The coastline of East Anglia is full of character. From colourful fishing villages and traditional seaside towns to quiet coastal places overlooking vast beaches, this stretch of Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex offers some of the most charming seaside destinations in England. Many remain wonderfully relaxed and uncrowded, making them perfect places for slow coastal exploring. In our list, we’ll share with you the 12 best seaside towns in East Anglia (East of England) you must visit. Read on to find out what are the best seaside towns in Norfolk and Suffolk plus one of the Essex seaside towns to visit, and what to not miss while visiting them.
Quick Answer: Best Seaside Towns in East Anglia (pick your vibe)
- Best classic seaside town: Cromer or Southwold
- Best huge sandy beach: Wells-next-the-Sea / Holkham area
- Best for wildlife: Morston/Blakeney (seal trips)
- Best for families: Hunstanton or Great Yarmouth
- Best for culture + food: Aldeburgh
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Enjoy exploring the best seaside towns in East Anglia !
Norfolk Seaside Towns
King’s Lynn
- Best for: a historic gateway base (architecture, museums, maritime heritage), lively atmosphere with many cultural events.
- Time needed: 2 – 4 hours (visit) / 1 night (base)
- Good to know: it’s on a river (not directly on the open coast), but it’s well connected by train and works well as a practical hub for the North Norfolk coast, especially if you don’t have a car.
How to Get to King’s Lynn
You can quickly get there by public transport. Direct trains to King’s Lynn leave Cambridge and London Kings Cross.
Things to Do in King’s Lynn
- The Hanse House remains one of England’s only surviving Hanseatic League buildings, reflecting King Lynn’s trade connections with Europe.
- Museums: True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum is dedicated to the history of the North End fishermen, offering insights into their community and way of life. The Lynn Museum is home to the Seahenge exhibit. This museum showcases the Bronze Age timber circle found on a local beach and tells the story of West Norfolk’s history.
- Visit the Town Hall and Trinity Guildhall to view the regalia room displaying King John’s Cup, an artefact from the 14th century.
- King’s Lynn Minster is an impressive historic church and a beacon of the town’s mediaeval heritage.
- For those who love walks, The Walks is the only surviving town walk in Norfolk, providing a peaceful green space within the town centre, surrounded by historic buildings.
Tip: If you visit King’s Lynn, we also suggest checking out the Sandringham Estate. And if you love history, you must visit the historical landmarks of Castle Acre Priory, Castle Rising, and Oxburgh Estate.
Where to Stay in King’s Lynn
Best for: car-free and exploring the North Norfolk
- Penthouse – Modern apartment located in the city centre near the river Great Ouse.
- Patio Lodge – Beautiful lodge with a stunning garden and forest access on the outskirt of the town in a peaceful location.
Hunstanton
- Best for: Family seaside fun + cliffs/sunset views
- Time needed: half day to full day
- Good to know: Coastliner 36 makes it doable by public transport from King’s Lynn; good spot to pair with Holme Dunes Nature Reserve.
How to Get to Hunstanton
You can travel to Hunstanton and Holme Dunes by public transport from King’s Lynn! North Norfolk operates a fabulous ‘Coastliner 36‘ bus that takes you around the villages of North Norfolk, from King’s Lynn to Wells-Next-the-Sea. Make sure to check their timetable and fare calculator and plan the trip.
Things to Do in Hunstanton
- Old Hunstanton Beach is a must-see spot in Hunstanton, with its vast stretch of soft sand and dunes. The beach is known for its picturesque striped cliffs and the iconic red and white striped lighthouse standing watch over the coast. It’s a brilliant place for a family picnic, a long walk with your dog, looking for sea creatures hidden in the small pools created by the tide, or just sitting and watching the waves.
- Sea Life Sanctuary, where you can meet all kinds of sea creatures
- Walk along the promenade in sunset
- Explore beautiful Esplanade Gardens
- Holme Dunes Nature Reserve is close to Hunstanton, which is worth visiting if you love nature and bird watching.
Where to Stay in Hunstanton
Best for: Close to a stunning beach + perfect for families
- Ellinbrook House – a room in a modern townhouse in the town centre.
