Dunwich Beach
FreeA steep shingle beach with a genuinely eerie backstory, most of medieval Dunwich has been swallowed by the sea over the centuries, and locals still swear you can hear the old church bells ringing under the waves on a still night. The steepness of the shingle means deep water is close in, which is exactly what makes it fish so well: bass through the summer right up against the shingle, with flounder and dab holding year-round and a proper run of winter cod and whiting once the water cools. Dogfish, sole and rays are all on the cards too when conditions line up.
Access: Free shore access, no rod licence needed for sea fishing
Parking: National Trust car park at Dunwich Beach, a short walk from the shingle
Last updated: 10 August 2026
Species you can expect
| Species | Best season |
|---|---|
| Bass | Summer |
| Flounder | Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter |
| Dab | Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter |
| Cod / codling | Winter |
| Whiting | Winter |
| Sole | Summer |
| Dogfish | Summer |
The steep shingle means you don't need to cast far, deep water is right at your feet, so this is a great mark for wading in gently and working close range before you commit to a long lob. Dunwich Heath and the RSPB reserve are right behind the beach if you fancy a walk while the tide sorts itself out.
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