A Guide to Exploring Suffolk from The Westleton Crown

Looking to be well-placed for exploring some of Suffolk’s best-known towns, villages, beaches and countryside? From coastal walks and seaside towns to medieval castles and Anglo-Saxon history, there’s plenty to see within an easy drive from The Westleton Crown. Here are some of our favourite places to visit, what to do when you get there and what you can pair them with to make a day of it.

Westleton, Dunwich & RSPB Minsmere

Start close to home with a day exploring Westleton and the surrounding coast. Whilst a recent fire swept across some of Dunwich Heath, there is still plenty to see and you can support the area by visiting local businesses.

Dunwich is just a short drive away, with its fascinating history, museum, Greyfriars ruins and beach. Nearby RSPB Minsmere has a reopened and is a must for wildlife lovers, with wetlands and coastal habitats to explore.

Pair it with: A visit to Dunwich, followed by lunch or dinner at the pub.

Aldeburgh & Thorpeness

Head south to Aldeburgh for a morning by the sea. Walk along the shingle beach, see Maggi Hambling’s famous Scallop sculpture and browse the town’s independent shops and galleries.

Continue along the coast to Thorpeness, where you can hire a rowing boat on the Meare or see the unusual House in the Clouds.

Pair it with: A picnic on the beach and a night's stay.

Southwold & Walberswick

Spend the day exploring one of Suffolk’s best-known seaside towns. Walk along the promenade, head onto the pier and browse the boutique shops.

If you fancy seeing a little more of the coast, take the foot ferry across to Walberswick and explore the village and beach.

Pair it with: The Southwold Maize Maze during the summer, or take a walk along the coast before heading back to the pub for dinner.

Yoxford & Snape Maltings

For a quieter day, start in Yoxford. Browse the antiques, explore the village and stop at the deli before continuing to Snape Maltings.

At Snape, browse the shops and galleries, walk along the River Alde or check what's on at the concert hall.

Pair it with: A visit to nearby Aldeburgh or a riverside walk before returning to The Westleton Crown.

Framlingham

Head inland to Framlingham and spend a few hours exploring the impressive medieval castle - made a little more famous by Ed Sheeran's Castle On The Hill song. Walk the castle walls for views across the Suffolk countryside, then head into the town for independent shops, cafés and a look around St Michael’s Church.

Pair it with: A detour through some of the surrounding Suffolk villages before returning to the coast.

Sutton Hoo & Woodbridge

Make a day of two of Suffolk’s best-known heritage destinations.

Start at Sutton Hoo, a National Trust site where you can explore the famous Anglo-Saxon burial site, visit the exhibition and climb the viewing tower overlooking the Royal Burial Ground. There are also woodland walks, a sculpture trail and plenty of outdoor space to explore.

Then head into Woodbridge for lunch and an afternoon by the River Deben. Walk along the historic riverside, browse the independent shops and galleries or visit Woodbridge Tide Mill, one of the few working tide mills still producing flour.

Pair it with: A riverside walk and lunch in Woodbridge, followed by a trip back to Westleton via the Suffolk countryside.

Make time for a coastal walk

You don't need to plan a full day out every day. The Suffolk coast around Westleton is ideal for fitting in a walk before lunch or dinner.

Explore routes around Dunwich, Westleton Heath, Minsmere or the surrounding coast, keeping to open and signed paths. There are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife and enjoy the landscape without having to travel far.

Pair it with: A drink in the garden after your walk.

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One of the best things about staying at The Westleton Crown? Mixing up your days. Spend one day by the sea in Aldeburgh, another exploring inland Framlingham, then head to Sutton Hoo and Woodbridge.

You don't have to choose between coast, countryside and history – they're all within reach. And after a day out exploring, there's always somewhere to come back to for dinner, a drink and a comfortable night's stay at The Westleton Crown.