The UK beach named one of the most beautiful that is quickly disappearing

Covehithe Cliffs from Benacre, Suffolk, UK.
-Credit: (Image: Construction Photography/Avalon/Getty Images)


One of the UK's most beautiful beaches - Covehithe beach in Suffolk, renowned for its tranquil sands and striking orange cliffs - is at risk of disappearing due to severe coastal erosion. The Sunday Times has previously listed this secluded spot as one of the UK's top beaches.

However, it holds the unfortunate title of being the country's most rapidly eroding beach. Historical data shows that since the 1830s, over 500 metres of cliff-face have been lost to the sea.

The local Shoreline Management Plan reveals that Covehithe's cliffs are eroding at an alarming rate of around 4.5 metres annually. The Environment Agency has issued a stark warning that the main settlement of Covehithe, currently about 250 metres from the shoreline, could be swallowed by the sea by 2110.

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There's even a possibility it could happen as soon as 2040. As a result, the unstable cliffs pose a significant danger to visitors, reports the Mirror.

Despite the rapid erosion, the orange cliffs at Covehithe still provide a stunning backdrop that is often overlooked by crowds. The beach can be reached via a lane that leads to fields and then abruptly ends at the cliff edge.

Further along the beach, you'll discover the remnants of the medieval St Andrews Church, which was abandoned due to high maintenance costs before a smaller church was constructed within its grounds.

The beach also hosts Southwold's old Victorian pier and Benacre Broad Bird Hide, a popular spot for birdwatching.

One visitor review of the beach states: "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."

A collapsed Road, Covehithe Cliffs, Suffolk.
A collapsed Road, Covehithe Cliffs, Suffolk. -Credit:Construction Photography/Avalon/Getty Images

While the beach itself offers limited activities, the nearby town of Lowestoft provides a wealth of cultural and historical attractions, including The Gulliver wind turbine, Marina Theatre, Pleasurewood Hills and Africa-Alive, a 100-acre zoo. A short drive further along the coast will take you to Great Yarmouth, renowned for its Golden Mile of beaches.

Both towns are easily reachable by car. If you're not keen on driving, a further walk south will lead you to the town of Southwold. Nestled next to Covehithe beach, Southwold boasts a variety of accommodation options and a range of eateries.

Still Southwold accommodation is nearest to the beach, offering several holiday homes. The Listening Station is a bespoke beach house, boasting views towards the cliffs and beaches of Covehithe. It can accommodate up to four guests and one small dog.

The Watch Room, which overlooks Southwold Pier, also sleeps up to four people. If it's just the two of you, consider staying in The Easternmost Cabin, constructed on the site of three former Victorian workers' cottages.

For larger groups, The Warren House, originally built as a farmhouse in 1925, sleeps up to eight guests and one dog. A minimum stay of three days is required, with prices starting from around £600.

Covehithe may not be the ideal destination for a family holiday or if you're after the usual seaside attractions. However, it's perfect for those seeking stunning scenery in a tranquil and secluded setting.