southwold tours

Things to Do in Southwold, Suffolk - Southwold Attractions

Things to do in southwold, tours near southwold.

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What travelers are saying

• Southwold Lighthouse
• Alfred Corry Lifeboat Museum Trust
• Walberswick Ferry
• Adnams Distillery Tour
• Denes Beach
• Southwold Pier
• Henham Park
• St Edmund's Church
• Southwold Museum and Historical Society
• Coastal Voyager

Adnams Tours & Experiences

When you stay with us at The Swan, you are just a few steps away from our world-famous brewery and distillery in the heart of Southwold, so why not take advantage and book one of our Adnams tours.

Find out how we make our award-winning beers and spirits, and get a taste of them first-hand. You can even get creative and make your own gin to take home with you.

To find out more and book your Adnams tour or gin experience: 

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Adnams Brewery Tour

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ADNAMS BREWERY TOUR (Southwold) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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The Best Things to do in Southwold, Suffolk 2024

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 As part of a recent road trip through Norfolk and Suffolk, we spent a fabulous week in the pretty seaside town of Southwold.  We had never been before, but we fell in love with the place and will definitely be going back.  Read on for my ideas on the best things to do in Southwold.

In this article

Walk Around Historic Southwold

Probably the best thing to do in Southwold is simply to wander around the historic town admiring the magnificent Georgian architecture.  The buildings you see all date from the mid to late seventeenth century.  They were built following a fire in 1659 which destroyed most of what stood before.  When the town was rebuilt, the design included grassy areas throughout the town.  These ‘greens’ were there as fire breaks in case of another disastrous fire.

The largest green area, though, is Southwold Common which was donated to the town by Thomas Godyll in 1509.  Today, it is a much-used area and home to the Southwold golf, football, and rugby clubs.  

For a  lovely circular walk around Southwold, head south along the beach from the pier until you reach the harbour.  Turn right and walk along the river Blyth until you come to the Harbour Inn.  Turn right again and follow the lane through the middle of the golf course, across the common, to the High Street.  Head right again and return to the sea and the pier.

Spend Time on Southwold Beach

Southwold is a genteel coastal town with some lovely architecture and none of the tat you often find at the seaside.  Because there are no amusement arcades and fairground rides, the town appeals to the older visitor.  The beautifully clean beach has often been recognised with the prestigious Blue Flag award.  All of these factors make spending time on the beach a real pleasure, whether you are sitting enjoying the sun and watching the world go by, or walking along the sand by the water’s edge.

Beautiful Beach Huts

Southwold is famous for the 300 brightly coloured and well-maintained beach huts that line the promenade.  I love a beach hut!  For me, one of the best things to do in Southwold is to walk along the prom admiring the quirky décor and interesting names that the owners have given to their beach huts.  It’s a photographer’s dream!

If simply admiring the beach huts from outside is not enough, it’s possible to hire one for the day to get a real taste of yesteryear.  Follow this link for details of some gorgeous huts available to rent.

Stroll Along Southwold Pier

Southwold Pier is one of the most celebrated in the country.  It was built in 1900 as a landing stage for the steamships which arrived from London Bridge.   In 1934, a severe gale swept away the head of the pier.  The remaining part was transformed into an amusement arcade and concert hall, but it was further damaged during World War II.  The pier then fell into a state of disrepair which lasted for several decades.

In 1999, a restoration project began.  It took two years and the 623-metre pier was completely transformed.  Now there are many attractions along its length including a wacky mirror walk, an amusement arcade, a café, a restaurant, and, of course, the famous water clock.  This cheeky sculpture-come-working clock was created in 1998 by Tim Hunkin and Will Jackson.  They designed it to raise awareness of recycling and made it largely from old hot water cylinders.  Water is pumped to the top of the clock from the well below and every thirty minutes this water powers a show featuring two men peeing!  It attracts many thousands of visitors every year!

Under the Pier Show

If you are visiting Southwold Pier, don’t miss the Under the Pier Show.  It is one of the most unique and eccentric collections of interactive machines in the world.  All of these weird and wonderful inventions were dreamt up by Tim Hunkin, co-creator of the water clock.  

