Afterwards, take a stroll down through the marshes towards the town’s ‘harbour’ – basically the mouth of the Blyth river – where you can take one of Suffolk’s famous foot ferries across to the seaside village of Walberswick, where there’s another sandy beach and a good lunch option in the excellent Anchor in Walberswick. From Walberswick, it’s easy to reach Dunwich by way of the coast path, from where you can walk to the lagoons and marshes of the RSPB reserve at Minsmere, watching the birds and perhaps spying the odd otter amongst the reeds. Enjoy fish and chips at the Flora Tea Rooms just behind the beach, or dinner at the excellent Ship Inn, right in the centre of the village. Find more of the best things to do in the area in our guide.
The next town south, Aldeburgh is one of the twin jewels of the Suffolk Coast, home not only to a lively high street full of swish shops and restaurants – ‘Islington on Sea’ some call it – but also a beach lined with shacks selling fresh fish. Enjoy a walk along the seafront, followed by an ice cream at Ives or a cup of tea at the Two Magpies Bakery. Then, stroll up the beach to inspect Maggie Hambling’s scallop shell monument to Benjamin Britten, or best of all visit the composer’s former home – The Red House – on the edge of town, where there is a museum chock-full of Britten-related artefacts, and a wonderful collection of 20th-century British art. Stay over at the town’s latest place to stay, The Suffolk, on the high street, which boasts boutique rooms and an excellent restaurant. Find more of the best restaurants in the area in our guide.
