Charming Coastal Towns to Visit in Suffolk, England
As a local , I have been exploring the coastal towns of Suffolk for over 20 years. I will happily head to the coast for a day, a weekend and when I can for a little longer. It’s easy to fill a week or more by combining these coastal Suffolk towns into a fun packed itinerary.
When you visit Suffolk, you’re never very far from water! In fact, there’s over 50 miles of coastline to enjoy! For those who love the freshness of sea air, it’s perfect.
But it’s not just about the sea! Looking for pretty English villages, vibrant market towns, relaxing seaside escapes? And maybe quirky antique shops, independent stores, cafes and coffee stops? Throw in coastal walks and good eating and find it all in coastal towns of Suffolk.
We’ve previously shared our itineraries and top tips for visiting Suffolk’s towns of Woodbridge, Felixstowe, and Things to Do in Aldeburgh.
Now we are combining our insider tips to include the villages of Orford and Southwold. These are more of our favourite coastal towns and villages that are inviting year round.
How to get to Suffolk
Suffolk is a rural county so unless you are going to stay in one location, having your own transport to travel between Orford, Aldeburgh and Southwold is easier.
There are regular Greater Anglia trains running from London Liverpool Street up to Ipswich (the closest major town in Suffolk to the coast). Direct trains from London take around 80 minutes. From here you can arrange onward bus connections from to the towns we feature.
If you’re flying in, the nearest airport is Stansted and there is a bus transfer from here to Ipswich, This is a good option if you are visiting Suffolk from within the UK. Otherwise most long-haul carriers use Heathrow or Gatwick Airports, near London. Car hire options are available from all airports.
Best Time To Visit Suffolk England?
Suffolk is a year-round destination. Remember it’s the UK and difficult to predict day-to-day weather, but this is one of the driest counties in the UK. Living here, I can vouch for there being lots of sunny days 🙂
It’s fairly mild in Suffolk too! So whilst you’ll enjoy wrapping up in winter months, it’s never too cold to embrace the outdoors.
We’ve included lots of links in the post to help you check opening times for activities we have loved and suggest for your coastal Suffolk England itinerary.
Spring in Orford, Aldeburgh and Southwold is usually warm and early autumn months are also a lovely time to visit. The peak season is July and August when it’s English school holidays.
Local alert! It can get busy during these months but it’s beautiful! Festivals, concerts and country shows are scheduled in Suffolk all year long so check ahead to consider what might be going on when planning your visit.
This itinerary which I have used many times when people come to visit Suffolk introduces the perhaps better-known towns of Aldeburgh and Southwold. But we’re starting our Suffolk coastal journey in the quaint village of Orford, one of my favourite Suffolk secret spots not to miss.
Why visit Orford Suffolk?
Orford is a small fishing village in coastal Suffolk known especially for its impressive castle and excellent local produce.
This traditional English village is a perfect place to visit for a day or a weekend. Situated only 9 miles from the popular town of Woodbridge, it’s absolutely worth a visit. Despite its tiny size, there’s lots to do and it has a wonderful authentic vibe.
The main geographical feature of the area is Orford Ness, a long, wide shingle spit at the mouth of the River Ore. Around 7 miles long (it is the final part of the River Alde). It is a relatively short distance and a great location for wildlife enthusiasts. More details on this below.
Where to stay in Orford, Suffolk
Last time we visited Orford, we stayed in the welcoming Crown and Castle Hotel. With only 21 rooms, it’s perfect for an English country experience.
In winter, their roaring log fire is most inviting after a stroll around the heath. If you visit in the summer months, you can enjoy al fresco dining with a fabulous view of the castle from their garden.
Whether you stay here or just drop in for lunch or a drink, it’s a great location. Food is fresh and breakfasts are delicious. They welcome dogs so if you’re bringing your pooch, ask for a garden room and book direct for the best rates.
Most accommodation options have parking available but if you’re only visiting for the day, use the main village car park by the quay.
The Jolly Sailor pub next to this car park serves great food. Also it offers bed and breakfast. If you’re looking for a cosy cottage for two, try The Curious Oyster. For other accommodation options, check out Suffolk Secrets wide range of cottages available for families and larger groups.
