Wander past pretty chocolate box cottages, go crabbing at the harbour, take a ferry along the river and stop for a pint of local ale, all at this picturesque village

What to see and do

Artist and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh made Walberswick his home for a year and it’s easy to see why. This coastal hot spot is popular with holidaymakers, who enjoy its sand dunes, sandy beach and grasslands – the perfect place to get away from it all. Bring your buckets and bait so you can have a go at crabbing by the harbour. Head up to the top of the village to see the ruins of St Andrew’s Church, Walberswick’s third church built at the end of the 15th century. One of the best ways to take in the tranquil views of the area is to catch the ferry over the River Blyth to the adjacent Southwold Harbour. The Southwold to Walberswick ferry runs from Easter to October.

With flora and fauna in abundance, Walberswick is also a popular a place to explore on foot. If you are looking for a route, the Walberswick Wander takes around one hour 30 minutes (depending on ferry crossing) and is a good way to explore numerous bridleways, see the river, cross a Bailey bridge and view an old windmill across the reed beds. For the full route, visit www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org

Eating and drinking

The Anchor has coastal views and a fabulous garden,making it a great pub for lunch or dinner. The menu changes regularly and features locally sourced seasonal ingredients.

Or there’s The Bell Inn, with a great selection of beers and wines, as well as pub food. To view a sample menu, go to www.bellinnwalberswick.co.uk

You can buy fresh fish and chips at the mobile fish hut, and at The Black Dog Deli you’ll find delicious sandwiches, salads, bread, pastries and freshly brewed coffee, among other tasty offerings. Find the deli on Facebook.

The Parish Lantern serves cream teas, and if the sun is shining the walled garden makes a wonderful place to sit and relax.

Shopping

Despite its size, Walberswick has a good selection of local shops and a supermarket where you can buy groceries and newspapers, as well as pick up everyday essentials. Souvenirs, gifts, art and crafts are available at The Parish Lantern gift shop and gallery on the village green and you can buy fresh fish at the harbour.

Parking and toilets

There is pay and display parking at the harbour and in Ferry Road, and Hoist Covert Car Park in Lodge Road.

There are toilets next to Walberswick Village Hall.

Events

The Anchor’s annual Cask Ale and Oyster Festival August 5, 6 and 7, noon-11pm.

Live music and barbecue. Beer guru and founder of the Beer Academy Mark Dorber will be offering nearly 25 beers at the event, including cask ales pulled straight from the firkin, alongside international craft beers from the keg, both at the Terrace Bar and in The Anchor’s Flint Barn. www.anchoratwalberswick.com.

Walberswick Fête, August 26, 11am-4pm. Food and drink, various stalls, donkey rides, games, raffles, a dog show, an auction of nautical mannequins, music and more. www.walberswick.onesuffolk.net