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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Hotels near Dunwich Heath and Beach

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Our top choices for Dunwich Heath and Beach hotels

The Westleton Crown

3.2 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Neil

The Ship at Dunwich

1.8 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Davide

RM494 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Jan - 19 Jan 2026

Fridge, dishwasher, electric kettle, toaster

Caines Cottage

3.1 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

RM2,891 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

RM3,668 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

Church Farm, Dunwich

1.7 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Church Farm Cottage, Dunwich

1.7 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Church Farm Barn

1.6 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

RM7,605 total

includes taxes & fees

3 Jan - 4 Jan 2026

Copperbeech Bed and Breakfast

7.4 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Linda

RM768 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Jan - 2 Jan 2026

Acorn Lodge

7.5 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Maisie

RM2,634 total

includes taxes & fees

3 Jan - 4 Jan 2026

Tirah Bed and Breakfast

9.4 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Luke

RM765 total

includes taxes & fees

13 Jan - 14 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

RM597 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Jan - 12 Jan 2026

Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board

Eastwood Lodge

6 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Cindy

RM411 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

The Swan

8.1 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Robert

RM1,181 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Jan - 20 Jan 2026

Thorpeness Golf Club and Hotel

9.1 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Paul

RM738 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

The Plough

10.9 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

IAN

RM754 total

includes taxes & fees

6 Jan - 7 Jan 2026

The Angel

12.1 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Judith Plummer

RM1,030 total

includes taxes & fees

31 Dec - 1 Jan 2026

Wentworth Hotel

11.9 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Patrick

RM768 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

The Stables

9.7 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Christine

RM603 total

includes taxes & fees

22 Jan - 23 Jan 2026

The White Horse Hotel

6.9 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

Gareth

RM692 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

Southwold Arms Apartment

8.1 km from Dunwich Heath and Beach

"The apartment enjoys a central location in the lovely quaint coastal town of Southwold. A very comfortable, spacious flat with plenty of shops and places to eat on your doorstep. The bedrooms are on a slightly lower level to the living room and kitchen area and would benefit from some sort of coloured strip to draw your attention to this as the flooring is all one uniform colour. An accident waiting to happen! Otherwise a really nice place to stay."

RM3,115 total

includes taxes & fees

3 Jan - 4 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.

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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.

Hotels near Dunwich Heath and Beach

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

Filter by

Our top choices for Dunwich Heath and Beach hotels

The Westleton Crown

The Ship at Dunwich

Caines Cottage

Satis Cottage, Westleton

Church Farm, Dunwich

Church Farm Cottage, Dunwich

Church Farm Barn

Copperbeech Bed and Breakfast

Acorn Lodge

Tirah Bed and Breakfast

The Bell Hotel Saxmundham

Eastwood Lodge

The Swan

Thorpeness Golf Club and Hotel

The Plough

The Angel

Wentworth Hotel

The Stables

The White Horse Hotel

Southwold Arms Apartment

Top Dunwich Heath and Beach Hotel Reviews

The Westleton Crown

Satis House

The White Horse Hotel

Hotels near other Dunwich Heath and Beach attractions

Leiston Abbey

Southwold Beach

Dunwich Museum

Long Shop Museum

Suffolk Coast National Nature Reserve

Thorpeness Golf Club

Thorpeness & Aldringham Heritage Centre

Frequently asked questions