Iken

Settlement in Suffolk East Suffolk

England

Iken

Suffolk Coast Path at Iken Cliff
Suffolk Coast Path at Iken Cliff Credit: Christopher Hilton

Iken is a small village located in the eastern part of England, specifically in the county of Suffolk. Situated on the banks of the River Alde, Iken boasts a picturesque and idyllic setting, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. With its population of around 100 people, this rural village offers a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere that attracts visitors looking for a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The village is known for its rich historical heritage, with evidence of human activity dating back to Roman times. The renowned Iken Church, also known as St. Botolph's Church, is a significant landmark in the area. This ancient place of worship dates back to the 7th century and is well-preserved, showcasing exquisite architecture and historical artifacts.

Nature enthusiasts will find Iken to be a haven, as it is nestled within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The River Alde estuary provides ample opportunities for boating and fishing, while the surrounding marshes and wetlands are home to a diverse range of bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching.

Despite its small size, Iken is not lacking in amenities. There is a charming tearoom where visitors can enjoy a cup of tea and freshly baked scones while taking in the scenic views. Additionally, nearby towns and villages offer a range of accommodation options for those who wish to stay longer and explore the surrounding area.

In summary, Iken, Suffolk is a quaint village that offers a peaceful retreat, rich history, and stunning natural beauty. Whether it be exploring the ancient church, immersing oneself in the beautiful landscapes, or simply enjoying the serenity, Iken is a hidden gem that will captivate any visitor.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Iken Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.148883/1.52076 or Grid Reference TM4055. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Suffolk Coast Path at Iken Cliff
Suffolk Coast Path at Iken Cliff
Footpath in Tunstall Forest
Footpath in Tunstall Forest
On the Suffolk Coast Path
On the Suffolk Coast Path
On the Suffolk Coast Path
On the Suffolk Coast Path
Junction on Tunstall Road west of Iken The track to the left leads to a picnic site and car park by The River Alde.
Junction on Tunstall Road west of Iken
The track to the left leads to a picnic site and car park by The River Alde.
Looking towards Snape Taken on film in 1998.

We are on the Suffolk Coast Path, though the view is approximate after so many years.
Looking towards Snape
Taken on film in 1998. We are on the Suffolk Coast Path, though the view is approximate after so many years.
River Alde, looking downriver towards Snape Warren The land on the right was formerly farmland and has been reclaimed by the river after the river wall was breached.  On the horizon above that, the tower of Iken church.
River Alde, looking downriver towards Snape Warren
The land on the right was formerly farmland and has been reclaimed by the river after the river wall was breached. On the horizon above that, the tower of Iken church.
River Alde downstream of Snape The land on the far side of the river was formerly farmland and has been reclaimed by the water after the river wall was breached. The breach seen here is one of several that interrupt the wall (this one is too small to appear on the 1:50,000 OS map): the path along the river wall remains a public right of way but can no longer be walked.
In the distance, large numbers of roosting gulls: the photo was taken some 30 minutes before sunset and a steady stream of gulls was passing over to join the flock.
River Alde downstream of Snape
The land on the far side of the river was formerly farmland and has been reclaimed by the water after the river wall was breached. The breach seen here is one of several that interrupt the wall (this one is too small to appear on the 1:50,000 OS map): the path along the river wall remains a public right of way but can no longer be walked. In the distance, large numbers of roosting gulls: the photo was taken some 30 minutes before sunset and a steady stream of gulls was passing over to join the flock.
River Alde downstream of Snape The land on the far side of the river was formerly farmland and has been reclaimed by the water after the river wall was breached. The breach seen here on the far right is one of several that interrupt the wall (this one is too small to appear on the 1:50,000 OS map): the path along the river wall remains a public right of way but can no longer be walked.
In the distance, large numbers of roosting gulls: the photo was taken some 30 minutes before sunset and a steady stream of gulls was passing over to join the flock.
River Alde downstream of Snape
The land on the far side of the river was formerly farmland and has been reclaimed by the water after the river wall was breached. The breach seen here on the far right is one of several that interrupt the wall (this one is too small to appear on the 1:50,000 OS map): the path along the river wall remains a public right of way but can no longer be walked. In the distance, large numbers of roosting gulls: the photo was taken some 30 minutes before sunset and a steady stream of gulls was passing over to join the flock.
Looking south across the River Alde, Snape, in evening light
Looking south across the River Alde, Snape, in evening light
Looking down the River Alde towards Iken, below Snape The land on the far side of the river was formerly farmland and has been reclaimed by the water after the river wall was breached. The breach seen here on the far right is one of several that interrupt the wall (this one is too small to appear on the 1:50,000 OS map): the path along the river wall remains a public right of way but can no longer be walked.
In the distance, large numbers of roosting gulls: the photo was taken some 30 minutes before sunset and a steady stream of gulls was passing over to join the flock.
Looking down the River Alde towards Iken, below Snape
The land on the far side of the river was formerly farmland and has been reclaimed by the water after the river wall was breached. The breach seen here on the far right is one of several that interrupt the wall (this one is too small to appear on the 1:50,000 OS map): the path along the river wall remains a public right of way but can no longer be walked. In the distance, large numbers of roosting gulls: the photo was taken some 30 minutes before sunset and a steady stream of gulls was passing over to join the flock.
Towards Snape Bridge
Towards Snape Bridge
River Alde downstream of Snape The wide area of muddy marsh on the far side of the river was, until the twentieth century, reclaimed agricultural land, but a breach in the river defences led to its being taken back by the river.  The public right of way along the river wall is now broken at several points.
In the middle distance, on the far bank of the river, a pair of shelduck.
River Alde downstream of Snape
The wide area of muddy marsh on the far side of the river was, until the twentieth century, reclaimed agricultural land, but a breach in the river defences led to its being taken back by the river. The public right of way along the river wall is now broken at several points. In the middle distance, on the far bank of the river, a pair of shelduck.
River Alde downstream of Snape The wide area of muddy marsh on the far side of the river was, until the twentieth century, reclaimed agricultural land, but a breach in the river defences led to its being taken back by the river.  The public right of way along the river wall is now broken at several points.
River Alde downstream of Snape
The wide area of muddy marsh on the far side of the river was, until the twentieth century, reclaimed agricultural land, but a breach in the river defences led to its being taken back by the river. The public right of way along the river wall is now broken at several points.
River Alde downstream of Snape The wide area of muddy marsh on the far side of the river was, until the twentieth century, reclaimed agricultural land, but a breach in the river defences led to its being taken back by the river.  The public right of way along the river wall is now broken at several points.
River Alde downstream of Snape
The wide area of muddy marsh on the far side of the river was, until the twentieth century, reclaimed agricultural land, but a breach in the river defences led to its being taken back by the river. The public right of way along the river wall is now broken at several points.
Lower Troublesome Reach, Iken, Suffolk An appropriate name for this stretch of the River Alde. Photograph taken at high tide looking north-east towards Iken church.
Lower Troublesome Reach, Iken, Suffolk
An appropriate name for this stretch of the River Alde. Photograph taken at high tide looking north-east towards Iken church.
Iken, near Snape, looking towards the river In the background is the River Alde and in the far distance is St. Botolph's Church on its promontory.
Iken, near Snape, looking towards the river
In the background is the River Alde and in the far distance is St. Botolph's Church on its promontory.
The River Alde at Iken
The River Alde at Iken
Show me another place!

