10 Things to do in Southwold That You Shouldn't Miss

March 21, 2022 Venice Greaves

Southwold is a small town on the English North Sea coast in the Waveney district of Suffolk. It lies at the mouth of the River Blyth within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The town is about 11 miles (18 km) south of Lowestoft, 29 miles (47 km) north-east of Ipswich and 97 miles (156 km) north-east of London, within the parliamentary constituency of Suffolk Coastal. The "All Usual Residents" 2011 Census figure gives a total of 1,098 persons for the town. The 2012 Housing Report by the Southwold and Reydon Society concluded that 49 per cent of the dwellings in the town are used as second homes and let to holiday-makers.
Restaurants in Southwold

1. Coastal Voyager

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5.0 based on 81 reviews

Coastal Voyager

Life's a blast on Coastal Voyager! Trips to suit all from high speed, adrenaline fuelled sea blasts to gentle river trips with a stop for dinner. We also offer a three hour round trip to see the seals at Scroby sands and the wind farm before returning to Southwold. Keen skippers can also have a go at driving the Voyager under the instruction of our experienced skippers, a great gift or way to celebrate a special occasion. We also offer private hire and tailor made trips as well as taking commercial bookings.

2. Electric Picture Palace

The Electric Picture Palace Blackmill Road, Southwold IP18 6AQ England +44 7815 769565 [email protected] http://www.southwoldcinema.co.uk
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5.0 based on 35 reviews

Electric Picture Palace

A unique 1912 style cinema showing classic and recent film releases. With 70 seats including the new royal box, a rising wurlitzer style organ, usherettes, commissionaire. Run by the Southwold Film Society, membership costs £3 for a season or one off visit, or £10 for the year. Ticket prices are £6 stalls, £7 circle.

Reviewed By PammyNSteveR

We went to this superb little cinema...to see Stanley’s War...a film about the 1st works world war ...( our grandson had a very small part )...the venue was so very quaint ..proper “ Art Deco “ style ....never seen anything quite like it...the staff were wonderful and very informative...wonderful ...do visit if you get a chance..

3. Alfred Corry Lifeboat Museum Trust

Ferry Road, Southwold IP18 6NB England +44 1502 723200 http://www.alfredcorry.co.uk/
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5.0 based on 215 reviews

Alfred Corry Lifeboat Museum Trust

Our Museum is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the Alfred Corry lifeboat. The Alfred Corry was the Southwold No 1 lifeboat from 1893 to 1918. She is a Norfolk and Suffolk type sailing and pulling lifeboat. She was dedicated on the Easter Monday of 1893 and during her 25 years of Royal National Lifeboat Institutions (RNLI) service she was launched 41 times and she and her crew are credited with saving 47 lives. After retiring from RNLI service the vessel passed through the hands of several private owners. Each owner modified her to meet their own particular requirements. She has now been restored to her original lifeboat form by members of the museum trust. The name Alfred Corry is taken from the benefactor Mr Alfred James Corry (1858-1892) who left a bequest of £1,500 "for the building, fitting out and equipping of one lifeboat" in his will. The Alfred Corry is housed in the ex Cromer Lifeboat Shed which was originally installed on the end of Cromer pier. Designed and built in 1923 the shed was partially dismantled and shipped to Southwold in 1998 where it was reassembled and restored by local artisans and members of the trust. For many years Mr Henry Blogg GC BEM (1876-1954) who is the most highly decorated RNLI lifeboat man was the long serving Coxswain of the Cromer lifeboat and he helped design and modify aspects of the shed. The museum tells the story of the Alfred Corry and her crew throughout her RNLI career and her subsequent 'adventures'. We also have displays on the restoration of both the vessel and shed. These are all put in the context of the history of Southwold and its people through the ages. The displays are updated and changed on a regular basis. We positively welcome school parties and educational visits.

Reviewed By dcjpoet

Really worth a visit. A voluntary museum staffed by enthusiasts . A wonderfully restored lifeboat of the pre-motor engine type.

4. Mint Fitness Southwold

Old Hall Farm, Southwold IP18 6SG England +44 1728 454350 [email protected] http://www.mintfitness.co.uk
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5.0 based on 63 reviews

Mint Fitness Southwold

Mint Fitness Southwold is a newly renovated fitness studio offering fitness classes, personal training, yoga, barre, sports massage and gym facilities. We are perfect for visitors because we have absolutely no joining fees or contracts plus all our classes are fun, effective, safe and suitable for all abilities.

