Southwold
Images of Southwold
The Town
Southwold is a quintessentially English seaside town on the North Sea coast of Suffolk. Originally a fishing port mentioned in the Domesday Book, the town has now transformed into one of the premier seaside resorts on the East Coast.
For the visitor the immediate attractions are the child friendly sandy beach (lifeguarded in the summer) and the pier with its eclectic mix of cafes and exhibitions (Southwold Pier).
Walking south along the beach you stroll past the brightly coloured beach huts before coming to the harbour where you can buy freshly caught sea food and have a drink or meal at the Harbour Inn (Home - The Harbour, Southwold (harbourinnsouthwold.co.uk) )
A little bit further, and across the harbour, you can reach the hamlet of Walberswick either by the footbridge or ferry. The Bell is a great place for lunch (Home - The Bell Inn, Walberswick (bellinnwalberswick.co.uk) ) and for the youngsters the sandy beach continues as well as Walberswick being a great place for crabbing.
The town of Southwold has a lively high street with a wide selection of independent shops, two supermarkets and a local butcher.
Hospitality in the town is dominated by the local brewery Adnams (Adnams Southwold: Beers, Wines, Spirits, Gifts & Kitchenware – Adnams PLC ). The Tap Room in the Swan Hotel is the ideal place to sample their beers, wines and spirits, or visit the Adnams shop towards the western end of town and enjoy your drinks at home.
When visiting Southwold it is impossible to miss the lighthouse. Based in the centre of town it is in commission and operated by Trinity House, its light can be seen every evening acting as a beacon for shipping operating off the coast.
Local Area
Within a short drive of Southwold there is the seaside town of Aldeburgh, the Anglo-Saxon burial ground at Sutton Hoo, walks at National Trust owned Dunwich Heath and one of the best places in the country for birdwatching at RSPB Minsmere.