Why visit Southwold?
Promenade on the pier
Southwold’s pier is the focal point of the town’s main beach, stretching out into the North Sea for almost 200 metres. It was restored in the 1990s after almost falling into the sea, and it’s now a bustling place full of fun things to do, especially if you come along during the summer event programme. Head here at any time of year, though, for great sea views, tasty eats and a wobbly walk past the wall of mirrors. And don’t miss the Under the Pier Show, an amusement arcade with a difference. (Ever wanted to play ‘Whack a Banker’? Here’s your chance.)
Beach time
This is the Suffolk seaside at its best, so clearly the beach has to be high on the list of attractions – the main beach is flanked by colourful beach huts, and there are stretches of sand and shingle for family-friendly days of pottering on the beach. As it’s the North Sea the water’s not always that warm, but brave souls who venture in for a swim are never too far from a warming cup of tea/cone of chips at a cafe. If you’ve got a dog who likes a paddle, you’ll need to head down to Denes beach, to the south of the town, where dogs are welcome all year.
Sample the local brew
Brewing is a major activity in Southwold – the Adnams brewery has been in town since 1872 and it’s now a visitor attraction as well as the place that provides the drinks for most of the pubs in town. Brewery tours run most days to give you an insight into the production process plus a chance to sample the beers. Not a beer fan? Try the distillery tour instead, or sign up to learn to make your own gin.
Essential Southwold days out
-
Take a coastal walk to Walberswick, using the little hand-rowed ferry to cross the river
-
Soak up some culture in nearby Aldeburgh, visiting composer Benjamin Britten’s former home and strolling along the beach to see Maggi Hambling’s Scallop sculpture
-
Browse the independent shops and see what events are on at Snape Maltings
-
Take the kids to meet exotic beasts at the Africa Alive! animal park near Kessingland
-
Head inland to Rendlesham Forest for a day of horse riding, cycling or following the UFO Trail to see where aliens (may have) landed in 1980
Unexplored Southwold
Lifeboat history
Learn a little bit about Southwold’s sailing history through the displays at this compact museum, where the centrepiece is a restored lifeboat originally from the late 19th century. The museum is entirely run and maintained by local volunteers, many of whom have links to the activities of the RNLI or have ancestors that worked on the boats – so it’s a great place to hear personal stories or ask questions.
See a show in the woods
Venture into the forest about six miles from Southwold to find the purpose-built Thorington Theatre hidden away among the trees. The open-air theatre, built from sustainable local materials, was opened in 2021 and stages all sorts of shows throughout the summer – from comedy to kids’ shows to classic Shakespeare.
Here’s how
Pitchup is designed to make it easy to find a place to stay in Southwold that’s just right for you. We’ve got everything from nearly-wild campsites to some rather smart Suffolk glamping locations, plus plenty of places to park your caravan or motorhome.
Our list of filters will help you narrow down the choices to the ones that are just right for you. If you don’t know quite where to start, try one of these popular collections:
Southwold camping for families
Adults-only campsites near Southwold
Southwold campsites with electric pitches
Dog-friendly camping in Southwold
If Southwold isn’t quite right for you, have a look at all of our Suffolk campsites for more choice. Alternatively, perhaps you’d like a North Norfolk coast spot like Cromer, or to mix up your seaside outings with days in Cambridge?
Can’t decide? Perhaps our East Anglia camping guide will help settle some debates or provide fresh inspiration.
