Southwold is a seaside city within the English county of Suffolk. It’s well-known as the house of the Adnams Brewery which makes a few of my favourite beers (Broadside is a must-try). There are many issues to do in Southwold from touring the brewery to days on the seaside, exploring the pier, and a lot extra.
A few of the prime locations to go to in Southwold embody the Lifeboat Museum, St Edmunds church, and the lighthouse. In summer season the city comes alive with numerous enjoyable occasions from the Lattitude Pageant to a summer season theater and many fantastic nature walks alongside the coast and heathland.
Southwold is certainly one of my favourite weekend getaways due to the various fantastic walks, pubs, eating places, and boutique retailers within the city. It’s a perfect place for tenting and the close by heathland is taken into account an space of excellent pure magnificence.
15 Finest Issues To Do in Southwold
Beneath, you’ll discover a few of the greatest issues to do in Southwold and prime Southwold points of interest. From sampling the refreshing delights of the Adnams Brewery to exploring this elegant stretch of the North Sea shoreline, that is one vacation spot you’ll wish to add to your UK bucket listing.
1. Take an Adnams Brewery Tour
If like me you’re a beer-lover, then taking a tour of the Adnams Brewery is a should, and one of many prime issues to do in Southwold. Adnams has been brewing beer within the city since 1872 and its beers (and wines and liquors) are loved up and down the nation.
There are three completely different excursions obtainable; a brewery tour, a distillery tour, and a gin-making expertise. I’ve carried out the brewery tour a few occasions and at all times discover the expertise fascinating. There’s a tasting on the finish which incorporates a few of the mainstays of the brewery in addition to some limited-edition brews.
The brewery and distillery excursions value £25.00 and final 1.5 hours, whereas the gin-making lasts 2.5 hours and prices £95.00 (as somebody who loves a great gin, I’m wanting ahead to having a go at making my very own on my subsequent go to to Southwold). The Adnams Brewery is unquestionably one of many prime points of interest in Southwold.
2. Get pleasure from a Day on the Seashore
The subsequent smartest thing about Southwold (after the beer in fact) is its pretty stretch of sandy seaside. Colourful seaside huts line the promenade and these may even be employed for the week. With gently sloping gentle sand and clear waters, hitting the seaside is among the greatest issues to do in Southwold for households.
The southern finish of the seaside is a wilder stretch with sand dunes backing onto heathland. This space of excellent pure magnificence is a haven for migratory birds and different wildlife, in addition to an ideal place to flee crowds.
There’s a surf college and rental store at Southwold Campsite the place you’ll be able to rent boards (surf and physique), wetsuits, and even bicycles. Southwold is a superb place for inexperienced persons due to the small swells, however when you’re on the lookout for large waves then Cornwall is the prime browsing spot within the UK.
3. Stroll Alongside the Pier
Like many UK seaside cities, Southwold has its personal pier jutting out 620 ft (190 meters) into the ocean. The pier is a superb place to stroll and take within the views of the city and shoreline, but additionally among the best locations to go to in Southwold for leisure.
On the pier itself, you’ll discover an thrilling assortment of retailers, cafes, and amusements from the boardwalk restaurant to the arcade, sport zone, treasure chest present store, and a great old style chippy (fish and chip store). The historic pier is unquestionably among the best locations for sightseeing in Southwold.
The pier is certainly one of my favourite locations to seize a chew to eat and positively one of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Southwold for households. The pier is open year-round from 10:00 am till 5:00 pm in winter and 9:30 am to eight:00 pm in summer season.
4. Go to the Albert Corry Lifeboat Museum
The Lifeboat Museum is among the greatest locations to go to in Southwold to be taught concerning the city’s seafaring historical past. Inside, you’ll discover the 129-year-old Alfred Corry lifeboat which operated for 25 years between 1893 and 1918. The vessel was launched 41 occasions throughout this era and saved the lives of 47 sailors.
In addition to the lifeboat, the museum homes an in depth assortment of pictures and different shows charting the historical past of the city. This enjoyable and academic museum is among the greatest free issues to do in Southwold, however please think about giving a donation to assist hold the restoration going.
Through the summer season months, the museum is open day by day from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, and solely at weekends in the course of the winter.
5. See the Lighthouse
One of the crucial spectacular issues to see in Southwold is the lighthouse within the middle of city. The long-lasting whitewashed tower rises above the rooftops to warn passing ships of the shallows across the coast.
The lighthouse dates again to 1887, although it was automated in 1938 and is now unmanned. This grade two listed constructing is 102 ft (31 meters) tall and consists of two keepers’ cottages on the backside.
