Halesworth

Halesworth is a town rich in heritage and history dating back to the Middle Ages. Granted market town status in 1222, Halesworth reached the peak of its prosperity when the River Blyth, on which it sits, was made navigable in 1756. This breakthrough greatly increased the town’s trade particularly for the maltsters and brewers.



The historic wealth of Halesworth is clear in the many fine buildings in the town, ranging from a Tudor rectory, an Elizabethan almshouse and Gothic House, home of the Bedingfield family from 1540 with a jetted first floor, hooded windows and unusual Jacobean porch.



Halesworth today is a friendly and welcoming place to spend a weekend or holiday, as it is small enough to get to know quickly, but large enough to offer a range of things to do, and only 15 minutes to the beach at Southwold. The town also benefits from a large number of independent shops, including a traditional toy shop (see below) and a fantastic Photo Store where you can get first class advice on the latest camera equipment - see Anglia Photographic





The Thoroughfare is the pedestrianised main street that leads to the Market Place where markets take place every Wednesday. A Country Market is held on Friday’s in St Mary’s Church Hall. There is a museum, library and art gallery in the Dutch-gabled former Cary Almshouses, built in 1686. The museum exhibits artefacts from local history and geology, and has a fascinating if gruesome account of the Halesworth witchcraft trials of 1645.



The Cut houses the vibrant community Arts Centre and is located in a former 19C malting building. The Cut offers a full programme of exhibitions, dance, theatre, music, workshops and courses.



There is plenty of choice for eating out and accommodation in the town. In the 19thC Halesworth became a major centre for the brewing and malting industries, so you can expect some good ale here! The 16C Angel Hotel has two bars and an excellent Italian restaurant so is well worth a view. The White Hart in Thoroughfare Way and The Triple Plea at Broadway are also well worth investigating.



Halesworth boasts the largest green in the UK, consisting of a staggering 43 acres! This is grazing land that is part of the Blyth Valley Environmentally Sensitive Area, and is a haven for wildlife. In fact, the Blythe Estuary is one of the best spots around for Birdwatching in Suffolk. So Halesworth offers something for everyone from great shopping, through fine hostelries to kingfishers, otters and water voles!

For more information on the history of Suffolk, check out About Suffolk.

For more great places for Suffolk Shopping, check out Shopping in Suffolk.

Check out what's on in Halesworth and the rest of Suffolk in our What's On in Suffolk page.