You can use this location all year depending on weather. Spring to autumn is popular. Winter can be hard as it's cold and desolate. Nice weather in summer.
Take the A14 to Ipswich and turn off the A12 signposted Woodbridge. Take the last roundabout signposted Orford and go through Melton, cross the railway line and take a right at the next mini-roundabout. Follow this road up the hill and take a left at the top, straight on until you get to Shingle Street (signposted). At the river end you can take the old military road to the very edge of the beach. It is OK to park when the barrier is down.