5 Top things to do in Orford, Suffolk
Visit Orford Castle
This wonderfully preserved castle with a unique polygonal tower, is a must to see when you come to Orford. It was built between 1165 and 1173 for a cost of around £1413. King Henry II wanted it to consolidate his power in the region against other East Anglian barons.
Over the centuries, it has been owned by other royals and private owners but now it is part of English Heritage.
Location wise, you can’t miss this historical spot. It’s well signposted as soon as you arrive in the village. From the castle car park, it’s an easy 2-minute stroll up to the entrance.
Read our Complete Guide To Visiting Orford Castle Here.
Within the castle walls, explore the basement, a maze of passages and lower and upper halls. Then head onto the roof for magnificent views out to Orford Ness.
Orford Museum is also housed here so you’ll be able to see a whole range of artefacts. Kids will love it!
You can explore the outside grounds for free and there are various informational signs to read and guide you.
Orford Castle Legend
Linked to Orford Castle is a legend dated back to 1167, known locally as ‘‘The Wild Man of the Sea’. According to the tale, fishermen caught a naked, wild man covered in hair in their nets and took him prisoner, keeping him in the castle.
Whilst there, this man behaved strangely and did not utter a word. Additionally, he consumed raw fish and nothing else. Despite a trip to church he did not talk. Somehow he escaped and made his way back to the waves of the North Sea.
Some believe the wild men found in Suffolk churches including the one on the ‘font’ in St Bartholomew’s in Orford have their origins in this legend. Sightings of the wild man have been claimed locally in the castle, church, and marketplace.
Let us know if you see him during your visits!
Hike Orford Ness
The history of Orford Ness is fascinating. Going back in time to the 1800s, it was the haunt of smugglers. In 1913, it was bought by the UK War Office and used for various top-secret military developments and tests until 1993. It was then sold to the National Trust.
With its mix of land, marsh, lagoons, and waterways Orford Ness is now a nature reserve. Trails lead through the marsh and shingle habitats to the sea, taking in wildlife, ex-military testing areas, buildings, and displays.
To get here, book via the National Trust who run their ferry from the quay. The season for visiting opens up in March and runs till October. There are limited places for each trip so check their website for more details. Plan for around 4 hours there to fully explore Orford Ness.
Go Crabbing and Cruising at Orford Quay
Many a Sunday morning of ours has been spent at the quay in the hope of catching a crab!
You will find several great crabbing places along the Suffolk Coast. Buy a net and bait in Orford village store (which is also a Post Office).
Then see how many you can catch before releasing them back into the river. The village store website is your best bet for local news, events and those important tide times.
From the quay, you can also enjoy a river cruise. Several companies are offering slightly different options. You’ll find various boards there advertising their trips right on the quay.
Seasonable River Cruises
Cruises with Suffolk River Trips are seasonal and last about an hour. You’ll cruise past the RSPB reserve at Havergate Island and around Orford Ness. If you specifically want to visit the bird reserve, you’ll need to pre-book a different trip via the RSPB events page. They have events from photography to island trails exploring wildlife
Or, if you fancy a dining cruise, book a table on Lady Florence. Choose from breakfast, lunch, supper, or a dinner cruise. Enjoy listening to the skipper’s commentary about the area as you eat. As well as being dog-friendly, it operates throughout the year.
If cruising or crabbing is not your thing, enjoy just sitting on the quay. It’s really peaceful. Pop into the Riverside Tearoom Orford for coffee and cake as you watch the boats bob past. For such a tiny quay, there’s certainly a lot going on!
Enjoy Local Produce of Orford
Orford’s local food is award winning and famous in and beyond Suffolk! If you like fish, visit Pinney’s shop for their oysters, smoked salmon, potted shrimp or herrings.
Pinney’s has been a family business since 1959, carefully cultivating oyster beds for decades. In addition, they have their own traditional way for smoking fish. Using whole oak logs they produce a smoked flavour and preserve produce using only salt.
Their shop is just before you come into Orford quay. Selling a range of other local products like wine, breads and chutneys here is the place to stock up for a delicious Suffolk coastal picnic.