- BeeHive – a modern and spacious house with a garden that feels like a retreat.
Wells-next-the-Sea
- Best for: harbour vibes + colourful huts + easy beach day (plus Holkham nearby)
- Time needed: half day to full day
- Good to know: Coastliner 36 is the simplest car-free link; Holkham and Wells beaches connect, and low tide makes the area feel vast.
How to Get to Wells-next-the-Sea
You can get here by public transport. The Coastliner 36 bus route is ideal for exploring this town.
Things to Do in Wells-next-the-Sea
- Wells-next-the-Sea is one of the charming Norfolk seaside towns and should be on your list of best seaside towns in East Anglia.
- Walk on the historic Albatros, an old Dutch cargo ship turned into a bar and restaurant anchored at the quay
- Stroll through town centre, with its quirky shops and cafes, and the bustling harbour.
- Explore the nearby salt marshes and watch the wildlife by taking a local boat tour, or hire a kayak to explore the area.
- The Wells and Walsingham Light Railway offers a unique view of the surrounding countryside.
- Visiting nearby the Holkham Hall while here is an absolute must.
- Visit the beaches:
- Holkham Beach is wide, open stretches of sand that go on for miles when the tide is out, making it feel like a vast open space of just sand and sea.
- Wells-next-the-Sea Beach is connected to Holkham Beach. It’s more suitable for fun activities like kite flying and sandcastle building. It’s known for its bright beach huts and is a great place to see birds and sometimes seals.
Tip: Visit Nearby Villages of Morston & Blakeney
These small villages are a gateway to see the seals. In Morston and Blakeney, you can buy a boat tour to learn more about these stunning marine creatures. The villages also have a fab view of the creek with boats.
Where to Stay in Wells-next-the-Sea
Best for: North Norfolk coast at its most ‘postcard’ + great atmosphere and restaurants, easy beach access and long beach walks, perfect for couples.
- The Crown Hotel – a room in a hotel with breakfast right in the centre of Wells-next-the-Sea.
- Victoria Hotel in Holkham – 4-star historical hotel with breakfast near the Holkham beach and located in a peaceful area.
Sheringham
- Best for: traditional seaside + steam railway day (great if you like towns with character), one of the best seaside towns in East Anglia.
- Time needed: half day to full day
- Good to know: easy by train from Norwich; the heritage railway and Sheringham Park add a lot beyond the beach.
How To Get to Sheringham
You can get to Sheringham by a direct train from Norwich. To get to Norwich, you can take a direct train from London Liverpool Street or Cambridge.
Things to do in Sheringham
- Sheringham Beach is a beautiful, pebbly beach. It’s perfect for a family day out, with plenty of space for picnics, building sandcastles, or relaxing and listening to the waves.
- For a unique experience, take a ride on the North Norfolk Railway. This steam train offers scenic journeys through the countryside. The train will take you to the beautiful small town of Holt, which you can explore before heading back to Sheringham. The train and the whole journey have that Harry Potter feel. It’s a unique way to see the area and a big hit with train enthusiasts and families.
- Sheringham Park is known for its spectacular rhododendrons and azaleas. Lovely walking trails offer fantastic coastline views and the opportunity to spot local wildlife.
- Sheringham Museum is located near the seafront, and it tells the story of Sheringham’s history, focusing on its fishing industry and lifeboat service. It’s home to a collection of historic lifeboats and fishing boats, providing insight into the town’s past.
- Stroll through Sheringham’s town centre and explore its various shops, cafes, and restaurants. The high street is full of character, offering everything from local crafts to fresh seafood, making it a great place to wander and soak up the town’s atmosphere.
- Sheringham Little Theatre is a hub for arts and entertainment, offering a variety of shows, films, and exhibitions. It’s a great place to catch a play, a movie, or a live music performance.
- Coastal Walks are particularly pretty around Sheringham. The Norfolk Coast Path runs through the town, offering stunning views and the chance to enjoy the local flora and fauna.
Where to Stay in Sheringham
Best for: Traditional town with more than just beach, steam railway, cliffs walks + ideal for a weekend, perfect if you are car-free.
- The Sea View Promenade – a small apartment with sea and beach views.
