Nomadic African

by: Jane van Velsen

Suffolk has a long coast line meaning there are many beaches to choose from

We've established that the weather is driest in this county, now let's take a look at the beaches.

No summer holiday is the same without a bit of sand between your toes and Suffolk certainly offers visitors a superbly diverse coast line with its dunes, bays and sandy cliffs! The best thing about Suffolk beaches is that they are not crowded.

There's a choice of type of beach from shingle to find sand and they're all very clean and secure and boast a number of awards between them.

Here are some facts about the beaches in Suffolk.

1. The Denes, Southwold

The Denes beach is a sand and shingle beach with safe swimming and canoes and body boards are allowed. It's quieter than the other beaches in Suffolk so perfect for getting out that book and spending a few quiet hours working on your tan! It's a great beach for 'crabbing' too and there's a small ferry that takes visitors to Walberswick in the summer where, they say, the crabbing is even better! There are lifeguards on duty over the summer season and the beach has blue flag status. Dogs are welcome but only from October.

2. Kessingland, Lowestoft

Kessingland Beach is a local secret that they prefer visitors not to know about because it's unspoilt and very wide. It's a mix of sand and shingle and is miles long allowing long lazy walks and ample space to spread out that picnic. Dogs are allowed here.

3. Aldeburgh Beach

Aldeburgh is known for its blue flag shingle beach and for the giant scallop that stands on it! It's a sculpture that is for everyone to enjoy and sit on to watch the waves but it's caused some controversy in the town over the years. This beach is where you can go to buy freshly caught fish as well as to sail and laze away a day. Swimming is allowed and safe here but remember to put rubber shoes on the kids as the shingle can bruise little feet!

4. Lowestoft South Beach

This is an award winning beach, sandy and very popular with the tourists! It's perfect for the whole family with children's play areas, water sports, diving and jetskiing as well as having all the amenities you need and life guards on duty too!

5. Southwold Beach

Southwold is a charming north Suffolk seaside town bounded by the rivers and the ocean, on the Suffolk Heritage Coast. The beach here is sandy with shingle and rows of brightly coloured beach huts that you can hire. There is life guard cover and parking (pay in the Summer). There is an old pier on Southwold beach and a lot of amenities like cafes, loos and easy eating restaurants.

Suffolk is home to almost 27 miles of coast with six of their beaches winning awards in the past few years so you know they are clean and safe.

From October through to April there are no dog restrictions in force on beaches in Suffolk Coastal. There are restrictions during the summer on some beaches from 1 May through to 30 September each year. These are clearly signposted and more details and maps of the restricted areas are given below.

Dog waste bins are provided in many convenient locations to help you clear up after your pet.Some areas of the Suffolk coast are designated as nature reserves and are home to nesting birds and rare plants. These may restrict dogs or require that they are kept on leads. Please comply with any notices displayed to this effect.


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Coast Radar is an online resource of beach and coast information put together by a number of true beach experts. The interactive map displays beach locations along with local services and attractions.It also has a fantastic travel tool suggesting best beach destination depending upon temperature, rain, wind etc

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