Name: Dunwich Heath and Beach
Rating: 5.0

Dunwich Heath and Beach

Coastguard Cottages, Minsmere Road, Dunwich, Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 3DJ, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Dunwich Heath and Beach Tucked away on the Suffolk coast, Dunwich Heath offers you peace and quiet and a true sense of being at one with nature. A rare and precious habitat, the Heath is home to special species such as the Dartford warbler, nightjar, woodlark, ant-lion, adders and much more.

Quiet and serene, wild and dramatic, this is an inspiring visit, whatever the time of year. From July to September, the Heath is alive with colour; a patchwork of pink and purple heather and coconut-scented yellow gorse is an unmissable experience. If you are looking for Best place to visit with family and kids then you should visit this place once for day out with kids and families.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Heath & grassland: Lowland heath and acid grassland, rich in wildlife and home to several rare bird species.
Visitor information hut: Visitor information hut with wildlife information, children's trails, history trails and maps.
Heath Barn: Barn with site history, children's activities, games, trails, wildlife information and a cabinet of curiosities.
Second-hand bookshop: Second-hand bookshop stocking books, CDs, DVDs and games.
Beach: Shingle beach with rare plant and wildlife species.
Holiday cottages: Characterful coastal cottages offering stays for two to four people including one accessible apartment.
Play Area: Wooden play area for children to run and let off steam.
Family activities at Dunwich Heath: February half term at Dunwich Heath and Beach. Pick up a tracker pack and explore one of the region’s most fascinating coastlines as it re-awakens for spring.
Nature at Dunwich Heath and Beach: A diverse range of species live in its many varied habitats, which include areas of traditional heathland, acid grassland, woodland, wetland, beach and cliffs.

Facilities

Car park: Car park is open 9am to 4pm and is locked outside of these times.
Food & Drinks: Tea-room - The Coastguard Cottages Tearoom serving drinks, snacks and light-bites.
Toilet: Toilets and baby changing facilities available by the car park.
Dogs allowed: Dogs welcome - must be kept on a short lead 1 March - 31 August. A dog friendly route is available.

What to see

Top trails:

Dunwich Heath wartime trail: Today, Dunwich Heath is a peaceful wildlife haven nestling on the Suffolk coast. However, during World War Two (WW2) the heath was a militarised zone, forming part of Britain’s east coast defences and providing a vital army training area. The site has long since been cleared of its military structures to create the beautiful heathland which we enjoy today, but you can still see remnants of its past in some places. This trail will take you on a journey into Dunwich Heath’s military past, exploring some key areas of importance during the Second World War. We hope you enjoy the trail, but please help us look after Dunwich Heath by staying on the footpaths.
Dunwich Heath Woof Walk: Dunwich Heath's specific dogs off leads trail! Let your dog off the lead on this trail knowing that you and your furry friend can enjoy the walk without disturbing the wildlife.
Dunwich Heath orange trail: Follow the orange trail, our longest route at three miles, for a perfect blend of heathland, woodland and grassland, filled with nature for every interest!
Dunwich Heath pink trail: Follow the pink trail for the best views of the heath, and best chance of spotting our main bird species here, the Dartford Warbler.
Dunwich Heath grey trail: Follow the grey trail for views of the heath, and a long stretch of water with reeds on the other side, perfect for birdwatchers or those who are after a gentle stroll in a peaceful place.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Heath: Dawn - Dusk
Car Park: 09:00 - 16:00
Visitor Information: 10:00 - 15:00
Tea-room: 10:00 - 15:00

Time may vary please check here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/dunwich-heath-and-beach#place-opening-times

Address: Coastguard Cottages, Minsmere Road, Dunwich, Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 3DJ, UK

Post Code: IP17 3DJ

Council: East Suffolk

County: Suffolk

By road: Signposted from A12. From Westleton/Dunwich road, turn right 1 mile before Dunwich village into Minsmere road, then 1 mile to Dunwich Heath.
On foot: Suffolk Coast and Heaths Path and Sandlings Walk.
By train: Darsham 6 miles.
Cycling: On Suffolk coastal cycle route.
Car park: Car park is open 9am to 4pm and is locked outside of these times.