And if that’s not enough for you, book a table at restaurant on the market square named The Butley Orford Oysterage.
Another award winning eatery in the village is the Pump Street Bakery which is directly opposite the oyster restaurant. Oh my goodness – you will definitely be back for more whether it’s cakes, pastries, bread or croissants.
Within the bakery they have a cafe selling tea, coffee and best of all their own hot chocolate! Last time, I visited, I loved their ‘Ecuador’ flavour. Don’t ask me if I had a second cup!
They also own a beautifully presented ‘Chocolate Shop’ across the square. Here you can purchase their ‘Pump Street Chocolate’ bars, cookery books and a whole range of chocolate products.
Take a Trail Walk Around Orford
After all that eating, you may be ready for a walk.
Trail Paths are signposted but if you’re looking for a route to follow, the Crown and Castle hotel have put together a range of great walks, all of which start and finish back at their hotel.
Choose from an easy 45 minutes circular walk to longer trails of 2, 5 or 7 miles.
All Trails is another App worth checking out for walks around Orford -try their Heritage and Pub Walk. This route takes in the popular Jolly Sailor and the King’s Head.
When you walk from the quay back to the square, you’ll pass delightful manicured cottages on your left. It feels like you’re in Beatrix Potter world!
Take time also to visit St Bartholomew’s Church which dates back to the Norman age of 1156. Explore the original stonework ruins outside. The main church structure dates from the mediaeval period with the walls and pillars dating around 1320.
Go inside. There’s an impressive set of memorials and monuments including one to beloved British composer Benjamin Britten, born in Suffolk. Don’t forget to look at the font in the church to see the carvings of the wild man of Orford.
Next Stop…The Town of Aldeburgh
Aldeburgh is one of the most popular spots on the East Suffolk coast for tourists.
A seaside town, Aldeburgh has plenty to offer visitors. To start with there’s a wide pebbly beach, a superb promenade and great walk options. Throw in a vibrant high street full of independent shops, a good selection of places to eat, art galleries and a famous fish and chip shop and you’re going to be busy packing it all in!
As the crow flies, Aldeburgh is less than 6 miles from Orford but there isn’t a coastal route available for cars. Instead to get to Aldeburgh, you’ll need to head up the A12 and pick up the signs for Aldeburgh and Thorpeness. From Woodbridge, it’s less than half an hour.
Car parking in Aldburgh can be tricky on the high street so park further out and enjoy a short walk into town if you’re just there for the day. It’s busy throughout the year but especially at weekends in the peak summer months.
Where to stay in Aldeburgh
When staying in Aldeburgh, I usually book into the Brudenell Hotel. Its rooms are bright and contemporary.
Foodwise, it has an excellent seafood and grill restaurant. On a sunny day enjoy a cocktail on their boardwalk terrace. The hotel often has great offers for weekend breaks, so check their site for best rates.
At the other end of town is The Wentworth which is also popular. I have stayed there too.
What’s perfect is that both hotel are excellent locations right on Aldeburgh’s seafront in the centre of the town.
For larger groups, go for self catering or Airbnb. Or check out Aldeburgh Coastal Cottages for ideas.
5 Top Activities in Aldeburgh
Enjoy the Beach
Spend a morning or afternoon on the beach and Aldeburgh promenade.
Whether you choose a morning run along the promenade or an easy stroll after breakfast, if you go to Aldeburgh, you’ll find yourself on the promenade. It’s right behind the high street.
If you get up early you may see local fishermen pulling up their haul of fish for the day.
They supply local restaurants or you can buy directly from their small wooden huts on the beach.
The beach here is long, wide and pebbly and it never feels crowded. It’s a mixture of sand and shingle.
Looking out to the right you can see Orford Ness on a clear day. The other way you’ll see the pathway to the village of Thorpeness.
Grab your takeaway coffee from the town or pack up a picnic. Maybe eat your fish and chips here. Watch out for the pesky seagulls though!
Walk from Aldeburgh to Thorpeness
This is a great walk. As a circular route, it will take a couple of hours but it’s a flat 7 miles and hey, there’s no rush.
