Lowestoft: UNLONDON at First Light
Lowestoft in Suffolk has a great claim to fame – as the most easterly point in the country, the seaside town is the first to see the sunrise each day. What could be a better way to start the day, at daybreak, on the fabulous sandy beach. You can’t do that in London.
Where is Lowestoft in England
Lowestoft is a maritime and seaside town in Suffolk in the East of England. It typically takes less than three hours to get to Lowestoft from London by train, changing at Norwich or Ipswich.
What makes Lowestoft special
The First Light Festival in June is a highlight but just sit on the beach at daybreak and [humble brag] you might just want to mention on your socials that you’re the first person in the UK to see today’s sunlight.
UK’s most easterly point
First Light Festival is an annual celebration of midsummer with a free, unticketed outdoor weekend programme of shows and performances on the beach. From the most easterly place, the morning sun comes early and bright, with thoughts of new beginnings, energy and a zest for creativity in life.
The festival also has a year-round programme of events at the East Point Pavilion with live music, DJs and performances, alongside a varied calendar of pop-up makers and producers events as well as creative community and seasonal activities.
This Victorian-style glass pavilion is also the perfect spot to enjoy the sea view, while savouring delicious food from the café, barista coffee, craft beer, wine and cocktails.
There are two sandy stretches of beach either side of Claremont Pier, popular with sea swimmers, paddleboarders and windsurfers. Or get some fish and chips and enjoy sitting on the Prom.
Things to do in Lowestoft
Why not horse ride on the beach with Pakefield Riding School, enjoy the rides at Pleasurewood Hills, see the exotic animals at Africa Alive or get your adrenaline fix on the high seas with Jet Adventures. For a unique dining experience, try The Crooked Barn.
If you’re here in September, hordes of runners assemble in the High Street for the annual Scores Run, a dash down historic narrow lanes which head down to the beach. The 4.75-mile race runs up and down the historic scores, with a total of 401 steps and passageways!
Nearby is Ness Point, the UK’s official most easterly point and now one of the leading areas in the UK for renewable energy.
Lowestoft across all seasons
UNLONDON yourself in Lowestoft throughout the year with the lovely sandy beaches, but there’s also incredible year-round wildlife at Carlton and Oulton Marshes, or enjoy the adrenaline of a North Sea trip with Jet Adventures.
Where to stay in Lowestoft
Discover the delightful Oulton Broad where you can hire a day boat or take a river trip, or head to the Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Carlton and Oulton Marshes, the southern gateway to the Broads National Park. The reserve is a great place to spot Marsh Harrier, Bearded Tits and Snipes.
Whether it’s sunrise on the beach or bird spotting in the Broads, this is the place to relax, unwind and feel a slower pace of life. Very UNLONDON.
Getting to Lowestoft by train from London
You can get to Lowestoft by train from London Liverpool Street station, the journey takes around 2 hours 42 minutes, and has 1 change at Norwich or Ipswich Station. Our trains are accessible and feature free Wi-fi and plug points in-between seats. First Class and catering are available on most of our London to Norwich intercity services.
If you’re planning to stay overnight, you should check out our Weekender ticket, which lets you travel out on a Friday or Saturday, and return on a Sunday or Monday.
Book train ticket to Lowestoft
FAQs about Lowestoft staycations
Being the most easterly point of the UK, so it’s the first to see the sun.
Yes it is, except in the main tourism season from May to September.
It typically takes less than three hours to get to Lowestoft from London by train, changing at Norwich or Ipswich.
Yes you can, the beach gently slopes to the sea and there are lifeguards in summer.
Photography courtesy of Visit East of England