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 all hotels by Surya Hotels Ltd in Woodbridge from SAR 308

Plan, book, stay with confidence

Be picky

Search almost a million properties worldwide

Treat yourself

Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels

Change your mind

Book hotels with free cancellation

Check prices for these dates

Tonight

26 Rab. II - 27 Rab. II

Tomorrow

27 Rab. II - 28 Rab. II

Next weekend

2 Jum. I - 4 Jum. I

In two weeks

9 Jum. I - 11 Jum. I

Compare rooms and suites by Surya Hotels Ltd in Woodbridge with rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

Lounge

"Just the ticket. No complaints at all. Lovely staff"

SAR 369 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Apr - 28 Apr

Beach nearby

"Very hospitable staff. Nice room and good position . "

SAR 445 total

includes taxes & fees

8 May - 9 May

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

Sign up, it's free

Recent reviews of Woodbridge hotels

The Westleton Crown

5/5 Excellent

"Lovely place "

A verified traveler stayed at The Westleton Crown

Posted 3 days ago

Wivenhoe House Hotel

5/5 Excellent

Beautiful Property next to University of Essex

"A beautiful property with a lovely historical charm- though a bit on the expensive side. The reception team was incredibly friendly and accommodating. I stayed in the Hilton room for a night before my graduation at the University of Essex, and it made the occasion feel even more special."

A verified traveler stayed at Wivenhoe House Hotel

Posted 5 days ago

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Woodbridge Hotels by Brand

Independent

Hotels near popular Woodbridge Attractions

More Accommodation Types in Woodbridge

Hotels in Popular Destinations

eecfc238-d2b9-40cb-8ee9-78495cb026855b7a3ebc-72b7-4d32-b6de-4aeb778432ba