Iken is located at Grid Ref: TM4055 (Lat: 52.148883, Lng: 1.52076)

Administrative County: Suffolk

District: East Suffolk

Police Authority: Suffolk

What 3 Words

///dined.dupe.altering. Near Aldeburgh, Suffolk

Nearby Locations

Iken Middle Covert

Related Wikis

Iken

Iken is a small village and civil parish in the sandlands of the English county of Suffolk, an area formerly of heathland and sheep pasture. It is near...

Alde Mudflats

Alde Mudflats is a 22 hectare nature reserve west of Iken in Suffolk. It is owned by the Crown Estate and managed by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust. It is...

Suffolk Coastal (UK Parliament constituency)

Suffolk Coastal (sometimes known as Coastal Suffolk) is a parliamentary constituency in the county of Suffolk, England which has been represented in the...

Plomesgate Hundred

Plomesgate is a hundred of Suffolk, consisting of 41,579 acres (168.26 km2).Plomesgate Hundred comprises the historic ports of Aldeburgh and Orford, the...

Iken Wood

Iken Wood is a 5.3-hectare (13-acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest south of Snape in Suffolk. It is in the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area...

Snape Marshes

Snape Marshes is a 19.8-hectare (49-acre) nature reserve south-east of Snape in Suffolk. It is owned and managed by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust.The diverse...

Aldeburgh Festival

The Aldeburgh Festival of Music and the Arts is an English arts festival devoted mainly to classical music. It takes place each June in the Aldeburgh area...

Snape Maltings Concert Hall

Snape Maltings Concert Hall is an arts complex on the banks of the River Alde at Snape, Suffolk, England. It is best known as one of the main sites of...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 52.148883,1.52076
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 52.1505021/1.5188767
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 52.1503254/1.5154987
Post Box
Collection Times: Mo-Fr 09:00; Sa 09:00
Post Box Type: lamp
Ref: IP12 6247
Royal Cypher: EIIR
Royal Cypher Wikidata: Q33102113
Lat/Long: 52.1490113/1.5210199
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.1451933/1.524294
Location Transition: yes
Power: pole
Transformer: distribution
Lat/Long: 52.1463899/1.5210526
Location Transition: yes
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.1467775/1.5199361
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.1469816/1.5194446
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.1475646/1.51785
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.1472852/1.5158544
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.1474309/1.5168375
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.1474317/1.5138428
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.1457858/1.5226659
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.1481732/1.5162045
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.14816/1.5162487
Parking
Access: private
Lat/Long: 52.1487155/1.5162595
Noexit: yes
Lat/Long: 52.1489661/1.5168408
Noexit: yes
Lat/Long: 52.1492337/1.5173125
Parking
Access: private
Lat/Long: 52.1487328/1.5266651
Parking
Access: private
Lat/Long: 52.149661/1.5257961
Turning Circle
Lat/Long: 52.1492487/1.5244724
Parking
Access: private
Lat/Long: 52.147472/1.5211827
Parking
Access: private
Lat/Long: 52.1492224/1.5232493
Parking
Access: private
Lat/Long: 52.146603/1.5204155
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Have you been to Iken?

Leave your review of Iken below (or comments, questions and feedback).