Starting at a single row of cottages known as Shingle Street, you'll head up the coast to the river mouth at Orford Haven before cutting inland through fields and along well-signposted tracks and lanes back to the start.

Why it's special
From the Martello tower that marks your starting point, built to protect England from invasion during the Napoleonic wars, to some well-preserved second world war pillbox defences, this walk has an impressive military pedigree. Just up the coast is Orford Ness, where the first experiments with radar were conducted in the 1930s, while Shingle Street itself has been the subject of fevered speculation ever since it was evacuated in 1940. Conspiracies include rumours of a German landing and a shoreline littered with burning bodies, schemes to protect the coastline with an impenetrable barrage of flames and the testing of experimental chemical bombs. Four dead German airmen were certainly washed up on the beach, and weapons testing did result in the Lifeboat Inn being blown up. As for the rest, the conspiracy theories rumble on.

Find the whole walk here
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/jun/08/shingle-street-walking-guide-suffolk

How to get there
By car
From Ipswich, take the A12 towards Woodbridge, then the A1152 towards Melton. Take the second exit at the roundabout after the river, towards Hollesley, then follow signs to Shingle Street.

By public transport
Take the Ipswich-to-Lowestoft train and get off at Melton, but it's an 11km walk to the start, mostly on minor roads with no pavement.

#beach #coast #coastal #suffolk #uk #england #britain #walk

Search B&B in Woodbridge

Q: What are the best B&Bs in Woodbridge?

Check out these B&Bs in Woodbridge: The Jolly Sailor : 4 rooms. Enjoy the patio area and bar/lounge. Colston Hall Farmhouse B&B : 4 rooms.

Change your mind

Book hotels with free cancellation

Treat yourself

Be picky

Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Next weekend

In two weeks

In one month

In two months

B&B in Woodbridge

Angela

AED 736 total

includes taxes & fees

6 Nov - 7 Nov

Rosalind

AED 540 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Oct - 25 Oct

Katy

AED 564 total

includes taxes & fees

3 Nov - 4 Nov

Hayley

AED 515 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Oct - 28 Oct

Trudi

AED 392 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Oct - 25 Oct

David

AED 697 total

includes taxes & fees

29 Oct - 30 Oct

Stuart

AED 646 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Nov - 5 Nov

Comfort Double or Twin Room, Ensuite | Premium bedding, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Tony

AED 407 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Oct - 28 Oct

Sean

AED 482 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Oct - 28 Oct

Exclusive Double Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Christine

AED 525 total

includes taxes & fees

31 Oct - 1 Nov

"Forget a bicycle made for two, Munnings is an Air b and B made for you. Situated in the historic village of Mendham with plenty of off road parking, the Lodge is a gem. Tracey and Paul were warm, welcoming and helpful hosts ( in spite of the fact they had not received my booking from VRBO!!) The area has plenty of historic towns and villages, ideal for sightseeing and walking. And by the way, the Lodge and is two minutes walk from a pub serving excellent food."

Jennifer h.

AED 569 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Oct - 25 Oct

Keith

AED 384 total

includes taxes & fees

3 Nov - 4 Nov

Andrew

AED 486 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Oct - 25 Oct

Nigel

AED 491 total

includes taxes & fees

9 Nov - 10 Nov

john

AED 417 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

Double Room, Ensuite (The Southwold Room)

Christine

AED 638 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

Standard Double Room, Ensuite, Garden View (The Chinese Room) | Bathroom

Daniel

AED 741 total

includes taxes & fees

6 Nov - 7 Nov

Roger

AED 491 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

Anonymous traveler

AED 589 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

steve

AED 613 total

includes taxes & fees

3 Nov - 4 Nov

View all properties

Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels when you're signed in

Top Woodbridge Hotel Reviews

The Coach House Suffolk

10/10 Excellent

"The food was lovely and the decor top notch. Staff friendly and helpful"

