The Best Things to do in Southwold, Suffolk (2024)
There are many things to do in Southwold, Suffolk for the visitor to the town.
Southwold is a quintessential and historic English seaside town located along the Suffolk Coast, and is an essential visit, with many things to do. In this article I have set out the best things in Southwold.
Southwold just over two hours from London by car and easily accessed from other nearby cities like Norwich and Cambridge.
Southwold’s sandy beach is lined by coloured beach huts, while Southwold Pier provides stunning vistas out to sea and back towards the town, with the town’s skyline dominated by the white lighthouse.
The town itself is filled with pretty, historic cottages, mixed with grand buildings arranged around a network of charming streets and lanes. The High Street offers an eclectic mix of specialist shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as the Adnams Brewery, a key feature of Southwold life.
The expansive seascapes, colourful beach huts and historic buildings and streets have clearly fuelled an active local art community, which is evident in the galleries along the High Street, and the pop-up exhibitions held regularly within the town.
Southwold really is a great English seaside holiday destination for a long weekend or a week long break. I have set out below a number of activities that you can do and experience during your visit to Southwold.
Table of Contents
Water Sports and Activities at Southwold
Wander around the streets and lanes of Southwold
Other places to visit in and around Southwold
Attend the Latitude Festival, Suffolk
Go For a Walk or Hike in the Southwold and it’s Countryside
Use Southwold as a Base to Explore the Suffolk Coast and Norfolk Broads
Southwold Beach
The beach at Southwold is just a few minutes walk from the town centre, and there is plenty of parking along the northern and southern ends of the beach, with additional parking within the town itself.
I would advise arriving before 11am in the morning if possible as parking can get busy.
When the sun is shining, a visit to the beach would be enough for a full day trip to Southwold.
The beach extends about 1.5 miles, with the northern part being located alongside the town, and the southern part, close to Southwold Harbour, having a more rugged appearance, with sand dunes framing the edge of the beach.
The beach is predominantly sandy along its length, with some shingle mixed in.
The northern part of the beach is lined by iconic beach huts that add to the colour and character of the beach setting. The views of these beach huts on a sunny day make for a great Instagram photo !! They can also be hired via various websites including at Beach Huts Southwold.
Water Sports and Activities at Southwold
Southwold offers a range of exciting water sports activities for enthusiasts and visitors looking to enjoy the coastal waters. Here's a list of water sports you can engage in while in Southwold:
Kit Surfing: Southwold beach is a great place for kite surfing. Visitors can hire kite surfing equipment from Southwold Surf School.
Surfing: Catch the waves at Southwold Beach. Visitors can hire a surf board from Southwold Surf School.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): Glide along the calm waters of the River Blyth or venture out to the coastline on a paddleboard. Visitors can hire a paddleboard from Southwold Surf School.
Kayaking and Canoeing: Visitors to Southwold can enjoy kayaking and canoeing at Southwold Harbour, where they can explore the picturesque coastline, river, and estuary.
Sailing: Experience the thrill of sailing in the waters off Southwold. Rent a sailboat or join a sailing excursion from Southwold Harbour for a memorable adventure.
Boat Trips: Coastal Voyager offers a variety of trips, including a trip out to sea from Southwold, a River Blyth cruise, and private hire
Powerboating: Enjoy a high-speed thrill on a powerboat ride, exploring the coast and taking in the scenic views. Coastal Voyager offers powerboating trips on the river and out to sea, which are great for family outings or powerboat driving experiences
Fishing: There are various places to fish from in Southwold, from Southwold Pier, to Southwold Harbour, and visitors can join a fishing charter.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced water sports enthusiast, Southwold provides ample opportunities to engage in thrilling activities on the water. Safety precautions, such as wearing appropriate gear and adhering to local regulations, should always be followed.
Explore Southwold Pier
Southwold has a very charming pier, with a few unexpected surprises. Southwold Pier extends about 160 metres out to sea and acts as a landmark from the beach. The pier provides great views of Southwold’s skyline, its lighthouse and beach.
The ‘Under the Pier Show’ is one of the more quirky pier attractions. It comprises an amusement arcade of eccentric but unique hand-built games, including:
The Housing Ladder – A step machine with a housing market theme. The aim is to climb the ladder and buy the house before you get too old and the developers, investors, buy to let buyers and second home owners try to stop you.
