Things To Do in Southwold – Southwold, a picturesque seaside town on the Suffolk coast, is a delightful destination brimming with quintessential British charm and a variety of things to do.
Known for its sandy beaches and iconic lighthouse, Southwold offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
The town’s beautifully preserved pier, with its quirky shops and amusements, is a must-visit, providing hours of entertainment along with stunning views of the North Sea.
Strolling through Southwold’s charming streets, you’ll discover an array of independent boutiques, art galleries, and traditional pubs.
The town is also home to the famous Adnams Brewery, where you can take a guided tour to learn about the brewing process and sample some of their renowned ales.
For history enthusiasts, the Southwold Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s past, from its maritime heritage to its Victorian heyday.
Nature lovers will find plenty to explore, from the serene Southwold Common to the nearby Suffolk Coast National Nature Reserve, where you can enjoy birdwatching and scenic walks.
The town’s vibrant arts scene is highlighted by the Southwold Arts Centre, which hosts exhibitions, performances, and events throughout the year.
With its stunning coastal beauty, rich history, and vibrant community, Southwold is a perfect destination for a memorable getaway.
Things To Do in Southwold
Coastal Voyager
Location : 3 Southwold Hbr, Southwold IP18 6TA
You will go a long way to beat the exhilarating experience of a ride aboard the charter RIB Coastal Voyager.
Coastal Voyager is a 9M Rigid Inflatable Boat with a deep V hull equipped with 12 wrap around seats and seat belts. Enjoy a ride aboard this boat and take in all of the scenery.
For more information about the Coastal Voyager click here
Southwold Pier
Location : N Parade, Southwold IP18 6BN
At Southwold Pier, you’ll find delicious food, excellent shopping, breathtaking sea views and eccentric British seaside fun reaching 623 feet into the North Sea from the Suffolk coast.
The original Southwold Pier, which was 810 ft long, was built in 1900 as a landing stage for the Belle steamships that travelled from London Bridge.
For more information about visiting Southwold Pier click here
The Denes Beach at Southwold
Location : Ferry Rd, Southwold IP18 6HQ
This sand and shingle beach is backed by low dunes and marshland, stretching from the north side of the mouth of the River Blyth up to Southwold.
The southern end of the beach has a lifeboat station and a lifeboat museum, behind which is a small caravan park.
At the northern end of the beach are a number of beach huts and it is backed by a promenade.
For more information about The Denes Beach click here
Dunwich Heath Coastal Centre
Location : Minsmere Rd, Dunwich, Saxmundham IP17 3DJ
Dunwich Heath is an area of coastal lowland heath just south of the village of Dunwich, in the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB.
It is adjacent to the RSPB reserve at Minsmere. You will find lowland heath and acid grassland, rich in wildlife and home to several rare bird species.
The Coastguard Cottages Tea-room, serves hot and cold drinks, snacks and light meals. There is a kiosk that serves ice cream in summer.
For more information about visiting Dunwich Heath click here
Adnams Visitor Centre
Location : Southwold IP18 6EF
Find out what goes into your favourite Adnams products and even make your own, by joining a tour or taking part in an experience.
Choose from a range of brewing and distilling experiences.
For more information about the Adnams Visitor Centre click here
Southwold Lighthouse
Location : Stradbroke Rd, Southwold IP18 6LU
Southwold Lighthouse is a lighthouse operated by Trinity House in the centre of Southwold.
It stands on the North Sea coast, acting as a warning light for shipping passing along the east coast and as a guide for vessels navigating to Southwold harbour.
For more information about Southwold Lighthouse click here
Alfred Corry Lifeboat Museum
Location : Ferry Road, Southwold IP18 6NB
The ‘Alfred Corry’ was Southwold’s lifeboat for 25 years from 1893 until 1918 which, during which period, she was launched 41 times and saved 47 lives.
The Museum is situated in the car park at the end of Ferry Road at Southwold harbour, in what used to be the old 1923 Cromer Lifeboat shed, moved to Southwold from Cromer 80 miles away, by sea in 1998.
For more information about the Alfred Corry Lifeboat Museum click here
Southwold Arts Centre
Location : St Edmund’s Hall, Cumberland Road, Southwold IP18 6JP
Southwold Arts Centre is the premier entertainment venue in Southwold offering live-music, theatre, performance, film and community events for all ages.
For more information about Southwold Arts Centre click here
Looking for other places to visit, check out Suffolk Places To Visit