Because it’s nonetheless a working lighthouse it’s not attainable to go inside, however it may be seen from many locations across the city and makes for an ideal Insta photograph alternative.
6. Take the Ferry to Walberswick
Walberswick is a small village throughout the River Blyth which has a rowing boat ferry that crosses forwards and backwards. These picket rowing boats maintain as much as 12 folks and depart at any time when they’ve a fare, so it’s really useful to e book upfront. The village is surrounded by attractive sand dunes and has its personal seaside.
The ferry runs day by day from the start of April to the top of October and prices £2 for adults and £1 for kids (what a cut price). The Walberswick ferry firm additionally provides boat journeys out on the River Blyth which is one other nice choice if you wish to spend longer on the water.
7. Discover Southwold’s Boutique Retailers
The Excessive Road and city middle are full of attention-grabbing boutique and unbiased retailers promoting all the things from arts and crafts to jewellery, second-hand books, and native produce. There’s a market each Monday and Thursday within the market promoting recent meals, flowers, and extra.
You might not be stunned to be taught that Adnams has a purchasing outlet within the city the place you’ll be able to decide up beers, wines spirits, and presents too. Southwold actually is among the most charming little cities within the UK and I really like searching the attention-grabbing collection of retailers for native specialties (significantly from the Adnams store).
One other of the city’s hottest retailers is the Southwold Amber store and Museum. The gifted of us have been crafting jewellery out of amber since 1987 and it is a great spot to search for presents and souvenirs.
8. Get Misplaced within the Southwold Maize Maze
What higher place to lose your self for some time than in an enormous maize (corn) discipline? Although in all probability not one of the best thought to observe Stephen King’s basic horror Youngsters of the Corn earlier than you do.
The Southwold Maize Maze is a superb time out for the entire household and consists of two massive mazes to get misplaced in, a double zip line, leaping pillows, go-karts, a wonderful cafe/restaurant, and a few scenic nature walks. It’s one of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Southwold indisputably.
The Maize Maze is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm from April to October. A household ticket prices £32.00 for 4 folks and may be booked on-line.
9. See St Edmund’s Church
Named for King Edmund the Martyr (who additionally lent his identify to the close by city of Bury St Edmunds), this massive and fairly splendid-looking church dates again to the 1430s. It’s one of many prime locations to see in Southwold for its spectacular thirteenth Century structure.
Together with the lighthouse, St Edmund’s Church is among the city’s main landmarks. Exploring the within is inspired and also you’ll notice some attention-grabbing options such because the stained glass home windows, abnormally excessive nave, and complex carvings and work all through.
The church is open to the general public to discover or attend a mass and even hosts live shows all year long. Exploring this historical church is one other one of many nice free issues to do in Southwold.
10. See What’s On on the Southwold Arts Centre
The Southwold Arts Centre is the city’s premiere place for leisure from dwell music to pantomime, espresso mornings, and the distinguished Summer time Theatre. There are occasions year-round, so examine the web site to see what’s happening throughout your keep.
The Summer time Theatre is an open-air efficiency placed on by the Arts Centre and takes place on Southwold Frequent. Previous performances have included Shakespeare’s A lot Ado About Nothing, a youngsters King Arthur workshop, and the Wind within the Willows (certainly one of my childhood favorites).
In the event you’re on the lookout for enjoyable stuff to do in Southwold in the course of the hotter months, then be sure you head to the Summer time Theatre, which can be one of many nice issues to do in Southwold for {couples}.
11. Stroll Alongside the Quaint Harbor
Southwold has a small harbor largely for visiting pleasure boats with the odd fishing or shrimp vessel coming and going. The harbor is positioned inland somewhat on the River Blyth and there are a few glorious eating places with exterior seating and scenic views to be discovered right here.
It’s a brief however nice stroll from the city middle and that is the place you’ll be able to catch the ferry to Walberswick or rent a ship.
The panorama across the harbor consists of heath and farmland and is a superb place to blow away the cobwebs earlier than grabbing a chew to eat at one of many pubs or eating places close by (see under for extra).
12. Lattitude Pageant
Lattitude is among the UK’s prime music, arts, and meals festivals and among the best issues to do close to Southwold in July. Pulp, Sophie Ellis Bexter, the Proclaimers, and the Lightning Seeds have all been confirmed for 2023. Lattitude is somewhat completely different from different rock festivals because it’s a family-friendly occasion.
Along with a few of the UK and Europe’s prime expertise, there are kids’s workshops, nature walks, food and drinks stalls, and a complete host of different leisure choices set inside the attractive Suffolk countryside 5 miles from Southwold. The pageant takes place inside the gorgeous environment of Henham Park and has been serving to guests create unforgettable experiences for 15 years.