- The Ramey – cosy modern apartment near the centre of Sheringham
Cromer
- Best for: classic pier town + sandy beach + “proper seaside” atmosphere (and Cromer crab), one of the best seaside towns in East Anglia.
- Time needed: half day to full day
- Good to know: direct train from Norwich; add the pier/theatre and church tower views if you want more than just beach time.
How to Get to Cromer
You can get to Cromer by a direct train from Norwich. To get to Norwich, you can take a direct train from London Liverpool Street or Cambridge.
Things to Do in Cromer
- Cromer Pier and Pavilion Theatre. This traditional pier has stunning sea views; it’s a perfect place to watch the sunset. The Pavilion Theatre on the pier hosts a variety of performances throughout the year.
- With its golden sands and clear waters, Cromer Beach is perfect for sunbathing, building sandcastles, or taking a dip in the sea.
- The Cromer Museum shows the town’s history, including its geology and famous lifeboat service. The museum is housed in a set of Victorian fishermen’s cottages.
- RNLI Henry Blogg Museum, which is dedicated to the most decorated lifeboatman in RNLI history. This museum highlights lifeboat crews’ bravery and importance to Norfolk seaside towns.
- If you like views, climb the Cromer Church Tower, which offers some of the best views over the town and sea.
Where to Stay in Cromer
Best for: Proper seaside town feel + pier & promenade + good food (plus easy access to nearby coastal villages).
- Glide Surt Casa – modern stylish apartment with a fireplace and stunning views of Cromer.
- Boycott House – stunning apartment with a fireplace and sea views only a few steps away from a beach
Great Yarmouth
- Best for: big, lively seaside day (arcades, shows, classic entertainment), should be on your list of best seaside towns in East Anglia that you should visit.
- Time needed: full day (or overnight if you want shows + museums)
- Good to know: the Hippodrome Circus is a standout; it’s also easy by direct train from Norwich.
How to Get to Great Yarmouth
You can get to Great Yarmouth by a direct train from Norwich. Norwich is reachable by direct trains from London Liverpool Street & Cambridge.
Things to do in Great Yarmouth
- Great Yarmouth Beach and Central Pier – the sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing, building sandcastles, and taking seaside strolls. The Central Pier features amusement arcades and entertainment.
- The Time and Tide Museum is brilliant for discovering Great Yarmouth’s rich maritime and fishing history in this fascinating museum housed in a converted herring curing works.
- Elizabethan House Museum – explore this beautifully preserved 16th-century house, which offers insights into the lives of families who lived there over the centuries.
- The Sea Life Centre, offering an up-close experience with a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, penguins, and tropical fish.
- Merrivale Model Village, a delightful miniature village complete with gardens, a model railway, and beautifully crafted scenes of traditional English life.
- See Banksy art in Great Yarmouth – on the Admiralty Road, you can find a couple dancing atop the bus shelter with another playing the accordion at the side. Not far away from Great Yarmouth, in Gorleston Seafront, is an arcade-style grabber situated above a bench.
- Venetian Waterways, the ornamental gardens, and the boating lake are places to check out.
- While visiting Great Yarmouth, make sure you also visit the local gems. Horsey Beach to see the seal and The Broads National Park, perfect for wildlife watching and activities like paddleboarding or biking.
Where to Stay in Great Yarmouth
Best for: busy, entertainment-focused seaside break – shows, arcades, nightlife, and big beach energy + great for families.
- Lavish Apartment – stylish modern apartment near the beach with sea views.
- Penthouse with Balcony – modern stylish apartment in the city centre.
Special Tip – Hippodrome Circus
Go to a show in The Hippodrome Circus. The circus is one of the oldest circuses in Britain, offering spectacular shows with acrobats, aerialists, and water spectacles in a historic building. It’s a must-do in Great Yarmouth.
We love their performance and always go there at least once a year. They change the artists for every show, so you can go there four times a year, and it will always be different. It’s fantastic entertainment not just for kids, you will love it as an adult too. They have regular shows during Summer, Christmas, Halloween, and then around Easter time. Also, arrive earlier to have coffee and cake in their fabulous Cafe 1903, a place you must check out!
