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Kessingland is a coastal village in Suffolk, and here, the sea is a place of peace and adventure. One of the great things to do in Kessingland is to walk the beach, get out into nature, and discover the local heritage. This coastal getaway is home to more than just sand and surf; it has family attractions, scenic golden beaches and forests, and historic gems. Whether you are watching giraffes and zebras roam at Africa Alive Park, or walking the windswept dunes at Benacre with all its birdlife, Kessingland offers a slow pace and rich experiences.
Top 10 Things To Do In Kessingland
Things to do in Kessingland include beachcombing its wild, unspoiled coastline and visiting the wildlife park, Africa Alive.
1. Stroll Kessingland Beach
Photo: Andy Goldsby / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Kessingland Beach features unspoiled natural beauty, unlike standard seaside resorts. This broad and calm stretch of shingle, sand, and dunes is perfect for coastal walks and reflections. The grassy cliffs at the back end, lacking any touristy distractions, make it ideally suited for those seeking solitude or stunning views. At low tide, you may find the remains of an ancient forest or fossil-hunting along the shoreline. There are also dog walkers, birdwatchers, and other nature lovers. This beach is refreshing; it’s where the sea meets the wild side of Suffolk.
Highlights: Wild, unspoiled coastline; fossil hunting; dunes and birdlife
Location: End of Beach Road, Kessingland, NR33 7RW
2. Visit Africa Alive Zoological Reserve
Photo: Sanja Byelkin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Africa Alive is located just south of Kessingland village and is an 80-acre open, African-themed zoo that is fun and educational. When you arrive, you will come to the “Plains of Africa” enclosure with giraffes, zebras, and white rhinos. You will also have meerkats having sociable groups nearby, and the walk through the Lemur Encounter will allow you to view ring-tailed lemurs up close. The park also has African lions and many exotic birds. Visiting Africa Alive is one of the best things to do in Kessingland.
Highlights: Lions, giraffes, lemurs, safari-style train, family activities
Location: Whites Lane, Kessingland, NR33 7TF
3. Explore The Suffolk Coast Path
Photo: Annie Spratt / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Suffolk Coast Path runs through Kessingland and provides many hikers with an amazing way to experience the coastal beauty of the area. This long-distance trail is over 50 miles in length, with local portions giving you access to sandy beaches, salt marshes, heathland, and several quaint seaside villages. From Kessingland, you can go north to Lowestoft or south to Benacre and beyond, while spotting rare birds and wildflowers. The routes are well-identified on maps and marked along the way, providing more than just casual hikers a good experience.
Highlights: Coastal walking, marshes, heathland, birdwatching
Location: Access via Kessingland Beach or Church Road
4. Visit St Edmund’s Church
Photo: Beth Montague / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
St Edmund’s Church is one of the top things to see in Kessingland. This beautiful 15th-century building features a steep 98-foot tower that once guided sailors. Built with local flint and stone, it reflects the wealth of the medieval fishing community. Inside, you’ll find a mix of traditional and modern elements, including a stunning stained-glass window by Nicola Kantorowicz. The peaceful churchyard invites quiet reflection, and the church remains active with events, making it a must-visit for history and heritage enthusiasts.
Highlights: 15th-century tower, stained glass, maritime history
Location: Church Road, Kessingland, NR33 7SF
5. Go Birdwatching At Benacre Marshes
Photo: Stephen Noulton / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
If you’re exploring what to do in Kessingland, birdwatching at nearby Benacre Marshes is a peaceful and rewarding option. Just a short walk from the village, this tranquil coastal reserve is home to reedbeds, lagoons, and shingle shores that attract a wide variety of birds. Seasonal highlights include marsh harriers, avocets, bitterns, and migratory species. Accessible from the Suffolk Coast Path, it’s perfect for a relaxed beach stroll with binoculars and a chance to enjoy Suffolk’s rich coastal wildlife.
