Shingle Street Beach

Located on a quiet uninhabited stretch of Suffolk coastline, just north of Felixstowe, Shingle Street is a small beach at the mouth of the River Alde facing the 10-mile-long shingle spit known as Orford Ness. It was once home to fishermen and river pilots who navigated boats along the River Ore. 

The beach stretches for almost a mile and at one point there’s a 275 metre line of white seashells (whelks) that were arranged by a local stonecutter and her friend during her cancer treatment in 2005. 

Along the water’s edge the waves have deposited a ridge of pebbles that can be tricky to scramble over. There are also areas of quicksand around the lagoons so these areas should be avoided as they are deceptive and unstable. 

The area is a serious risk of coastal erosion and if defences are not erected, the area is likely to disappear into the sea. 

Shingle Street has a defensive 19th century Martello Tower landmark and some white washed coastguard cottages. 

Visitors often spot seals basking on the shingle. 

There’s a small free car parking but facilities are zero, so bring everything with you for a day at the beach. You’ll probably have it all to yourself!