Reviewed By G4858XNjordanm - London, United Kingdom

Had the most wonderful double session with Lauren in Friday. Her Mojito spin had my blood pumping high and I felt gloriously alive and free. My legs felt it the next day. She really knows how to balance a spin class with the perfect mix of intensity. I then followed it up with her aerial yoga class and thoroughly enjoyed the stretch out and relaxation it gave my body and mind. Cannot wait to visit again soon for another class.

5. Adnams 'Make Your Own Gin' Experience - Southwold

Sole Bay Brewery East Green, Southwold IP18 6EG England +44 1502 727225 [email protected] http://tours.adnams.co.uk/tours/
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5.0 based on 128 reviews

Adnams 'Make Your Own Gin' Experience - Southwold

If you've ever wanted to create your own Gin then the Adnams Make Your Own Gin experience is for you! This fascinating experience using mini copper stills takes 2-2.5 hours. An Adnams Gin Maker will guide you through the process of making your own gin, from selecting your own choice of the botanicals provided, through to the distillation process and naming, then labelling, your personal bottle.

Reviewed By V3124IEandrewd - Diss, United Kingdom

A small group of five of us taking part in this very informative, fascinating visit to the Adnams Distillery followed by a great session in the lab making our own gin. Yes - actually mixing the ingredients and then, individually distilling the gin to take with us. Finished with a tasting of the basics and different Adnams gins - excellent and with Christine’s experience and guidance the whole visit was punctuated with loads of history and detail of the beer, vodka and gin making processes - loved it !

6. Southwold Library

Southwold Library North Green, Southwold IP18 6AT England +44 1502 722519 [email protected] http://www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/libraries/southwold-library/
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Much more than a traditional library we welcome all ages for a variety of events, activities and resources. As well as welcoming locals we are delighted to have visitors coming in and using our facilities and joining in our activities. We are also a Visitor Information point so can find out about local attractions, events and resources. We also have free Wi-Fi and computer access for all.

Reviewed By 263shirleys - Southwold, United Kingdom

Much more than a place to borrow books. Charlotte and her helpers make this a community hub, running activities for all age groups. The Friends of Southwold Library organise activities to raise needed extra revenue. It will be even better when they finally move into their new home in the old Hospital.

7. Walberswick Ferry

42 Ferry Road, Southwold IP18 6NB England [email protected] http://www.walberswickferry.com/
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5.0 based on 61 reviews

Walberswick Ferry

Reviewed By places2seeplaces2go - England, United Kingdom

What a fun trip. We had a walk all around the harbour to Southwold & took this small little ferry back to Walberswick. Great fun & easier than walking back !!! Dog Friendly

8. Adnams Brewery Tour

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4.5 based on 1,133 reviews

Adnams Brewery Tour

Behind the walls of our Victorian building in the heart of Southwold sits one of the most modern breweries in the UK. Over the past few years the brewery has undergone a complete refurbishment with the replacement of the brewstream being the most recent update. This state-of-the-art installation recovers 100% of the heat and steam from each brew, 90% of which is used to reheat the next. This reduces the amount of gas needed during the brewing process by 30%. The new system can also brew larger batches in less time, making more efficient use of raw materials. It is also very efficient in water usage with a ratio of 3.2 pints of water to every pint of beer, compared to the industry average of 8. It even cleans itself and we're trying to programme it to make the tea too. But don't just take our word for it, book a tour, come and meet one of the brewery team and see it all for yourself. Please book ahead online for by calling our booking line to avoid disappointment.

9. Henham Park

Beccles, Southwold NR34 8AN England +44 7900 553426 [email protected] http://www.henhampark.co.uk/
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4.5 based on 21 reviews

Henham Park

10. Southwold Pier

Pier Pavilion North Parade, Southwold IP18 6BN England +44 1502 722105 [email protected] http://www.southwoldpier.co.uk/
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4.5 based on 2,476 reviews

Southwold Pier

If one picture on a postcard could sum up an idyllic English Seaside destination it would have to be Southwold Pier. Decked out across the sea in the picturesque coastal town of Southwold, this pillared walkway has a magnetic attraction and something for everyone to enjoy! There's so much to do a whole day can drift by while you walk the planks and explore this historic icon. Please note: Our opening times are weather permitting and therefore can change.

Reviewed By ashernottscat - Nottingham, United Kingdom

This pier is great. From the 80's retro games to the nice tea rooms and more importantly, the exhibit with wacky slot machines. Hope it never changes.

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