Things to do on the Suffolk Coast

We recently spent a weekend on the Suffolk coast with friends and packed a lot into our three days! There are so many things to do. It was like stepping back into the past. Aldeburgh There are no funfairs, no slot machines, no pier. Just a beautifully natural pebble beach and seafront with a shell sculpture, a boules pitch and a model boat pond instead! We enjoyed following the route of the Aldeburgh Treasure Trail and seeing some of the parts of the town we would otherwise have missed. We ate a delicious lunch in a cafe called Aldeburgh Market in the High Street and bought some fresh sea food and salad to eat in the evening in our self catering barn conversion. Dunwich Incredibly this tiny village of 60 or so residents was once a busy port with around 4,000 inhabitants. Most of the town has been lost to the North Sea. We loved solving the 8 clues in the middle of the Suffolk Driving Trail on a glorious evening. The ruined friary was spectacular as the sun was beginning to set. Snape Maltings We had heard great things about Snape Maltings and it was a fascinating place. Billed as an arts complex there were shops, cafes, views, sculptures and even an audio art installation! Orford Ness - The National Trust Another throwback from the past is this incredible place. Miles of desolate shingle beach approached only via a short ferry ride from the mainland. Orford Ness has a spectacular history. It was used by the military during the first and second world wars. The purpose built facilities were created for testing the components of nuclear weapons. Who knew! We walked all around the island and revelled in the sunshine. We had a picnic on the shingle by the lighthouse. There are no cafes or shops at all on the island, but luckily we had bought our picnic from the cafe at the quay on the mainland. Minsmere Nature Reserve - RSPB We didn’t spend a lot of time at the Minsmere Reserve, but we were there at the right time for the gorgeous display of heather as far as the eye could see! Sizewell B We could see the white dome of the Sizewell B nuclear power station from Dunwich Beach and from Aldeburgh. So we popped in to look at their exhibition. It was worth a look, especially as it is free. Next time we might do the tour, although they do need at least a week’s notice so they can security clear all participants! Framlingham Castle - English Heritage On our way home, we visited Framlingham Castle. Stunning views from the wall walk and lots of exhibitions and audio tours to enjoy. The children were being royally entertained with games and activities. We had a great time and highly recommend it as place to visit. And there is the Framlingham Spy Mission to do too. So much to see and do on the Suffolk Coast. We can't wait to go back and do some more!