Dunwich Heath and Beach

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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. #beach #coast #coastal #suffolk #uk #england #britain #walk #dogwalk #wildlife
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. #beach #coast #coastal #suffolk #uk #england #britain #walk #dogwalk #wildlife
Amazing clouds over Dunwich beach, Suffolk.
The mystical glow that radiates from barn owls when the moonlight illuminates the golden hue of its feathers is truly breathtaking. #barnowl #wildlife #birdsofprey #birds #nature #uk #england #britain
Dunwich beach is a delightful shingle beach with a few fishing huts and a friendly cafe. Head north up the coast and you can walk to the Walberswick marshes, look out for birdlife and an abandoned windmill. #BeachTips

Lodging Near Dunwich Heath and Beach

The Westleton Crown

The Westleton Crown

3 out of 5
The Street Saxmundham England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
Located in Saxmundham, The Westleton Crown is a 4-minute drive from Dunwich Museum and 7 minutes from RSPB Minsmere.
Amazing stay from pre-check-in to check out. Clean room with amenities. We took our dog and they provided a dog bed, towel, water bowl and treats. Perfect bolthole for a stay away. We sat and played games in the snug area of the bar with an open fire for the afternoon. There’s complimentary canapés ...

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026

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Opens in a new windowThe Westleton Crown
The Ship at Dunwich

The Ship at Dunwich

4 out of 5
St James Street Dunwich Saxmundham England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$185 per night from 12 Feb to 13 Feb
AU$185
per night
12 Feb - 13 Feb
With a stay at The Ship at Dunwich in Saxmundham, you'll be on the beach, just steps from Dunwich Museum and a 1-minute drive from Dunwich Heath and Beach.
Very friendly staff and comfortable room

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

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Church Farm, Dunwich

Church Farm, Dunwich

2.5 out of 5
Church Farm Leet Hill St James Street Saxmundham England
The price is AU$2,337 per night from 20 Feb to 21 Feb
AU$2,337
per night
20 Feb - 21 Feb
Located in Saxmundham, this cottage is on the beach, a 4-minute walk from Dunwich Museum and within a 5-minute drive of Dunwich Heath and Beach.
Opens in a new windowChurch Farm, Dunwich
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.