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 of Southwold’s most charming elements can be enjoyed – cosy pub lunches, isolated walks along the beach or a quiet browse in any of its many independant 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!
In Southwold’s town centre there’s a great selection of interesting and independent shops, selling antiques, crafts and gifts, as well as a variety of art galleries, boutiques and jewellers.
One of these is 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. Make sure you pop in and take a look at this unique shop and museum – you might find yourself taking home a rather expensive momento of your holiday!
Check out Special offers from Hotels in Southwold and find other discounts in Southwold here
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 & a tour of the brewery see their website – www.beerfromthecoast.co.uk
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!
Sutherland House Hotel & Fish Restaurant
This is Southwolds and possibly Suffolk’s leading Fish Restaurant with two rosettes by the AA, & recognized by the Sunday telegraph as one of the top 150 restaurants in the country. Another claim to fame is that the Hotel & Restaurant are house in Southwold’s oldest building, dating back to the 15C so you can be sure to find plenty of historical interest when you visit! Not only is the food exquisite but the bedrooms are all remarkable as well as unique, so this could be the top Southwold Hotel for you! Book here –
Sutherland House
Staying in Southwold
If you’d like the complete seaside-life experience, talk to Acanthus Holiday Lets – a family run, central Southwold self catering business with over 20 years experience. They have a range of properties, many with sea views, pools, and dog friendly options. They also offer special offers throughout the year.
Special to the town is the Southwold Summer Theatre, with a season of children’s performances, lunchtime events and evening theatre.
Southworld Concert Series
With music-making of the highest level the Southwold Concert Series has won many new fans since its inception by pianist and composer Nathan Williamson in 2008. A mix of grass roots traditional and progressive music, performed by a fusion of emerging talent and established provides an evening of quality enjoyment.
For details of forthcoming concerts see: Southwold Concert Series
Another highlight in Southwold is The Pier which boasts two Restaurants, two Cafes, three Shops, the ‘under the pier show’ which features quirky handmade arcade machines, the famous water clock, and of course fabulous Panoramic views from the very end. There’s plenty of outdoor seating and scrummy seaside snacks including hot chocolate, ice creams, sausage rolls and fish and chips or, the Boardwalk Restaurant serves an impressive selection of locally sourced food, including fresh fish.
In Victoria Street the Southwold Museum, once a weaver’s cottage, houses an intriguing collection of artifacts from the town’s past. After undergoing a big refurbishment in 2016, it was awarded the title of ‘Suffolk Museum of the Year’, and is well worth a visit. Usually open from April 1st and it offers free entry but welcomes donations.
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.
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. Here you can buy freshly caught fish, and enjoy freshly caught fish and chips too!
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.
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⇨Eating Out in Southwold
⇨Attractions in Southwold
⇨Shopping in Southwold
⇨Visit Southwold
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