Car-free Coastal Hopping: 2 Mini Itineraries
North Norfolk Coast (2 days by bus)
- Best for: big sandy beaches, seaside towns, and wildlife villages, all with minimal hassle.
- Main buses: Coastliner 36 (King’s Lynn ↔ Hunstanton ↔ Wells-next-the-Sea) + Coasthopper CH1 (Wells ↔ Blakeney/Cley ↔ Sheringham ↔ Cromer).
Day 1: Hunstanton + Wells
- Travel to King’s Lynn, then take Coastliner 36 to Hunstanton (classic seaside + Old Hunstanton dunes nearby).
- Continue on the same route to Wells-next-the-Sea for harbour vibes + a proper beach evening.
- Overnight: Wells (best for a relaxed coastal vibe) or nearby.
Day 2: Blakeney/Cley + Sheringham + Cromer
- Take Coasthopper CH1 from Wells east along the coast.
- Pick one wildlife/creek stop (Blakeney or Cley) + one traditional seaside stop (Sheringham or Cromer).
- If time allows, finish in Cromer (pier + classic seaside town feel), then bus back toward Wells or connect onward.
Rail-based “Choose Your Towns” (2 days, easiest logistics)
- If you want a simple car-free plan with minimal bus complexity, use Norwich (for North Norfolk + east coast resorts) as your base.
Day 1: North Norfolk by train
- Base in Norwich and take the train to Cromer or Sheringham for a classic pier-and-beach day.
Day 2: Great Yarmouth or Lowestoft by train
- From Norwich, take the train to Great Yarmouth (bigger, lively resort feel) or Lowestoft (long sandy beach + calmer pace).
Tip: If you only have one day
- Do Wells-next-the-Sea + Holkham, then hop part-way on Coasthopper CH1 for one extra stop (Blakeney/Cley or Sheringham/Cromer
Suffolk Seaside Towns
Lowestoft
- Best for: a calmer seaside day + long sandy beach and sunrise views of the Suffolk seaside towns.
- Time needed: half day to full day
- Good to know: great if you prefer “beach + a couple of museums” rather than full-on amusement-town energy (and it’s very close to Great Yarmouth).
How to Get to Lowestoft
You can get to Lowestoft by a direct train from Norwich. Norwich is reachable by direct trains from London Liverpool Street & Cambridge.
Things to do in Lowestoft
- Lowestoft South Beach – long, sandy, clean beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying traditional seaside activities. Additionally, South Beach offers picturesque sunrise views.
- The Maritime Museum showcases Lowestoft’s history as a bustling fishing port and its rich maritime heritage.
- East Anglia Transport Museum is fabulous for exploring a unique collection of working trams, buses, and trains, offering a glimpse into the history of public transport.
- The Seagull Theatre is an excellent stop for those enjoying performances from local and touring companies.
- Lowestoft Lighthouse has guided ships for centuries, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Not far away from Lowestoft is Africa Alive!, a brilliant wildlife park for families or Somerleyton Hall and Gardens, a beautiful garden with a maze.
- See Banksy art in Suffolk in Nicholas Everitt Park in Oulton Broad, not far from Lowestoft, Banksy’s art shows three children in a boat with the tagline ‘We’re all in the same boat’. One of the children is scooping water out of the ship with a bucket.
Where to Stay in Lowestoft
Best for: calmer base with a long beach and more relaxed feel + great for coast walks
- Four Bedroom Townhouse – Modern stylish townhouse with a terrace and harbour views.
- Swan View – Modern spacious apartment with stunning river views.
Lowestoft vs Great Yarmouth
Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft are very close to each other (although one is Norfolk, the other in Suffolk), so the question you might have is – which one is better to visit? While both towns offer a great English seaside experience, Great Yarmouth tends to be more vibrant and entertainment-focused, attracting tourists for its amusement parks and lively seafront. In contrast, Lowestoft offers a more laid-back atmosphere, emphasising natural beauty, beaches, and a blend of historical and cultural attractions.
Southwold
- Best for: colourful huts + lighthouse + food/drink (a slightly more luxury seaside day), must be on your list of best seaside towns in East Anglia
- Time needed: full day (or an overnight treat)
- Good to know: the brewery + lighthouse tours are key highlights; add the harbour/fish huts and a nature stop nearby if you want a quieter side of Southwold.
