Leiston Abbey

Leiston Abbey in Suffolk County, ruins worth exploring

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Leiston travel guide

Popular places to visit

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.

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Dunwich Heath and Beach

5/5(3 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Dunwich Heath and Beach, a lovely green space in Saxmundham. While in this quaint area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Southwold Beach

4.5/5(159 reviews)

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

Southwold Pier

Southwold Pier is just one of the places to see in Southwold, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the beaches and seaside while you're in the area.

Long Shop Museum

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Long Shop Museum in Leiston. Stroll along the seaside in this quaint area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Thorpeness Golf Club

4/5(3 reviews)

Enjoy a round of golf in Thorpeness at Thorpeness Golf Club. Amble around this quaint area's seaside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Thorpeness & Aldringham Heritage Centre

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Thorpeness & Aldringham Heritage Centre during your trip to Thorpeness. Discover the area's countryside and monuments.