Our recommended first motorhome adventure, with short drives, beautiful places to explore and plenty of time to stop, relax and enjoy the journey.
Collect your motorhome from PWS Go at Abberton and head east towards the Suffolk coast. Over the next five days, you’ll discover charming villages, historic landmarks, wildlife-rich landscapes, independent shops and some of the best fish and chips in East Anglia.
There’s no need to rush. Choose a lovely spot to stay, put the kettle on, and let the adventure unfold.
Why choose the Suffolk coast?
Suffolk is made for exploring by motorhome. Its picturesque coastline combines sandy and shingle beaches, peaceful estuaries, traditional seaside towns and beautiful countryside, with plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling, wildlife watching and enjoying local food.
The distances between many of the highlights are relatively short, making this an ideal introduction to motorhome touring. You can explore somewhere new each day without spending hours behind the wheel.
We’ve designed this itinerary around a relaxed pace, with suggestions rather than a rigid timetable. Stay longer where you love a place, skip anything that doesn’t appeal, or add an extra night if you want to take things even more slowly.
Day 1: Abberton to Felixstowe Ferry
The adventure begins
After collecting your motorhome and getting comfortable with its features, head east towards Felixstowe. Allow time for your first drive, a campsite check-in and a little exploring.
Felixstowe Ferry is a lovely place to begin. Situated where the River Deben meets the sea, it offers a quieter, more traditional coastal atmosphere than the main seafront.
Take a stroll beside the river, watch the boats and enjoy the open views across the estuary. If the foot ferry to Bawdsey is operating, you could cross the river for a short walk and a different perspective of the coast. Check ferry times before setting off.
For dinner, keep things simple: pick up something local, enjoy fish and chips, or cook your first meal in your motorhome.
Consider Peewit Caravans or Suffolk Sands Holiday Park. Check pitch availability, vehicle dimensions and seasonal opening before booking.
Your first evening is about getting settled in. There’s no need to fit everything in on day one.
Day 2: Woodbridge, Sutton Hoo and Orford
Riverside charm and Anglo-Saxon history
Start the morning in Woodbridge, one of Suffolk’s most attractive market towns. Wander along the waterfront, enjoy a coffee and visit the historic Woodbridge Tide Mill if it’s open.
Next, head to Sutton Hoo, near Woodbridge, to discover one of Britain’s most remarkable archaeological sites. This was the location of an Anglo-Saxon ship burial, and its story offers a fascinating glimpse into early English history. Allow time to explore the exhibition and burial mounds.
In the afternoon, continue towards Orford, a small riverside village with a character all of its own. Visit Orford Castle, explore the quay and browse the local food shops. The village is particularly well known for its seafood and the excellent bakery and chocolate shop at Pump Street.
If time allows, look into boat trips to Orford Ness, a remarkable shingle landscape with a fascinating natural and military history. Boat services and access arrangements vary, so check in advance.
Shottisham Campsite is worth investigating if you prefer a rural setting near Woodbridge. Alternatively, continue towards Aldeburgh and consider Church Farm Holiday Park.
Sutton Hoo deserves more than a quick stop. If history isn’t your thing, spend longer exploring Woodbridge and Orford instead.
Day 3: Aldeburgh, Thorpeness and Snape Maltings
Seaside traditions and Suffolk food
Today is all about taking your time.
Begin in Aldeburgh, a distinctive seaside town famous for its shingle beach, colourful fishing boats and independent food shops. Look out for Maggi Hambling’s striking Scallop sculpture, visit the historic Moot Hall and browse the high street.
No visit would be complete without sampling the town’s famous fish and chips. You’ll also find fresh seafood and local produce, making this a great place to enjoy a leisurely lunch.
Next, make your way to nearby Thorpeness. This unusual village feels like something from a storybook, with the famous House in the Clouds and the picturesque Thorpeness Meare. When seasonal facilities are operating, you can hire a rowing boat and explore the little islands dotted around the lake.