Dunston Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort

10/10 Excellent

"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 - Lovely Stay at Dunston Hall We had a lovely stay at Dunston Hall. Our room was upgraded on arrival, which was a wonderful surprise! The room itself was spacious with a huge, comfortable bed, perfect for a relaxing night. The bar and restaurant were excellent, and the chef was more than happy to cater to my dietary requirements, which was much appreciated. The spa was quiet and calm a great spot to unwind. All of the staff, especially the reception team, were professional, kind, and welcoming throughout our stay. The hotel grounds were beautiful and well-kept, though the outside seating area could have used a bit of tidying up. There were some scattered chairs, ashtrays that looked like they’d been left out for a while, which was a shame because everywhere else looked so lovely. Overall, it was a great stay, and we’ll definitely be returning in the future! "

Dragonfly Hotel Colchester

10/10 Excellent

"I’ve stayed in several places in Colchester to access the university. This is by far the best. Easy free parking. Lovely and clean. Modest but plentiful breakfast. Comfortable clean beds. Large rooms and everything included. Iron and board. Hairdryer. Toiletries and towels. Good deals on several sites. Always affordable with free breakfast. "

The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns

10/10 Excellent

"The property was very clean, comfy beds, short walk to the Aviator but the bathroom could do with updating as it was very smelly and tired looking.. I would definitely stay again though and recommend it to family and friends."

Frequently asked questions

Searching for B&Bs in Woodbridge?

If you're looking for something a little different than the traditional hotel experience, a stay at a bed and breakfast could be the perfect alternative for your getaway. If you want to lose yourself exploring fascinating exhibits, you might consider stopping by Woodbridge Museum and Parham Airfield Museum while you're in town.

Why would you choose a B&B versus a traditional hotel?

With attentive service, opportunities to meet other guests, and of course a full breakfast to start the day, B&Bs provide a truly one-of-a-kind setting.

What are the best B&Bs in Woodbridge?

Check out these B&Bs in Woodbridge: The Jolly Sailor: 4 rooms. Enjoy the patio area and bar/lounge. Colston Hall Farmhouse B&B: 4 rooms.

What's the best time of year to book my B&B in Woodbridge?

When you're dreaming of a stay in Woodbridge, year-round temperatures and rainfall may be important factors to consider. The hottest months are usually August and July with an average temp of 62°F, while the coldest months are January and February with an average of 42°F. Average annual precipitation for Woodbridge is 29 inches.

What is there to do in Woodbridge?

Travelers enjoy Woodbridge for its bars and historic landmarks. Spend some time exploring Rendlesham Forest Centre and Suffolk Coast and Heaths if you're hoping to see some of the area's natural features. You might put Woodbridge Tide Mill and Sutton Hoo on your list if you want to see more of the area.

How can I get to and around Woodbridge?

You can plan your excursions in and around Woodbridge ahead of time with these transportation options. Fly into Norwich (NWI-Norwich Intl.), which is located 39.6 mi (63.8 km) away from the heart of the city. If you'd like to explore around the area, you may want a rental car for your journey.

Search B&B in Woodbridge

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

B&B in Woodbridge

Colston Hall Farmhouse B&B

The Jolly Sailor

The Station Guest House

Grove Barn Bed and Breakfast

Newmans Hall

Tirah Bed and Breakfast

The Old Rectory, Kettlebaston

Adelaide Guesthouse

OYO The Billingford Horseshoes

Hillbrow Farm B&B

Fully Furnished annexe with a comfy living room, double bedroom and en-suite

The Corner House

The Nags Head

The Bull Inn

Hazel Barn B&B

The Stables

Rectory Manor Hotel

The Half Moon Inn

The Marlborough Dedham

The Jasmine Room

Top Woodbridge Hotel Reviews

The Coach House Suffolk

Frequently asked questions

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Popular Destinations

Top B&B in Other Destinations

More Accommodation Types in Woodbridge