There are many choices for tenting from a household campsite to boutique “glamping” experiences. Or you can simply keep at one of many Southwold accommodations I’ve really useful under. There are a number of tickets to select from, from day to weekend, and people with tenting obtainable which may be booked on-line.
13. Go to Close by Dunwich
One of the crucial common locations to go to close to Southwold is the village of Dunwich a couple of miles down the coast. As a baby, I bear in mind being advised the story of an underwater city with a church bell that also rings, although I’ve by no means managed to listen to it myself.
Within the yr 1086 Dunwich was a thriving port city of round 3000 folks, nonetheless, these days all that’s left is a tiny coastal village with a inhabitants of round 100 residents. Coastal erosion and storm surges imply that the traditional city now lies beneath the ocean and scientists have certainly mapped streets under the water utilizing sonar.
Dunwich is an enthralling place in and of itself, however the truth that it’s England’s reply to Atlantis means it shouldn’t be missed. It’s an eight-mile drive or a five-mile hike from Southwold to Dunwich (I like to recommend the stroll).
14. Reydon Woods Nature Reserve
The traditional woodland at Reydon Woods is a superb place to take a stroll at any time of yr. In spring the forest flooring explodes right into a sea of blue because the bluebells come out of their wintery slumber. In summer season it provides a cooling escape from the warmth, and in fall the colours erupt right into a fiery crescendo of reds, yellows, and oranges.
There’s a four-mile (6.6 km) round stroll from Southwold to Reydon and again which takes in a few of the most picturesque elements of Suffolk. That is positively certainly one of my favourite quick hikes round Southwold and one I’ve carried out many occasions – I really like the combined panorama of seaside, riverbank, creek, and marshland.
15. Have a Pint on the Sole Bay Inn
My favourite pub in Southwold is the Sole Bay Inn and I’ve spent many a nice summer season night in its quaint beer backyard – you’ll be able to’t miss the pub because it’s proper subsequent to the lighthouse. Having fun with the food and drinks (sure, Adnams in fact) is unquestionably among the best issues to do in Southwold at night time.
Along with all of the beers, ciders, wines, and cocktails you’ll be able to drink, the pub additionally serves lunch (12:00 pm to 2:45 pm) and dinner (6:00 pm to eight:45 pm).
You’ll be able to count on good, hearty pub fare akin to native fish and chips, burgers, steaks, pasta, and salads.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Southwold
Beneath, I’ve put collectively some itineraries of issues to do round Southwold to make planning your journey simpler. Whether or not you’ve gotten only a day, or for much longer, these itineraries take within the prime vacationer points of interest in Southwold and can enable you get one of the best out of your keep.
1 Day in Southwold Itinerary
With only a day in Southwold take a tour of the Adnams Brewery earlier than heading to the pier for fish and chips and to admire the gorgeous views of the city and shoreline.
See the lighthouse within the afternoon, go to St Edmund’s Church, and take a stroll alongside the sand dunes. If it’s a pleasant day don’t hesitate to leap in for a dip or rent a board from Southwold Surf Rent. Within the night head to the Sole Bay Inn for a meal and a pint.
2-3 Days in Southwold Itinerary
With somewhat extra time in Southwold, you’ll be able to afford to decelerate and take issues at a extra relaxed tempo. Comply with the above itinerary, however save not less than a day for the seaside and a stroll alongside the dunes. Begin on the pier and make your method down the seaside and inland to the harbor and again to the city once more.
For a 3rd day, discover the boutique retailers and the market (if it’s a Monday or Thursday for the market). Try the Lifeboat Museum, and think about the round stroll to Reydon Woods if it’s a pleasant day.
1 Week in Southwold Itinerary
One week is an effective period of time to discover all Southwold has to supply and absorb a few of the lovely close by locations. Spend a day getting misplaced on the Maiz Maze and returning to Southwold within the night for dinner at Le ROC on the Harbour.
Use one other day to discover the mysteries of Dunwich and see when you can hear the church bells chime. The fish and chips at Dora’s Tea Room are a few of the greatest within the nation – I converse from expertise!
Any spare time you discover may be spent on the seaside, taking part in arcade video games on the pier, or taking one of many many nature walks or hikes within the space.
The place to Keep in Southwold
Southwold is a really small city with no distinct neighborhoods (actually it’s extra of a village), so wherever you keep can be no various minute’s stroll from any of the locations to go to in Southwold. I’ve listed three glorious lodging choices to your keep under.
