Southwold

Southwold lies in the centre of an area of great natural beauty – a paradise for the walker, the naturalist, and the birdwatcher. Situated on a hill that gently rises from the Blyth Valley, the town is virtually an island, being surrounded by the River Blyth to the south and Buss Creek to the north. This has resulted in limited town development, helping to retain Southwold’s old world charm.

The dramatic coastline and the town’s beautiful architecture make it a popular attraction throughout the year. In the winter some Southwold's most charming elements can be enjoyed – cosy pub lunches, isolated walks or a quiet browse in any of its many antiques shops.



During the Summer Southwold’s beach is immaculately kept and is a regular Blue Flag winner. The shore is famous for its rows of brightly coloured and highly sought after beach huts. These days they sell for the price of a small flat!



Quiet and full of character, Southwold is a refreshingly unspoilt coastal resort, and makes a wonderful place for a family summer holiday. Acanthus Holidays, Southwold, boasts one of the largest portfolio’s of holiday lets in the area and offer a wide selection of modern seaside apartments, pretty cottages and spacious houses in Southwold. Many of the properties have extra delights such as pretty gardens, private parking, and some even have swimming pools. Children and dogs are often welcomed, making them an ideal accommodation solution for the whole family.



In Southwold's town centre there’s an exciting selection of interesting and independent shops, selling antiques, crafts and gifts, as well as a variety of art galleries, boutiques and jewellers.



For example, Focus Organic Southwold, with other branches in Halesworth, is a lovely shop stocked to the brim with every-day essentials and special treats! Find breads, organic staples such as cereals, beans & oils, baby food, chocolates and confectionary, plus a great choice of Organic, Vegan and Gluten-Free ice-creams - this is a great place to pop into for snacks and refreshments during your day out in Southwold. Focus also offer a large range of health and cosmetics products. Please click on the link above for full details, and to visit the website of these fantastic shops.



A unique shopping experience ca be had at The Amber Shop, which is the only museum in Great Britain designed and created to tell the story and history of Amber. The Amber Shop is Great Britain's oldest and largest specialist, dealing not only in modern amber but also antique and second-hand, including all forms of jewellery, carvings and objets d'art.



Elsewhere in town look out for the Adnams Cellar & Kitchen stylish shop on Victoria Street. This was Adnams very first Cellar & Kitchen Store, the start of a growing chain of very successful stores focussing on top quality Kitchen ware and new discovering wines from winegrowers who are passionate about their land. So you're sure to find some interesting and unusual wines at the Cellar and Kitchen Stores.



As you’d expect, first class seafood can be found in the town’s many fine restaurants and pubs, most of which serve ales brewed by the local – and world famous – Adnams Sole Bay Brewery. This simply must sampled on a visit. Adnams has been brewing from its base in the town for over 100 years and now has an estate of 80 pubs, two bespoke hotels and a chain of successful high quality wine and kitchenware stores. The brewery can be found on East Green, and you can see some its workings through an external glass wall. For more information on Adnams Beers see their website - Beers From The Coast.

The Adnams stamp is everywhere and reflected in the cluster of great pubs: Sole Bay Inn, Lord Nelson, Harbour Inn and King’s Head... You won't go thirsty in Southwold!



The Crown Hotel is one of several Adnams-owned hostelries. Winner of countless awards and accolades, no visit to the town should skip a chance to discover the delights of the 16th century coaching inn and its creative bar and restaurant menus.

The Swan Hotel, which dominates the Market Place, is not only an excellent place to stay, but has a highly regarded Dining Room.

Special to the town is the Southwold Summer Theatre, with a season of children’s performances, lunchtime events and evening theatre.



Also unique to the town is Southwold Pier, Voted Best UK Seaside Attraction in the Coast Magazine 2007 Awards. The Pier offers cafes and shops as well as traditional Amusements in the Arcade. You can't miss it!

In Victoria Street the Southwold Museum, once a weaver’s cottage, houses an intriguing collection of artifacts from the town's past. Southwold’s gleaming white lighthouse, built in 1890, stands 101 feet above the town. Its warning beacon can be seen for 17 miles out to sea. Visitors who climb the winding lighthouse stairs are rewarded with fantastic views. Join one of the regular tours.

If you're feeling nostalgic for those good old days when cinema was an enjoyable and entertaining experience, you'll appreciate the Electric Picture Palace with its rising "Tiny Wurlitzer" cinema organ, a Circle, a Kiosk, second features, usherettes, a commissionaire and the National Anthem - all in the cause of recreating "The Pictures". Created in 2002, but designed in 1912 theatrical style by John Bennett RIBA, Southwold’s award-winning 68 seat Electric Picture Palace shows an eclectic mix of films in four seasons each year.
See Electric Picture Palace, Southwold for more details.



After all this sight seeing you'll need some sustenance so why not book a table at Sutherland House? This is not just a fine dining establishment, but it is a fascinating building, rich in history and now restored to offer a resplendent venue for drinks, meals, functions and fabulous rooms. Guests are welcome to drop in for a glass of wine and a plate of tapas in front of the fire; a gourmet sandwich; a home-made Red Poll beefburger, or a British classic dish – or to come for a three course meal. See Sutherland House Hotel and Restaurant

Southwold looks out over Sole Bay, scene of an inconclusive battle in 1672 between the combined British and French fleet and the Dutch fleet. The town was once known for its herring fishery, and today the attractive harbour is still home to a little fleet of boats. To discover something of Southwold's maritime heritage visit the Sailors’ Reading Room, on East Cliff overlooking the sea, where the exhibits include ship models, figureheads and early photographs of past seafaring local heroes. There’s more maritime history to be found in The Alfred Corry Museum, at the end of Ferry Road, the resting place of Southwold’s old sailing lifeboat, which saved 47 lives during its use between 1893 and 1918.

Those wanting to take to the sea themselves can take the Coastal Voyager sea trip from the harbour, a 30 minute tour of Sole Bay. The kiosk can be found in the harbour car park near the Lifeboat Shed.

For more information on accommodation options in Southwold, please see our article, Southwold Hotels.

As you can see, Southwold is a fabulous town and would make a great location for weddings, receptions or honeymoons - or all three! Please see Weddings in Southwold for full details.

Please also see:

Eating Out in Southwold

Attractions in Southwold

Shopping in Southwold