You’ll walk past an impressive four foot high steel ‘Scallop’ sculpture by Maggi Hambling, a Suffolk born artist. The sculpture is inscribed with words from composer Benjamin Britten’s work ‘I hear those voices that will not be drowned’.
It arrived on the beach back in 2003 and continues to divide opinion on whether it is a blot or a beauty on the landscape. I must admit, I rather like it but go see for yourself.
Keep walking and in time you’ll get to Thorpeness.
Explore Thorpeness
When you come off the beach, you’ll find yourself in the centre of this tiny hamlet and in front of a beautiful lake known as Thorpeness Meare. This lake is not here naturally!
It was in fact created by a wealthy Scottish barrister back in 1913. He wanted an adventure island and his plan for the lake was inspired by the writing of his friend J.M. Barrie who wrote ‘Neverland’.
Hire a rowing boat and you can explore the meare at our own pace.
You’ll find all sorts of creeks and mini islands to row around and signs for Pirate’s Lair, Wendy’s Home, and Captain’s House. It’s great fun for all the family.
From Spring to Autumn, you can stop for tea at the Meare Shop and Tea Room. Sit outside by the lake – it’s really lovely.
If you’re looking for pub food, try the Dolphin Pub. It’s open year round, 7 days a week and serves great food.
You can’t fail to spot the ‘House in the Clouds’ from here. It’s a disguised water tower that you can rent and stay here! You’ll definitely get a great view! Take a walk up to this unique Suffolk structure and check out the windmill close by.
Aldeburgh’s Shops, Cafes and Fish and Chips
Aldeburgh High Street is open for business with a great selection of independent stores. You’ll find boutiques, art galleries, book shops, quirky gift and antique stores and even an independent cinema.
Food wise, there’s plenty of cafes for coffee and cake stops- try The Two Magpies or The Chocolate Teapot. and restaurants like The Lighthouse are popular. Do book ahead.
For me, fish and chips always tastes better outside on the beach. Since 1967, award winning Aldeburgh Fish and Chips has been serving the public their traditional favourite meal. There is always a queue but stay in it, the chips are fantastic! You’ll be back for more!
Explore Museums And Historic Homes
When you walk along the promenade, you’ll come across Moot Hall which is a 16th Century Grade 1 listed timber-framed building. Inside here you’ll find Aldeburgh Museum.
There’s a small charge to enter ( £4/$5 per adult) but you’ll learn much about this Tudor building and the history of this seaside town. It’s open May – October from 1pm -4pm.
Nothing to do with the museum, but I must just mention Libardi’s Ice-Cream Kiosk just opposite. Fabulous ice-cream – just saying!
Jubilee Hall in Crabbe Street, is another Aldeburgh old building, built in 1887 by a local business man to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.
The hall was intended to be used for concerts and entertainment and today it is still a theatre and concert venue. The orchestra pit was used by Benjamin Brittain. This Suffolk composer lived and worked in Aldeburgh with his partner.
His home was called The Red House, and you can visit this site too in the town as part of the Britten-Pears Foundation.
And On To the Town Of Southwold
Our final destination in our Coastal Town of Suffolk itinerary is the town of Southwold. Despite its name the town lies in the northern part of Suffolk’s coastline!
It’s a real favourite hotspot for visitors to Suffolk. Like Aldeburgh, it has hard to beat independent shops, cafes and restaurants and of course the beach.
What makes Southwold different is its pier. There’s a lot of debate over Aldeburgh and Southwold as to which one is best.
Frankly, they both offer different experiences so my advice is to go to both and make up your own mind.
Getting to Southwold
The town of Southwold in Suffolk is situated about 100 miles north of London. To reach here by car, take the A12. Then follow signs on the A1095 straight into town. It’s about 18 miles from Aldeburgh.
There isn’t a train station so you do need a car to get here or catch a local bus from Woodbridge Railway Station. Coastal towns in Suffolk are connected by small rural roads and its a lovely pace of driving through the country roads from town to town.
Where to stay In Southwold, Suffolk
There are numerous options for accommodation in Southwold. Rentals are popular and there’s plenty of holiday lets to suit both couples and families.
