.

Best Time to Visit

Visit Corton Sands any time of year to enjoy its peaceful atmosphere with your dogs in tow if you’re visiting outside of May and September. The autumn and winter off season  is particularly quiet, offering an excellent opportunity to connect with nature.

Best Suffolk Beach for Wildlife: Dunwich

How to Get There

To get to Dunwich in Suffolk, take the A12 north from Ipswich towards Lowestoft. From the A12, turn off onto the B1125, following signs for Dunwich. The village is located along the Suffolk coast and is a short drive from the A12. Dunwich is about 40 minutes south of Azure Seas Holiday Village via the A12. Ample parking is available at Dunwich Beach Car Park, which is a short walk from the shore.

Things to See

Dunwich, part of a National Trust nature reserve, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Explore the heathland behind the beach to spot birds like the stonechat, skylark, and Dartford warbler along the Pink Walk. You can also relax on the shingle beach or take the clifftop path for the best chance of spotting seabirds.

Beach Facilities

Facilities include toilets, a tearoom with a bookshop, and a summer kiosk. The surrounding heathland also offers plenty of walking routes.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and summer are perfect for birdwatching, with rare summer migrants arriving from March and April, adding to the local species. Autumn and winter offer serene coastal views, with opportunities to spot deer at Dunwich Heath, while spring brings blooming flowers and nature’s awakening.

Best Suffolk Beach for Water Sports: Lowestoft

How to Get There

To get to Lowestoft by car, take the A12 from London, heading northeast through Ipswich, and continue straight to Lowestoft. Lowestoft Beach is a short 10 minute drive from Azure Seas Holiday Village, or you can take a scenic coastal walk along the cliff tops.

Beach Facilities

Lowestoft offers a range of amenities, including cafes, toilets, and shops. Lifeguard services are available during the summer months, making it a safe destination for water sports enthusiasts.

Best Boat Trips

Lowestoft offers a range of watersports, including activities at Scroby Sands, where you can also enjoy seal watching. You can take a scenic harbour tour to explore the area, and all of this is just down the road from Oulton Broad.

Most Picturesque Beach in Suffolk: Thorpeness

How to Get There

To get to Thorpeness Beach, drive along the A12 towards Ipswich, then take the A1094 toward Thorpeness. Follow the signs into the village, where you can park near the beach or at designated parking areas. The beach is a short walk from the village centre. Thorpeness is approximately 40 minutes south of Azure Seas Holiday Village via the A12.

Beach Facilities

This charming seaside village offers a beautiful beach, nearby cafes and tearooms, and the iconic Thorpeness Meare boating lake, perfect for a day of boating or scenic photo opportunities, reflecting the village’s whimsical past. Thorpeness is also home to an award-winning 18-hole James Braid golf course, established in 1922, making it a top spot for golf enthusiasts.

Best Time to Visit

For breathtaking views, visit Thorpeness at sunset, especially to enjoy the sunset over the Meare boating lake. It’s a charming spot, perfect for kayaking and rowing, and full of character.

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Make Suffolk Your Holiday Home Location with Lovat Parks

Owning a holiday home in Suffolk with Lovat Parks means endless opportunities to explore these incredible beaches year round. Whether you’re seeking family fun, peaceful retreats, or adventurous days by the sea, Suffolk has something for everyone for you to enjoy year round.Owning a holiday home with Lovat Parks at our very own Azure Seas Holiday Village means you can experience the magic of Suffolk’s coast whenever you choose, creating coastal memories that last a lifetime. Ready to start your first steps to holiday home ownership? Contact us today and discover how you can make Suffolk your home away from home.

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