Life’s a beach
Written by Jade Attwood
Boasting mile upon mile of golden beaches, secluded coves and rugged bays, a choice of characterful seaside towns, a fantastic selection of attractions, activities, and accommodation options, the East Anglian coastline is the perfect place for a summer getaway.
Thanks to the huge variety of hotels, campsites, and things to do on offer all along the coast, East Anglia’s beaches provide a place for both affordable family holidays and luxurious seaside breaks. If you’re planning a trip to this captivating corner of the world any time soon, here’s our ultimate guide to the East of England’s coastline to help you make the most of your getaway…
The best beaches in East of England
With around 500 miles of coastline to choose from, whittling down the best beach is no easy task. One of the most famous stretches of sand in the region can be found in Hunstanton, Norfolk. The only East Anglian beach to face west, this large, sandy beach is famous for its red and white striped cliffs, magnificent sunsets, and family friendly activities. Norfolk’s other outstanding beaches include Sea Palling, between Cromer and Great Yarmouth, Sheringham with its colourful beach huts and amusement arcades, and Mundesley Bay.
With its choice of quirky resorts, Suffolk is a great destination for anyone looking to explore the eccentric side of British seaside life. Head to Thorpeness for colourful, mock Tudor houses, a boating lake and crazy golf, Lowestoft for traditional beachside attractions, or Aldeburgh for picture postcard views, not to mention some great shopping and some of the tastiest fish and chips around!
In Essex, you’ll find lots to see and do in Clacton-on-Sea, the largest town on the Essex Sunshine Coast. The pier boasts traditional features and plenty of arcades, there’s two theatres; Princes and Westcliff and some lovely long seafront walks. The annual carnival and famous airshow take place in August. The Clacton Factory Outlet is great for picking up big brand names at discounted prices. Further along the coastline is the peaceful and relatively undeveloped Frinton-on-Sea Beach, with a wide, sandy expanse, pretty cliff top gardens and colourful beach huts at Martello Beach.
Back to nature in East Anglia
If you’re looking to get back to nature this summer or you’re searching for an affordable destination for a holiday with the family, the campsites dotted along the coast are a great place to base yourself from. You’ll find a well-equipped campsite Beach View Holiday Park just a few minutes walk from Southwold Beach in Suffolk, a picturesque site, Deepdale just a stone’s throw from Holkham Beach in Norfolk, and a spot for caravans at Park Resort’s Naze Marine Holiday Park in Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex.
Most campsites are well connected to local footpaths, bike paths and nature roots, making it easy to get out and explore the local landscape.
Luxury escapes in East of England
Though it’s a fantastic destination for a budget break, the East of England’s coastline also caters equally well to visitors looking for a more luxurious getaway.
You’ll find a good choice of boutique hotels and country houses within easy reach of the coast, giving you an outstanding choice of sumptuous rooms and luscious beds to enjoy. For an up-market meal during your getaway, head to Cromer to sample the town’s famous crab, or enjoy some of the freshest fish in England at one the many seaside eateries: a treat that you will not regret shelling out for.
If you’re visiting Suffolk, eastlife recommends a stay at the Brudenell Hotel on Aldeburgh’s seafront (read our review here) or Wentworth Hotel which overlooks Aldeburgh’s pebbly beach. Fans of Norfolk will be spoilt for choice for luxury accommodation. The North Norfolk coast has some fabulous places to stay, great walks and lots of places to dine on fresh fish. If you’re planning on taking your dog on holiday with you visit pet-friendly Titchwell Manor, while The Hoste Hotel in the quaint and upmarket Burnham Market, has recently opened an exclusive new private luxury cinema, dining room and gym after ten months of refurbishment.
Attractions on the Coast
Whatever your interests, you’ll find plenty of attractions to explore during your stay. For history buffs, there is no more superior destination than Sutton Hoo. Just a few miles from the beaches of Aldeburgh and Felixstowe, this famous Anglo-Saxon site is well worth a visit during your time in the region. Other historic attractions in the region include the 18th century Landguard Fort in Felixstowe, and the opulent Felbrigg Hall in Cromer.
A great family attraction is the famous Southend Pier. Stretching 1.34 miles into the sea, the pier is the longest in the UK. Experience some old school seaside fun with beachside amusements, quaint rides, and a 99 in hand!
Secrets of the coast
If you want to get off the beaten track, escape the crowds, and see another side of the coast, there are lots of hidden beaches and secluded spots to explore.
For the chance to get up close and personal with the local wildlife, head to Norfolk’s Horsey Beach. Incredibly peaceful and picturesque, the beach is regularly visited by seals searching for somewhere to soak up the sun. If you’re in Suffolk, be sure to make a visit to Covehithe Beach. Just a stone’s throw from Lowestoft, this wild, windswept beach feels a million miles from the hustle and bustle of the modern world.
Dunwich Beach in Suffolk once a major trading port but now a small shingle beach, which is dog-friendly year round, and the secluded stretch of sand at Burnham Overy Staithe are also well worth a day of exploring. For a day trip, jump on the ferry at Burnham Overy Staithe and visit the picturesque beach at Scolt Head.
Activities on the East Anglian coast
When it comes to activities, visitors are spoilt for choice. Explore the wild and wet Norfolk Broads by foot, by bike, or by boat. For those of you who are more adventurous you can have a go at windsurfing, kite surfing or paddleboarding at one of the region’s Blue Flag beaches.
If you’re looking for an adventure for your taste buds, the coast has lots of local produce to sample. For a traditional pie and mash like no other, visit Shelley’s Pie and Mash Shop in Cromer: an old favourite for a reason. For fresh fish in Essex head to Leigh-on-Sea or Mersea Island, famed for its cockle sheds and seafood restaurants – read our reviews of these Essex towns
Other activities on offer in the region include golf, fishing and sailing, while you’ll also find a fantastic selection of cultural events taking place throughout the year.
With so much on offer, the East Anglian coast is a great destination for breaks of all kinds. If you’ve got a few days, a week, or even a fortnight for your holidays this summer, why not head out on a road trip to explore what this wonderful area has to offer.
