Some History...
This old market town, nine miles upstream from Southwold, was once the highest navigable point on the river Blyth. Although not directly on the river, the navigation was made possible by the construction of ‘The New Reach’ which joined the river to the town and allowed Wherries to sail right up to The Quay and exchange their cargoes. This would have included malted barley used in brewing amongst other things. The history of malting in the town over the centuries is explored in a recently completed Malt Trail which visits highlights of the trade around the town.
Local attractions
(with distance in miles)
Southwold (8)
Very popular, traditional seaside town with colourful beach huts and home to Adnams Brewery. See video.
Walberswick (10)
Tranquil seaside village with long sandy beach and a haven for crabbing!
RSPB Minsmere Nature Reserve and Dunwich Forest (8)
Excellent for walkers and birdwatchers - more information on Suffolk bird reserves.
The only park in the UK where you can touch and see close-up the camels and their animal relations.
Norfolk Broads (from 10)
Framlingham and Orford castles (15)
Norwich (22)
Vibrant city with excellent shopping
Golf - Halesworth (1)
An excellent set up with both 18 hole and 9 hole courses and a driving range.
Other local Golf courses -
Bungay (8), Southwold (8), Thorpeness (15), Aldeburgh (17)
Extensive online guide for all things Suffolk
A Roman settlement in origin, Halesworth has a fine medieval church (with Victorian additions), St Mary’s and a pleasant mixture of houses, from early timber-framed buildings to the dignified remnants of Victorian prosperity.
The award winning pedestrianisation of the town centre in 1993 (the Thoroughfare) has created an excellent bustling small town atmosphere in which to explore the local shops. We still retain a great selection of individual retailers, not only quirky to behold but completely unique in their offer which serves to reinforce the sense of unspoiled ‘Old England’ which one feels quite tangibly once you‘ve been here for just a couple of hours.
The Angel and Cleone’s Italian Restaurant is situated at the top end of this street. The Town Trail offers a pleasant walk around the lesser known parts of the town and allows the visitor to discover a little more of the history of Halesworth, and the trail happens to start just outside The Angel.
Positioned in the north east corner of Suffolk, Halesworth makes an ideal base from which to tour the numerous picturesque villages and pleasant market towns of Suffolk and Norfolk as well as the popular coastline stretching from Aldeburgh to Southwold which attracts so many visitors.