Walberswick: A Quiet Suffolk Coastal Retreat
Suffolk is a large county just below Norfolk, that faces the cold North Sea. Home to sandy beaches, native seals, pretty beach huts and windmills!
If out walking, always follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. If at the coast, read about how to keep dogs safe by the seaside.
Don’t walk on sand dunes (to protect endangered natterjack toads) and keep you and dogs away from coastal birds and flowers (some are toxic) and seals. Join the campaign to ban flying rings, to help local seals.
Known as one of Suffolk’s ‘posh villages’, Walberswick sits on the Heritage Coast, a pretty place of tiny cottages in narrow lanes, often loved as retreats for writers and artists.
It’s an affluent area, with many well-heeled people enjoying a bolthole here, where privacy is respected. One local told The Guardian ‘Celebrities come here, because we don’t make a fuss. I don’t even know who this ginger-haired chap is, who everyone’s talking about. And I don’t much care’.
The name likely comes from ‘Walhbert’ which means a Saxon landowner, For many years, the area was a thriving port trading corn and timber. It used to have trade disputes with the neighbouring village of Dunwich, which even resulted in a royal enquiry!
But silt and coastal changes caused the decline of injury, and today it’s more a sanctuary for creative types, who enjoy coastal walks along the quiet beaches. Nearby is a large nature reserve, enjoyed by many rare birds.
The village is also known for its local ferry service. Unusual in that it’s by rowing boat, a local ‘wherry boat’ so there is no engine. The ferry is based on the traditional Suffolk punt, and can take up to 12 passengers (it’s also dog-friendly).
During winter it may use a motor launch for safety (or if too busy). If you want to contact them, you have to email (because the staff can’t hold a phone, while rowing the boat!)
