As well as being a great place to simply relax, The Ship at Dunwich is an ideal base from which to explore the wealth of attractions offered by Suffolk and its Heritage Coast.
Our knowledgable team is always on hand to let you know what's happening locally and to answer any questions you might have about things to do in the area. We can give you plenty of ideas about how to make the most of your stay on the beautiful Suffolk coast, whatever the season so please ask away!
We are a few minutes stroll from dog-friendly Dunwich beach.
Whether you come for the scenery, the wildlife, or Suffolk’s fantastic food and drink scene, there is truly something for everyone.
Many of our guests come back time and again as we’re in easy reach of the wonderful RSPB Minsmere. It’s possible to spend several days exploring trails, spotting rare wildlife and taking in coastal scenery. The wildlife you can see changes with the seasons, but some favourites are the bittern, avocet, or perhaps even an otter or two.
Why not make your visit to Minsmere extra special?You can hire-a-guide or book a unique 4x4 wildlife safari (suitable for groups of up to four)! You must book at least one week prior to your visit. An expert guide will show you around areas of the reserve not usually accessible to visitors and help you find some of Minsmere’s more elusive creatures.
For a delightful ramble we highly recommend our Inn to Inn circular walk. Begin at our front door and head off for an adventure that will take you through Greyfriars Wood, over Dunwich Heath, skirt the edge of RSPB Minsmere and through Westleton woods - arriving at our sister inn, The Westleton Crown.
The Westleton Crown sits at the heart of the village over looking the green, with open log fires in winter, a light and airy restaurant and garden room in summer, a large pub garden with sheltered sun traps outside in autumn and spring to enjoy off-season sunshine. Ideal for a lunchtime pitstop.
Once you have enjoyed a rest at The Westleton Crown, fully fuelled for the final leg, head off for a ramble through the stunning Westleton Heath and back to our old smugglers inn. Retire to our pub bar or take a nice bubble bath before joining us for supper.
The quintessentially English seaside town of Southwold, with its historic pier, is a must visit when you are in our neck of the woods. A 20 minute drive from us, Southwold is bursting with charm, from the beach huts to the cobbled streets, to the abundance of independent shops!
Enjoy shopping at foodie favourites, like Slate Cheese and the Two Magpies Bakery, or browse the collections at coastal brands like Joules and Seasalt Cornwall. For the beer lovers and gin connoisseurs we recommend taking a look at the Adnams Experiences, or simply wander and explore the bookshops followed by an ice cream on the beach.
Southwold is perfect for families, couples, friends and solo explorers - there truly is something for everyone.
Snape Maltings are a unique collection of granaries situated close to Aldeburgh. The famous annual Adleburgh Music Festival is held in the Snape Maltings Concert Hall, a beautiful conversion of one of the old maltings. Snape also hosts a number of music and arts festivals throughout the year.
Snape Maltings is also home to a number of independent and unique shops and galleries. Pick up gorgeous accessories for your home or garden, sample local produce at the Fresh Food Pantry, or book a place on a one-day workshop at The Workshop - there's plenty to do!
Many visitors also use the Snape Maltings as their starting point for walks in the local area. There are a number of longer and shorter walks, so you can enjoy the surrounding countryside whatever your fitness levels.
River trips run from Snape Maltings from late spring to early autumn.
Snape Maltings is 13 miles from us, around a 25 minute drive.
With its wide main street and long shingle beach, Aldeburgh is an unspoiled seaside town with fascinating architecture that is definitely worth a visit. Traditional fishing boats still pull up near to the beach huts from which they sell excellent fresh fish.
If you're a keen cyclist, then you'll love the paths and bridleways around Aldeburgh, which give you an opportunity to explore the surrounding Suffolk countryside and coast. There are some great dog-friendly walks too.
Aldeburgh is a family-friendly destination and there are always activities for children taking place in and around the area. From rowing or learning to sail to themed walks or theatre activities, there should be something to suit most tastes and budgets.
Aldeburgh is situated approximately 11 miles from Dunwich and it takes about 24 minutes to reach it by car.