White House Beach - mixed reviews
This year we've decided to head over to Suffolk for the first time for a two-centre trip. There seems to be mixed reviews about the White House Beach site a Kessingland. I've had a look at a couple of youtube videos too and wondered if it's really the place for us. Apart from the beach, there doesn't seem much going on in the town and the site looks a little weathered too. Are my doubts about the area and site misguided or would we be better heading more inland towards Framlingham and explore that part of the county?
Comments
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We stayed at White House Beach site in 2020. We chose to stay on the righthand side of the site rather than on the beach side.
The site was fine as was the facilities though a little dated.
I think if we were to go back to that area we would probably chose the Great Yarmouth site, more to do from the site being the main reason. It's easy to walk out from that site into town along the front.
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It’s some years since we stayed at WHB, but we did tour Suffolk last year. As far as WHB goes, if you like coastal walks it’s ok, you only get views from the front tier of pitches, which I think are non awning. It’s just your usual Club Site, clean, pleasant, what you would expect really. Lowestoft, which is closest town, we weren’t that impressed, but as I say, it was a while ago. The much more interesting places are further South, Southwold, Aldeburgh,Thorpeness, Orford, Saxmundham is inland, as is Framlingham, all well worth a visit, all depends what you want to do, but only thing we enjoyed close to WHB was Africa Alive Wildlife Park. There are the RSPB reserve and Nature Reserve further South as well for walk. If you don’t need a Club Site, there are some nice CLs further South. The Lion’s roaring at the Wildlife Park are a feature if you use CCC Site.🤣All night!
All depends what you want to see and do. Nothing wrong with WHB, but we found ourselves going South each day. Good sun rises though if you get the weather👍 Can recommend a very nice CL with loos and shower if you want one, just ask.
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Southwold and Aldeburgh are far nicer than Lowestoft. I suggest you go there.
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We have stayed at White House Beach several times over the years and really like it. The last time was in 2021, I have pictorial review here http://www.davidklyne.co.uk/white_house_beach_caravan_club_s.html
Lowestoft might not be everyone's idea of Shangri-la but its not without its good bits. It used to have a Blue Flag beach when we were in that scheme. It used to have a well respected annual Air Show. I also noticed on our last visit there was a rather nice restaurant overlooking the sea. Nearby are the Africa Alive, East Anglia Transport Museum and Pleasurewood Hills. (Hope I have done enough to promote Lowestoft Oneputt
)A short walk from the site you can catch the bus into Southwold which is a delightful place.
The site could probably do with an upgrade. Some of the grass pitches don't drain very well after heavy rain. The motorhome service point on the main site needs a serious upgrade but the one on the beach side is excellent. The trouble with upgrading site is the they also upgrade the price, I am happy to cope with what its like now!
David
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We stayed there for 4 nights last year, 31st Aug to 4th Sept.
The site was tired & worn (however we had had a heatwave) but were informed it is due for a total refurb soon.....
Wardens were very pleasant.
I don't get the clamor for the beach/sea view, it is an untidy looking place with vegetation growing out of the shingle.
The seafood restaurant just outside is always busy & you need to book well in advance.
The Beach Fish & Chip Shop, a 10 minute walk away has the best fish & chips I've had in years.
Southwold & Aldeburgh are worth a visit but certainly not an area we would revisit.
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Is the pub at the end of the road to the site still open? I think it was an Adnams brewery pub called the Sailors Home or something like that. Nice to sit outside on the bench with a pint of ale.
JK
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Is a club site a necessity for you? We love Suffolk and go regularly but further south around Aldeborough. We have a favourite Cl but it wouldn't suit those that want facilities but my blogs would give you a general idea of all there is to see and do further south. They don't cover the wonderful Lavenham and Long Melford areas as we can visit them from home.
https://jennyandjohngocaravanning.wordpress.com/2018/07/14/r2018-suffolk/
https://jennyandjohngocaravanning.wordpress.com/2021/04/29/2021-suffolk-coast-under-covid-rules/
https://jennyandjohngocaravanning.wordpress.com/category/caravanning-in-the-uk/
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We are fans of White House Beach especially if we can park on the beach side. We live about 15 miles away. Walks on the beach are always a delight and the wildlife always interesting. Go to the beach, turn right and walk to the Sluice, half a mile, and there are often rarities waiting to be discovered.
The transport museum is worth half a day. Suffolk Wildlife Trust Carlton Marshes one of my favourites. Of course Southwold, Norwich and the broads not far away. If we go further South we usually stay at Fisher Fields CL it’s only a mile from RSPB Minsmere.2 -
I would endorse both LTC and Oneputt suggestions of Briarwood and Fishers Field CLs. If either of the full then try Croft Farm, Snape (under Saxmundham in SD). FF has a walk in shower and toilet so has more facilities than other 2.
Difficult to recommend sites or area as OP hasn't given us more details, i.e. is a toilet and shower block essential? Does site have to be right next to or walking distance from a beach? How many in party and does it include children. All relevant to make an informed recommendation.
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Thanks for all your advice and suggestions. For this trip we've now decided to head a little further south towards the Woodbridge area and see how we get on from there.
Happy caravaning all!
Andy.
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