Dunwich, Suffolk – Heathland and Coast on the Suffolk Coast Path

Shingle beach, open heath, and quiet marshland on the Suffolk coast

Dunwich sits on the Suffolk coast between Walberswick and Minsmere, directly on the Suffolk Coast Path within the Suffolk Coast & Heaths National Landscape. The route passes through the settlement before continuing south across heath and woodland toward Minsmere and Sizewell or north along dunes and marsh toward Walberswick.

The settlement lies beside a broad shingle beach backed by heathland, woodland, and wetland. Walking here is mostly level, with sandy and shingle sections near the shore and firmer gravel and grass tracks across the heath and forest paths inland. The landscape feels open and quiet, with long views along the coast and across the surrounding marsh.

Dunwich has a small number of facilities including a café, pub, and places to stay, with additional services available in nearby Southwold and Leiston. It remains one of the quieter stopping points along this stretch of coast.

From the centre, the Suffolk Coast Path heads south through Dunwich Heath toward Minsmere Nature Reserve and Sizewell or north toward Walberswick and the River Blyth, following dunes, heath, and coastal woodland.