The 6 best sandy beaches in Suffolk
Here in Suffolk, we’re fortunate enough to have over 50 miles of absolutely beautiful coastline, and with that comes a long list of stunning beaches. Everyone has their own idea of the perfect beach, and for many, soft, golden sand is what defines theirs.
In this article, we’ll share Suffolk’s best sandy beaches, including beaches with a slight mix of sand and shingle. So, pack a bucket and spade, plenty of towels, and get ready for sandy socks when you plan a trip to one of these idyllic Suffolk coast hubs.
Sand beaches
Let’s start with Suffolk’s two full-sand beaches: Lowestoft and Covehithe. These two spots couldn’t be more different, with one being a thriving seaside town, and the other a wild and unspoilt stretch of coast. They really do offer the best of both worlds.
Lowestoft Beach (North and South)
Lowestoft Beach is a hugely popular spot for both Suffolk residents and visitors from afar thanks to its soft sand, abundant facilities, and excellent transport connections. It is split in two, with Lowestoft South Beach sitting south of Claremont Pier, and Lowestoft North Beach sitting north of the pier.
South Beach is a classic resort beach, often thought of as the main beach, and is the one for you if you want instant access to cafes, restaurants, amusements, and plenty of toilets. Also known as Victoria Beach, it is a beautiful long stretch of golden sand all the way into the water. There are water sports, beach huts, kiosks, and much more to take advantage of at this gorgeous holiday beach.
North Beach is South Beach’s slightly quieter counterpart. While still within quick and easy walking distance of all facilities, it has become the somewhat more peaceful beach for those who want a calmer, more relaxing experience. It’s beautifully sandy, just like South Beach, ensuring that no matter where you plant your beach towels or deck chairs on Lowestoft Beach, you’ll be able to enjoy the golden good stuff.
Lifeguard: Yes, from May to September
Facilities: Yes
Places to eat: Yes
Nearby parking: Yes
Dog-friendly: Dogs allowed from September to May (banned from May to September)
Covehithe Beach
Covehithe Beach is the complete opposite of Lowestoft Beach, ideal for those who aren’t fans of the classic British seaside experience. It is a truly special stretch of coastline, rugged and wild, with bleached fallen trees in the soft sand pointing towards the ocean. The sandy beach is backed by crumbling cliffs, which, while captivating to look at, should be treated with caution – we advise not approaching the eroding cliffs, and absolutely never attempt to climb them.
There are no cafes or facilities at Covehithe Beach, which proves just how wild it is! It can only be accessed via a single track, which begins in the village of Covehithe and takes you through fields before you descend to the beach. The village itself is very small and rural with no car parks (although roadside parking is fine), cafes or shops, so if you’re planning a visit to this stunning and unspoiled sandy Suffolk beach, make sure to pack some snacks and water.
Lifeguard: No
Facilities: No
Places to eat: No
Nearby parking: No
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Sand and shingle beaches
While not fully sand, these beaches have a lovely mix of soft sand with shingle. Often, these small, rounded pebbles are mixed in with the sand, but some of the below beaches instead see strips or patches of shingle on an otherwise sandy stretch.
Felixstowe Beach
A gorgeous stretch of Suffolk coast, Felixstowe Beach has won both a Blue Flag and a Seaside Award, meaning the beach is safe, its waters are clean, and it’s exceptionally managed. The beach is a mix of sand and shingle, but at low tide, even more sand is exposed for playing in. The beach backs onto the thriving town of Felixstowe, which is full of facilities, cafes, restaurants, amusements, and more to help you spend a full and joyful day at the beach.
Lifeguard: No
Facilities: Yes
Places to eat: Yes
Nearby parking: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Kessingland Beach
Kessingland Beach is a very special part of Suffolk’s coastline, as it’s also a nature reserve. Another wild and rural spot, what this beach lacks in facilities it makes up for in beauty. Though this beach features both sand and pebbles, there are stretches of it where sand makes up the majority, so if you’re really keen on not stepping on shingle, just keep strolling until you find the perfect patch.
Lifeguard: No
Facilities: Nearby in the village
Places to eat: Nearby in the village
Parking: Nearby in the village
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Southwold Beach
Southwold, one of the Suffolk coast’s most beloved spots, is a very pretty, bustling seaside town with both Blue Flag and Seaside Awards. Southwold Pier Beach is quintessentially British with its rows of colourful beach huts and lovely little cafes full of tea and cake. While there are ribbons of shingle along the beach, you can quite easily find areas made up of almost entirely sand, perfect for sandcastles. Southwold town is just as beautiful as its beach, so make sure to head in for some shopping and a fab portion of fish and chips.
Lifeguard: Yes, from May to September
Facilities: No
Places to eat: No
Parking: No
Dog-friendly: Dogs are permitted on certain signposted parts of the beach all year round
Walberswick Beach
Just south of Southwold (only a 20-minute walk, in fact) is Walberswick Beach, a slightly wild and absolutely stunning little sandy stretch of the Suffolk coast. This is a firm favourite with families, dog owners, swimmers, and even surfers. The beach is only a quick walk over the sandy dunes from the lovely village of Walberswick, which has everything you need for the perfect beach day, from shops and pubs to toilet facilities.
Lifeguard: No
Facilities: Nearby in the village
Places to eat: Nearby in the village
Parking: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Pakefield Beach
Another wild and wonderful spot on the Suffolk coast, Pakefield Beach is a leisurely 15-minute walk south of bustling Lowestoft Beach. It’s the perfect place to head to for an hour or two to get away from the town’s crowds, or for setting up for a full day of peaceful beach relaxation. You’ll likely see people fishing or riding horses at Pakefield, which makes for excellent people-watching while you sit back and relax. At high tide, the beach surface appears mostly shingle, but more sand becomes exposed as the tide goes out, and overall it is a mix of both. You’ll find places to eat and toilet facilities behind the beach in the outskirts of Lowestoft, and plenty more the further you head into town or north along the beach.
Please be aware that the cliffs at some parts of Pakefield Beach are sadly suffering from coastal erosion. Stay away from these cliffs when laying down your blankets or camping chairs, and do not approach them.
Lifeguard: No
Facilities: Yes
Places to eat: Yes
Parking: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Holiday homes near sandy beaches in Suffolk
Holidaymakers can enjoy a beautiful array of family-friendly Suffolk beaches when visiting, perfect for children and adults of all ages to have a fantastic day out on the Suffolk coast. Whether you’re seeking out a lovely sandy beach to build sandcastles all day, or don’t mind a mix of shingle and sand when setting up to read your book in the sun, Suffolk has it all.
Staying along the Suffolk coast is a real joy. We have a wide range of holiday homes right on the doorstep of some of the best beaches in the county, including Lowestoft, Felixstowe, Southwold, and Walberswick, in a range of styles to suit your exact needs.
If you’d like more recommendations or information about beaches in Suffolk, don’t hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable local team.
