Suffolk’s Secret Beaches: Where to Escape the Crowds
By Carl Scott
Sure, Brighton has its front and there are many iconic beaches which exist up and down the UK, but we’ve got a few aces up our sleeves when it comes to some secret beaches in Suffolk. Indeed, it’s not just Southwold and Aldebrugh that we recommend to guests staying at our Barns and Barges for rent, but a few hidden treasures that only true Suffolkians know about. Far from the tourist trail (and the maddening crowds), this blog will let you in on the quiet coves and wild, windswept shores where you can hear nothing but the cry of gulls and the whisper of the sea breeze through the marram grass. Sound good? Then let’s begin.
- Covehithe – A Beach Lost in Time
Perched atop a dramatic cliff, Covehithe is undoubtedly one of Suffolk’s best-kept secrets. Accessible by footpath, this hidden gem is worth the extra effort to visit. With the sea edging ever closer to the beautiful ruins of St Andrew’s Churc, something of a hauntingly beautiful relic of a bygone era, it’s the perfect place to enjoy entirely to yourself when on a holiday in Suffolk.
- Shingle Street – Wild and Windswept
Don’t let the name mislead you; Shingle Street has a charm entirely of its own. A remote stretch of coastline sitting where the River Alde meets the North Sea, it features wide skies, shifting shingle banks, and a smattering of picturesque cottages. Boasting an otherworldly charm, there’s little in the way of facilities here, but plenty of space to enjoy all to yourself. Of course, a good book always makes for good company and the solitude will certainly work its magic. An added bonus is that on a clear day, you might even spot seals bobbing just offshore.
- Bawdsey Beach – History Meets Horizon
Bawdsey may well be best known for its wartime radar history, but its quiet beach deserves a moment in the spotlight or, as it were, it’s moment in the blog. Accessible via a small ferry from Felixstowe Ferry (check timings in advance), it’s a peaceful spot with expansive views stretching across the River Deben. The beach is backed by low cliffs and heathland, and you’re more likely to be sharing it with oystercatchers than other people. Explore the nearby Bawdsey Manor if you’re feeling curious or simply stroll and soak up the sea air.
- Dunwich – The Town Beneath the Waves
Once a thriving medieval port, Dunwich is now a tiny village with a big history. Much of the old town lies submerged beneath the sea, lending a slightly mysterious air to the quiet beach that remains even in 2025. It’s a fantastic place to wander, with heathland and cliffs framing the dramatic coastline. Bring your own picnic or grab something from the cosy nearby tea rooms before settling in to imagine how the port once looked.
Altogether, if you prefer your beaches to bring more relaxation and less arcades, these hidden Suffolk gems provide the ideal place to escape to. To ensure you’re returning to similarly fantastic accommodation (if we do say so ourselves), be sure to take a look at the availability of our Barns and Barges for rent.
