Suffolk Coast
With 40 miles of Heritage Coast - almost all of which is set in an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' - the Suffolk Coast (which includes the seaside towns of Aldeburgh and Felixstowe) provides a feeling of peace and tranquillity even at the height of summer.
Aldeburgh
Charming and fashionable seaside town, which grew from an old fishing and shipbuilding centre. Fishermen still haul their boats up the steep shingle beach, and sell their catch each morning. The wide High Street has attractive Georgian buildings housing independent shops, galleries and restaurants. Try the fish and chips - some of the best in the country.
Visit the 16th C. Moot Hall and the fine hilltop church - where the famous composer Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) is buried. He started the annual music festival held each June. A walk along the beach will bring you the 'Scallop' sculpture which is dedicated to him.
Felixstowe
This Victorian resort retains much of its original charm. The 4 mile (6 kilometre) long seafront features a sand and shingle beach (Blue Flag Award), beautiful award-winning gardens, paved promenade and pier. It's popularity began with the arrival of the railway in 1887, then a visit in 1891 by the Empress of Germany and her children. Felixstowe is particularly good for families, offering safe clean bathing and a host of activities likely to appeal to younger children.
Other 'Seaside' Places of Interest
The coastline is dotted with seaside villages, such as Thorpeness with its steeply shelving shingle beach. It is most unusual - featuring mock Tudor buildings, the 'House in the Clouds' (a former water tower) and a meare, with fairytale islands to explore by rowing boat. To the north, Dunwich is noted for its shelving shingle beach, crumbling cliffs and fish and chips. Whilst neighbouring Walberswick has a pretty green, sand dunes and an annual crabbing competition.
Also don't miss, the quiet rural beaches and flora-rich dunes at Sizewell, and Shingle Street, where the steep shingle beach is a good place to hunt for the precious gem amber. www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk/tourism
