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The Ship at Dunwich

Property class: 4

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Photo gallery for The Ship at Dunwich

A dining area with wooden tables and chairs, a chandelier, and wall murals of pelicans. - The Ship at Dunwich (Saxmundham)
A wooden dresser with ornate carvings and multiple drawers, topped with a clear vase containing flowers. - The Ship at Dunwich (Saxmundham)
A dog sitting on wooden steps in front of a food truck named "The Field Bar". - The Ship at Dunwich (Saxmundham)
A bedroom with a large bed, a bedside table with a lamp, a dresser, a chair, a mirror, and a window with curtains. - The Ship at Dunwich (Saxmundham)
A table with plates of fish and chips, a glass of beer, and a glass of white wine. - The Ship at Dunwich (Saxmundham)
Consider a stay at The Ship at Dunwich and take advantage of a terrace, a garden, and a bar. The on-site British cuisine restaurant, The Ship, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Bar

Off-peak, on budget: 30% or more off select hotels in our fall sale

Skip the crowds, keep the savings. AARP members save more after Labor Day. Book by Oct 7, 2026.

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 10 of 10 rooms

View all photos for Standard Double Room

A bedroom with a bed, bedside lamps, a window, and a bedside table.

Standard Double Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 12 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Double Room

A bedroom with a bed, two bedside tables, a nightstand, a sofa, and a patterned rug.

Family Double Room

  • 15 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Luxury Double Room

A neatly arranged bedroom with a large bed, a bedside table with a lamp, a TV mounted on the wall, and a fireplace.

Luxury Double Room

  • 15 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Basic Room

A bedroom with a sloped ceiling, a bed with a metal frame, two bedside lamps, and two chairs.

Basic Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(8 reviews)
  • 10 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Superior Room

A neatly arranged bedroom with a large bed, a bedside table with a lamp, a TV mounted on the wall, and a fireplace.

Superior Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 14 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Double or Twin Room

A bedroom with a bed, bedside lamps, a window, and a bedside table.

Double or Twin Room

  • 12 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Superior Double Room

A bedroom with a bed, bedside tables, a dresser, a TV, and a chair.

Superior Double Room

  • 14 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

DOUBLE SUPERIOR KING BED

  • Sleeps 4

DOUBLE LUXURY

  • Sleeps 4

DOUBLE STANDARD

  • Sleeps 4

About the neighborhood

Located in Saxmundham, The Ship at Dunwich is on the beach. Dunwich Museum and Long Shop Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include RSPB Minsmere and Southwold Maize Maze. Leiston Leisure Centre and The Cut Arts Centre are also worth visiting. Visit our Saxmundham travel guide
View more Inns in Saxmundham
Map
St James Street Dunwich, Saxmundham, England, IP17 3DT

What's nearby

  • A boat docked at a sandy shore with buildings in the background.
    Suffolk Coast and Heaths
    1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • A pebbled beach with two red boats and a wooden structure.
    Dunwich Heath and Beach
    1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • A coastal scene with waves crashing onto a promenade, a pier extending into the sea, and colorful beach huts in the background.
    Southwold Beach
    15 min drive - 7.7 miles
  • A coastal scene with waves crashing onto a promenade, a pier extending into the sea, and colorful beach huts in the background.
    Southwold Pier
    18 min drive - 10.4 miles
  • Dunwich Museum
    1 min walk - 0.0 miles

Getting around

  • Darsham Station
    18 min drive

Restaurants

  • The Lord Nelson
    13 min drive
  • The Crown Hotel
    13 min drive
  • Randolph
    12 min drive
  • The Beach Cafe
    14 min drive
  • Adnams Cellar & Kitchen Store
    13 min drive

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM for a fee: GBP 18.50 for adults and GBP 10 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • The Ship

Family friendly

  • Separate bedroom

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Bathroom emergency pull cord
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

More

  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally sourced food prioritized
  • Some LED lighting used
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Room service

More

  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM

Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property

The host will greet guests on arrival

This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Host will greet you

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of GBP 25 per pet, per night

Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees

Welcoming dogs only

2 total pets

Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Food and water bowls are available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Rollaway/extra beds are available for GBP 15.00 per stay

Cribs (infant beds) are available for GBP 15.00 per stay

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately GBP 18.50 for adults and GBP 10 for children
  • Pet fee: GBP 25 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Crib (infant bed) fee: GBP 15.00 per stay
  • Rollaway bed fee: GBP 15.00 per stay

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

Frequently asked questions

Is The Ship at Dunwich pet-friendly?

Yes, The Ship at Dunwich allows dogs (limit 2 total). There's a fee of GBP 25 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Ship at Dunwich?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at The Ship at Dunwich?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Ship at Dunwich located?

