Suffolk coast weekend itinerary (with children)
Orford circular walk
Empty beaches in the North and lush estuary marshes in the South alongside layers of Anglo-Saxon and medieval history. A well-balanced outdoor weekend for long walks, fish and chips and a visit to Sutton Hoo. Most of the Suffolk coastline is an AONB (area of outstanding natural beauty).
Orford, Suffolk
Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge, Suffolk
(For this trip, you need to take a car as it’s not well connected on public transport. The Suffolk Coast is only an hour from parts of London, but 2.5-3 hours from far West London.)
Day 1
Sutton Hoo and Woodbridge
One of the most significant UK archaeological finds of the 20th century, Sutton Hoo is the site of two Anglo-Saxon burial mounds dating from approximately the 6th century. Run by English Heritage, the Sutton Hoo site is a good as a first stop driving from London to the coast. On site, there’s a small but engaging museum displaying reproductions of the burial treasures (the originals are in the British Museum), with backstory, dress-up and a film about the Anglo-Saxons. Then head out for a walk around the burial mounds and viewing tower. There’s also a playground and a cafe. (It is helpful to watch The Dig on Netflix for context.)
Sutton Hoo
If you’re looking for lunch with a view book the Ramsholt Arms. Booking all the restaurants is important, as many places could be booked or closed if you turn up spontaneously.
Go to the Unruley Pig if you’re a foodie.
Leiston Abbey, Suffolk
Day 2
Dunwich Heath and Beach
A nature reserve along the coastline with rambling heath that drops down to a rock and sand beach. It was surprisingly empty on the half-term day we walked the beach. Views of Sizewell that look nearly majestic in the distance. It’s run by National Trust so there’s a small parking fee. A cafe, picnic benches and a mini playground make it a good lunch stop.
Stop at Dunwich Forest for a wander in the woods.
Dunwich Heath, Suffolk
Southwold, Suffolk
Southwold
Head to Southwold for a play on the sandy beach, walk on the pier and some ice cream at For lunch, hit Sole Bay Fish Company.
If you have extra time consider Covehite Beach, which is north of Southwold.
Stop at Leiston Abbey at sunset. Although it has some fencing around areas that need repair, it didn’t detract from the peace and beauty of the Abbey in ruin. It’s also a rentable venue and a music school. No charge.
Orford Castle
Day 3
Orford and Orford Castle
Dedicate a whole day to Orford. Orford is a gem on the banks of the estuary river Aude with the North Sea in the distance. Begin with a coffee and pastry at Pump St Bakery before touring Orford Castle. Built by Henry II in 1165 to consolidate local power, it has lots of levels with a nice auto-guide for children/adults and spiral stairs. Don’t get tired. the view from the top over Orford Ness and towards the sea is unmissable.
Lunch at Butley Orford Oysterage: self-described as “no-frills” but a perfectly elegant way to set yourself up for a long afternoon walk.
Allow a couple hours for a circular walk starting directly south from Orford Castle following the footpath signs through the fields. Turn towards the sea at the T-junction and then south again at the road to pick up the hidden footpath behind a hedgerow. From here walk all the way to the river path which leads to a dyke back to town.
