Aldeburgh Beach

Aldeburgh Beach is a long, exposed shingle bank on the Suffolk coast with a working-coast character that sets it apart from the region's sandy holiday beaches. Fishing boats are still hauled up on the shingle and sold from huts along the seafront, the scent of smoked fish mixing with salt air and tarred rope. The beach stretches north and south from the town with big skies, crashing waves and a raw, unpolished beauty — this is where Benjamin Britten found inspiration for Peter Grimes, and the atmosphere hasn't changed much since. The shingle shelves quite steeply into the sea, and the beach is predominantly pebble throughout.

This is a characterful dog friendly beach with seasonal restrictions in the central town area from 1 May to 30 September — but the northern and southern sections remain open year-round and offer quieter, less populated walking. The shingle suits steady-paced exploration rather than flat-out running, making Aldeburgh better for dogs who enjoy investigating the tide line, nosing through seaweed and driftwood, and taking in the rich scent of a working fishing beach. Dogs comfortable on pebbles will find the varied textures engaging underfoot. The steep shingle shelving means water access requires confidence from both dog and swimmer. The town has good facilities and several dog-friendly pubs. Parking is conveniently available along the seafront.