How to Get to Southwold
You can get to Southwold by the 99 Coastal Clipper bus from Lowestoft. You can easily get to Lowestoft by direct train from Norwich.
Things to do in Southwold
- Southwold Beach and Pier is a must-visit.
- The town’s beach, lined with its famous colourful beach huts, is perfect for a leisurely day by the sea.
- You must also explore the Adnams Brewery to learn about the brewing process and sample some local beers. Adnams have been a part of Southwold’s culture for over a century.
- Southwold Lighthouse is an iconic landmark offering guided tours and panoramic views of the town and coastline.
- The Electric Picture Palace is a small, charming cinema offering a unique movie-going experience
- Southwold Museum shows town’s history, from its maritime heritage to its role in the Battle of Sole Bay.
- Remember to stroll along the harbour, enjoy watching the boats, or visit the nearby fish huts for fresh local seafood.
- Southwold is surrounded by beautiful countryside and marshes, making it a perfect location for scenic walks and nature spotting. We recommend visiting the Benacre National Nature Reserve.
Where to Stay in Southwold
Best for: prettiest treat for yourself, great food and refined vibe + best for couples, food lovers and those wanting slower nice coastal break.
- Eastholme apartment – luxurious modern spacious town house with a garden in a peaceful area of Southwold.
- Bramley House Apartment – small cosy modern apartment with town views.
Aldeburgh
- Best for: pebble-beach strolls + culture (Britten links) + seafood/fish & chips. n our opinion, Aldeburgh is the prettiest out of all Suffolk seaside towns.
- Time needed: half day to full day
- Good to know: it’s more “food + galleries + coastal walk” than traditional sandcastle beach, great if you like quieter, characterful towns.
How to Get to Aldeburgh
It’s better to have a car when visiting Aldeburgh, but you can get here by direct bus from Ipswich.
Things to Do in Aldeburgh
- Aldeburgh Beach is great for a stroll along the pebble beach, famous for its Scallop sculpture.
- The Moot Hall Museum is a historic timber-framed building detailing Aldeburgh’s history as a medieval seaport and fishing village.
- Catch a movie at the historic Aldeburgh Cinema, which has been showing films since 1919 and is known for its diverse programming.
- Aldeburgh’s High Street has independent shops, galleries, and eateries, perfect for browsing and enjoying local produce and art.
- Fresh seafood – sample some of the best fresh seafood in Suffolk, with fish shacks along the beach selling the day’s catch. Yu must also try their famous fish and chips and eat them on the beach. They have the best fish and chips among the best seaside towns in East Anglia. Aldeburgh Fish & Chip Shop is a place for fish and chips.
- The Aldeburgh Yacht Club offers a picturesque setting on the River Alde for those interested in sailing.
- Stunning natural landscapes surround the town – Aldeburgh Marshes and the nearby RSPB Minsmere are a heaven for birdwatchers
- Tip: Not far away from Aldeburg is the Snape Maltings, home to the world-renowned Aldeburgh Festival of Music.
Where to Stay in Aldeburgh
Best for: quiet coastal base with culture and great food – perfect for evening stroll + seafood
- Seascape – Spacious modern apartment near beach.
- Pied a Mer – Small but cosy apartment close to the centre and beach.
Felixstowe
- Best for: a straightforward beach-and-promenade day + forts/history
- Time needed: half day to full day
- Good to know: good mix of seafront gardens + historic sites (Landguard Fort/Martello towers) and you can also spot the scale of the Port of Felixstowe.
How to Get to Felixstowe
Felixstowe is easily reachable by direct train from Ipswich.
Things to Do in Felixstowe
- Felixstowe Beach and Pier is a must while being in Felixstowe. The beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and walking. The recently refurbished pier offers a range of entertainment options, including a family amusement arcade.
- Cobbolds Point on the north beach, a unique scenic point.
- Bustling Port of Felixstowe, one of the busiest container ports in Europe. It is an impressive sight, especially for those interested in maritime activities.
- Landguard Fort, a historic fort at the mouth of the River Orwell, played a significant role in the defence of the British coast over several centuries.
