A quaint village, once a bustling medieval port and considered the capital of East Anglia, is an ideal day trip for history enthusiasts or those who enjoy serene, windswept beaches.
In the Anglo-Saxon era, Dunwich on the Suffolk coast was the heart of what was then known as the Kingdom of the East Angles. Its international port was seen as a competitor to London, and the Domesday Book of 1086 recorded it having a population exceeding 3,000. This was at a time when London’s population was merely 18,000.
However, the town’s fortunes took a turn in 1286 when a storm surge struck the area, followed by two large storms the following year. This resulted in significant coastal erosion, causing vast parts of the town to be submerged underwater.
In 1347, it’s believed that 400 homes were swept into the sea, with most of the town’s remnants destroyed in 1362 during Saint Marcellus’s flood. The tragic event claimed the lives of around 25,000 people across Europe, reports the Mirror.
Due to its unique history, Dunwich is often referred to as the ‘lost city of England’ and draws parallels with the mythical island of Atlantis, which, according to legends, sank beneath the sea.
The Dunwich Museum provides an excellent opportunity to learn about life before the floods. Researchers have charted where the old homes and buildings stood before they were claimed by the sea, and these maps can be viewed at the museum.
There are also many fascinating exhibits about medieval life and artefacts from the period.
Only a few remnants of the medieval era remain. One of the most intact structures is the Greyfriars monastery, which was constructed about half a mile inland after the original coastal monastery was lost.
The ruins include the grand entrance to the monastery and part of the refectory where the monks dined.
The National Trust’s Dunwich Heath and Beach is an untouched haven with some stunning walking trails. The Heath is teeming with rare wildlife and birds, and you might even spot red deer and otters during your walk.
Dunwich’s wide shingle beach is a favourite spot for fishing and sea paddling.
Not all boats destined for Dunwich arrived safely, and researchers have uncovered a significant number of shipwrecks off the coast. According to the East Anglian Daily Times, there could be hundreds of ships in a shipwreck graveyard off the coast, many of which sank during World War I when shipping routes were under attack.
After you’ve finished exploring, stop by Flora Tea Rooms, a traditional fish and chip restaurant on the beach that also offers British classics like afternoon tea. The village boasts one pub, The Ship at Dunwich, a cosy place with a beer garden and stunning countryside views. It also has 16 rooms if you decide to extend your stay in this tranquil village.
Dunwich is conveniently located near the RSPB Minsmere, a coastal nature reserve boasting diverse habitats such as woodland, reedbeds, grassland, and heathland. Amidst this untouched landscape, you can look for a variety of wildlife, from an impressive assortment of coastal birds to Water Voles.