The Ship at Dunwich in Dunwich, Suffolk — Coastal Inn

Dunwich, Suffolk

Where the Marsh Meets Its Match

Suffolk's most soulful coastal inn, where log fires, marsh views and honest cooking conspire to make you never want to leave.

Perched just a three-minute stroll from the Suffolk shoreline, The Ship at Dunwich is the kind of coastal inn that feels as though it has always existed — weathered, welcoming and utterly sure of itself. In winter, crackling log fires draw you in from the salt-lashed air; in summer, the sunlit conservatory and sheltered beer garden coax you into lingering long past your intentions. This is a place that understands the rhythm of the coast, and refuses to rush it.

The sixteen en suite bedrooms are quietly charming, each one designed around the elemental beauty of the East Anglian landscape — big skies, golden sands, ocean waves. Many look out over the surrounding marshlands, and waking to a Suffolk sunrise stealing across the water is, as the inn itself will tell you, special in any season or weather. Sandy-pawed companions are not merely tolerated here; they are genuinely welcomed, which says something rather lovely about the spirit of the place.

At the table, the kitchen keeps things honest and inspired in equal measure. Locally sourced ingredients from land and sea are cooked with skill and served with care — traditional pub classics alongside something a little more adventurous for the curious palate, best enjoyed alongside a well-kept pint or a glass of Pinot in the atmospheric bar. For couples seeking a restorative escape along one of England's most quietly dramatic coastlines, The Ship at Dunwich is, quite simply, unmissable.

Notable Features

What Sets It Apart

  • Coastal location
  • Marsh views
  • Local seafood

Gallery

Inside & Out

The Ship at Dunwich — interior and exterior view 1
The Ship at Dunwich — interior and exterior view 2
The Ship at Dunwich — interior and exterior view 3
The Ship at Dunwich — interior and exterior view 4
The Ship at Dunwich — interior and exterior view 5
The Ship at Dunwich — interior and exterior view 6
The Ship at Dunwich — interior and exterior view 7
The Ship at Dunwich — interior and exterior view 8
The Ship at Dunwich — interior and exterior view 9
The Ship at Dunwich — interior and exterior view 10
The Ship at Dunwich — interior and exterior view 11
The Ship at Dunwich — interior and exterior view 12
The Ship at Dunwich — interior and exterior view 13

Guest Voices

What They Say

Randomly chose this place near to the local Friary landmark. Quaint little pub, and lovely Jake took care of us when we arrived as the room was upstairs and this would have been difficult for my wife. We ended up in one of the outside rooms and it was quite acceptable, if a little tight. Without a case rack we got some mud on the bed from our luggage and the bathroom could have done with a shelf. Nice hot shower, good towels and bed linens, cookie treats and heating worked nicely. Great meal in the cosy pub with a good selection of independent brewery beers by the wood fire. Proper steak pie and right crispy gluten free fresh cod & chips. Shared a lovely mussels marinière to start, too full for sweets. Recommend.

Gary Wise5/5

A really lovely family feel pub, the outdoor space was very friendly and with lots of heaters, blankets and even hot water bottles making it an enjoyable winter experience. Food was good quality and had good portions. The staff were exceptional our server, Darcie went above and beyond to accommodate all 10 of us and was very chatty and smiley making her very approachable. She was a perfect example of brilliant service. Would recommend even with some of the food being pricey (but expected for his type of pub)

Lizzie5/5

Lovely, cosy place to stay. Fabulous way to spend the New Year. would come again. Lovely atmosphere. The below didn’t spoil things but just could have made the experience even better. A few things that could make the stay even better: Towel rails in the bathroom. Soap, shampoo etc accessible from the bath in grey friars. Shelf near the bath. Towelling Dressing gowns. Full stock of tea and coffee (including decaf) in the room. Info pack in the room re local walks, menus, details of checkout times etc. Larger reception area for check in and out. Lettuce with prawn cocktail and a piece of bread. More stock of menu items, lots had sold out. More sourdough stock! Clear info re the January food offer ie when valid from. Itemised bill to view at checkout.

Sam Painter5/5

Just spent a night at The Ship, Dunwich. Excellent experience in every way. Room was spotless, warm and welcoming. Beds very comfortable and the room was large enough for the three of us. Our dog slept in the car but the Ship is a dog friendly and there were plenty of four legged pals in the restaurant and bar. Service from all members of staff, including reception, restaurant, bar and breakfast, was excellent and friendly. We will definitely stay again and wish The Ship all the best. They deserve their success in such tricky times for the hospitality industry.

Susannah Saunders5/5

Booked a room and dinner for New Year's Eve. Room was a bit small but otherwise well equipped and welcoming. Food was perfectly ok, but nothing special. The thing that spoilt the whole evening for us was that every space had been used to fit in diners. There was nowhere to have a drink when we first arrived, as the tables in the bar had all been reserved for dining later. You could stand in a largely empty room and drink at the empty bar, or take drinks up to your room. Far from ideal. We won't return next New Year's Eve.

Adrian Hill4/5

The Ship at Dunwich

St James's St, Dunwich, Saxmundham IP17 3DT, UK

Guest Rating

4.3/ 5

Based on 1,663 reviews

Category

Mid-Range

Location

Dunwich, Suffolk

Price Range

£120-220/night

Style

Coastal Inn

Best For

couplescoastalwalkers
Dog-Friendly
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