Our Suffolk Holiday Cottages by the Sea
A holiday on the Suffolk coast can be very different depending on where you stay. Southwold has a pier, lighthouse and traditional seafront, while Aldeburgh has a shingle beach where fishing boats are still pulled up on the shore. Lowestoft provides larger sandy beaches and more of a resort setting. Between the towns are smaller villages, estuaries, heathland and nature reserves.
Much of the coastline forms part of the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape. Walking routes follow sections of the shore and divert inland around estuaries such as the Blyth, Alde and Deben. Wildlife is another major attraction, particularly around RSPB Minsmere and the marshes, reed-beds and woodland found along this part of the coast.
Southwold, Aldeburgh and Places Along the Suffolk Coast
Southwold has plenty to see without leaving the town. Its Victorian pier extends from the seafront, the lighthouse stands among the houses close to the beach, and Adnams runs brewery, distillery and lighthouse tours. From the harbour, you can cross the River Blyth to neighbouring Walberswick by footbridge or seasonal rowing boat ferry.
Further south, Aldeburgh is closely associated with composer Benjamin Britten. The Red House, where Britten lived with Peter Pears, is open to visitors, while the Scallop sculpture by Maggi Hambling stands on the beach. Nearby Snape Maltings hosts concerts and the Aldeburgh Festival.
Thorpeness is only a short distance from Aldeburgh and is known for the House in the Clouds and its boating lake, the Meare. Other days out can include Orford Castle, Sutton Hoo near Woodbridge and birdwatching at RSPB Minsmere. Dunwich is also worth visiting for the story of the medieval town that was largely lost to the sea.
For more ideas on where to stay and what to see, our guide to Suffolk’s seaside towns covers eight coastal destinations, with details on local beaches, attractions and things to do.
Finding a Cottage for Your Suffolk Break
The style of accommodation changes considerably along the coast. Southwold and Aldeburgh have period cottages, town houses and apartments within walking distance of shops and places to eat. Around smaller villages you will find detached cottages and converted properties, while Lowestoft and Felixstowe have more apartments and houses close to their seafronts.
For couples, a smaller cottage or sea view apartment can provide everything needed for a few days on the coast. Families may want to prioritise parking, a garden and a short walk to the beach, while larger parties can choose houses with several bedrooms, multiple bathrooms and enough dining and living space for everyone.
There are also dog-friendly cottages close to beaches and coastal paths, including properties with enclosed outside space. Some holiday homes have private hot tubs, and selected sea view cottages have balconies or terraces overlooking the water. If staying as close to the shore as possible is the priority, look for beachfront properties and cottages with direct beach access rather than simply choosing by distance from the nearest town.
Beaches and Bays Along the Suffolk Coast
Southwold is one of Suffolk’s best-known beach destinations, with a sandy beach backed by its promenade, pier and colourful beach huts. Across the River Blyth, Walberswick has another sandy beach with dunes behind it and fewer traditional resort facilities.
The coastline around Aldeburgh and Thorpeness is predominantly shingle. Aldeburgh Beach is directly beside the town, making cafés, shops and other facilities easy to reach. Thorpeness Beach continues north from Aldeburgh and is convenient for combining time by the sea with a visit to the Meare.
Dunwich Beach is a quieter shingle beach backed by heath and woodland, while further north Kessingland and Pakefield have long stretches of beach south of Lowestoft. Lowestoft itself has one of Suffolk’s main sandy resort beaches, with a promenade and facilities close by. At the southern end of the county, Felixstowe provides another long seafront and beach.
Dog rules vary between beaches and sometimes between different sections of the same beach. Seasonal restrictions apply in some of the main resort areas, so check the local signs before visiting with a dog.
