Southwold
A thriving resort at the heart of Suffolk’s heritage coast, Southwold has everything you want for the perfect cottage holiday.
Southwold Cottages
With plenty to do whatever the weather, Southwold is a holiday hotspot all year round. Famous for its picture-postcard pier, brightly-coloured beach huts, busy harbour and working lighthouse, the town is the ideal base for a relaxing break with family and friends.
Charming holiday cottages meld into the town’s mix of Georgian, Regency and Victorian architecture, where you’ll find a range of select shops and renowned restaurants. And the local Adnams brewery upholds Southwold’s long tradition of reviving and refreshing all those who visit – beer has been brewed in the town for 600 years.
Southwold’s beautiful golden beach is a regular Blue Flag winner for its cleanliness and facilities – perfect for bucket and spade-style fun, or a stroll along the tideline looking for the precious amber which sometimes washes up here.
A short walk south takes you to the entrance of Southwold harbour, where you can watch boats navigate the often choppy waters as the River Blyth meets the North Sea. For exploration further afield, a foot ferry will take you across the river to Walberswick, popular with ramblers and nature lovers and home to the annual British Open Crabbing Championship!
"Mentioned in the Domesday Book as an important fishing port, Southwold received a town charter from Henry VII in 1489 and is alive with history even today."
Chief events in Southwold’s history include the Great Fire of 1659. The blaze destroyed much of the town and created a number of open spaces, among them the descriptively named Gun Hill where six cannon commemorate the Battle of Sole Bay, fought in 1672 between English and French fleets on one side and the Dutch on the other.
Buildings which escaped the ravages of the fire include the impressive St Edmund’s Church, while other important landmarks include The Old Water Tower on Southwold Common, built in 1886 and recently renovated by holiday cottage company Suffolk Secrets, which has its offices here.
Another triumph of restoration is the bijou Electric Picture Palace Cinema which, complete with authentic seats, circle and organ pit, transports audiences back to the early 20th century.
