One of the simplest pleasures of outdoor family travel is to unzip a tent to the fresh, salty air of the Suffolk coast. The charming village of Walberswick is a classic seaside escape tucked away on the east coast of England. Well known for its sand dunes, wild heathlands and historic charm it makes a great base for a family camping holiday.
When camping with kids, you don’t need highly commercialised theme parks or crowded arcades to entertain them. Walberswick proves that nature, tradition and a little bit of fresh air are the perfect ingredients for a memorable family holiday.
World Class Crabbing
Crabbing is an inevitable part of any conversation about Walberswick. This lovely stretch of coast has for decades been regarded as the unofficial capital of crabbing in the UK. Wooden bridges, tidal creeks and harbour walls are perfect for catching shore crabs. It’s an activity that grabs the attention of both toddlers and teens, keeping them busy for hours.
Tips for Fun And Safe Catching
Your crabbing station is a super simple setup, ideal for campers who want to pack light:
- The Gear: You just need a simple line for crabbing, a bucket of local water, a small net and some bait.
- The Secret Bait: A classic is bacon, but seasoned crabbing families will tell you that raw fish or a bit of squid works wonders.
- Keep it Safe: Tell children to pick up the crabs from behind so they don’t get pinched. Always return your little catches safely back to the water before heading back to your campsite for dinner.
Relax On The Sandy Beach And Explore The Dunes
Walberswick Beach is a lovely, wide stretch of sand and shingle that feels a world apart from busy, commercialised resort beaches. Sitting atop massive sand dunes, it offers a safe, wide-open playground for kids to burn off energy. On a sunny day, the shallow waters are perfect for paddling, splashing and building complex systems of sandcastles and moats.
Wildlife Spotting In The Marram Grass
The dunes themselves are a nature lover’s dream. Enjoy a gentle family walk along the marram grass-lined paths and see what you can find. The beach is next to the Dunwich Heath and Suffolk Coast National Nature Reserve, so it is very likely that you will spot rare coastal birds, colourful butterflies and unique coastal plants. It’s a great opportunity to teach kids about the local environment right outside their tent door.”
Take The Iconic Rowboat Ferry To Southwold
Opposite the River Blyth is the historic pier town of Southwold. Forget packing the family into the car and the long way round; take the classic adventure of the traditional Walberswick ferry as a shortcut. This is a historic hand-rowed boat service carrying passengers safely across the river.
Exploring The Opposite Bank
The quick crossing drops you off near Southwold Harbour, and your family has a whole new range of activities to enjoy for the day:
- Head to Southwold pier: Walk the historic boardwalk and try out the quirky home-made arcade games in the Under the Pier Show.
- Indulge in Classic Treats: Pick up some fresh fish and chips by the harbour walls or spoil the kids with locally made ice cream.
- Walk Back over Footbridge: If the ferry queues are long on the way back, you can take a scenic walk back to Walberswick across the old railway footbridge, keeping an eye out for boats along the river.
Hike And Bike Through The Heathlands
Camping is the perfect excuse to lace up your walking boots. The flatness of the Walberswick landscape makes it very accessible for little legs and pushchairs. Purple heather, golden gorse and pockets of shaded woodland are criss-crossed by miles of signposted footpaths.
Family Cycling Adventures
If you have bicycles with your camping gear, you’re in luck. The regional cycling routes around the Suffolk Coast are quiet, scenic and safe. Pack a simple picnic, get on your bikes and cycle through the ancient woods of nearby Dunwich Forest looking for deer, wild ponies and ancient ruins as you go.
The Joy Of Evenings At The Campsite
The best thing about a Walberswick camping trip is what happens when the sun goes down and the day trippers have gone. The real magic of the Suffolk coast is when you come back to your campsite after a day of crabbing and beach walking and exploring.
Gather the family around a portable camp stove or a designated fire pit, look up at the beautifully clear, unpolluted night sky to spot stars and tell stories about the day’s biggest crab catch. Walberswick is a reminder that the best family memories are made outside, away from screens, with just a bucket, a queue and a little bit of imagination.