Whack a banker – The aim is to whack the heads of the bankers as their heads appear.
Quickfit – You are required to lie down on a bed and watch a Jane Fonda workout, while the bed does the exercises for you, moving all your muscles.
There are also more traditional slot machines and penny machines at the entrance to the pier
The Water Clock is another eccentric feature along the pier. This sculpture seeks to raise awareness about water recycling, with its key feature coming in the form of a half-hourly ‘pee-show’ where the two male sculptures wee into a bucket !!
Along the pier walkway on the northern side, you will pass an old-fashioned ‘Wacky Walk of Mirrors’. These mirrors transform and distort your body shape from fat to thin, tall to short and are guaranteed to give you a giggle !!
It is great to see the large-scale mural, close to the entrance of the pier, of George Orwell, the famous author, who once lived in Southwold. The mural was painted by the renowned artist ‘Pure Evil’ and features quotes from George Orwell’s works, including Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four. Read here to find out more about Pure Evil’s recent street art exhibition in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk.
The pier has a number of food and drink options, including The Pier Fish and Chip Shop, the Boardwalk Restaurant, and The Clockhouse. There are also a couple of gift shops.
Wander around the streets and lanes of Southwold
Southwold is a picturesque town, characterised by its narrow lanes and streets, and green open spaces lined by the colourful and historic cottages and houses. It is very easy to explore by foot.
The Southwold Cannons, located on Primrose Alley, are a local feature. These six cannons were given to the town in 1746 by the Royal Armouries, to protect local shipping against raids. Nowadays the cannons are used by children who happily clamber over them. They make a great photo opportunity for a lasting memory.
The historic Adnams Brewery can be found along Victoria Street, mixed in with the cottages that surround it.
The High Street forms the key focus for the town, in terms of shopping. It is full of independent shops and boutiques and has some branches of national shops often found in seaside towns, such as Jack Wills, Joules and Seasalt.
There are a number of galleries located along the High Street that are worth exploring. These galleries include:
The Southwold Gallery – This gallery features work from artists across the East of England.
Buckenham Galleries - Buckenham Galleries is an art gallery featuring contemporary paintings, ceramics, jewellery, glasswork, sculptures and bespoke furniture. We didn’t find this gallery particularly child-friendly due to some passive aggressive signage. This was disappointing for us as we always encourage our children to enjoy and engage with art galleries.
Serena Hall Gallery – This gallery features art based on the landscapes in and around Southwold.
One of my favourite galleries in the local area is ‘The Cut’ in Halesworth, which is about 15 miles from Southwold. This is a contemporary gallery with high quality exhibitions. If you are interested in the arts I would definitely recommend seeing what is on and making the extra journey.
There are a number of café and pub options in the town, including the Adnams Store & Cafe Southwold, located within the modern building, and The Lord Nelson and the Sole Bay Inn, which offer great pub food.
Walk along Southwold Harbour
Southwold Harbour is located about a mile to the south of the town and sits alongside the River Blyth. It is a working harbour that has a completely different character to the town, with its own special charm.
The harbour is characterised by black wooden huts lining the river, with an abundance of boat moorings along its length.
From Southwold Harbour, you can take the foot ferry (a 2 minute boat trip across the River) to Walberswick, a pretty village with its own sandy beach and one of the best locations in the area to go crabbing. It is normally possible to walk to Walberswick via a bridge, although that bridge was closed in 2021.
It is also possible to take organised boat trips along the beautiful River Blyth or out to sea. These boat trips vary from genteel to an adrenaline-filled speed boat experience, depending on what you prefer.
Southwold Harbour is also a great location to taste the local fish. The excellent Sole Bay Fish Company acts as a restaurant, fishmonger and takeaway all-in-one. The Harbour Inn is also a characterful pub located further along the Harbour. Tragically, the excellent Mr T’s Fish and Chips caught on fire in 2023 and will be closed for the foreseeable future.
Other places to visit in and around Southwold
There are other things to see and do in and around Southwold, some of which are worth doing during the wet weather days. Some of these include:
Attend one of the tours of the Southwold Lighthouse
Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from the top of the lighthouse and learn about its history from an experienced tour guide.
