Close Attractions

Southwold Pier is a delightful example of a traditional Victorian seaside pier, extending approximately 190 metres into the North Sea. Originally built in the late 19th century, it has been lovingly restored and now features a variety of vintage arcades, quirky automata, and the celebrated Water Clock that pours its water every half hour to entertain passersby.

On the pier, you can enjoy classic seaside amusements such as coin-operated arcade games, wobbly mirrors, and mini-golf. Below the deck, the “Under the Pier Show” houses a fascinating collection of oddball mechanical creations—fun for both kids and adults alike. Amid these attractions are independent cafés and food kiosks offering fish and chips, artisanal ice cream, and light snacks.

The pier is dog-friendly and offers panoramic views of the sandy beach, colourful beach huts, and Southwold Lighthouse. For many, strolling along and people-watching with a cone of ice cream in hand is the perfect way to unwind. Parking is nearby on the promenade (though charges apply in high season). Whether you're looking for nostalgic fun, a scenic boardwalk, or just a peaceful place by the sea, Southwold Pier is a must-visit. A couple of hours here is ideal—enough time to browse the shops, enjoy the amusements, and soak up the seaside atmosphere.

Southwold Lighthouse is an iconic 31-metre tall working lighthouse that has been guiding shipping since 1887. It is situated amid the charming fishermen’s cottages near the town centre rather than on a cliff—making it an intriguing and unexpected sight in the residential streetscape.

Visitors can climb the 131 steps to reach the top (weather and operational requirements permitting), and the 20-minute tour provides excellent views of the sea, beach huts, and surrounding marshland. Along the way, guides share the history of the lighthouse, its construction, and its continuing role in maritime safety on the Suffolk coast. The climb is moderate in difficulty and well-suited to most walkers who feel comfortable using staircases.

Photography lovers will enjoy capturing the white-painted tower against a blue sky or with the colourful huts below. Inside, displays and plaques offer insights into George Orwell’s time in Southwold—he lived in the town for around 20 years and found inspiration here. This visit makes for a memorable 45-minute stop: climb, learn, look around, and then finish off with a drink or meal nearby. It’s a peaceful way to experience a piece of working maritime heritage in a very picturesque small town.

Adnams is Southwold’s most famous local institution—crafting beer since 1872 and now also producing award-winning gin and spirits at the Copper House Distillery. Their brewery tour is highly regarded as both informative and enjoyable.

Tours typically last about 1–1.5 hours and include a walk through the brewery and distillery production areas, tasting sessions of beers and spirits, and an opportunity to “create your own juniper blend gin” experience for gin lovers. Visitors learn about the brewing and distilling processes, the history of Adnams, and the role the company plays in Southwold life. The venue includes a shop where you can buy branded products, beer, wine, spirits, and local food gifts—many visitors enjoy a coffee or light meal in the café located in a converted copper vessel.

The tour is popular during wetter or cooler weather and there is a minimum age restriction (no under-18s for distillery tours). It’s both leisurely and engaging—suitable whether you're an enthusiast or new to beer and gin. After finishing the tour, you can relax at one of Adnams’ local pubs such as The Swan, Harbour Inn, The Crown or Sail Loft—all serving their own house-brewed drinks. Overall, it’s an immersive and award-winning experience—combining history, flavour, and Suffolk hospitality all in one.

Southwold’s beach is a long stretch of sand and shingle, framed by iconic colourful beach huts and backed by dunes on the more natural Denes Beach to the south. The northern section near the pier is lively, with cafés, shops and the famous huts. Further south, where the dunes and marsh stretch out, the setting becomes wilder and quieter—a great contrast.

The beach has Blue Flag status and provides facilities such as public toilets (including disabled access), lost child centre, and beach hut hire. Lifeguards are on duty during high season, making it safe for swimming and family visits.

Beach huts are a celebrated part of Southwold’s seaside character—many owners rent them for a day or week. Even if you're not renting one, they offer a colourful backdrop to relax in front of and are great for photos.

You can walk north toward the pier, relax on the sand or stroll dunes farther south. Dogs are allowed year-round on the Denes Beach, and from October to March on the Pier beach—so it’s a dog-friendly destination too. Ice cream stands such as Beaches and Cream and Harris & James make perfect pit-stops, and at sunset grabbing fish & chips and watching the harbour glow is a local favourite experience. Chips can be purchased from Mrs T’s, Little Fish & Chip Shop or Sole Bay Fish Company near the harbour for a classic seaside supper.

For maritime history lovers, Southwold offers two compact but fascinating museums. First is the Alfred Corry Lifeboat Museum, housed in the restored lifeboat shed artfully preserving the lifeboat “Alfred Corry,” which served from 1893 to 1918. The museum’s displays include the boat itself, nautical artefacts, and stories of local crew and rescues, giving a vivid insight into lifeboating life in the Victorian era.

Nearby is the Southwold Sailors’ Reading Room, a quaint historic building on the seafront originally established to educate fishermen and sailors. It now serves as a micro-museum featuring maritime memorabilia, books, maps, ship logs, and fold-out exhibits that illuminate the lives and traditions of the local seafaring community.

The Southwold Museum, located on Church Street, complements these with local and natural history displays—covering everything from fishing heritage to early 20th-century community life. It’s small but rewarding, and a favourite with enthusiasts of English coastal history. Together, these three venues offer a deep yet intimate dive into Southwold’s maritime past.

A combined visit takes around 1–1.5 hours. It’s especially welcome on rainy days or for families with curious older children. The museums are within walking distance of each other and close to the pier and beach shops—easy to combine with refreshments or sightseeing along Church Street.

One of the most scenic and enjoyable short excursions from Southwold is the coastal walk and ferry crossing to the neighbouring village of Walberswick. The route runs from Southwold Common, past the golf course, across the Bailey Bridge, and returns via the pedestrian ferry operating across the River Blyth in summer months—or a small powered boat when the tide is high.

This roughly 2–3-mile circular loop offers marshland views, salt-grass scenery, and a peaceful village atmosphere. Walberswick itself is quietly picturesque, with a sandy beach, nature reserve, and traditional pubs. It’s well known for its crabbing competitions and families trying their luck from the riverbank or village green.

Walking the route takes around 60–75 minutes out, and the ferry ride and stroll back brings you back in under two hours. Many visitors take a picnic, or stop for refreshments in Walberswick before returning by ferry—when available—or return on foot at low tide.

The ferry trip is a pleasant experience, and visitors enjoy both the scenery and the friendly village atmosphere on the other side. It’s a great option for walkers, couples, dog-walkers, or anyone wanting to combine light activity with coastal exploration.