In an area as steeped in history as the Suffolk Coast, it takes something special to stand out. Dunwich manages to do just this. Known as the lost city of England, this tiny village certainly has a story to tell.

Dating back to Anglo-Saxon times, Dunwich once stood proud as the capital of the Kingdom of the Eastern Angles, at its mightiest matching 14th century London for size. It was a seat of power for the Anglo-Saxon bishops for centuries, an international port, and the Domesday book of 1086 puts the population at over 3000.

The little village of Dunwich was once a thriving seaport; but over the centuries the sea reclaimed the town leaving not much behind except for a wonderful stretch of beach. This expanse of shingle seems to go on forever in both directions, backed by low crumbling cliffs.

Dunwich beach is set in a break between the cliffs where the road literally ends on the beach. Here you will find a number of small boats pulled up on the sand and a the National Trust tearoom.
In fact, the National Trust own the beach and much of the surrounding countryside including Dunwich Heath which runs along the coast. This whole area is teeming with wildlife which thrive in these rare habitats.

Just a short drive from Dunwich you will find RSPB Minsmere. Here you can spend a day spotting some the UKs rarest birds and wildlife including the Avocet, Bittern, Otter and Red Deer.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Public Conveniences and Baby Changing Facilities in Dunwich
Public toilets with disabled access and baby changing facilities are located at the Beach Car Park in Dunwich.

HOW TO GET TO DUNWICH - PUBLIC TRANSPORT

By Train:
Darsham is approximately six miles away with train services by Abellio Great Anglia running to Lowestoft and Ipswich and on-going connections to London Liverpool Street and Cambridge.

All train tickets can be purchased via the Abellio Greater Anglia Website or the app.

HOW TO GET TO DUNWICH - BY CAR

From Norwich -Take the A146 to Beccles, followed by the A145
From Ipswich - Dunwich is signposted from the A12 – approximately 24 miles north of Ipswich.

From Lowestoft - Follow the A12 to Ipswich. At Blythburgh follow the B1125 and signposts to Dunwich.

From London - Follow the A12 towards Ipswich, then Lowestoft before taking the B1125 at Blythburgh and signposts to Dunwich.

CAR PARKS IN DUNWICH

Beach Car Park, Dunwich, IP17 3DE

Dogs allowed, no lifeguard services, cafe open from spring to fall.

#beach #coast #coastal #suffolk #uk #england #britain #walk #dogwalk #wildlife

Saxmundham Dunwich Heath and Beach Hotels

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Our top choices for Dunwich Heath and Beach hotels

The Ship at Dunwich

1.8 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Davide

HK$937 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Jan - 19 Jan 2026

The Westleton Crown

3.2 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Neil

Fridge, dishwasher, electric kettle, toaster

Caines Cottage

3.1 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

HK$5,531 total

includes taxes & fees

3 Jan - 4 Jan 2026

Fridge, dishwasher, cookware/dishes/utensils

Satis Cottage, Westleton

3.2 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

HK$7,018 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

Church Farm, Dunwich

1.7 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

HK$12,946 total

includes taxes & fees

12 Jan - 13 Jan 2026

Church Farm Barn

1.6 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

HK$14,550 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Jan - 3 Jan 2026

Church Farm Cottage, Dunwich

1.7 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

HK$7,297 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Jan - 3 Jan 2026

Fishpond House, Sotherton

10.8 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Craig

HK$8,634 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Jan - 3 Jan 2026

Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board

Eastwood Lodge

6 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Cindy

HK$724 total

includes taxes & fees

8 Jan - 9 Jan 2026

Copperbeech Bed and Breakfast

7.4 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Linda

HK$1,468 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Jan - 2 Jan 2026

The White Horse Hotel

6.9 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Gareth

HK$1,327 total

includes taxes & fees

30 Dec - 31 Dec

The Swan

8.1 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Robert

HK$2,266 total

includes taxes & fees

5 Jan - 6 Jan 2026

Tirah Bed and Breakfast

9.4 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Luke

HK$1,468 total

includes taxes & fees

12 Jan - 13 Jan 2026

Thorpeness Golf Club and Hotel

9.1 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Paul

HK$1,374 total

includes taxes & fees

30 Dec - 31 Dec

The Southwold Loft

8.6 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Matthew

HK$5,275 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down duvets, in-room safe

