Dunwich Heath is an area of coastal lowland heath a little bit further down the East coast from Southwold in Suffolk.
There’s nothing particularly remarkable about it – there’s a beach, some long walks through purple heathers, bright yellow gorse and green ferns, and a cafe in the old lighthouse building, but it is incredibly peaceful.
The beach is quiet except for the odd person crunching along the stones, and birds flit and chirp across the heathland.
Following the rule of ‘always read the plaque’, there is one on the edge of the car park and looking out to sea, which reveals that Dunwich Heath was the site of an important piece of British history.
It was at this site in 1588 that a beacon was lit to warn the people of Suffolk that the Spanish Armada was approaching. Of course, the Spanish were unsuccessful and perhaps we owe a tiny piece of that to a beacon that once shone here.
Verdict: Tranquil beach and worth seeing the heath in early autumn.
Post-COVID note: To visit you must book a time slot for parking – it is free for members.
A Year of Trust 