Kessingland

Suffolk was settled by Angles from the fifth century onwards. The name Kessingland may preserve evidence of early Angle naming. One interpretation derives it from Old English elements meaning “land of *Cyssi’s people” (a personal name + -inga- “people of” + land). Another interpretation derives it from Old English cærsing “cress-bed” + land, giving “newly cultivated land at the cress-bed”. There has been a settlement at Kessingland since Palaeolithic times. Between the Hundred River and Latmer Dam was once a large estuary which was used by the Vikings and Romans. The sea provided the village with its main livelihood, and at one time the village paid a rent of 22,000 herrings to their Lords,…

Kessingland is home to a Parkdean Resorts holiday park with caravans, chalets and various leisure facilities which are open to the general public, along with other independent parks. There is also a small tearooms housed in a repurposed and refurbished beach hut, which is next to a children's playground and a fish and chip shop. Kessingland is also home to Africa Alive, an African-themed zoo. The village also has a medieval church.