Top Things To Do In Suffolk
Suffolk is a county blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, fascinating history, and charming towns. Whether you’re in...
by Morris / Area Guides
Southwold is one of Suffolk’s most picturesque seaside towns. Our selection of Southwold cottages are all near to the Adnams Brewery and offer many places of interest to visit, including the elegant pier, the harbour, a lighthouse and more! With so many cafes, shops and restaurants to choose from, self-catering in Southwold couldn’t be easier. Be sure to check out the fantastic pier at Southwold, located near to our holiday homes.
Over 40 of our properties are within walking distance of the centre of Southwold. We have the flexibility of multiple options that best suit you and your family. Click below to view all of our Southwold cottages, or read on for more information…
Southwold is a wonderful location for a traditional seaside holiday, with its award-winning beach, Victorian pier and beach huts along the promenade. This quintessentially British town sits at the mouth of the River Blyth and within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Plus, time your trip right and attend South’s exciting Latitude festival.
The pier completes Southwold as the quintessential British seaside resort. Southwold Pier was built in 1900 as a landing stage for steamships bringing tourists from London. It was originally 810ft!
A violent storm destroyed and swept away the T-shaped landing stage of the pier in 1934, which was never replaced.
The pier also suffered damage from the Second World War. Sections of the pier were removed at the outbreak of the War to prevent a German invasion.
It was further damaged in 1941 when it was struck by a drifting sea mine. Storms in 1955 and 1979 caused further destruction. As a result, the pier was privately bought and rebuilding began in 1999.
This was completed in 2001 and the pier now stretches 623ft into the North Sea. It is Britain’s only 21st Century Pier. The Pier hosts three eating venues, serving a range of choices from your classic fish and chips to gourmet suppers, homemade cakes, and stone-baked pizzas.
Browse the three shops for everything from beach necessities to uniquely gorgeous products created by local artists and craftspeople.
The ‘Under the Pier Show’ designed by eccentric engineer and cartoonist has helped define Southwold as a truly spectacular place. This alternative arcade promises a one-of-a-kind, hilarious, and mind-bending experience that will delight visitors both young and old. Furthermore, the traditional arcade at the entrance of the pier is equally fun.
The iconic Southwold Lighthouse is also worth a visit. It has now been in place since 1890 after surviving a fire only six days after the lighthouse was commissioned. Standing 31 metres high, the lighthouse is certainly a central feature of Southwold. Today this prominent local landmark operates with an automated light that reaches 24 miles out into the North Sea.
Lighthouse View is a handsome Victorian self-catering Southwold holiday cottage situated in the heart of this coastal town. As the name suggests, this self-catering holiday cottage enjoys views of this spectacular lighthouse and is also walking distance from the beach.
On the green just above the beach is the descriptively named Gun Hill. Located here are six 18-pounder cannon pointing towards the sea. These commemorate the Battle of Sole Bay fought in 1672 between English and French fleets on one side and the Dutch on the other. You can actually also learn more about this battle at the Southwold Museum, which has a collection of mementos of the event.
Southwold has a fabulous award-winning unique cottage museum dedicated to the local and natural history of the town. This small but spectacular museum is owned and managed by the Southwold Museum & Historical Society. There’s an astonishing collection of objects, paintings, photographs, models, and wildlife exhibits to explore here.
Exhibits range from fossil remains through the Viking occupation, sea battles, the rise and fall of the town’s railway, its famous land-locked lighthouse, to its ever-changing coastline. therefore, head here to discover everything about how this busy fishing community transformed into the prosperous seaside resort we see today.
Southwold has a gorgeous Grade I listed parish church, considered to be one of Suffolk’s finest. The Church is dedicated to St. Edmund. It was built between the 1430s to the 1490s to replace a smaller 13th-century church that was destroyed by the fire that devastated most of the town in 1659.
Stay in the fabulous Apostle Cottage and enjoy views of this stunning Church from the bay window of the master bedroom.
Southwold’s old-fashioned cinema is also another feature that makes the town so unique. Built in imitation of the Electric Picture Palace that was in place in 1912, this amazing building was actually created from a Victorian cart shed and stables in 2002.
This cinema now seats 70, but still has all the charming features of an old-fashioned picture house. This includes a Kiosk, Box Office, and a rising organ. Furthermore, they even have a Commissionaire, a Front of House Manager, and Kiosk staff, organist and usherettes to complete the experience!
The famous Adnams Brewery is another focal point in the centre of Southwold. Established in 1872, Adnams now produce multi-award-winning beers and spirits from their brewery and micro-distillery in Southwold.
