Explore the Beauty of Suffolk: Your Guide to Coastal WalksBest Coastline Walks In Suffolk

Suffolk’s coastline is a treasure trove for walkers. From expansive sandy beaches to dramatic cliffs and tranquil estuaries, the region offers something for everyone, whether you’re after a brisk hike with panoramic sea views or a gentle seaside stroll with a stop for fish and chips. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the best Suffolk coastal walks, close to our owners only park Azure Seas. You’ll discover iconic long-distance routes, scenic paths around charming seaside towns.

Iconic Suffolk Coastal Paths

Suffolk Coast Path: Felixstowe to Lowestoft

Distance: Approx. 50 miles (can be broken into sections)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Highlights: Sea cliffs, shingle beaches, historic villages, nature reserves

The Suffolk Coast Path is the county’s most iconic long-distance route, tracing the coastline from Felixstowe to Lowestoft. Expect ever-changing landscapes, from the low cliffs of Dunwich to the Martello towers near Bawdsey. Sections like Southwold to Walberswick (about 3.5 miles) are more manageable for day walks and offer ‘ferry’ crossings in a traditional rowboat over the River Blyth and great pub stops.

Dunwich Heath to RSPB Minsmere

Distance: 5 miles (circular)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights: Heathland, beach, birdwatching

This circular route combines the best of Suffolk’s coastal scenery and wildlife. Start at National Trust Dunwich Heath, explore sandy trails with sea views, and loop through RSPB Minsmere, one of the UK’s top birdwatching sites.

Charming Seaside Town Strolls

Aldeburgh to Thorpeness

Distance: 2 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Promenade, sculptures, ice cream, boating lake

Aldeburgh’s pebble beach and pastel housefronts make for a picture-perfect start. Walk north along the sea wall to Thorpeness, a storybook village complete with a boating lake and the quirky House in the Clouds (a water tower with an iconic house atop). A perfect choice for a relaxed afternoon stroll.

Southwold and Walberswick Circular

Distance: 4.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Pier, beach huts, ferry crossing, marshes

This classic Suffolk walk loops from Southwold — with its vintage pier and working lighthouse, across the River Blyth to Walberswick via a tiny rowboat ferry (summer only). Return via marsh paths with scenic estuary views.

Nature Reserves and Wildlife Walks

RSPB Minsmere Coastal Loop

Distance: 4.6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Bird hides, lagoons, dunes

For nature lovers, the Minsmere area is unbeatable. The coastal loop offers varied habitats including lagoons, reedbeds and dunes, with regular sightings of avocets, marsh harriers and even otters.

Shingle Street & Hollesley Marshes

Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Remote shingle beach, marshland, rare flora

This lesser-trodden route explores the eerie beauty of Shingle Street, a windswept coastal hamlet and winds through the wildlife-rich Hollesley Marshes. A haven for solitude seekers and keen birders.

Family-Friendly Suffolk Coastal Adventures

Felixstowe Seafront Promenade

Distance: Up to 3 miles
Difficulty: Very Easy
Highlights: Amusements, playgrounds, cafes

With level paths, plenty of spots for a beachy snack, and buckets of seaside fun, Felixstowe is ideal for families with younger children. Try the Seafront Gardens or the mini railway too.

Dunwich to Greyfriars Ruins

Distance: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: History, woodland paths, clifftop views

Start at Dunwich Beach and walk to the supposedly haunted ruins of Greyfriars Monastery (a 13th-century Franciscan friary that once stood as a medieval stronghold of Dunwich), then loop through gentle woodlands. A manageable and engaging walk for curious kids.

Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve

Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Boardwalks, birdlife, educational signage

Close to Lowestoft, Carlton Marshes has accessible paths, well-marked routes, and nature-themed play areas. A perfect introduction to wildlife walks for young explorers. The Reserve is open daily and is free to enter.

Hidden Gems and Tranquil Trails

Bawdsey to Shingle Street

Distance: 5.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Quiet beaches, WWII history, remote beauty

This under-the-radar coastal walk features WWII relics, open beaches, and expansive skies. The shingle banks and windswept views make this a peaceful alternative to the busier spots.

Orford Ness National Nature Reserve

Distance: Varies (access via ferry)
Difficulty: Moderate (walking plus ferry logistics)
Highlights: Abandoned buildings, rare habitats, silence

A unique walking experience, Orford Ness is part art installation, part nature reserve. A sense of eerie isolation makes this a one-of-a-kind adventure. Once a secretive weapons testing site, including for atomic bombs, it’s now a peaceful haven for migratory birds.

Planning Your Coastal Walk

Before you set out, consider these essentials: 

• Sturdy footwear is a must, especially for shingle or marsh paths. 
• Check the local weather forecast, as coastal conditions can change quickly. Some beach routes depend on tides, so plan your walk accordingly. 
• Look into available amenities such as toilets, cafés, and parking, particularly important for family outings. 

Finally, while most Suffolk coastal walks are dog-friendly, be sure to double-check any seasonal beach restrictions before bringing your pet.

Holiday Parks in Suffolk and neighbouring Norfolk – Relax After Your Coastal Walk

After a day exploring the best coastal walks in Suffolk, there’s no better way to unwind than at one of our holiday parks. We only have one holiday park in Suffolk which is exclusively for owners, but we’re not far from Waxham Sands in Norfolk, close to the sprawling Norfolk Broads. Nestled close to the coast and surrounded by nature, our parks are the perfect base for exploring everything the Suffolk coastline has to offer, whether you’re after sandy strolls, family fun or peaceful wildlife adventures.

Explore Azure Seas Holiday Village