One of the UK's best beaches, known for its orange cliffs and serene sand, could soon disappear and be washed away into the sea.
Known for its peacefulness and remote location, Covehithe beach in Suffolk has been named as one of the best beaches in the UK by the The Sunday Times. However, the under-the-radar beach may not be around for much longer as it suffers from the highest rate of erosion in the country of any beach.
Between the 1830s and 2001, the cliff-face has lost over 500 metres and according to the area's Shoreline Management Plan, Clovehithe's cliffs erode around 4.5 metres a year.
The Environment Agency has warned that the main part of the settlement at Covehithe - which is roughly 250 metres from the shoreline - is expected to be claimed by the sea by 2110. However, it could tumble beneath the waves as early as 2040. As a consequence, the cliffs in the area pose a constant risk to members of the public who visit the beach.
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Covehithe Beach suffers from extreme erosion, losing 4.5 metres a yearDespite their fast erosion, the orange cliffs at Covehithe still offer a picturesque landscape, that benefits from little crowds. The beach can be accessed via a lane, which leads to fields before abruptly stopping at the cliff edge. Walk further along the beach and you'll find the ruins of the medieval St Andrews Church, which became too expensive for the parish to maintain and was eventually left for ruin, before a new smaller church was built within its grounds.
The beach is also home to Southwold's old Victorian pier and Benacre Broad Bird Hide, a bird watching area.
One review of the beach reads: "My favourite beach in Suffolk. It’s so unique, there are broads on the beach so you can be between two bodies if water which is quite surreal if you ask me. Lots of wild life such as birds and the occasional seal. The beach is very sandy with the odd stone/pebble nearer the shore."
While there isn't much to do at the beach itself, further along the coastline is the town of Lowestoft. The seaside town has a rich heritage and culture, including attractions like The Gulliver wind turbine, Marina Theatre, Pleasurewood Hills and a 100-acre zoo, Africa-Alive. Slightly further along the coast is also Great Yarmouth — home to the Golden Mile of beaches. Both are easily accessible by car.
If venturing out in a car is not for you, walking further south will get you to the town of Southwold. Located next to Covehithe beach, Southwold offers an array of accommodation and a selection of eating establishments. Still Southwold accommodation is closest to the beach, with various holiday homes available.
The Listening Station is a custom-built beach household, with views towards the cliffs and beaches of Covehithe. It can sleep up to four people and one small dog. The Watch Room looks out towards Southwold Pier, also sleeping up to four people. Alternatively, if only two of you, you could stay in The Easternmost Cabin, which is built on the site of three former Victorian workers' cottages. For bigger parties, The Warren House sleeps up to eight people and one dog and was originally was built as a farmhouse in 1925. A minimum stay of three days is required, starting at prices of around £600.
Covehithe might not be the place for a holiday with children, or if you fancy the typical tourist attractions usually found at seaside towns. But it is perfect for those wanting to see beautiful scenery in a quiet and remote location.
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