Highlights: Lagoon and reedbed habitats, migratory birds, quiet trails
Location: South of Kessingland Beach, via coastal footpath
6. Hunt For Fossils And Submerged Forest Remains
Photo: Richerman / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
At Kessingland, one of the most enjoyable things to do is to walk along the ancient shoreline, looking for fossils or what remains of a submerged forest. At low tide, you may see dark stumps of prehistoric oak and pine trees rising above the sand; they are remnants that are thought to be 6,000+ years old. It is an eerie, yet beautiful landscape and offers hints of a time when East Anglia may have been covered in dense woodland. Quatrains of fossils and old shells, along with entire flints and flint tools, can be discovered along the tideline.
Highlights: Prehistoric tree stumps, fossil shells, beachcombing
Location: Kessingland Beach, visible at low tide
7. Discover Literary Links To H. Rider Haggard
Photo: Geographer / Wikimedia Commons
Among Kessingland’s lesser-known but interesting attractions is the village’s connection to famous writer H. Rider Haggard, best known for King Solomon’s Mines and She. Haggard lived in the village in the late 1800s in a home called “The Grange,” which sat on the cliffs above the sea. During his time at The Grange, Haggard was strongly influenced by the coastline and was active in local conservation, planting marram grass to help bind dunes and protect against erosion, an event that conserves the village to this day.
Highlights: Historic house site, Rider Haggard Lane, local lore
Location: Cliffside path near The Grange (former site), Kessingland
8. Browse The Kessingland Car Boot Sale
Photo: Steve Daniels / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the most fun things to do in Kessingland is to visit the vibrant car boot sale that takes place on White’s Lane. This well-attended local event gathers together several sellers offering a range of items from antiques to vintage items, toys, tools, plants, books, and crafts. It was a great way to soak up the community spirit of Kessingland, whilst also allowing you to hunt for that unique piece or useful item. The car boot sale is a relaxed and friendly environment for families, collectors, and window shoppers alike.
Highlights: Antiques, bric-a-brac, plants, local finds
Location: Whites Lane, adjacent to Africa Alive
9. Dine At The Waterfront And Local Pubs
Photo: Michael Garlick / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most enjoyable things to do in Kessingland is the chance to sample the local produce, particularly at some beautiful locations like The Waterfront restaurant. The Waterfront overlooks the sea and offers tasty fish and chips, seafood specials, and seasonal menus with a view. If you want a true traditional English pub experience, head down to The Sailors’ Home or The Coach & Horses, both of which serve filling meals and are noted for Sunday roasts, with a welcoming village atmosphere. Whether you’re simply looking for a lunch by the sea, a warm dinner, or just a pint with some locals, Kessingland has a relaxed atmosphere and hospitable Suffolk.
Highlights: Sea-view dining, traditional pub food, cosy atmosphere
Location: The Waterfront (Beach Road), The Sailors’ Home (Lighthouse Lane)
10. Explore Kessingland’s Lifeboat Heritage
Photo: Richard Sutcliffe / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the more poignant activities to discover in Kessingland is its historical lifeboat history. The village had an RNLI lifeboat station from 1855 until 1936 that played a significant part in saving lives on the treacherous Suffolk coast. Volunteers from the village would launch boats into stormy seas to rescue individuals in peril. Although the original lifeboat station has since closed, its heroic story lives on as an important part of the village’s identity. Visitors can find memorial plaques, historical markers, and local stories that commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of these lifeboat crews.
Highlights: Maritime history, commemorative plaques, RNLI legacy
Location: Throughout the village; plaques near Church Road and the seafront
With beaches, nature reserves, wildlife, and historic landmarks, the variety of things to do in Kessingland makes it a memorable coastal escape. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with family, this quiet Suffolk village offers a unique mix of discovery and peace. From scenic walks to local heritage, it’s the perfect blend of charm and tranquillity. Plan your trip today with TripXL and uncover one of England’s hidden gems.
Cover Photo: Cameron Agostino / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