Learn how to make beer and gin on the Adnams Brewery Tour
The Adnams Brewery Tour is a popular attraction in Southwold. The tour takes approximately 1 hour and is led by an experienced tour guide who will immerse visitors in all things Adnams.
After the tour, visitors can enjoy a tutored tasting in the Cellar & Kitchen store, which takes around 30 minutes. In addition to the brewery tour, visitors can also take a distillery tour or make their own gin at Adnams.
The Adnams Brewery Tour is located in E Green, Southwold, Suffolk.
Get lost at the Southwold Maize Maze
The Southwold Maize Maze is an outdoor attraction in Southwold that offers fun and adventure for all the family.
The maze is made up of pathways within 8 acres of very tall maize. There are two maze challenges: the main maze, which is a real brain teaser, and a mini maze for younger children.
It also has jumping pillows, a double zip wire, pedal go-karts, a nest swing, and giant sand pits. It also has an on-site cafe.
The Maize Maze is open from mid-July to September, and visitors should check the website for opening times and details.
Spend a Day at Walberswick
Walberswick, a charming village located near Southwold, offers a range of enjoyable activities and attractions. Here are some things to do in Walberswick:
Walberswick Beach: Relax on the sandy shores of Walberswick Beach, known for its natural beauty and tranquility. Take a leisurely stroll along the coastline or sunbathe while enjoying the scenic views.
Crabbing: Walbserwick is one of the best locations in Suffolk to go crabbing. Join in the popular tradition of crabbing from Walberswick's historic bridge. Rent a crabbing line and bucket from the local shops and try your hand at catching these fascinating creatures.
Walberswick Nature Reserve: Explore the diverse ecosystems of the Walberswick Nature Reserve. Walk along the marked trails, observing wildlife and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of marshes, dunes, and woodlands.
The Anchor: Visit the historic pub, The Anchor, dating back to the 18th century. Enjoy a meal or a refreshing drink in the charming interior or the outdoor seating area, soaking up the village atmosphere.
Walberswick Village Green: Relax on the village green, a lovely open space ideal for picnics and outdoor games. Enjoy the tranquility and scenic surroundings while soaking in the village ambiance.
Ferry between Southwold and Walberswick: Take a short ferry ride across the River Blyth between Southwold and Walberswick.
Attend the Latitude Festival, Suffolk
CC Image courtesy of Wodgester, Wiki Commons
Latitude Festival, held annually near Southwold, Suffolk, is a vibrant and diverse music and arts event that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The festival, usually taking place in July, offers a unique experience combining live music performances, arts, comedy, theatre, and more amidst the picturesque surroundings of Henham Park.
Latitude was designed to provide a platform for various art forms, bringing together renowned musicians, emerging artists, and a diverse range of performers to captivate and entertain festival-goers.
The festival's music lineup caters to a wide range of tastes and genres. From indie, rock and pop to folk, electronic, and world music, Latitude offers something for everyone. The main stage hosts headlining acts and well-known bands, while smaller stages showcase emerging talents and provide intimate performances. The festival prides itself on curating an eclectic mix of artists, ensuring a vibrant and diverse musical experience for attendees.
Beyond the music, Latitude Festival is renowned for its celebration of arts and culture. The festival features a dedicated area for theatrical performances, where visitors can enjoy captivating plays, comedy, literary enthusiasts, and experimental productions.
The Kids' Area offers workshops, storytelling, and interactive performances, ensuring a fun-filled experience for children. Teenagers can enjoy their dedicated space with activities tailored to their interests, including music, theater, and arts workshops.
Go For a Walk or Hike in the Southwold and it’s Countryside
Southwold and its surrounding area offer picturesque landscapes and scenic walking routes. Here are some of the best places for walks around Southwold:
Southwold Beach and Promenade: Take a leisurely stroll along the sandy beach and enjoy the stunning views of the North Sea. The promenade is lined with colorful beach huts and provides a refreshing coastal walk.
Southwold Pier and Harbour: Explore the pier and then continue your walk along the harbour area. Enjoy the sight of boats and admire the charming coastal scenery.
Southwold to Walberswick: Cross the footbridge over the River Blyth and follow the footpath from Southwold to the neighboring village of Walberswick. This walk takes you through marshland and offers a chance to spot local wildlife. You can also reward yourself with a meal or drink at one of the pubs in Walberswick before returning.
