Tiny village 2 hours from London with ‘unspoilt’ beach and ‘best seafood in UK’
London seems to have it all, but one thing we certainly don’t have is a beach. But it’s not a problem, because just over two hours away is a stunning little village with one which is almost unspoilt. Kessingland, in East Suffolk, is perfect for a day trip to the coast.
Despite being home to just over 4,000 people, visitors to the village will have lots to do there. Whether you love sand between your toes or prefer watching from afar with a picnic, your first port of call should be the beach. The stunning sandy expanse is backed by low cliffs and because of its location, it has a wild, unspoiled feel.
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There are currently four lions living in the zoo (Image: Credit: Nicholas Hodges / 500px/Getty Images)
One reviewer said it was a “lovely long beach to have long walks and enjoy the outdoors whils also taking in the beauty of the area.” There’s more to the beach than just sand, however, as it’s also adjacent to the Africa Alive Zoological Reserve. Run by the Zoological Society of East Anglia, its 100 acres are home to thousands of animals. They’re home to aardvarks, blesboks and lots of other animals that sound fictional.
There’s two restaurants and a minigolf course in the reserve too alongside areas like the Kingdom of the Lion and the Giraffe House. Reviewers said the reserve was “really good fun” with one writing: “Absolutely brilliant, plenty of animals to see, very clean. The restaurants where good value, staff helpful and the shop was full of good value and plenty of variety.”
If you make it to Kessingland on a Sunday, check out Kessingland Car Boot Sale. The massive market is free to enter and local sellers pitch up there all day to sell their treasures. There’s food trucks selling all kinds of meals there too.
One reviewer wrote: “Great booty in the summer when weather is good, bank holidays is particularly good. Can pick up some great bargains.” When you eventually get peckish, head over to The Waterfront Restaurant.
They specialise in modern European seafood and there are also loads of homemade cakes and a well-stocked bar on offer. It’s a firm favourite in the area with one writing: “What a wonderful little place, little gem for a small village. Had a lovely meal, drinks and cheesecake to die for.
Staff where attentive and ensured all our needs where catered for with a smile, even in this heat! Best seafood in the UK.” Livingstone’s Freehouse is another favourite.
Their menu changes frequently, but expect dishes like classic Sunday roasts and lots of seafood. One person wrote: “We hadn’t visited this area before and booked up on the spur of the moment. Lovely meal, generous proportions, good service from the waitress and good value for money.”
The easiest way to reach Kessingland from London is by car. Leaving from the capital, you’ll reach your destination after passing through Chelmsford, Colchester and Ipswich. If you’re taking public transport, however, you will need to set aside three and a half hours to take two trains connecting in Norwich, followed by a 10-minute taxi from Lowestoft.
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