Southwold

An elegant Suffolk resort town with a beautiful sandy beach, iconic candy-striped beach huts, pier with traditional amusements, and charming high street. It successfully blends nostalgic seaside charm with contemporary amenities and excellent restaurants.

Things to do

• Southwold Pier — A Victorian pier featuring traditional amusements, an arcade, and the quirky Under the Pier Show, with views across the North Sea.
• Beach Huts — Stroll along the iconic candy-striped beach huts that line the sandy shore, among the most photographed in England.
• Southwold Beach — A pristine sandy beach ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside walks, backed by the charming promenade.
• Adnams Brewery Tour — Visit the historic brewery founded in 1872 to learn about Southwold's famous ales and enjoy tastings in the visitor centre.
• St Edmund Church — A magnificent 15th-century perpendicular Gothic church dominating the High Street, featuring intricate stonework and a bright interior.
• Southwold Lighthouse — The striking red and white striped lighthouse stands prominently on East Green and can be climbed for panoramic coastal views.
• High Street Shopping — Browse independent boutiques, galleries, and shops along the tree-lined High Street, blending traditional charm with contemporary retail.

Food to try

• Adnams Ales — Sample Southwold's renowned locally-brewed beers such as Southwold Bitter and Ghost Ship IPA at pubs throughout the town.
• Fresh Fish and Chips — Enjoy crispy battered fish sourced from local catches, served with hand-cut chips at seaside fish shops and restaurants.
• Crab Sandwiches — A local speciality featuring dressed fresh crab from the Suffolk coast, served on crusty bread at waterfront and High Street venues.
• Afternoon Tea — Indulge in traditional cream teas with homemade scones, clotted cream, and local preserves at the town's elegant tea rooms.
• Smoked Fish — Try locally smoked mackerel, haddock, or salmon available at fishmongers and restaurants celebrating East Anglian seafood traditions.

Local customs & good to know

• Seaside Etiquette — Respect beach hut privacy by not photographing inside them without permission, and follow the unwritten code of quiet enjoyment on the beach.
• Pier Culture — The pier is central to Southwold life; stroll it throughout the day as locals do, and experience the retro arcade machines and traditional entertainment.
• Low Season Charm — Visit outside summer months to experience Southwold's true character with fewer crowds, quieter beaches, and a more intimate seaside atmosphere.
• Green Spaces — The town's greens (East, South, and North) are cherished public spaces for cricket, relaxation, and community gatherings—tread respectfully through them.