Southwold is a quaint seaside town in Suffolk, England. Possessing all the features of a traditional seaside holiday town, Southwold’s charms are known countrywide. Distinctively, the towns relative wealth and connection with the arts, things not traditionally associated with coastal resorts, has seen it informally nicknamed Islington-on-sea. The town is also home to the Latitude Festival, one of the United Kingdom’s premier summer music festivals. Latitude runs for a long-weekend in June and attracts visitors from across the UK and Europe. Southwold’s bed and breakfasts are the most popular a place to stay for travelers, although those with a large family or in a group should also consider renting somewhere bigger. Wimdu has a great range of both cottages and bed and breakfasts in the Suffolk region.
Where to Stay
Southwold is often described as the town that time forgot, and a stroll down the Victorian high street or along the promenade can often take you back to the real heyday of the traditional seaside resort in Great Britain. Donkey rides and sandcastles on the sandy beach are a must during the summer months, walking around the town and visiting the pier or harbour one begins to realise how this pretty seaside town became so popular with painters and artists. On Wimdu you’ll find typical seaside cottages which will probably house many prints of famous paintings made of the town or your cottage may well have been included on one of the sketches! To try a British seaside holiday in other areas of the country, check out our host’s cottages in Cornwall or our bed and breakfast offers in Skegness .Fun Facts
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George Orwell regularly stayed in Southwold following his father’s retirement to the town in the early 1930s.
- Southwold’s old water tower was built in 1890 and was able to hold 40,000 litres of water!
- Southwold and the local area have been used in many popular films and television series including Judi Dench’s ‘Iris’!
- Suffolk is home to Britain’s smallest pub – it’s called The Nutshell Pub and is located in Bury St Edmond!
- A quaint rowing boat service has been in operation between Southwold and Walberswick across the River Blyth has been operated by the same family since 1920!
Things to see and do in Southwold
For those who enjoy the seaside air and countryside scenery a break in Southwold will be the perfect holiday for you. Southwold is home to the famous Southwold Pier, a popular attraction with tourists. Built in 1900 and restored in 2001, the pier is lined with charming shops selling locally made souvenirs, lifestyle goods and food. There are a number of cafes along the pier where you can get everything from a tasty English breakfast to locally caught fish! Away from the Pier, Southwold boasts a quaint town centre with a number of fine pubs and restaurants. You’ll get the chance to try amongst other things some locally brewed Adnam’s Ale! The River Blyth which runs through the southern edge of the town is nice to walk along and a small rowing boat services allows people to cross the river to the small village of Walberswick! Another popular walk is along the beach – the col north sea is strangely beautiful to look out upon! Surrounded by agriculture and countryside on three sides and the sea on the fourth, Southwold often feels like you own little enclave from the busy world. However, the town still offer plenty of excitement, Monday and Thursday bring a market to town and the local brewery is well worth a visit. If you are visiting the area for a longer period of time, adding a city break to nearby Norwich or slightly further afield in London ,will give an extra dimension to your visit. By staying in a Wimdu bed and breakfast or cottage, you have the advantage of getting to know your host, who in turn can offer you great insights of how to get the best out of his/her local area. Getting Around
Southwold is located 35 miles outside of the city of Ipswich. The capital of the county of Norfolk, Norwich is also located a similar distance away from the town. Getting to public transport is possible and the closest train station is at Darsham. Unfortuantely this staff is not served by public transport so perhaps a better station to travel to is Halesworth – from hear you can take a connecting bus to Southwold. Using a car is by far the best way to get around the Suffolk are and you’ll be able to explore at your leisure – car hire places are available in Ipswich and Norwich. Southwold itself is small enough that you’ll find you it possible to see everything on foot. 
