Southwold is a small seaside town on the Suffolk Heritage Coast with easy access to the larger towns of Lowestoft and Ipswich. Southwold retains much of its character with a working harbour, lighthouse, beach huts, pier and of course the beaches.
In Southwold's town centre, you have a great selection of places to eat and interesting independent shops, selling crafts, antiques and gifts, as well as a variety of art galleries and boutiques.
Why not check beaches nearby as we have 3 beaches around Southwold, 13 beaches in Suffolk, or have a look at our list of Suffolk dog friendly beaches, or even our United Kingdom Blue Flag beach list.
Southwold Suffolk Coast Search Bar
Where would you like to go? Use our search bar to search across all our local listings, ideal for finding that nearest spot to visit:
Want some ideas on where to visit?
Every favourite location must be visited for the first time. Want some ideas, why not check out the below small selection of coastal locations, including beaches, activities, things to see and do, places to stay and eat:
- The Denes beach at Southwold is a quiet shingle beach backed by sand dunes and marshes less busy than the main Southwold beach. The beach is between the mouth of the river Blyth and the historical seaside town of Southwold.Popular with walkers or those wanting a rural beach.The beach has toilets, parking and summer lifeguards with more facilities just a short walk away at Southwold.
- Southwold pier was built in 1900 and was 810 feet (250 m) with a T-shaped end. The pier end was practically destroyed by a gale in 1934, with the T-shaped end being swept away. A series of events during the Second World War and a further major storm in 1979 reduced the pier to approximately 100 feet (30 m). The pier was bought in 1987 and over a period of 15 years has been refurbished and even has a T-shaped pier end. The pier is still less than the originalone at 623 feet (190 m).
- Southwold beach is on a section of the Suffolk coast that is declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This is a sandy beach with well maintained wooden groynes and beach huts make it the families choice. Walk along the beach away from the huts and you will see sand dunes at The Denes beach. You have all the facilities expected of a traditional seaside town, with the actual beach includes toilets, pier, promenade, beach huts, campsite and lifeguards by the pier in summer months.
- Walberswick beach is a sandy beach with some pebbles that sits on the opposite side of the River Blyth to the much busier Southwold. The beach is popular with walkers as it is rural and consists of a sandy beach, backed by sand dunes and the Walberswick Nature Reserve. There is a small ferry in the summer that takes you across the river with a 10-minute walk along The Denes beach to Southwold. Facilities at the beach are limited but the village of Walberswick has tea rooms, restaurants, pubs, art gallery and some craft and gift shops.
- Southwold lifeboat station was established in 1841 and operates an all weather lifeboat. Station only open by appointment, no shop. Lifeboat training most Thursday evenings.
- Southwold Lighthouse is a coastal mark for passing shipping and guides vessels into Southwold Harbour. The lighthouse is situated near the centre of the seaside resort of Southwold, midway between Lowestoft and Orford, the round white tower stands amongst rows of small houses. Lighthouse has a visitor centre.
