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

Find Hotels with WiFi in Woodbridge

Change your mind

Book hotels with free cancellation

Treat yourself

Be picky

Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check availability on Woodbridge Hotels with WiFi

Tonight

Tomorrow

This weekend

Next weekend

Top Woodbridge Hotels with WiFi

"Bed was comfortable, great view of the golf course, breakfast was good and the staff were helpful "

"Absolutely a fantastic hotel, amazing food and amazing staff, "

"Lovely room with lots of space. Staff were really friendly. Room was comfortable and clean. Nice to have breakfast included."

AED 577 total

includes taxes & fees

12 Oct - 13 Oct

View all properties

Top Woodbridge Hotel Reviews

The Coach House Suffolk

10/10 Excellent

"Only stayed one night, the hotel was lovely and the breakfast which was included was delicious the staff were also extremely friendly "

B&B HOTEL Ipswich

10/10 Excellent

"Booked at last minute but so much better than we first thought, rooms were immaculate, clean and with perfect air conditioning. Managed to get a parking space but it’s worth noting the car park is small and £10 a night. Booking breakfast in advance was worth it and good range of options, only criticism would be the orange juice was not actual orange juice but a very minor point. Would definitely recommend."

Unlock instant savings with Member Prices

Find Hotels with WiFi in Woodbridge

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check availability on Woodbridge Hotels with WiFi

Top Woodbridge Hotels with WiFi

Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel, Golf & Spa

Seckford Hall Hotel & Spa

Cherry Tree Pub

Top Woodbridge Hotel Reviews

The Coach House Suffolk

Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel, Golf & Spa

Orwell Hotel

B&B HOTEL Ipswich

Holiday Inn Express Colchester by IHG

Dunston Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort

Muthu Belstead Brook Hotel

The Westleton Crown

The Kingscliff Hotel

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Find More Hotels near Woodbridge

More Hotel Options in Woodbridge

More Accommodation Types in Woodbridge

Hotels near popular Woodbridge Attractions

Woodbridge Hotels by Star Rating

Explore more hotels