Southwold based on the east coast in the UK gives you the quintessential postcard-worthy experience of a charming English seaside town. Its beach hut-lined pier and sandy beaches offer a relaxing getaway just a 3-hour drive from Central London.
This thriving market town is a popular destination for weekend trips, hosting visitors year-round as one of the most charming Suffolk seaside spots. Southwold Beach is officially recognised for being awarded the Blue flag award over many years and in addition offers extraordinary sunrise and sunset opportunities for those who like to extend our days.
Where is Southwold in the UK?
Southwold is a popular destination along the historic Suffolk Coast, sitting between Aldeburgh and Lowestoft. This seaside town attracts visitors of all ages as a family-friendly getaway, ideal for outdoor explorers and city dwellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London.
As you amble along the Victorian cobbled roads to Southwold Beach, it’s impossible to miss the 31-metre tall lighthouse, a grade II listed building that’s still operational. The pier stretches almost 200 metres into the sea with a traditional Victorian arcade, making you feel like you stepped back in time. Don’t miss the arcade – it’s not what you think! The arcade was designed by Tim Hunkin, a British engineer, cartoonist, and inventor and is renowned for his creativity and eccentric approach to the arcades he creates which we are lucky enough to have one of on Southwold’s pier
Southwold’s nearest train stations are in Darsham and Halesworth, offering connecting routes to Cambridge, London Liverpool Street, Lowestoft, and Norwich. If you’re planning to visit, your best accommodation option will likely be a self-catering cottage or bed and breakfast. Most visitors to Southwold Beach stay in town and explore the area on foot, including taking the foot ferry between Southwold and Walberswick.
Why is Southwold Beach So Famous?
Southwold is famous for being the home of George Orwell, the dystopian author of classic novels, Animal Farm and 1984. It’s one of the most popular destinations along the Suffolk Coast with Southwold Beach recognised as an environmentally-friendly beach, ideal for those who want a traditional British seaside vacation. Southwold offers two beaches, including Southwold Pier Beach, the most popular, and the quieter Southwold Denes Beach in the south of town.
4 Things to Do in Southwold, England
If you’re planning to visit Southwold Beach, you’ll want to add a few of the town’s most popular sights to your travel itinerary. There are dozens of independent shops in Southwold with attractions and experiences to suit visitors of all ages.
Visit Adnams Brewery
Adnams Brewery was the winner of The Good Pub Guide’s 2011 ‘Brewery of the Year’. It sits at the heart of Southwold with its brewing rooms located close to the iconic lighthouse and next to the main High Street. You can sign up for a brewery tour or sample the local produce at any of the pubs and restaurants located throughout Southwold. You can even pick up a unique souvenir at the brewery’s wine shop.
Tour the Lighthouse
Southwold Lighthouse is still operational today, guiding boats and ships across the Suffolk Coast. Tours last just 20 minutes, making it an ideal afternoon visit.
Explore Southwold Pier
No trip to the British seaside is complete without a walk along the pier. After spending the morning at Southwold Beach, head across the Southwold Pier to explore its range of independent shops, cafes, and traditional amusements. The pier was refurbished in 2005 but still maintains its Victorian charm.
Dip Your Feet in the Sea at Southwold Beach
Southwold Beach is famous for its colourful beach huts and is operational year-round. You can even take a dip in the sea on Christmas Day! It’s a popular destination for those who enjoy open water swimming and is a dog-friendly beach. It’s worth noting that while some areas of the beach are dog-friendly year-round, the main beach operates with a seasonal exclusion zone from April to September.
Our Recommendations: Shops in Southwold to Visit
There are plenty of shops in Southwold to tickle your fancy. Make sure to leave extra space in your suitcase when visiting Southwold and Walberswick for souvenirs and gifts.
Along the High Street, you’ll find a mixture of mainstream brands – like Jack Wills, Joules, and Fat Face – alongside local stores and traditional sweet shops. There’s something for every budget, from high-end brands at Collen & Clare to quirky little gift shops.
Southwold Market runs twice a week on Monday and Thursday at The Market Place with an extensive array of stalls. Stop by popular stalls like ‘Hillfield Nursery’ for plants, flowers, and shrub trees, or ‘All Pets’ to grab a souvenir for your four-legged best friend.
Indulge in a classic British afternoon tea at the ‘Tiptree Tea Room’, just a few minutes walk from the pier. Afternoon tea is served daily from 12pm and costs £40 for 2 guests with the option to upgrade your experience to include a glass of prosecco. Dogs are welcomed inside the tea room or on the outside terrace.
Exploring the Blackshore Harbour Area
The Blackshore harbour area in Southwold connects Southwold and Walberswick, allowing you to move between the two by foot. River Blyth runs along the harbour, where you’ll find the foot ferry and footbridge to take you between the two towns. Heading over the footbridge will let you explore the old route of Southwold Railway.
The walk between Southwold and Walberswick is roughly 3 miles and involves walking south along the River Blyth, where you’ll come across tall dunes. Just like Southwold, you’ll find an array of traditional tea rooms, pubs, and independent stores throughout Walberswick.
Alternatively, the rowing boat service operates between Southwold and Walberswick daily, weather permitting. Bring cash as this dog-friendly crossing costs £2 per adult, £1 for kids under 18 (with kids under 5 free) and an additional £2 fee for bikes.
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Discover Southwold: Be charmed by the serenity of Southwold and Walberswick
Southwold based on the east coast in the UK gives you the quintessential postcard-worthy experience of a charming English seaside town. Its beach hut-lined pier and sandy beaches offer a relaxing getaway just a 3-hour drive from Central London.
