It’s hard to find a prettier seaside town in England than Southwold. In the heart of the Suffolk Heritage Coast, this place is known for its colorful beach huts and iconic pier. But there’s a lot more to it than that, and if you have time to discover the town, you’ll find a lot of exciting things to do in Southwold.
Things to Do in Southwold
I’ve spent the last five days experiencing the best of what Southwold has to offer. From the beach to the village greens, the shops to the lighthouse, this upscale coastal town has a lot going for it.
I’ve benefited from staying with friends who have a house in Southwold. They’ve shown me their favorite places in the area and I’ve fallen in love with them.
I hope this blog post inspires you to visit and dig into all there is to see in Southwold.
1. Go to the Beach
First on my list of things to do in Southwold is head to the beach. It’s what draws most people to this part of Suffolk, and it’s a great place to start a trip to the town.
Southwold has a wide sand-and-shingle beach stretching all up and down the coast, from the harbor to the pier and beyond. If the weather is nice, it’s great to lie out in the sun. If not, it’s still fun to take a walk along the sand.
2. Admire the Beach Huts in Southwold
That’s not least because the beach huts in Southwold are famous. These beauties line the waterfront and add color and character to the area. With quirky names and wooden frames, they’re icons of the town and make for great photos.
You can rent the beach huts if you want to use one for a day. It’s a great way to live like a local and have a unique experience on the beach in Southwold.
3. Visit the Lighthouse in Southwold
Another of the best things to do in Southwold is go to the lighthouse. Commissioned in 1890 and electrified in 1938, this landmark building is visible from all over town.
The lighthouse is Grade II listed and has a spiral staircase with over 100 steps leading to the top. Guided visits make it possible to tour the building and take in the views along the coast.
4. Walk along Southwold Pier
Speaking of views, another of the best things to do in Southwold is walk along the pier. Built in 1900 and restored and rebuilt in 2001, Southwold Pier stretches over 600 feet (190 meters) into the sea.
Along the pier you can pop into shops and cafes and admire the clock, a sculpture with lots of moving pieces and running water.
There’s also an arcade on Southwold Pier with quirky games and novelty machines that feel like they’re straight out of a vintage museum.
Above all, the pier is worth visiting for its views of the beach huts, lighthouse, and town skyline.
5. Rent a Cottage in Southwold
One of the most popular things to do in Southwold is rent a cottage and live like a local. From seaside gems to pink houses in town, there’s no shortage of places to stay.
If you want to rent a cottage in Southwold, you can see a range of options and pick the one you like best here.
6. Pose by the Cannons on Gun Hill
Another of the best things to do in Southwold is pose for a photo by the cannons on Gun Hill. These six 18-pound cannons commemorate the Battle of Sole Bay, which was fought in 1672.
They’re now town icons, and given their position overlooking the sea, they make for great photo opportunities.
7. Go Shopping in Southwold
Not far from Gun Hill, there’s a lot of shopping on the High Street. Being an affluent town, Southwold is full of chic boutiques, country clothing shops, and home furnishings stores.
Places like Collen and Clare are local fashion favorites, and Blackshore sells beautiful clothing made in the British Isles (and in their own on-site workshop).
Max Southwold is a treasure trove of home goods, and Southwold Books is a literary lover’s dream.
8. Go to the Pub in Southwold
Interspersed among the shops are some of the town’s classic pubs. One of the best things to do in Southwold is do as the locals do and head in for a drink.
I’ve enjoyed drinks at The Lord Nelson (or The Nelson, as locals call it) and The Swan. The former has historic interiors with a low ceiling and cozy atmosphere. The latter has been refurbished and has a more contemporary feel.
9. Visit the Brewery and Distillery
If drinks at the pubs aren’t enough, there are plenty more tipples to try in town. One of the most exciting things to do in Southwold is explore the world of Adnams.
This brewery and distillery was established in Southwold in 1872, and when you’re here you’re rarely far from a beer, gin, or wine of their making.
In addition to pubs and shops that sell their products, there’s a distillery tour where visitors can delve into their range of spirits.
The Copper House Distillery tour guides people through the start of the process in the brewery and on to the distilling phase. Naturally, it ends with a tasting.
10. Admire the History in Southwold
Back outside, one of my favorite things to do in Southwold is take in the history. This town is full of heritage buildings and landmarks, and it’s worth seeking them out.
St Edmund’s Church was built in the middle of the 15th century and is considered one of the finest churches in Suffolk. It’s beautiful to see and is surrounded by a churchyard full of historic gravestones.
Not far away, the Southwold Sailors’ Reading Room was constructed in 1864 as a place for the town’s fishermen to read. Today the building is home to historic model boats and maritime paraphernalia.
Elsewhere in town, the Southwold Museum is housed in a pretty brick building and features exhibits dedicated to the local and natural history of the town.
Lastly, the Southwold Town Sign sits at the junction of High Street and Victoria Street. This historic landmark features ships at sea that commemorate the aforementioned Battle of Sole Bay.
11. Take in the Orwell Heritage in Southwold
Speaking of history, one of the best things to do in Southwold is discover the town’s George Orwell connections.
The writer spent time here at various points during his life. He even wrote the novel A Clergyman’s Daughter while living on the High Street.
Today Southwold pays homage to George Orwell through a mural on the pier by street artist Pure Evil. He came to Southwold in 2014 during the Southwold Arts Festival and left the work as a memorial to the writer and his legacy.
The mural features quotes from some of Orwell’s most famous works, including Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four.
12. Explore the Side Streets
No visit to Southwold would be complete without exploring the town’s side streets. In fact, one of my favorite things to do in Southwold is discover the hidden lanes and seek out the colorful cottages.
The town is full of picture-pretty houses with names like Parsley Cottage and Spyglass. Streets like Primrose Alley beg to be wandered, and it’s fun to stumble upon places like the The Electric Picture Palace.
13. Eat in Southwold
With all the exploring, it’s hard not to work up an appetite. Southwold is full of great restaurants, cafes, and pubs, so it’s easy to find good food here.
From The Little Fish and Chip Shop, which is both adorable and famous for its great seafood, to Two Magpies Bakery, which is known for its bread, pastries, cakes, and sourdough pizza, there’s something for every meal.
There are a lot of local grocers, butchers, and other food shops, too. If you’re in the mood to cook for yourself, it’s easy to find good produce in town.
Best Things to Do in Southwold
I hope this guide to Southwold has helped you discover the best of the town and convinced you to visit and explore. It’s worth a special trip to see this part of England, whether you go for the beach, the shopping, the lighthouse, or more.
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