Dunwich Heath wartime trail

Today, Dunwich Heath is a peaceful wildlife haven nestling on the Suffolk coast. However, during World War Two (WW2) the heath was a militarised zone, forming part of Britain’s east coast defences and providing a vital army training area. The site has long since been cleared of its military structures to create the beautiful heathland which we enjoy today, but you can still see remnants of its past in some places. This trail will take you on a journey into Dunwich Heath’s military past, exploring some key areas of importance during the Second World War. We hope you enjoy the trail, but please help us look after Dunwich Heath by staying on the footpaths.
Near to
Dunwich Heath and BeachStart point
Start the trail by the flat clifftop area in the south-east corner of the car park.Trail information
**The site has mixed terrain, with some uneven slopes and exposed tree roots. Please wear appropriate footwear for the terrain. For more details see our accessibility statement.
***Dogs are welcome all year round, but must be on a lead from March to September. For more details see our visiting with your dog page.
Accessing Dunwich Heath
This tranquil heath stands on the Suffolk coast and is open daily for most of the year. For access to this walking trail, you will need to be a National Trust member or pay the car park fee.
Get in touch
Coastguard Cottages, Minsmere Road, Dunwich, Suffolk, IP17 3DJ
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