Top 10 things to see and do, according to The Suffolk Coast

Leading tourism organisation, The Suffolk Coast, has compiled their top ten list of things to see and do.

Jess Brown, Manager, The Suffolk Coast, is excited about what’s on offer. She says: “The area is a haven for those who love the great outdoors, spending time by the beach, or exploring our history and heritage. There are some wonderful events taking place this summer, so make sure you get a date in your diary to enjoy the very best of what the area has to offer.

Hire a beach hut

1. Discover the delight of having your own little home on the shore! Choose between the architecturally inspired ‘Eastern Edge’ beach huts or the newly refurbished, chalet-style huts in Lowestoft.  New for 2026, fully accessible huts with a boardwalk are available for wheelchair users as well as a beach buggy and changing places facilities nearby. Felixstowe’s Seashore Village also offers traditional huts and beach chalets for hire. If you’re meeting up with family and friends, opt for ‘Guillemot’ and ‘Puffin’, which have a dividing wall and can be hired together to double the space!  Hire your hut through www.hirebeachhuts.co.uk.

2. Southwold is also home to pretty, pastel-coloured huts, available to rent through local letting agencies Best of Suffolk and Curious Retreats, all within easy walking distance of Southwold’s fun and quirky pier. Check out inventor Tim Hunkin’s entertaining water clock and intriguing under-water shows, viewed via a coin-operated periscope, two of the pier attractions not to be missed! Nearby Walberswick is worth a visit for a spot of crabbing whilst you’re in the area. Beach huts are usually equipped with a gas stove, crockery, cutlery, tables and beach chairs, so perfect for a day by the seaside.  

Take to the water

3. Cruise around the beautiful Suffolk Broads on the Waveney Princess. The tour offers superb views from the top deck, which is great for spotting wildlife. There is live commentary from the skipper and free binocular hire, a perfect way to while away a few hours. Keep eyes peeled for marsh harriers and other birds of prey, hunting in the reeds along the shore. 

4. Hire a rowing boat at Thorpeness Meare. A firm favourite with visitors and locals alike, this beauty spot celebrates the characters in the Peter Pan stories. Take to the helm and potter around the nooks and crannies of this meandering lake by boat and discover Crocodile Island and Dragon’s Den. Stop by the lakeside tea rooms for an ice cream or the popular Dolphin Inn.  Or, you can explore Suffolk’s beautiful rivers under your own steam by hiring a canoe, kayak or paddle board from one of the many outlets across the county. 

Dates for the diary

5. The Black Shuck Festival in Bungay (31 July – 2 August) honours this Suffolk legend with theatre, literature, music and art. Fearsome stories of the Black Shuck, a demonic black dog which, according to tales, has long haunted the area. Enjoy storytelling, parades, trails and live performances around Bungay’s vibrant town centre.  

6. Ship ahoy!  New for 2026, the Lowestoft Maritime Festival (29 August) celebrates the town’s seafaring heritage and fleet of historic ships with all things nautical. Step aboard the restored Lydia Eve, a historic herring drifter, to learn about her working past, join in with the sea shanties and take a boat tour around the harbour.

Step back in time

7. The Knights’ Tournament at Framlingham Castle (29 – 31 August) is a spectacular display of knights in armour, set in the castle grounds. Experience the excitement and marvel at the ultimate test of strength and skill as they clash through gruelling rounds of combat.  Audience participation is encouraged (within reason!) and the court Jester and traditional music add to the festival atmosphere. 

8. Sutton Hoo has a full summer of fun lined up with storytelling, costume demonstrations, archery and axe throwing on various dates. Their popular Theatre in the Forest is back (22 July – 22 Aug) this year you can watch Twelfth Night, a hilarious Shakespearean comedy of mistaken identity and misunderstandings, full of romance and revenge. Enjoy an evening under the stars in this magical location!

Walk on the Wild Side

9. The Minsmere Safari is a VIP expedition in 4×4’s, exploring the remoter parts of this huge nature reserve. RSPB guides are on hand to introduce some of the iconic wildlife, special habitats and unique history of the site as well as providing plenty of photo stops along the way.

10. Experience the thrill of horseback riding along the wild and windswept Pakefield Beach! The local stables offer a fabulous one-hour beach ride, suitable for all abilities.  Stable staff can lead the horses for novice riders and the more experienced can trot and canter unaccompanied along the beach. 

Discover more at The Suffolk Coast.