Brewery and distillery tours are available throughout the year, as are additional experiences such as wine tasting. Moreover, they also offer ‘make-your-own-gin’ courses for a truly special and unique experience. These take you through everything from selecting your own choice of botanicals, through to the distillation process. moreover, you even finish by naming and labelling your own personal bottle.
Adnams also has a large shop in Southwold filled with treats for all. Furthermore, you can sample Adnams products in many pubs throughout Suffolk.
Southwold Boating Lake and Tearoom is another one of the gems of Southwold, with something for every member of the family to enjoy. Relax while the children enjoy the boating lake or try your hand at the 9-hole crazy golf course!
Meanwhile, you can enjoy breakfast, coffee, lunch, and afternoon tea. Or enjoy the beautiful homemade cakes, pastries, and snacks all prepared using the wonderful array of local produce from around the area. Even dogs are welcome!
Southwold high-street is an eclectic and wonderful mix of independent and high street shops. There truly is something for every taste to be found! Get lost discovering everything from designer clothes shops to charming traditional sweet shops and quirky gift stores.
Better-known clothing brands include FatFace, Jack Wills, The White Stuff, Crew Clothing, and Joules. Check-out Collen & Clare, established in Southwold in 2002, for the best of timeless, easy to wear contemporary style from over 100 brands. Finally, discover some spectacular pre-loved finds in WOW vintage.
The multi-award-winning Two Magpies Bakery is a must-visit when staying at one of our luxury properties in Southwold. They specialise in long-fermented sourdough bread and delicious handcrafted viennoiserie. Head here for gorgeous breakfasts to take-away and enjoy in your wonderful self-catered holiday cottage.
Likewise, Slate is a specialist cheese retailer and delicatessen with locations in Southwold and Aldeburgh. This shop is a treasure trove for cheese enthusiasts and foodies. For instance, you’ll find everything you need for the perfect cheeseboard from artisan crackers, crispbreads, honey, nuts, chutneys, and preserves. In addition, Slate also sells authentic fresh pasta, antipasti, and charcuterie.
Enjoy a lazy lunch or delicious dinner at The Sail Loft, right next to the beach on Ferry Road. This trendy and stylish restaurant offers simple, good food, proudly showcasing Suffolk produce with global flavours and local, seasonal ingredients.
Check out Adnams-owned The Swan for something more sophisticated or for a special occasion. The Still Room is an elegant restaurant that takes its name from the Adnams small-batch distillery located right next door. In fact, the distillery has influenced the design of this restaurant. Particularly striking features include the stunning copper-topped cocktail bar.
There’s even a market in Southwold every Monday and Thursday. Here you’ll find stalls run by a huge selection of local food and drink producers, selling jams, honey, Suffolk-cured ham, strawberries, asparagus, breads, cheeses, and ales to name a few!
Over 40 of our properties are within walking distance of the centre of Southwold. We have the flexibility of multiple options that best suit you and your family.
If your Southwold holiday includes waking up to sea views and the beach, we have a number of coastal cottages available.
St Mary’s View is a stunning, spacious apartment with uninterrupted sea views and a short walk to the sandy beach. Sleeping 8, this extremely high-quality apartment occupies the first and second floors of a beautiful Victorian building on the Southwold seafront. Moreover, this is a luxury Southwold holiday property. Impressive furnishings and fittings include chandeliers, Swarovski cupboard handles, and quartz floor tiles. In addition, the opulent bathroom features a claw foot roll top bath and body jets in the separate shower room. The front courtyard features a small seating area to bring the seaside right to you.
28 South Green and Harriet’s Cottage is perfect if you have a large group or family. 28 South Green is a large townhouse that has been lovingly restored and furnished to a very high standard. It features sunny, spacious rooms across 3 floors and far-reaching sea views. The top floor master suite is also an absolute treat, plus there is a patio with chairs and table for al fresco dining.
Harriet’s Cottage is tucked just behind 28 South Green and accommodates up to 4 people, giving a total occupancy of 12 across both properties. This stunning cottage is in a quiet location, however, also just a short walk from the town centre and with sea views from the master bedroom. In addition, there is a small courtyard garden and fence for privacy from the townhouse. For an added piece of luxury, why not book the owners’ beach hut Escapade? Only a couple of minutes’ walk from both properties. Furthermore, there is a 25% discount when booking 28 South Green or Harriet’s Cottage.