This thriving market town is a popular destination for weekend trips, hosting visitors year-round as one of the most charming Suffolk seaside spots. Southwold Beach is officially recognised for being awarded the Blue flag award over many years and in addition offers extraordinary sunrise and sunset opportunities for those who like to extend our days.
Where is Southwold in the UK?
Southwold is a popular destination along the historic Suffolk Coast, sitting between Aldeburgh and Lowestoft. This seaside town attracts visitors of all ages as a family-friendly getaway, ideal for outdoor explorers and city dwellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London.
As you amble along the Victorian cobbled roads to Southwold Beach, it’s impossible to miss the 31-metre tall lighthouse, a grade II listed building that’s still operational. The pier stretches almost 200 metres into the sea with a traditional Victorian arcade, making you feel like you stepped back in time. Don’t miss the arcade – it’s not what you think! The arcade was designed by Tim Hunkin, a British engineer, cartoonist, and inventor and is renowned for his creativity and eccentric approach to the arcades he creates which we are lucky enough to have one of on Southwold’s pier
Southwold’s nearest train stations are in Darsham and Halesworth, offering connecting routes to Cambridge, London Liverpool Street, Lowestoft, and Norwich. If you’re planning to visit, your best accommodation option will likely be a self-catering cottage or bed and breakfast. Most visitors to Southwold Beach stay in town and explore the area on foot, including taking the foot ferry between Southwold and Walberswick.
Why is Southwold Beach So Famous?
Southwold is famous for being the home of George Orwell, the dystopian author of classic novels, Animal Farm and 1984. It’s one of the most popular destinations along the Suffolk Coast with Southwold Beach recognised as an environmentally-friendly beach, ideal for those who want a traditional British seaside vacation. Southwold offers two beaches, including Southwold Pier Beach, the most popular, and the quieter Southwold Denes Beach in the south of town.
4 Things to Do in Southwold, England
If you’re planning to visit Southwold Beach, you’ll want to add a few of the town’s most popular sights to your travel itinerary. There are dozens of independent shops in Southwold with attractions and experiences to suit visitors of all ages.
Visit Adnams Brewery
Adnams Brewery was the winner of The Good Pub Guide’s 2011 ‘Brewery of the Year’. It sits at the heart of Southwold with its brewing rooms located close to the iconic lighthouse and next to the main High Street. You can sign up for a brewery tour or sample the local produce at any of the pubs and restaurants located throughout Southwold. You can even pick up a unique souvenir at the brewery’s wine shop.
Tour the Lighthouse
Southwold Lighthouse is still operational today, guiding boats and ships across the Suffolk Coast. Tours last just 20 minutes, making it an ideal afternoon visit.
Explore Southwold Pier
No trip to the British seaside is complete without a walk along the pier. After spending the morning at Southwold Beach, head across the Southwold Pier to explore its range of independent shops, cafes, and traditional amusements. The pier was refurbished in 2005 but still maintains its Victorian charm.
Dip Your Feet in the Sea at Southwold Beach
Southwold Beach is famous for its colourful beach huts and is operational year-round. You can even take a dip in the sea on Christmas Day! It’s a popular destination for those who enjoy open water swimming and is a dog-friendly beach. It’s worth noting that while some areas of the beach are dog-friendly year-round, the main beach operates with a seasonal exclusion zone from April to September.
Our Recommendations: Shops in Southwold to Visit
There are plenty of shops in Southwold to tickle your fancy. Make sure to leave extra space in your suitcase when visiting Southwold and Walberswick for souvenirs and gifts.
Along the High Street, you’ll find a mixture of mainstream brands – like Jack Wills, Joules, and Fat Face – alongside local stores and traditional sweet shops. There’s something for every budget, from high-end brands at Collen & Clare to quirky little gift shops.
Southwold Market runs twice a week on Monday and Thursday at The Market Place with an extensive array of stalls. Stop by popular stalls like ‘Hillfield Nursery’ for plants, flowers, and shrub trees, or ‘All Pets’ to grab a souvenir for your four-legged best friend.
Indulge in a classic British afternoon tea at the ‘Tiptree Tea Room’, just a few minutes walk from the pier. Afternoon tea is served daily from 12pm and costs £40 for 2 guests with the option to upgrade your experience to include a glass of prosecco. Dogs are welcomed inside the tea room or on the outside terrace.
Exploring the Blackshore Harbour Area
The Blackshore harbour area in Southwold connects Southwold and Walberswick, allowing you to move between the two by foot. River Blyth runs along the harbour, where you’ll find the foot ferry and footbridge to take you between the two towns. Heading over the footbridge will let you explore the old route of Southwold Railway.
The walk between Southwold and Walberswick is roughly 3 miles and involves walking south along the River Blyth, where you’ll come across tall dunes. Just like Southwold, you’ll find an array of traditional tea rooms, pubs, and independent stores throughout Walberswick.
Alternatively, the rowing boat service operates between Southwold and Walberswick daily, weather permitting. Bring cash as this dog-friendly crossing costs £2 per adult, £1 for kids under 18 (with kids under 5 free) and an additional £2 fee for bikes.
Discover More Ideas for Your Next UK Getaway
Are you looking for more ideas for your next British getaway? Check out our guide to the perfect York weekend, the best hiking trails in London, and the ultimate weekend trip to the Cotswolds. You never know what the British weather might bring, so pack a waterproof parka. Explore our all-weather outwear, designed to withstand anything the British weather throws at you.drive from the National Nature Reserve and the ruins of Creake Abbey. The hotel is within walking distance of Burnham Market and a nearby bus stop for public transport.
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