If hotel accommodation is your preference, try The Swan. It’s right in the centre of town. I’ve stayed here and it is lovely.
A tip! Book somewhere to stay with on-site parking as finding a space in Southwold can be tricky, even in low season.
5 Top Activities in Southwold
Explore the pier
I have fond memories of taking my kids to Southwold Pier and walking its length of 623 feet. A shortish walk but it always took some time as there were lots of stops we had to make along the way 🙂
It’s no different today! As you stroll along the boardwalk, you’ll find a range of places to potter around in. Coffee shops, restaurants and gift shops sell the work of local artists. Also on offer is a unique ‘Under the Pier’ show and of course, fish and chips! At the entrance to the pier, you’ll find the arcade – always a bit of seaside fun.
Enjoy Southwold Beach and Tour the Lighthouse
The promenade at Southwold is a favourite spot for a great walk. There are two sides to the beach – the Pier Beach to the north is aptly named as it leads to the pier.
Stroll past the colourful beach huts to get there. There’s a couple of cafes along the way and the beach here is fabulous – sandy and plenty of it.
If it is a nice day, spend the day just on the beach. You can hire a beach hut if you want to really spoil yourself. Turn south the other way, you’ll find Denes beach which is popular for wild swimming, paddle boarding and surfing.
Above the promenade, you’ll find a lighthouse a listed building. It’s possible to tour the lighthouse by climbing 113 steps! You will be rewarded with fantastic views from the top. Book the LightHouse Tour here. Looking onto the beach is another really interesting building -the Southwold Sailors’ Reading Room.
It was built in 1864 as a place for fishermen to spend their time instead of going to the pub! You’ll find old records and artefacts from years gone by inside. It’s free to go in but they have a donation box by the door if you want to make a small gift to the upkeep.
Tour Adnams Brewary and Distillary
If you like spirits and beers, you will enjoy a tour of the Adnams Sole Bay Brewery
You’ll find their store on Market Place, just set back from the high street. As a company, they’ve been brewing in Suffolk since 1872. Their popular brewing tour follows the process from grain to glass and of course includes tasting at the end!
If beer is not your tipple, you may prefer their distillery tour which shows how they create their gins, vodkas and whiskies. Samples after the tour are included.
You can even book onto the gin making tour and create your own bespoke bottle! Tours prices start from £25 but check online for full details. If you don’t fancy a tour, pop into their shop – as well as wines, beers and spirits, they have a range of food products and homeware for sale.
There’s a relaxed coffee shop at the back of the shop too. Cakes are yummy! And if you pop into any pub in Suffolk, you’ll find Adnmas beers and spirits on the menu! Another local gin tour can be taken from Aldeburgh. This is Fishers – another great local gin to enjoy here in Suffolk.
Eat at Southwold harbour and take a boat trip
There’s lots of lovely walks you can take from Southwold. I particularly enjoy the 5km circular walk from central Southwold down to the harbour.
You’ll pass by the working harbour by the River Blyth. There are fresh fish shops here and a couple of decent places to eat.
My favourite for fish is The Harbour Inn but you can’t book ahead. If you want a confirmed booking for lunch or dinner, try the Le Roc who favour a mediterranean menu. From the harbour you can also take a boat trip to neighbouring Walberswick.
Potter around Southwold High Street
Who doesn’t love a market? Market days in Southwold are on Mondays and Thursdays with a farmers’ market on a Friday. There’s also some great shops on the high street – whether it’s for browsing or shopping there’s plenty.
Food wise, you’re spoilt for choice -cafes, pubs with outside benches or gardens, fish and chip shops and of course, your ice-cream parlour! Enjoy.
Wrap Up Best Coastal Towns in Suffolk England
So, there you have it – Orford, Aldeburgh and Southwold. Three different but equally delightful coastal areas of Suffolk to explore. It’s definitely worth a trip to this part of the UK so do add it to your next East of England itinerary.
You could link these locations with a stay in the popular town of Woodbridge or head to the coast and discover Things to Do In Felixstowe . Both of these are perfect day, weekend or short break destinations within Suffolk, England.
