Southwold Tourist Information

A seaside holiday jewel on the Suffolk Heritage Coast, Southwold is home to an award-winning beach and fun family pier with alfresco cafe, gift shops, feature pier clock and the not to be missed quirky ‘Under the Pier Show’ with a selection of unusual amusement arcade games! Southwold is a Suffolk seaside resort for all, from families looking for that family friendly beach break to couples on the hunt for the perfect coastal romantic retreat, with plenty of fine inns close to hand serving Southwold’s own delicious Adnams ales.

Southwold accommodation choice includes an excellent selection of luxury holiday cottages and self-catering apartments within walking distance of the town centre and beach. Stay in a cosy Southwold bungalow or a Sea View apartment near the Pier. Attractions all within easy walking distance include Adnams’ Sole Bay Brewery tours or why not enjoy a tour around the iconic Southwold Lighthouse.

A superb choice of real ale inns with outdoor seating are to be found in beautiful Southwold alongside traditional tearooms and a wide choice of fine restaurants. Brimming with vintage charm, this Suffolk seaside resort offers up independent gems like The Electric Picture Palace cinema opened by Southwold fan Michael Palin.

The town hosts a string of festivals and events through the year and offers the highest standard of self-catering and B&B guest house accommodation. Choose Southwold for your Suffolk Heritage Coast walking and touring base and book now.

Southwold Museums

Visit the Southwold Museum housed in two stunning 17th century cottages and take a tour of the quirky Amber Museum and Shop, a unique museum exploring the story and history of organic resin amber. Exhibits here include the largest pieces of amber discovered in Britain and the shop sells a wonderful selection of amber jewellery and gifts. The Alfred Corry Museum, a former Cromer pier lifeboat shed is adjacent to the harbour car park.

Southwold Lighthouse

The white beacon of the Southwold Lighthouse is an iconic feature in the resort. Visitors can take tours of this coastal landmark. Trinity House offer a selection of Lighthouse tour dates from Easter through the summer season. Tours last around 20 minutes.

Historic Buildings in Southwold

Southwold contains a wonderful collection of heritage buildings. One of Suffolk’s most spectacular churches – St Edmund church sits just inland from the beach with 15th century painted screen. Historic maritime buildings of real interest include the Sailor’s Reading Room on East Cliff funded by Victorian philanthropism as a refuge for fishermen and sailors where they could read and receive some religious instruction. The Electric Picture Palace on Blackmill Road was opened by Michael Palin in May 2002. Take in a film show or enjoy a guided tour of this cinema gem which is also available for weddings.

Southwold Pier

Award-winning Southwold Pier is one of Britain’s most beautiful piers with a host of attractions, onsite cafes, restaurants and great craft focused gift shops. Enjoy home-cooked food and drink at the Broadwalk Restaurant on the Pier with fabulous views of the beach. Attractions on the pier include the traditional amusement arcade with penny slot machines, fruit machines and racing horses. Don’t miss a view of The Southwold Pier Waterclock, which comes to life on the hour and half hour, always drawing a crowd!

A visit to the whacky world of the Under The Pier Show guarantees great laughs with new quirky machines constantly being added. Outdoor pier seating features around both the pier cafes and along the pier broadwalk. Southwold Pier is open daily except Christmas Day.

Adnams Brewery Tour

Take a brewery tour of the Sole Bay Brewery at Southwold which produces the delicious Adnams Ales. The brewery is housed within a Victorian building and is located close to Southwold lighthouse just inland from the beach. The building is Victorian but as the brewery tour reveals, this is one of the UK’s most modern breweries featuring cutting edge brewing machinery. The beer making process is thoroughly explored during a tour which lasts around 1 hour and is followed by a 30 minute tutored beer tasting session. Adnams also produce wines.