Leiston Abbey Tours

Photo by Travels with Chelsea
Photo by Travels with Chelsea
Photo by Travels with Chelsea
Photo by Travels with Chelsea
Photo by Beautiful Guangxi
Photo by Beautiful Guangxi

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 relaxing area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Dunwich Heath and Beach
The South American Puna Flamingo is also known as James's Flamingo (so named for Harry Berkeley James) and Lesser Andean Flamingo. It received its common name "Puna" from its natural habitat - "puna" is the local word for high Andean plateau. The flamingo's characteristic pink / salmon-colored plumage is caused by their beta carotene-rich diet. The Puna Flamingos occur on the high Andean plateaus of Peru, Chile, Bolivia and Argentina where they usually occur at altitudes of over 3,000 m

Snape Maltings

You can get tickets for a performance at Snape Maltings on your trip to Saxmundham. Stroll along the seaside in this quaint area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.

Snape Maltings
Southwold Beach

Southwold Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Southwold Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Southwold. Experience the area's museums and entertainment venues.

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

Southwold Pier

Find out about the history of Southwold when you spend time at Southwold Pier. Experience the area's museums and entertainment venues.

Southwold Pier

Long Shop Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Long Shop Museum during your travels in Leiston. Stroll along the seaside in this relaxing area, or check out its lively bars.

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

Best Lodging Options Near Leiston Abbey

The Westleton Crown

The Westleton Crown

3 out of 5
The Street, Westleton, Saxmundham, England
The Westleton Crown
West House Farm

West House Farm

2 out of 5
West House Farm White House Road, Theberton, Leiston, England
West House Farm
Tirah Bed and Breakfast

Tirah Bed and Breakfast

3.5 out of 5
Aldeburgh Road, Aldringham, Leiston, England
Tirah Bed and Breakfast
Caines Cottage

Caines Cottage

3 out of 5
Caines Cottage The Street Westleton, Saxmundham, England
Caines Cottage
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.