Location: Southwold
Top Things to do in Southwold
What to do and see in Southwold, England: The Best Free Things to do
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. Alfred Corry Lifeboat Museum Trust
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 215 reviews
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.
2. Southwold Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,476 reviews
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.
3. Southwold Museum and Historical Society
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By AnnH221 - Perth, Australia
Great little museum with a well thought out display and interesting artifacts from around the area. My kids particularly loved the dress up section with wartime style items to put on. Altogether a lot of fun and well worth a visit.
4. Under the Pier Show
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 219 reviews
Reviewed By smilgaki - London, United Kingdom
This tiny arcade of quirky slot machines is so worth a visit when on Southwold pier. It's free to visit and the hilarious slot machines cost between 60p and £1 to play. A couple of machines were out of action due to Covid, but the machines are hilarious even just to see them and read the descriptions.
5. Adnams Southwold Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
A visit to our flagship Adnams Store is not to be missed. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will guide you around our full range of Adnams beer and spirits and our hand-selected wines from around the world. The tasting bar is open daily so you can try before you buy. Free Wifi too.
Reviewed By 607jamiec - Romford, United Kingdom
You can't go to Southwold without paying a visit to the Adnams Cellar and Kitchen store. Loads of quirky gifts and plenty of wine, beer and ciders to stock up on. Also chocolate gifts too :) Also nice food in the cafe if you want to have a rest and are feeling peckish.
6. Southwold Sailors' Reading Room
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By AnnH221 - Perth, Australia
This is a great place to see some amazing memorabilia of Southwold in its fishing fleet heyday! Everything from photographs of local characters, to figure heads and amazing models of ships used in days gone by.
7. The Amber Shop & Museum
8. St Edmund's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By 264kennethn - Lingfield, United Kingdom
We loved the architecture with the amazing flint stone work. What a shame that many of the stained-glass windows were lost in World War II. But, on the other hand it was nice to be in such a light church. We were lucky to meet the Rector who told us quite a bit about the history, including how they uncovered the Medieval floor tiles.
9. Denes Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Great for a family day out at the beach. Large expanse of beach backed by sand dunes. Ideal for relaxing with a picnic, swimming, sandcastles etc.. Dog friendly. Ample Car Parking with Public Toilets available at the rear of the dunes.
Reviewed By RockyJohnnyB - Saffron Walden, United Kingdom
Best beach for miles? That’s a matter of taste, of course. But my case is simply as follows: it’s a sandy beach, shallow enough sea to be reasonably warm, often great waves to splash around in, shelter from wind in the groynes, fish, chips and ice cream on the pier, ample parking, and a great promenade and town for those that fancy a stroll. Aldeburgh and Dunwich are lovely for other reasons, but this is a winner for us because it has everything for the kids
10. Reydon Wood
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By 263shirleys - Southwold, United Kingdom
Managed by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, this wood is a gem. It is particularly lovely in bluebell time and has orchids of different varieties but it is always restful and interesting. Car park for several cars and a short walk up to the entrance. Mostly easy walking along signposted paths.
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