- Martello Towers are circular fortresses scattered along the coast, built in the 19th century to defend against Napoleonic invasions.
- Felixstowe Museum showcases the local history of Felixstowe, its maritime heritage, and its military past.
- Beautifully landscaped Seafront Gardens that stretch along the coast, offering a peaceful retreat with stunning sea views.
- The Spa Pavilion Theatre is fantastic for enjoying a variety of performances, from music to comedy and theatre.
Where to Stay in Felixstowe
Best for: easy, straightforward coastal base with lots of accommodation options, good access by road/rail, and the ability to mix beach time with nearby historic sites.
- Beachfront House – stunning spacious modern house with a patio and sea views
- Beachcombers Retreat – cosy small stylish house with a patio and balcony near the beach.
Essex Seaside Towns
Walton-on-the-Naze
- Best for: fossil hunting + cliffs/nature reserve walks + pier day; one of the nicest Essex seaside towns, and it should be on the list of the best seaside towns in East Anglia to visit.
- Time needed: half day to full day
- Good to know: Naze is known for eroding cliffs and fossils, so treat it as a nature/fossil stop as much as a beach day.
How to Get to Walton-on-the-Naze
Felixstowe is easily reachable by direct train from Colchester.
Things to Do in Walton-on-the- Naze
- Walton-on-the-Naze Beach is a beautiful sandy beach perfect for relaxing, building sandcastles, or swimming in the sea. TIP: Remember to explore the Red Beach Huts dominating the beach.
- The Walton Pier is the second-longest pier in England, offering seaside entertainment with amusement arcades, rides, and fishing opportunities.
- The Naze Nature Reserve is a beautiful natural reserve with stunning views and wildlife, a great place for fossil hunting, with the eroding cliffs revealing fossils regularly.
- Naze Tower, an 86-foot historic tower offering panoramic views, an art gallery, and a café.
- John Weston Nature Reservem offers peaceful walks and the chance to reconnect with nature.
- Walton Maritime Museum is a place to go to discover the town’s maritime history.
Where to Stay in Walton-on-the-Naze
Best for: coastal break with cliffs, reserve walks, and a quieter traditional-town feel.
- Frinton45 – modern stylish double bedrooms with breakfast and garden located in the nearby quiter Frinton.
- High View House – modern stylish apartment in the town centre.
Clacton-on-Sea
- Best for: classic bucket-and-spade seaside fun with a big sandy beach, arcades, and a proper pier day
- Time needed: half day to full day
- Good to know: Clacton is one of the busiest seaside towns on this stretch of coast in summer – visit earlier in the day (or outside school holidays).
How to Get to Clacton-on-Sea
Clacton-on-Sea is easily reachable by direct train from London Liverpool Street (via Colchester), and it’s also straightforward by road from Colchester and the wider Essex area.
Things to Do in Clacton-on-Sea
- Clacton Beach is a wide sandy beach ideal for swimming (in-season), sandcastle building, and long shoreline walks. TIP: At low tide, there’s plenty of space – perfect for families.
- Clacton Pier is the main attraction, packed with classic seaside entertainment including amusements, rides, and places to grab snacks with sea views.
- Seafront Gardens & Promenade are great for an easy stroll, especially at sunset, with plenty of benches and spots for an ice cream stop.
- Martello Tower E is a small but interesting historic fortification near the seafront.
- Holland Haven Country Park (nearby) offers a quieter contrast to the busy seafront, with walking trails, birdlife and open views.
Where to Stay in Clacton-on-Sea
Best for: a lively seaside base with lots of entertainment, plenty of accommodation options, and an easy “everything in one place” beach break.
- The Sandrock – hotel with double rooms with breakfast near the seafront.
- Shoreline Hideaway – small cosy well-equipped house with a garden.
Final Tips from Us
Our journey through the best seaside towns in East Anglia might end, but the adventure for you is just beginning. Picture yourself strolling along Easy Anglia shores and beaches, uncovering hidden historical treasures, or simply soaking up the lively atmosphere of a bustling seaside town. Norfolk coast and Suffolk coast has so much to offer, it’s an adventure waiting to be explored.
