Very popular among locals but completely unknown to many further inland, Shingle Street might just be the region's best hidden gem.

It's a beach unlike any other in Suffolk and slowly, more and more people are falling for its charm.

Here are some of the reasons why this stretch of the county's coastline is a beautiful place to visit.

Peace and quiet

East Anglian Daily Times: A lone dog walker at Shingle StreetA lone dog walker at Shingle Street (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Shingle Street is not like other beaches. With very little facilities, it's not quite Southwold, Felixstowe or Aldeburgh - but that's what makes it great.

It's perfect for people looking to escape the noise and appreciate the Suffolk coastline in its wild and rough glory.

Lagoons

East Anglian Daily Times: A dog explores the big lagoon at Shingle StreetA dog explores the big lagoon at Shingle Street (Image: Newsquest)

One of the biggest draws is the peculiar formation of Shingle Street which has a large lagoon at the heart of the beach and an irregular coastline.

It's not uncommon to see swimmers doing lengths of the lagoon all year round.

Photographer's paradise

East Anglian Daily Times: The sun sets over the few homes at Shingle StreetThe sun sets over the few homes at Shingle Street (Image: Tom Swindles, Newsquest)

Being a huge open space, Shingle Street could not be more perfect for photography enthusiasts looking to grab some landscape pictures.

Whether your lense is focused on pebbles or the sky, you're sure to come away with dozens of snaps for your casual Instagram feed or professional portfolio.

History

East Anglian Daily Times: The Shingle Street shell lineThe Shingle Street shell line (Image: Newsquest)

Walking along the beach, you might spot a long line of white shells heading toward the water.

Well, this was the creation of Lida Kindersley and Els Bottema, who began the shell line in 2005.

It marked the friendship between the two women who were both diagnosed with breast cancer within two months of each other.

Sunsets, sunrises and stargazing

East Anglian Daily Times: Sunrise at Shingle StreetSunrise at Shingle Street (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Lastly, there's simply no better place in Suffolk to catch a sunrise, sunset or go stargazing.

Thanks to it having no light pollution, it's a wonderful place to watch the stars shoot by on a clear summer night.

In 2021, incredible photographs of the Milky Way were taken at Shingle Street.