Where shingle beaches meet tidal creeks, and forest trails wind through salt-scented landscapes of wild beauty.
The Suffolk Coast & Heaths National Landscape is one of England’s most peaceful and ecologically rich regions for walking holidays, shaped by wide beaches, quiet estuaries, open heaths, pine forests, and low coastal cliffs. Stretching from Lowestoft in the north to the Stour Estuary in the south, it offers an ever-changing blend of shoreline, saltmarsh, woodland, and heathland — ideal for slow, self-guided exploration.
Long-distance routes such as the Suffolk Coast Path and the Sandlings Walk thread together coastal towns, nature reserves, and historic villages including Southwold, Aldeburgh, Dunwich, and Orford. Inland, forest tracks and estuary paths provide quieter walking, with sweeping river views along the Alde, Deben, Blyth, Orwell, and Stour.
Beyond walking, the Suffolk Coast is also perfectly suited to gentle outdoor adventures — from wildlife watching and photography to estuary paddling and forest cycling. Big skies stretch over shingle shores, while inland trails wind through pinewoods and open heaths alive with birds and deer. You may hear bitterns calling in the reeds at Minsmere, spot seals hauled out on the beaches, or pass tidal creeks where fishing boats still drift with the tide.
Cycling holidays are equally rewarding across the Suffolk Coast & Heaths, with quiet coastal lanes, forest tracks, and gentle estuary routes linking villages, beaches, and nature reserves. The flat terrain makes this one of England’s most relaxed cycling landscapes, ideal for slow travel between Southwold, Aldeburgh, Orford, Woodbridge, and inland heathland villages. Traffic-light roads, bridleways, and National Cycle Network routes make it easy to combine cycling with wildlife watching, café stops, and coastal exploration.
With welcoming coastal towns, car-free rail access, and a wide range of independent places to stay close to the trails, this is one of the UK’s finest destinations for relaxed, nature-led walking and outdoor breaks.
A 60-mile coastal trail from Felixstowe to Lowestoft, following beaches, shingle shores, low cliffs, marshland, and harbours through some of Suffolk’s most atmospheric landscapes.
Running inland between Ipswich and Southwold, this long-distance route crosses ancient heathland, forest tracks, and open sandy soils rich in wildlife and history.
A riverside walking route following both estuaries from Felixstowe Ferry to Cattawade, linking wooded slopes, saltmarsh fringes, and waterside villages.
One of Suffolk’s most iconic landscapes — purple heath in late summer, glowing reedbeds year-round, and internationally important birdlife.
From the open heaths around Sutton and Hollesley to forest paths in Rendlesham, the region offers countless half-day and family-friendly routes.
It’s celebrated for its quiet shingle beaches, tidal estuaries, open heathland, pine forests, and outstanding wildlife. It’s one of England’s most peaceful destinations for walking and nature-based travel.
Yes. The Suffolk Coast Path, Sandlings Walk, and Stour and Orwell Walk all pass through the National Landscape.
Yes. Rail links to Lowestoft, Saxmundham, and Woodbridge, plus good local bus services, make it ideal for car-free walking holidays.
Bitterns, marsh harriers, deer, seals, and large numbers of migrating birds in spring and autumn.
Southwold, Aldeburgh, Orford, and Woodbridge are all excellent bases with good food, characterful accommodation, and easy access to trails.
