Here are the best things to do in the coastal town of Lowestoft

The old seaside town sitting on the northernmost part of Suffolk is Lowestoft. What once was popular Port in Britain, is now a popular tourist destination. You’re in for a treat when you visit the charming old town of Lowestoft. There are plenty of things for you to see and experience; local heritage sites, wildlife park, award-winning beaches, theme parks, theatres and a wide range of restaurants. As if this wasn’t tempting enough, Lowestoft also happens to be the first place where you can experience the sunrise in Britain. 

Now, I know it would not be possible to visit each and every place, especially if you’re here for a short stay. But fret not, we’ve curated some of the best things to do in Lowestoft, for you. 

Best things to do in Lowestoft: 

1. The Oulton Broads in Lowestoft: 

A stone’s throw away from the seaside town of Lowestoft is the lovely village of Oulton Broad. This wonderful place is a gateway to cute cafes, riverside pubs and restaurants, independent shops, Edwardian park, and natural reserves. There’s so much that you can do in here; relax and admire the riverside views while indulging in food, go on a shopping spree, visit the petting zoo, watch powerboats and yachts racing at the waterside park, explore the famous Carlton and Oulton Marshes, stroll around the Nicholas Everitt Park and visit the Lowestoft museum. 

Like I said before, there are plenty of things to see and do in Oulton Broads which appeals to each and every one of you. So if you ask me, this definitely is one of the best things to do in Lowestoft. 

2. Lowestoft Beach

I’m sure most of us love spending time at the beach. I mean, just imagine soaking in the sun, sipping on your drink and chilling at the beach. Sounds great, right? Now, why would you want to miss this experience when you’re in Lowestoft. Go ahead, grab your necessities and hit this award-winning beach with your friends or family. 

The Lowestoft beach is a long, golden sandy beach, split into two by a century-old Claremont Pier and is definitely one of the best things to do in Lowestoft. You get an amazing view of the beach and also of the gardens, Victorian houses and cute colourful beach huts lined up. Go for a swim, play water sports, visit the traditional summer fair, relish local food, or just do nothing and you’ll still have a good time. 

3. The Lowestoft Scores

One of the most important parts of the town’s heritage is are the scores. The scores are a series of narrow lanes which once provided a vital link between the town’s high street on top of a cliff with the beach fishing village below. Although the beach village is long gone, the scores still remain for its historic significance. 

When you’re in Lowestoft, I’d recommend you to do this as it offers a lot of fun and history. Initially, there were 14 scores, but currently, there are only twelve. So for those of you who love walking and discovering interesting things, this is definitely one of the best things to do in Lowestoft. Each track is about 1.5 miles so you can choose as many scores as you’d like. For people who don’t hate physical exercise as I do, there’s an even more fun experience for you guys. Take part in the gruelling scores race conducted by the Waveney Athletics Club, in the month of September,  where you’ll have to run up and down all the scores. 

4. Pakefield & Kirkley

A charming coastal suburb of Lowestoft found on top of a cliff overlooking the North Sea is Pakefield. This historic coastal gem is definitely worth visiting. As soon as you enter this pretty village, you’ll witness its maritime past all around, from little fishermen’s cottages to 19th-century lighthouse. While you’re in Pakefield, you must definitely visit its historic pubs, the church on top of a cliff, and cute cafes serving English tea and cakes. 

The vibrant district of Kirkley is located on the southern coast of Lowestoft. If you’re looking for a place for a family’s day out, then Kirkley is the perfect place to visit. The district is famous for its impressive Victorian houses overlooking the sea along the marine parade and for being the birthplace of a famous composer, Benjamin Britten. The district is always bustling with local retailers, cafes and restaurants, making it an exciting place to visit. 

If you’re in for a long haul, then you should visit these two places as they are some of the best things to do in Lowestoft

Also read: 15 Best Things to Do in Ipswich, Suffolk

5. Africa Alive

I’m sure most of would get bored if we only visit beaches or historical places throughout the trip. So, why not add something exciting to your plan besides these? One of my personal favourites and the best things to experience is the highly-rated wildlife park, Africa Alive. The wildlife park located in Kessingland is committed to the protection of animals from the African continent. But not just that, you’ll also find a wide range of British Wildlife in here. This walking safari is set in 100 acres of Suffolk countryside and is home to more than eighty species of animals. 

Whether you’re an animal lover or not, you should definitely visit Africa Alive. You’ll spot five species of the African savannah animals, giraffes, zebras, rhinoceros, and many more species. When you’re in Africa Alive, do no miss out on the lookout lodge, where you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the lion enclosure, and the Lemur encounters, where you’ll walk in a cage with lemurs on top. 

6. Pleasurewood Hills

Children’s favourite, Pleasurewood Hills is the theme park in Lowestoft offering a variety of thrilling and exciting activities. The theme park is home to more than 35 rides, attractions and shows, which would be enough for an entire day. Some of the fun rides for the kids over 13 are the rollercoasters, water rides, bumper cars, carousels and miniature railways. You’ll also find the heart kids zone for the little ones. So if you’re travelling with your kids or you just want to add some thrill to your itinerary, then this is one of the best things to do in Lowestoft.

How to reach?

It’s easily accessible by bus and train. You can take a direct train from Norwich and Ipswich or ongoing connections from Cambridge and London Liverpool Street. 

If you’re travelling to the UK, then make sure you add Lowestoft to the itinerary. You can start creating your own customised itinerary on our website, pickyourtrail.com. Or if you’d like to have expert-created itineraries, then head to our UK Tour Packages page. You can also WhatsApp or talk to our destination experts for more assistance. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and book your much-awaited vacation.