Reydon Wood: Just south of Southwold, Reydon Wood is a nature reserve with beautiful woodland trails. Discover a variety of flora and fauna as you wander through this tranquil area.
Hen Reedbeds: Located near Henham Park, this nature reserve offers a network of walking trails through reedbeds and wetlands. It's an ideal spot for birdwatching and observing local wildlife.
Dunwich Heath and Beach: A short drive from Southwold, Dunwich Heath is a National Trust site with heathland walks and stunning coastal views. Explore the circular trails and end your walk with a visit to the secluded Dunwich Beach.
Wangford Walk: Start in the nearby village of Wangford and follow the footpath that leads through countryside and along the River Wang. This peaceful walk offers a chance to enjoy the rural charm of the area.
Use Southwold as a Base to Explore the Suffolk Coast and Norfolk Broads
Southwold is an ideal base for exploring the Suffolk Coast and the Norfolk Broads, and a range of historic places within the county. There are several locations just beyond Southwold that easily reached from here, and worth exploring, including:
Walberswick: Experience the charm of this idyllic village with its stunning beach, perfect for crabbing and leisurely walks along the coast.
Dunwich: Immerse yourself in history at this coastal village, home to the haunting ruins of a priory and surrounded by a picturesque nature reserve.
Aldeburgh: Delight in the quaint ambiance of this coastal town, famous for its delectable fish and chips and hosting an annual music festival.
Orford: Discover the allure of this picturesque village, boasting a 12th-century castle, delightful local bakery, and scenic walks along the River Ore.
Blythburgh: Marvel at the beauty of the Holy Trinity Church and explore the surrounding marshland teeming with diverse wildlife.
Thorpeness: Escape to this unique holiday village featuring a boating lake, enchanting Peter Pan-inspired architecture, and a picturesque beach.
Minsmere Nature Reserve: A haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, this reserve offers breathtaking coastal and wetland landscapes.
Southwold Pier: Visit the iconic pier and enjoy its quirky amusements, charming shops, and panoramic views of the coastline.
Covehithe: Unwind on the secluded beach and admire the ancient church ruins nestled amidst the serene Suffolk countryside.
Lowestoft: Explore the easternmost town in the UK, known for its beautiful beaches, maritime heritage, and bustling promenade.
Norfolk Broads: Experience the unique beauty of this network of rivers and lakes, perfect for boating, wildlife spotting, and picturesque walks in the Norfolk countryside.
How to get to Southwold
Being located off the A12, Southwold, is easily accessed from London and the South by road.
The nearest train stations to Southwold are at Darsham or Halesworth. There is a regular train service from London Liverpool Street, via Ipswich. Buses operate from Halesworth to Southwold, but check times. Alternatively, it is possible to book a taxi from these stations.
Interesting Facts About Southwold
Here are some interesting facts about Southwold to help you get to know the town before your visit:
Southwold was incorporated in a charter of Henry VII in 1489, and is an ancient town that remains remarkably unspoilt.
In 1659, a devastating fire destroyed much of the borough, with the resultant rebuilding work creating the distinctive Southwold 'Greens' as fire breaks in case such a disaster should reoccur.
Southwold has a quaint harbor and was once a very busy fishing port, and it is recorded in the Domesday Book that Southwold was a prosperous fishing port in the 11th Century.
Southwold was the home of a number of Puritan emigrants to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the 1630s, which travelled in the Mary Ann in 1637.
The parish church of Southwold is dedicated to St Edmund and is a Grade I listed building.
Southwold has connections to famous writers, including Eric Blair, known as George Orwell, who came to the town when his father retired and used to reside at Montague House.
PD James, a renowned crime writer, also lived in Southwold.
Mills and Sons Butchers is the oldest shop in Southwold with continued use.
In 1894, local resident Arthur Flowers set up the Southwold School of Industrial Art located along Park Lane. His goal was to help local fishermen provide for their families in the winter by setting up wood-carving classes. However, in 1914, the school closed. After the war, the property became a tea shop and subsequently a private house.
Southwold is about 11 miles south of Lowestoft, 29 miles north-east of Ipswich, and 97 miles north-east of London.
I hope you have found my guide to Southwold, Suffolk useful. If you have visited Southwold, I would love to hear your thoughts or if you feel one of your favourites is missing from the list, please email me and let me know at sarahransomeart@gmail.com.
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