Leiston Abbey Tours and Activities

Leiston Abbey, old ruins and functioning music school #springfun
Leiston Abbey, old ruins and functioning music school #springfun
Leiston Abbey in Suffolk County, ruins worth exploring

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

Dunwich Heath and Beach

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.

Dunwich Heath and Beach
Southwold beach huts on the Promenade; Shutterstock ID 245957998

Southwold Beach

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

Southwold Beach
Southwold Pier at high tide creates lots of spectacular waves and spray - it's easy to get soaked! #perspective

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.

Southwold Pier

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.

Long Shop Museum

Thorpeness Golf Club

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 Golf Club

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.

Thorpeness & Aldringham Heritage Centre

Top Leiston Abbey Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The White Horse Hotel

The White Horse Hotel

3 out of 5
Station Rd Leiston England
The White Horse Hotel
West House Farm

West House Farm

2 out of 5
West House Farm White House Road Leiston England
West House Farm
The Westleton Crown

The Westleton Crown

3 out of 5
The Street Saxmundham England
The Westleton Crown
The Butchers Arms Freehouse

The Butchers Arms Freehouse

3 out of 5
Leiston Road Saxmundham England
The Butchers Arms Freehouse
2 Lion Cottages, Knodishall

2 Lion Cottages, Knodishall

Knodishall England
2 Lion Cottages, Knodishall
Thorpeness Golf Club and Hotel

Thorpeness Golf Club and Hotel

3 out of 5
Lakeside Ave, Thorpeness Leiston England
Thorpeness Golf Club and Hotel
Acorn Lodge

Acorn Lodge

3 out of 5
Saxmundham England
Acorn Lodge
Tranquil Cottage adjoining rural farmhouse 5 miles from Suffolk Coast

Tranquil Cottage adjoining rural farmhouse 5 miles from Suffolk Coast

Saxmundham England
Tranquil Cottage adjoining rural farmhouse 5 miles from Suffolk Coast
Springfield, Westleton

Springfield, Westleton

Saxmundham England
Springfield, Westleton
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