Suffolk, English Coast

Suffolk is a county of significant history in the East Anglia region of England. It was part of the kingdom of East Anglia and settled by the Angles in the 5th century AD, and is reknowned for it's historical finds including long boats and Anglo-Saxon burial sites. The coast of Suffolk faces onto the North Sea to the East. There are five estuary areas; Stour, Orwell, Deben, Alde, and Blyth which are of course excellent for viewing wildlife, including a variety of birds such as Kestrels and Teals. The Minsmere RSPB reserve is also located on the Suffolk coast.

The county is generally flat with few hills, and around the coast is typically wetland habitat, arable land, woodland and marshes. The coastal rock is typically clay like and the coastal cliffs erode rapidly. Coastal defences are used to protect several towns and villages. The Suffolk Coast and Heaths are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The AONB extends from the Stour estuary up to Kessingland.

The county town is Ipswich, and large coastal towns include Lowestoft and Felixstowe.

Coastal towns of note include Southwold in the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB with it's 30 metre Lighthouse in the middle of the town. It is a traditionally 'English' town with a harbour and long established maritime heritage. Another popular tourist destination is Aldeburgh with it's traditional seaside activities and appearance.