Nestled on the beach, this Saxmundham inn is within 1 mi (2 km) of Dunwich Museum and Dunwich Heath and Beach. RSPB Minsmere is 2.9 mi (4.6 km) away.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

The Ship at Dunwich Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.0

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

9.0

Staff & service

8.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 81 out of 158 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 51 out of 158 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 19 out of 158 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 158 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 158 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Heather

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a comfortable overnight stay (very comfortable bed!). Having been to a wedding reception that day, we didn’t want much to eat, but found just what we wanted, even though the menu is not extensive. The food was good and the fish and chips are obviously a popular choice, and looked delicious. Breakfast was good. Staff very helpful and friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Food very good
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Clare

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff and comfortable room
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Christopher

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Fantastic. Staff were friendly and helpful, food was excellent.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Rick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Ship at Dunwich is ideally situated, just a very short walk from the shingle beach, making it a perfect base for exploring this atmospheric stretch of the Suffolk coast. The staff were incredibly welcoming and accommodating throughout our stay, and were also extremely knowledgeable about the local area, offering helpful advice on walks and places to visit. Our room was compact, but comfortable, with a very good bed and a surprisingly spacious en suite. The hotel has a relaxed, characterful feel and works especially well as a starting point for some excellent coastal and countryside walks. It’s perfectly possible to walk along the shingle beach towards Walberswick and on to Southwold, while the Sandlings Walk offers a different but equally rewarding route along the eroding cliffs, through dense woodland and past the remarkable ruins of Greyfriars Priory. A lovely place to stay if you want comfort, warmth and easy access to one of the most distinctive landscapes on the Suffolk coast.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is an old building very well looked after, clean throughout, excellent menu, staff works hard and are accommodating, we will be coming back, thank you
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Frances

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay, very convenient for beach. Lovely food, very friendly service
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Avril

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is a real find. It has character and it is reasonably priced for the service received. Breakfasts were great and reasonable choices for our 2 night dinner stay. Very close to a pebbly beach and not far from Southwold, Aldburagh, Norwich and the broads.
Bedroom
Bedroom
Dunwich beach
The Ship
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Elinor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Had a really great stay. Fab location, comfortable room and great staff. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stay here!

Everything great, no complaints, staff lovely, highly recommended, Hope can return for another stay
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Lori A

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Clean room, friendly and helpful staff. Very nice food. The room was tiny with no place to layout a small suitcase. The bathroom had no shelf space for toiletry bags. It's a nice place, but they need to work on storage space. We only had 2 very small cases and there was no where to lay them out except on the bed.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Get away break

Excellent food, friendly staff and a cosy relaxed environment. Great location for walking.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Delia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff and quirky outside spaces
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Raymond

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff, both at reception and behind the bar and at breakfast. Dining room could have been a little warmer, though.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Fern

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Perfect weekend

We had the most lovely weekend away and loved everything about the hotel. The staff, service, food and room were all exceptional. We can’t wait to return again in the summer.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Verified review

6/10 Okay

christian

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Bedroom was clean, location good. Staff subdued, food below average.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Charming hotel in the beach

Great hotel, pleasant staff in a wonderful location. Unfortunately there was a problem with the gas when we stayed so there was no hot water and the food choice was limited. On checkout the hotel generously discounted the bill.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jill

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful place

The Ship is in a quiet country lane 2 minutes from a fabulous beach. The staff are friendly and helpful, the room was really lovely, the bed so comfortable and ours had a beautiful view across the fields. We had dinner which was delicious too. A really peaceful place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very good and friendly staff throughout our stay. A special thank you to Brenda for her dedication. If this is the standard of all the Chestnut Inns then we shall seek them out for our leisure breaks in East Anglia
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely hotel, facilities in room were quite basic. But it was clan and comfortable
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
shower was a bit low.Difficult to find plugs for recharging phone Staff were great nd helpful
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Staff were very co-operative finding an alternative room to the one originally allocated to us as the room was not suitable for my wife as she is disabled. Meant having a smaller room but it was ok for our one night stay. Food was very good.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Fiona

Disliked: Cleanliness
Hi hotel is in a lovely location however the hotel itself needs some tlc. The main bar area had huge cobwebs and our en-suite had a terrible smell. The staff were all really pleasant and our dinner and breakfast were good but I felt considering the cost per night it wasn’t to the standard we were expecting.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Jonathan

Liked: Cleanliness

Good for evening meal

Check in was not good, we had booked a snug room as we have a dog, it had been described as a courtyard room, it was upstairs! When I questioned it the man said oh you booked through experience & he pulled a face. The bar man told us where to go for breakfast. Sink in our room filled up with water although the plug wasn’t in it .could have been a bit cleaner . Evening meal was very nice, breakfast was a bit hit & miss
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Eamonn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Friendly old country pup with modern rooms

Lovely rambling country pub with modern rooms. The staff were very friendly and helpful, we really felt welcome. Inside and outside dining with courtyard area and beer garden. I liked the slightly quirky building with several small dining rooms. Food was good and typical pub prices. The location is very quiet and nearby houses are hidden away. It’s only about 3 minutes walk to a fantastic beach, 5 minutes to the parish church and under 8 minutes to a monastery ruin. There is even a local museum a few houses up from the pub. It was a perfect way to spend a beautiful summers evening. We enjoyed our visit and would consider staying there again.
Beach only a few minutes walk away
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024