Southwold, Suffolk

Surrounded by peaceful countryside and award-winning beaches, the unspoilt heritage town of Southwold is a haven from the demands of modern society. Southwold is a charming, seaside town, almost an island, being bounded by the North Sea to the east, the river Blyth and Southwold harbour to the southwest and by Buss Creek to the north. There is just the one road in and out of Southwold.

Southwold has three dominant landmarks: the large water tower, the parish church of St Edmund's, and the whitewashed lighthouse. The parish church of St Edmund, King and Martyr was established on the site of a far older church dating from 1200. It is a fine 15th century building in the Perpendicular style. The lighthouse is located near East Green and is one of the most photographed buildings in town. It is open to visitors in the summer.

The first water tower built in 1896 was joined in 1937 by a 150,000 gallon building both of which are situated on The Common. The popular Common area is part of the land left to the town by William Godyll in 1509.

Today it is home to the Golf, Football, Rugby and Cricket Clubs as well as providing a recreational area for less formal activities like walking, kite flying, blackberrying and tennis. The town centre has an excellent selection of food outlets and shops selling quality clothes, antiques, crafts, gifts and much more, plus galleries, restaurants and tearooms.

The markets held on Mondays and Thursdays date back to the 15th century and 13th century respectively. In the town's many restaurants, pubs and bars ales brewed by the Southwold-based Adnams Sole Bay Brewery are available as are wines imported by Adnams' wine team. In 1659 a devastating fire destroyed much of the Borough. The subsequent rebuilding work created Southwold's distinctive greens as fire breaks should such a disaster re-occur.

The next major event was the Battle of Solebay in 1672 when the English and French fleets clashed with the Dutch just off shore. The total number of men involved in this battle is said to have been 50,000. The brother of Charles II, James Duke of York was the Admiral of the English fleet, and took up residence in Sutherland House in the High Street.

Southwold's unique museum is dedicated to the local and natural history of this corner of Suffolk. Owned and managed by the Southwold Museum & Historical Society, this tiny building, currently being extended, houses an astonishing collection of objects, paintings, photographs, models and wildlife exhibits. Other important historical information can be found in the Sailors Reading Room on the seafront at the end of East Street and the Alfred Corry Museum which is situated near the Harbour.

Southwold has an interesting harbour. The 11th century Domesday Book provides evidence of the importance of Southwold's herring fishing and although fishing has declined here as elsewhere there are still a few fishing vessels operating from the harbour, with fresh fish regularly on sale along the Blackshore area. There is a ferry across the river to Walberswick during the summer and river and sea trips available too.

The town offers much of interest, but it is the sea and Southwold's links with it that make this a wonderful tourist destination and a place to live and work, at any time of the year. A holiday brochure promoting Southwold says "With its working lighthouse, beach huts, award-winning pier, busy harbour, cliff top cannons and of course the beach, Southwold is a tranquil place, a peaceful haven, holding its own elaborate history".

This website is aimed at providing information about day to day life in Southwold, about community events like the Southwold Switch-on night, the Annual Bank Holiday Fete; it provides information about community groups and activities, clubs and associations. Over 60 such groups are active and make Southwold and the surrounding area a friendly, welcoming and inspiring area to live! Please browse and find out for yourself that there is something to do here every day of the week!

More about Southwold can be found on the Southwold website