A guide to Southwold

Did you know?

  • 1.
    Southwold’s beach is immaculately kept and is a regular Blue Flag winner.
  • 2.
    The shore is famous for its rows of brightly coloured and highly sought after beach huts.
  • 3.
    Southwold is home of the famous Adnams Brewery, which was a previous winner of The Good Pubs guide ‘Brewery of the Year’.

Southwold Area

The small town of Southwold on the North Sea coast in Suffolk is virtually an island, being surrounded by the River Blyth to the south and Buss Creek to the north. This has resulted in limited town development, helping to retain Southwold’s old world charm.

Surrounding Villages

  • Halesworth
    Halesworth is a town that prides itself on offering a traditional shopping experience. It is centred around the Thoroughfare, a pedestrianised area where many buildings date back to the sixteenth century
  • Walberswick
    Walberswick is a village and civil parish on the Suffolk coast in England. It is at the mouth of the River Blyth on the south side of the river. The town of Southwold lies to the north of the river and is the nearest town to Walberswick, around 1 mile away.
  • Dunwich
    Dating back to Anglo-Saxon times, Dunwich once stood proud as the capital of the Kingdom of the Eastern Angles, at its mightiest matching 14th century London for size. It was a seat of power for the Anglo-Saxon bishops for centuries, an international port, and the Domesday book of 1086 puts the population at over 3000.
  • Middleton
    Middleton is a village in the east of the English county of Suffolk. It sits south west of Dunwich and is close to the coastline.
  • Cookley
    Cookley is a small village and civil parish in the East Suffolk district, in the east of the county of Suffolk, England. Nearby settlements include the town of Halesworth and the village of Walpole.

Lifestyle

  • Shopping

    Southwold High Street boasts a unique collection of independent boutiques and shops, where you’ll find everything from antiques, seasonal produce, gifts, jewellery, pottery, glassware, hand-made candles and the obligatory bucket and spade!

  • Eating

    Coasters

    Smart eatery with wood-panelling, a wood-clad bar and Modern British menus made with local produce.

    Harbour Inn Southwold

    Boating themed decoration includes signalling flags and old photos at this casual seafront pub.

    Sutherland House

    Upscale hotel in a medieval building, offering chic rooms and a renowned seafood restaurant.

    The Swan Hotel

    A popular and historic hotel which has been part of the town for hundreds of years, a stone’s throw from the beach, with famed Adnams tap room and award-winning restaurant.

  • Drinking

    Lord Nelson Southwold

    Seafront pub with nautical decor, serving local Adnams beer alongside their renowned fish and chips.

    Westleton Crown

    Situated near to Southwold, the pub dates back to the 12th Century. Wide variety of local ales, fine wines and spirits.

    Sole Bay Inn

    Sitting under the Southwold Lighthouse a short distance from Adnams Brewery, this is a great little pub serving

Travel

  • Trains
    Closest train stations are either Darsham or Halesworth, both approximately 10 miles away. Both are on the East Suffolk Line which serves London Liverpool Street to Lowestoft, via Ipswich.
  • Other transport

    Halesworth Station links to Southwold mainly by bus.

    The A12, the main trunk route linking London to east, is just over 4 miles’ drive from the town.