Suffolk Coast and Heaths

Starting at a single row of cottages known as Shingle Street, you'll head up the coast to the river mouth at Orford Haven before cutting inland through fields and along well-signposted tracks and lanes back to the start.

Why it's special
From the Martello tower that marks your starting point, built to protect England from invasion during the Napoleonic wars, to some well-preserved second world war pillbox defences, this walk has an impressive military pedigree. Just up the coast is Orford Ness, where the first experiments with radar were conducted in the 1930s, while Shingle Street itself has been the subject of fevered speculation ever since it was evacuated in 1940. Conspiracies include rumours of a German landing and a shoreline littered with burning bodies, schemes to protect the coastline with an impenetrable barrage of flames and the testing of experimental chemical bombs. Four dead German airmen were certainly washed up on the beach, and weapons testing did result in the Lifeboat Inn being blown up. As for the rest, the conspiracy theories rumble on.

Find the whole walk here
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/jun/08/shingle-street-walking-guide-suffolk

How to get there
By car
From Ipswich, take the A12 towards Woodbridge, then the A1152 towards Melton. Take the second exit at the roundabout after the river, towards Hollesley, then follow signs to Shingle Street.

By public transport
Take the Ipswich-to-Lowestoft train and get off at Melton, but it's an 11km walk to the start, mostly on minor roads with no pavement.

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Southwold is described as the jewel of Suffolk's Heritage Coast, and it does not disappoint.
With its famous pier, lighthouse and beach huts, Southwold is certainly one of the most popular resorts in East Anglia.
Granted a Royal Charter back in 1489 by Henry VII, Southwold has a fascinating history and many links with the past can still be seen all over the town.
The centre piece is the magnificent church, with its 100 foot tower and dedicated to the last king of East Anglia, St Edmund. Nearby, the lighthouse, also 100 feet tall, has given safe passage to sailors and fishermen since 1890.
The pier and its history are closely connected to that of Southwold. Its original use was, of course, practical – it was a landing stage for the steamships which arrived from London Bridge.

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In an area as steeped in history as the Suffolk Coast, it takes something special to stand out. Dunwich manages to do just this. Known as the lost city of England, this tiny village certainly has a story to tell.

Dating back to Anglo-Saxon times, Dunwich once stood proud as the capital of the Kingdom of the Eastern Angles, at its mightiest matching 14th century London for size. It was a seat of power for the Anglo-Saxon bishops for centuries, an international port, and the Domesday book of 1086 puts the population at over 3000.

The little village of Dunwich was once a thriving seaport; but over the centuries the sea reclaimed the town leaving not much behind except for a wonderful stretch of beach. This expanse of shingle seems to go on forever in both directions, backed by low crumbling cliffs.

Dunwich beach is set in a break between the cliffs where the road literally ends on the beach. Here you will find a number of small boats pulled up on the sand and a the National Trust tearoom.
In fact, the National Trust own the beach and much of the surrounding countryside including Dunwich Heath which runs along the coast. This whole area is teeming with wildlife which thrive in these rare habitats.

Just a short drive from Dunwich you will find RSPB Minsmere. Here you can spend a day spotting some the UKs rarest birds and wildlife including the Avocet, Bittern, Otter and Red Deer.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Public Conveniences and Baby Changing Facilities in Dunwich
Public toilets with disabled access and baby changing facilities are located at the Beach Car Park in Dunwich.

HOW TO GET TO DUNWICH - PUBLIC TRANSPORT

By Train:
Darsham is approximately six miles away with train services by Abellio Great Anglia running to Lowestoft and Ipswich and on-going connections to London Liverpool Street and Cambridge.

All train tickets can be purchased via the Abellio Greater Anglia Website or the app.

HOW TO GET TO DUNWICH - BY CAR

From Norwich -Take the A146 to Beccles, followed by the A145
From Ipswich - Dunwich is signposted from the A12 – approximately 24 miles north of Ipswich.

From Lowestoft - Follow the A12 to Ipswich. At Blythburgh follow the B1125 and signposts to Dunwich.

From London - Follow the A12 towards Ipswich, then Lowestoft before taking the B1125 at Blythburgh and signposts to Dunwich.

CAR PARKS IN DUNWICH

Beach Car Park, Dunwich, IP17 3DE

Dogs allowed, no lifeguard services, cafe open from spring to fall.

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