For a romantic seaside break, 1 Mackenzie Mews is perfect. This luxury one-bedroom self-catering property is situated in a quiet modern mews very close to the high street and a short walk from the pier and seaside. One of the owners is an interior designer. Therefore, the apartment has been furnished and equipped to provide a luxurious experience for couples.
Southwold is very dog-friendly, with the availability of beach walks and pubs, cafes, restaurants, and shops that welcome dogs. When visiting in summer, be aware that the main beaches of Southwold have pet restrictions in place from 1 April to 30 September. Southwold Denes, however, is dog-friendly throughout the year, located just North of the main beach.
Similarly, dogs are welcome at Covehithe at any time of the year, although they must be kept on a lead when wandering past the pig fields on the path leading to the sea. Once on the beach, let your furry friend loose on the open beach for a game of fetch and a swim in the sea.
We love spending time in Suffolk with our dogs and we’re confident your pets will love the county too. Best of Suffolk has over 20 dog-friendly cottages within the Southwold town area alone, plus more in the surrounding areas.
4 Dunwich Road is perfect for style-conscious guests looking for cottages in Southwold with genuine boutique standards. Owned by a fashion industry professional, the property showcases her sense of style, with designs and imagery from the rock and roll heydays. This stunning dog-friendly accommodation has views of the Suffolk coast combined with a central location, therefore all of the town’s amenities are just a short walk away. With 3 bedrooms, the cottage can accommodate up to 5 people and has views of Southwold Pier and the Lighthouse.
The Bridge House is a great choice if you need a little more space for family and friends. Sleeping up to 7, this original house has a bridge to the front door. There’s a second entrance with parking for 2 cars – a rarity in Southwold! The house is just 300 metres from the sea and set in one of the town’s most popular streets. The open plan ground floor opens up to the garden in the summer months. Alternatively, in the colder months, there’s an open fire to cosy up in front of.
Walton House is a fantastic spacious apartment, occupying the first and second floors of a house. Furthermore, there’s the added bonus of a ground floor conservatory and courtyard garden. The property is set within one of the best locations within Southwold and just steps away from both the thriving town centre and the sandy beach. With 4 bedrooms, a kitchen and dining room, a large living room and tv room, Walton House can easily accommodate up to 8 guests, plus the family dog.
Finally, we also have Southwold cottages with a number of other facilities:
If you see a property that you’d love to stay in, but it’s a little larger than you need, please talk to us. We offer low occupancy discounts on a number of properties and may be able to help on others that are not listed.
In addition, we can often let properties for less than 7 days. If one of these properties in Southwold interests you, but the dates online are not suitable, please contact us as we can often accommodate you, or suggest other similar properties.
Don’t forget to check our last minute deals and special offers too!
We can even accommodate you last-minute planners. You can book to arrive within the next 24 hours! Give us a call and we’ll be sure to have the ideal Suffolk holiday cottage for your stay. We can arrange same-day arrivals with minimum fuss. More of our last minute deals can be found here.
If you’re not ready to book quite yet don’t worry about missing out! You can hold any one of these Southwold properties for 24 hours at no charge, allowing you time to confirm with all guests.
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The Best of Suffolk team are always here to help if you have any questions about booking your holiday to Southwold. We are all local to Suffolk and are more than happy to provide advice! Contact us for information on the best places to eat and drink, fun activities for the whole family, and places where your dog is welcome.
If you’re looking for a short stay or longer Suffolk holiday to explore this beautiful county, then a Best of Suffolk holiday cottage is perfect for you and your friends or family.
The seaside town of Southwold is just off the A12 and easily accessible from most major towns and cities.
There are local bus services from Lowestoft and the surrounding areas, including Beccles, Halesworth, Bungay, and Norwich.
For timetables and further information go to the Suffolk on Board website.
The nearest rail stations are located at Darsham and Halesworth, which provide connections to Ipswich, Norwich, Lowestoft, Cambridge and London Liverpool Street.
Greater Anglia operates frequent train services across The Suffolk Coast, more information and tickets are available at the Greater Anglia website.
The Best of Suffolk team are all local to Suffolk, so if you need advice on where to go and things to do in Southwold and the surrounding areas, let us know! We can advise on places to eat and drink, fun activities for the whole family and even where your dog is welcome.
If you’re looking for a short stay or longer Suffolk holiday to explore this beautiful county, then a Best of Suffolk holiday cottage is perfect for you.
by Morris / Area Guides
Hi! I'm Morris, the Best of Suffolk seagull representing stylish places to stay in Suffolk....
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