Few places offer such wide variety of habitat

Many of our guests return time after time to take in the low-lying coastal areas and astonishing variety of landscape.

In 1970 the area between the Stour estuary in the south of the county and Kessingland in the North was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (ANOB). This status is equal to a National Park.

Landscapes of natural beauty that are relatively undeveloped are often good for wildlife. One of the most noticeable features is the richness of its wildlife habitats. Few places can match the sheer variety to found in East Suffolk: heathland; reedbed; woodland; salt marsh; estuaries, shingle beaches and crumbling sandy cliffs. These habitats are home to many species of wildlife that are scarce or absent elsewhere but are thriving here.

RSPB Minsmere is a wonderful coastal nature reserve and very popular with our guests, so much so we’ve given Minsmere its own page on our site.

RSPB Havergate Island is Suffolk’s only island and is accessible by boat from Orford Quay. A trail cuts through the island allowing walkers to enjoy a gentle mile stroll. During the spring/summer avocets and terns can be seen breeding. In the autumn/winter the island is a haven for ducks and wading birds.

Dunwich Heath part of the National Trust, sits on the coast just nine miles from the White Horse. Nature trails take you through wild and dramatic, rare and precious habitat. Through the summer the heath becomes an amazing blaze of purple, pink and yellow. Rare species to look for here are the Dartford warbler and nightjar.

Orford Ness also part of the National Trust is a national nature reserve with a military history. The National Trust ferry connects to the Ness from Orford Quay, April to September. The Ness is an internationally important site for nature conservation. Breeding and migrating birds, specialised plants and other wildlife flourish in the rich coastal habitats.

Other interesting nature areas can be found at North Warren, Walberswick beach, Westleton heath and the Blyth estuary to name a few.