National Trust - Dunwich Heath and Beach

The heath rolls away from the car park in waves of heather and gorse, a proper wilderness considering you're only a few miles from Saxmundham. Dunwich Heath is National Trust land, which means it's free to wander and always open - no faffing about with opening times. The beach itself is shingly and dramatic, with the cliffs crumbling away in places. On a clear day you can see for miles along the Suffolk coast, which is genuinely worth the trip even if the weather's only half decent.

Walkers will get the most from this place. There are proper trails through the heathland, and the going is easy enough for most fitness levels, though it can get muddy after rain. Families with younger kids might find the beach a bit bleak compared to the seaside resorts further round - there's no ice cream van or donkeys, just shingle and sea air. Ornithologists come here too; the heath is good for spotting birds if you know what you're looking for.

The real strength is combining this with a stay at one of the nearby caravan parks. Cliff House Holiday Park sits just 0.6 miles away, so you could pitch up and have the heath on your doorstep. Beach View and Cakes & Ale are both within walking distance at 3.4 miles. It's the kind of place where you spend an afternoon rather than a full day - two hours on the beach and trails, then you're done. The wind can be bracing even in summer, so pack a proper jacket. Worth it for the solitude and the light.