Sutherland Home – Finest for {Couples}
This trendy but homely Sutherland Home Resort proper within the middle of city is a stone’s throw from the lighthouse and exquisite St Edmund’s Church and only a five-minute stroll from the seaside. The romantic constructing dates again to 1455, however you’ll discover all of the mod cons you want for a cushty keep. Click on right here to e book.
The Swan Resort – Finest for First-Time Guests
This four-star resort is positioned within the middle of city yards from the seaside. All bedrooms embody a Nespresso machine, flatscreen TV, WiFi, and an ensuite rest room. There are additionally two onsite bars and eating places; the Nonetheless Room and the Faucet Room. Click on right here to seek out out extra.
Seaside Fisherman’s Cottage – Finest for Households
This attractive three-bedroom cottage is just some hundred yards from the seaside and is the proper place for households. There’s a patio and terrace, a completely geared up kitchen, a big lounge with flatscreen TV, and WiFI all through. Click on right here to examine the worth.
Finest Eating places in Southwold
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Southwold.
Sole Bay Fish Firm
The Sole Bay Fish Firm is unquestionably one of many prime eating places in Southwold and has a wonderful location proper subsequent to the small harbor. There’s a takeaway fish and chip store (the Little Fish and Chip Store) and a sit-down restaurant specializing in shellfish and different seafood.
Le ROC on the Harbour
This trendy however cheap restaurant by the harbor has a menu of British and European delicacies with rustic dishes like my favourite Beef Bourguignon, do-it-yourself fishcakes, and a light-weight lunch menu. A fantastic place to take a seat and watch the world go by with well-prepared dishes utilizing native substances.
The Lord Nelson
Together with the Sole Bay Inn, the Lord Nelson is certainly one of my favourite pubs in Southwold due to its good location on the seafront, Adnams on faucet, and first rate menu of pub classics and specialty pizzas (the Black Canine with garlic mushrooms, smoked hame and mascarpone is a must-try).
Getting To Southwold
One of the simplest ways to get to Southwold is undoubtedly by automotive and that is how I’ve at all times traveled with mates. Southwold is 120 miles (193 km) from London and simply 30 miles (48 km) from Norwich. From London, you’ll be able to take the A12 and from Norwich the A145. To get to London fly into Gatwick, Heathrow, or Stansted.
It’s additionally attainable to achieve Southwold by public transport by taking a practice from London or Norwich to Halesworth after which taking an (rare) bus or a taxi for the ultimate 9 miles (14 km).
Getting round Southwold is straightforward as all the things is inside strolling distance, although if you wish to discover additional afield a automotive can be needed as public transport on this a part of the nation isn’t so dependable.
Issues To Do in Southwold: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Southwold.
Southwold is most well-known as the house of the Adnams Brewery which has been brewing beer within the city since 1872 (I like to recommend making an attempt their Regatta).
Summer time, and July specifically, is one of the best time to go to Southwold because the climate is ideal for swimming, browsing, and bodyboarding. There are additionally some nice occasions in July akin to Lattitude Pageant.
Southwold is unquestionably price visiting for its lovely shoreline, many nice pubs and eating places, and close by points of interest akin to Dunwich.
Southwold is the proper place for a protracted weekend and 4 to 5 days is sufficient to see all the most important points of interest and spend time on the seaside.
Southwold is extremely secure. Suffolk is among the many prime 20 most secure counties in the entire of the UK, and sleepy Southwold isn’t any exception. Take commonplace precautions; don’t depart valuables on show, and solely swim when lifeguards are on patrol in summer season.
Taking a tour of the Adnams Brewery is among the hottest issues to do in Southwold, in addition to visiting the seaside and pier.
The city seaside, also referred to as Denes Seashore is one of the best (and solely) seaside in Southwold, although there are many lovely close by seashores too akin to Walberswick and Dunwich.
Southwold is most well-known for its drinks made by Adnams (Regatta, Broadside, Ghost Ship, and Southwold Bitter), nonetheless, among the best meals to attempt by the ocean is fish and chips.
In Closing
Now you already know what to do in Southwold, the attractive coastal city on the Suffolk coast. This actually is certainly one of my favourite locations to go for a couple of days relaxation by the ocean due to its superior array of untamed nature, nice walks, and a few of the greatest pubs within the nation (effectively, there’s a brewery on the doorstep!).
Whether or not you wish to eat fish and chips on the pier, go birdwatching alongside the marshes and sand dunes, or seize a bodyboard and catch some waves, there’s one thing for everyone. Don’t overlook among the best seasons to go to is summer season with so many nice festivals like Lattitude to sit up for round this time.