The Bell Hotel Saxmundham

10.2 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Jim

HK$1,131 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

The Plough

10.9 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

IAN

HK$1,376 total

includes taxes & fees

8 Jan - 9 Jan 2026

Wentworth Hotel

11.9 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Patrick

HK$1,455 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

Satis House

7.4 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Anthony

HK$1,364 total

includes taxes & fees

5 Jan - 6 Jan 2026

In-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

White Lion Hotel - Aldeburgh

12 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Nigel

HK$1,113 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

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Top Dunwich Heath and Beach Hotel Reviews

The Westleton Crown

10/10 Excellent

"Staff were very pleasant and helpful. Recommendation from Vanessa were well received. Breakfast was tasty & had a good selection. Nice pre Christmas break. Bathroom had a lovely roll top bath to relax in."

The White Horse Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Comfortable room with excellent tea making supplies - and a good sized mug each! The floor fan was useful as it was very warm. The hotel kindly allowed a later check out with a prompt and polite response to our request. Check in was efficient and simple. The evening meal was superb - great value and the pavlova! Wow! Chef’s kiss! All in all - a beautiful historic building and a really enjoyable stay. We will return I am sure. "

Hotels near other Dunwich Heath and Beach attractions

Leiston Abbey

4.5/5 (2 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Leiston with a stop at Leiston Abbey. Amble around this quaint area's seaside and enjoy its lively bars.

See properties

Southwold Beach

4.5/5 (212 reviews)

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Southwold Beach during your travels in Reydon? Savour the area's bars and restaurants.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around Dunwich Heath and Beach?

Dunwich Heath and Beach is located in Saxmundham. This welcoming area is known for its array of dining options. You'll find 295 hotels and other accommodations within a few miles for a convenient home base.

What's the best place to stay close to Dunwich Heath and Beach?

The Westleton Crown is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveller data, and this hotel offers a restaurant and free parking. It's located 2 mi (3.2 km) from Dunwich Heath and Beach. Other good options within a few miles include The Ship at Dunwich and Mulleys Cottage B&B.

How many hotels will I be able to find near Dunwich Heath and Beach?

Expedia has 295 hotels and other accommodation options a few miles from Dunwich Heath and Beach.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Dunwich Heath and Beach, will I receive a refund?

Yes, most hotel bookings are fully refundable provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline, which in most cases is within 24 or 48 hours of your arrival date. If you booked a non-refundable reservation, you might still have the option to cancel and be given a refund within 24 hours of your booking. Plug in your dates, click on "Search", then you can use the "fully refundable" filter to get the best deals available near Dunwich Heath and Beach.

What can I see and do near Dunwich Heath and Beach?

You'll want to browse the exhibits at Dunwich Museum and Long Shop Museum. You might spend a leisurely day outdoors at RSPB Minsmere and Suffolk Coast National Nature Reserve. If you want to see more of the surrounding area, you can plan a visit to Southwold Beach and Leiston Abbey.

Saxmundham Dunwich Heath and Beach Hotels

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

Filter by

Our top choices for Dunwich Heath and Beach hotels

The Ship at Dunwich

The Westleton Crown

Caines Cottage

Satis Cottage, Westleton

Church Farm, Dunwich

Church Farm Barn

Church Farm Cottage, Dunwich

Fishpond House, Sotherton

Eastwood Lodge

Copperbeech Bed and Breakfast

The White Horse Hotel

The Swan

Tirah Bed and Breakfast

Thorpeness Golf Club and Hotel

The Southwold Loft

The Bell Hotel Saxmundham

The Plough

Wentworth Hotel

Satis House

White Lion Hotel - Aldeburgh

Top Dunwich Heath and Beach Hotel Reviews

The Westleton Crown

Hotels near other Dunwich Heath and Beach attractions

Leiston Abbey

Southwold Beach

Frequently asked questions