Dunwich Heath and Beach

Dunwich Heath is a National Trust heathland overlooking the sea, the last fragment of a vast sandling heath that once covered coastal Suffolk. The walk combines heather-covered heath with a dramatic shingle beach and the ghostly history of Dunwich, a medieval city lost to the sea.

The Route

Start from the National Trust Dunwich Heath car park. Walk south through the heather, following paths through gorse and silver birch. Drop down to the beach via the sandy cliffs and walk north along the shingle. Dunwich village is a tiny hamlet that was once one of the largest ports in England before coastal erosion claimed it. Return to the heath via the Dunwich village path, climbing back through woodland to the car park.

Dog-Friendly Details

Dogs must be on leads on the heath between February and August to protect ground-nesting birds (Dartford warblers, nightjars and woodlarks breed here). Off-lead on the beach year-round. The shingle can be tiring on paws, but most dogs manage well. The Flora Tea Rooms at the car park welcome dogs outside.

Practical Information

National Trust car park (free for members). Flora Tea Rooms and toilets at the car park. The Ship pub in Dunwich village is dog-friendly. Best visited at sunset when the heath glows purple and gold.