Lowestoft is a coastal town and civil parish located in the East Suffolk district of Suffolk, England. It serves as the main town within its district and holds the distinction of being the most easterly settlement in the United Kingdom. The town is situated approximately 38 miles north-east of Ipswich and 22 miles south-east of Norwich.
The historical development of Lowestoft was driven by its growth as a seaside resort featuring wide sandy beaches, as well as its established fishing industry. Following a decline in the fishing sector, the local economy shifted toward oil and gas exploitation in the North Sea during the 1960s.
As of 2021, the population of the built-up area was 71,327, while the parish population stood at 47,879.