Southwold is probably the best known resort on the coast of Suffolk, with its often photographed white light house and famous colourful beach huts.  Its a place that still manages to retains its oldie worldy charm with the main part of the towns nestling around the large medieval church of St. Edmunds. Georgian buildings with both Dutch and Flemish influence line the high street and there is a petite market place, with a market held every Monday and Thursday.

Southwold has a bevy of interesting shops and lots of place to eat drink and stay. A lovely solid promenade butts up against the award winning beach complete with a traditional pier. From the attractive harbour which is about half a mile away from the town centre, a small ferry service operates (weather conditions allowing) with regular trips over to the picturesque small village of Walberswick.  The town has a museum and there is a curious sailors reading room on the cliffs which is decked out in a nautical theme with model ships, prints of old seafarers and figureheads.

Southwold has a mix of period houses and cottages many painted in the old Suffolk colours of pink and pale blue. Since the 16th century the town has had its own brewery, the present one Adams located in East Green. Learn more about one of Southwold's earlier Brewsters 'Ale Wife Johanna de Corby' who used to brew at The Swan Inn (now known as The Swan Hotel) back in 1345.

In 1659 a fire destroyed much of the town when rebuilding was undertaken it was decided to interspersed the the town with 'greens' using them as fire breaks.

This has resulted in attractive feature of the town. It is said that some of the ruins of the old properties destroyed in the fire can still be found in these greens.

The distinctive white lighthouse dates from 1890 and with its 100 foot tall tower can be seen from most part of the town. It was originally powered by paraffin, then converted to electricity in 1938.

Perched on cliffs, the town is almost an island as its surrounded by the River Blythe, the North Sea and Buss Creek. For holiday accommodation in Southwold or close by visit our accommodation pages which list - hotels - bed and breakfast - camping and caravanning - guest houses - inns and self catering.

'Southwold Jack'  lives inside the church of St. Edmunds. He dates from the 15th century and is a mechanical figure of an armoured foot soldier made of oak. In his hand he holds an axe which he uses to strike the bell. Row upon row of candy coloured beach huts, many of which have belonged to the same family for years. It has been reported in the national news that the cost of some of the beach huts have exceeded the price of a local family home.

The battle of 'Solebay' was fought in May 1672 just offshore between the combined British and French fleet and the Dutch fleet. The Duke of York, brother of Charles II was the admiral of the English fleet and took up residence in an early Elizabethan House in the High Street 'Sutherland House'.   

On Gun Hill are impressive eighteen pound cannons said to have been presented to the town during the reign of George II.


Southwold can trace its history back to Saxon times and is mentioned in the Doomsday book as a prosperous fishing port catching mainly herring.