Here’s five of the best Suffolk beaches, including Southwold, Felixstowe and Aldeburgh

The summer months are here and with it comes the age-old question of where to go to enjoy the good weather. But rather than going abroad or somewhere else in the UK, why not enjoy a break closer to home.

To give you an idea of what our county has to offer, we’ve made this quick guide to the best beaches in Suffolk.

With places to take the dog for a walk, have some fish and chips, and go for a dip in the sea, there’s something for everyone.

Felixstowe

The home of the UK’s largest port, Felixstowe has two great beaches.

The sandier South Beach is best for family days out, with shops along the promenade where you can buy your bucket and spade and treat yourself to some ice cream.

Along the beach there are some good old fashioned, multicoloured beach huts that add to the seaside experience.

On the other side of Felixstowe Pier is North Beach. A mainly shingle beach, North Beach is good for anyone wanting a quieter trip to the coast.

There is car parking nearby to both beaches, and visitors should keep in mind that dogs are not allowed on much of the beach between May and September each year.

Aldeburgh

If you’re after fish and chips, there’s no place better than Aldeburgh. It’s the home of Aldeburgh Fish and Chips, run by the Cooney family since 1967, which has been rated the best in the country.

Once you’ve been to the chippie, you can enjoy a beach that’s mostly shingle with some unusual landmarks, such as the famous Scallop monument.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, to the south of Aldeburgh is a Martello Tower, built to protect England from invasion during the Napoleonic Wars, which is bookable as a holiday home.

There are car parks either side of the beach, but, as with Felixstowe, you should remember dogs are not allowed on the main beach from May to September.

Dunwich

No Suffolk beach is richer in history than Dunwich. Once a thriving port in the Middle Ages, storms eventually swept much of it away. Not for nothing is the village called Suffolk’s Atlantis.

Dunwich today is a lot quieter. It’s also a great trip out, especially for wildlife enthusiasts, as up on the bank is the heath that’s home to rare bird species such as the Stone Curlew and Nightjar.

There are no restrictions on dogs here, so feel free to park next to the beach and walk your pooch along the shingle coastline.

And after a day on the beach, you can pop into The Ship and enjoy a pint and locally-sourced meal in Dunwich’s dog-friendly pub.

Walberswick

With sandy dunes, two car parks nearby, and dogs welcome all times of the year, Walberswick is ideal for a quiet trip to the coast.

But ask anyone what Walberswick is most famous for, and chances are they will say crabbing.

This beach was once home to the British Open Crabbing Championship, which ran from 1981 to 2010 before it was cancelled as the sheer number of people taking part created issues for the village.

Crabbing is still very much a highlight of Walberswick beach though. If you fancy your chances of catching a crustacean, get yourself down there with a bucket and line.

Southwold

From quiet Walberswick, across the River Blyth is Southwold, one of Suffolk’s most popular beaches.

A stand-out attraction is Southwold Pier, stretching 623 feet into the sea, where you can get a bite to eat (fish and chips, burgers, and cakes are some of food on offer), play in the arcade, and experience Tim Hunkin’s Under the Pier Show.

Another local landmark is Southwold Lighthouse, which still guides ships out at sea to this day.

Dogs are not allowed on the beach between April and September, but with a sandy coast, lifeguard services on hand, and plenty to do, this staple of the Suffolk seaside is well worth visiting.

Written by Oliver Nunn.