Just four miles south of Lowestoft is the small yet charming village of Kessingland. Once rumoured to be the richest village in England, it is proud of its strong sense of community and has created its own unique character from its depths of historical riches!
This former fishing village now owes much of its popularity to its assortment of holiday accommodation, services and award winning beaches.
Kessingland owes much of its sea protection and beach conservation to probably the most famous of Kessingland's residents, novelist Sir Henry Rider Haggard (1856-1925). Although born in Norfolk and educated in Ipswich. In 1900 he bought The Cliff Grange, later renamed the Kessingland Grange, as a holiday home. Whilst at the grange he experimented successfully with marram grass to protect the beach from the sea, which can still be seen today.
The then Lord of the Manor, George Staunton, was also concerned with sea erosion and set lupin plants along the cliffs. These can still be found today alongside other wild flowers to add a little extra to the village's award winning stretches of coastline.
The area is a haven for all wildlife and conservation enthusiasts due to its close proximity to the popular site of Minsmere. With many walks and cycle tracks sited around the village, Kessingland makes a perfect setting for a tranquil stroll through the countryside or on the sand and shingle beaches.
Found at the southern edge of the village is one of the areas largest and most popular visitor attractions, Africa Alive http://www.africa-alive.co.uk. Voted top Suffolk family attraction by the Good Britain Guide 2003, the park gives the visitor a true African Safari experience.