Finish the day at Snape Maltings, a converted maltings complex beside the River Alde. Browse the independent shops, enjoy a coffee or something to eat, and explore the riverside paths. If you enjoy classical music, check the programme at Snape Maltings Concert Hall before your trip.
Church Farm Holiday Park near Aldeburgh is a convenient option for exploring this area. Book ahead, particularly during the summer and festival periods.
Park up for the day where permitted and explore on foot. The best discoveries are often made when you leave the timetable behind.
Day 4: Dunwich, RSPB Minsmere and Walberswick
Wild Suffolk and peaceful coastal villages
Leave the busier seaside towns behind and discover a wilder side of Suffolk.
Begin at Dunwich, once an important medieval port, much of which was lost to coastal erosion. Today, it is a peaceful coastal village with a fascinating history, woodland walks and a beautiful stretch of beach.
Nearby, RSPB Minsmere is one of Suffolk’s outstanding wildlife destinations. Its varied habitats support a wide range of birds and other wildlife, with trails and hides offering opportunities to spot anything from waders to marsh harriers. Allow a few hours if you enjoy nature, and check visitor information and seasonal opening before travelling.
In the afternoon, head to Walberswick, a charming village on the River Blyth. Wander through the village, explore the beach and marshes, or enjoy the traditional pastime of crabbing from suitable public access points.
If the ferry is operating, you may be able to cross the river towards Southwold; otherwise, the road route connects the two areas.
Haw Wood Farm Caravans and Camping is a useful option to investigate for a rural base near Dunwich and Minsmere. If you would rather be closer to the final day’s destination, consider Southwold Caravan Site.
Bring binoculars if you have them. This is one of the best days of the trip for slowing down and appreciating Suffolk’s natural environment.
Day 5: Southwold and the journey home
A classic Suffolk seaside finale
Finish your adventure in Southwold, one of England’s most characterful seaside towns.
Walk along the promenade, admire the colourful beach huts and head out onto the pier to discover its unusual attractions, including the quirky Under the Pier Show. Explore the independent shops and cafés, and look out for the lighthouse standing among the town’s streets.
Southwold is also home to Adnams, the well-known local brewer. Brewery and distillery tours may be available by advance booking, subject to the published programme.
For lunch, head towards Blackshore Harbour, where you can enjoy the waterside atmosphere and look out over the River Blyth. Alternatively, find a traditional pub or café in town.
If you have time and want to extend your trip, an additional night near Southwold gives you the chance to enjoy the coast without watching the clock.
Otherwise, begin the journey back towards Abberton, allowing plenty of time for traffic, refuelling and your agreed motorhome return arrangements.
Your return time is agreed when you hire your vehicle. Plan your final morning around that time, and contact us in advance if you would like to arrange a longer hire.
Make the most of your first motorhome holiday
A few simple tips will help you enjoy the journey:
- Book your overnight stops in advance. Coastal campsites can be particularly busy during school holidays and summer weekends.
- Check access before you travel. Some coastal car parks have height restrictions, narrow approaches or vehicle-specific rules. Never assume a space is suitable for your motorhome.
- Keep your days flexible. The suggested stops are options, not a checklist. There’s no need to see everything.
- Travel light and plan your supplies. Stock up on essentials before leaving, then enjoy discovering local shops and food along the way.
- Respect the countryside. Follow local parking rules, take your rubbish with you and leave overnight stops as you found them.
- Check opening times and seasonal services. Ferries, boat hire, attractions and campsite facilities may not operate all year.
Ready to discover Suffolk?
The best motorhome holidays aren’t about how far you travel. They’re about the places you discover, the people you meet and the freedom to stay a little longer when somewhere captures your imagination.
Whether you’re trying a motorhome for the first time or simply looking for a relaxed coastal escape, Suffolk is a wonderful place to begin.
PWS Go, your adventure starts here.
Suggested itinerary only. Driving times, routes, campsite availability and attraction opening arrangements vary. Please confirm suitability for your hired vehicle and make bookings directly with the relevant providers before departure.