Kessingland Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Kessingland Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Kessingland sits in a prime spot for exploring Suffolk's coast and countryside. The village itself offers Kessingland Beach, a quieter alternative to busier Suffolk beaches with its mix of sand and shingle stretching for miles. Perfect for morning walks before returning for a dip in your hot tub!

Africa Alive (NR33 7TF, open 10am-5pm daily) ranks as the area's top paid attraction with a 4/5 TripAdvisor score. This 100-acre wildlife park houses over 80 species including giraffes, rhinos and lions. The walking safari takes about 3-4 hours to complete properly.

Benacre National Nature Reserve borders Kessingland to the south and offers woodland, heath and coastal lagoons. It's free to visit and home to important bird populations including marsh harriers and bitterns.

For rainy days, Lowestoft's East Anglia Transport Museum (NR32 5DZ, open weekends 1pm-5pm) offers vintage trams and trolleybuses you can ride on. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and costs about £10 for adults.

Pet Friendly

Dogs love Kessingland! The beach allows dogs year-round on the northern section, unlike many Suffolk beaches with summer restrictions. This means after breakfast you can take your dog straight down for a run while the beach is quiet.

The Sailors Home pub (NR33 7RG) welcomes dogs inside and out, serving good pub grub and local ales. They even keep dog treats behind the bar. I've seen them bring water bowls without asking - always a good sign!

Africa Alive allows dogs on leads throughout the park except in the restaurant and certain animal areas. They provide water stations around the site.

When booking your hot tub cottage, check if they provide dog beds, bowls or enclosed gardens. Many Kessingland properties cater specifically for dogs with dedicated washing areas for sandy paws and secure outdoor spaces.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Kessingland

Kessingland Beach should top your list. This expansive beach never feels crowded even in summer. The southern end features dramatic erosion showing layers of Suffolk's geological history. The beach cafe (NR33 7RU) serves excellent fish and chips and homemade ice cream. We recommend the early morning light here for photographers - the old fishing boats against the sunrise make stunning shots.

St Edmund's Church (NR33 7SJ) dates to the 13th century and sits on higher ground offering views across to the sea. Inside you'll find a 15th-century font and medieval graffiti scratched by sailors. The church remains unlocked during daylight hours. The volunteer guides on Wednesday afternoons share fascinating stories about smuggling operations that once used the church tower as a lookout.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust's Carlton Marshes (NR33 8HU) lies just 10 minutes north of Kessingland. This expanding nature reserve now covers over 1,000 acres of wetland habitat. The visitor centre opened in 2020 and includes panoramic views, excellent coffee and interactive displays. Dawn visits often reward with otter sightings, while summer brings thousands of dragonflies. One visitor recently described it as "the Everglades of Suffolk" in their TripAdvisor review.

Is Kessingland good for families with young children?

Yes! The gently shelving beach makes it safer than steeper Suffolk beaches. Africa Alive offers excellent family facilities including baby-changing and play areas. Many cottages provide highchairs and travel cots - just request when booking. The hot tub will be a hit with older kids too!

Can I get around Kessingland without a car?

It's possible but limiting. The 99 bus connects Kessingland to Lowestoft (20 mins) and Southwold (30 mins) hourly. Taxis from Lowestoft station cost around £12. For full exploration of the area, a car helps access inland attractions and smaller coastal villages.

Where's the nearest supermarket to stock up my cottage?

Kessingland has a small Co-op on Field Lane (NR33 7QA) for basics. For bigger shops, Tesco Extra in south Lowestoft (NR33 7NG) is 10 minutes' drive. Many cottages offer welcome hampers with local produce - worth asking when booking.

What's the best time of year to visit Kessingland?

May and September offer warm days without crowds. Wildlife watching peaks in spring and autumn migration periods. Summer brings the best beach weather and longer days for exploring. Winter offers dramatic stormy seas and cosy evenings in your hot tub under starry skies.

Are there good restaurants in Kessingland?

The Waterfront (NR33 7RB) offers excellent seafood with beach views. For pub meals, try The Sailors Home mentioned earlier. Lowestoft (10 mins drive) has wider options including Mark G's highly-rated seafood restaurant. Many visitors mix eating out with self-catering.

Is the hot tub available year-round?

Most Kessingland cottages maintain hot tubs throughout the year. Winter dips can be especially magical with clear starry skies. Check the specific property details as maintenance schedules occasionally affect availability.

Helpful links:

1. Suffolk Wildlife Trust - Carlton Marshes
2. Africa Alive Wildlife Park
3. Official Suffolk Coast - Kessingland Guide
4. Benacre National Nature Reserve