Experience the life of a fly using virtual reality, train for your future on a walking frame simulator (yes, really!), or take out your frustrations on the ‘Whack a Banker’ machine! 😊

Take a Tour of Adnams Brewery

Without doubt, one of the best things to do in Southwold is to take a tour of Adnams Brewery.  Wherever you go in the town, you come into contact with Adnams.  Their brewery and distillery are located behind the walls of a stunning Victorian building on East Green.  Their warehouse and distribution facility is close by, and their visitor centre is just around the corner.  They have a retail shop on the High Street and they own all of the town’s pubs.

Adnams have been brewing in Southwold since 1872.  They now have one of the most modern breweries in the UK and are the largest employer in town.

Brewery Tour

We took a tour of Adnams Brewery.  Our guide took us around the outside of the buildings and gave us lots of interesting information about the history of brewing in Southwold and of Adnams.  Back in the visitor centre, she explained the beer-making process in great detail as we tasted the raw ingredients – the different types of barley and hops.  We went on to taste several different beers.  The samples were very generous – we were glad we’d had bacon rolls for breakfast!  

At the end of the tour, we were given a voucher for a bottle of beer of our choice to redeem in the High Street shop and a discount coupon off any other products we bought.  At a cost of £20 each, we felt the tour was very good value.

Distillery Tour

Adnams added their Copper House Micro Distillery in 2010 and have already developed a range of award-winning spirits.  They offer a distillery tour where you can blend your own gin.  Although we didn’t do this, I have it on good authority that it’s a great experience!

Check out Adnams’ website for details of all their tours.

Don’t Miss Southwold Lighthouse

Southwold’s lighthouse is visible from almost everywhere in town.  Originally, there was a wooden lighthouse on Gun Hill.  This was replaced with the structure you see today in 1890.  The tower is 101 feet tall and painted brilliant white.  When it was first commissioned, it was illuminated by paraffin.  It was converted to electricity in 1938.

Today, the lighthouse is operated by Trinity House and is open to the public on certain days.  Check their website for details.

Check Out the Cannons on Gun Hill

These historic 18-pound cannons are thought to be more than 400 years old.  They were given to the town in 1746 by the Royal Armouries as a protection against raids from the sea.  The cannons were last fired in 1842 to celebrate the Prince of Wales’s birthday.  Tragically, a man was killed by an explosion whilst he was reloading.

The cannons were restored in 2016 and new gun carriages were made to sit them on as the originals had rotted away.

Visit Southwold Museum

The quaint Southwold Museum is housed in a pair of Dutch cottages dating from the 17th century.  The collection includes paintings, photographs, models, and objects explaining the entire history of Southwold from prehistoric times to the present day.  You can see fossils and learn about the Viking occupation, sea battles that occurred just off shore, the development of the town’s architecture, Southwold’s railway, and so much more.  It’s definitely worth an hour or two of your time.

Explore the Church of St Edmund King and Martyr

Southwold’s parish church is a grade 1 listed building and one of the finest examples of Perpendicular Gothic architecture in the UK.  I spent a very enjoyable morning there and have written an article all about it.

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT ST EDMUND CHURCH

Take in a Movie at the Electric Picture Palace

The Electric Picture Palace is a small but perfectly formed 70-seat cinema which opened in 2002 as a pastiche of Southwold’s original 1912 cinema that stood nearby.  It is an award-winning building designed by John Bennett and owned and run by Southwold Film Society.

The aim of the cinema is to recreate the experience of ‘going to the flicks’ in the 1950s and 60s.  On nights when they are showing a film, there is a commissionaire outside, usherettes, a front of house manager in a dinner jacket, and a “Tiny Wurlitzer” organ rising up from the floor during the interval.  When the movie is over, they play the National Anthem!

Learn About George Orwell’s Time in Southwold

The writer George Orwell, then known as Eric Blair, spent a lot of time with his parents in Southwold.  Over the years, they owned four properties in the town.  Blue plaques can be seen on these houses today.  George wrote ‘A Clergyman’s Daughter’ whilst he was living on the High Street in Southwold between 1929 and 1934.

Orwell’s connection with Southwold is remembered in a mural at the start of the pier.  It was created by Pure Evil, aka Charlie Uzzel-Edwards, in 2014.  He is one of the key British artists of the booming international street art scene.  Examples of his work can be seen all over the world.

Go Shopping

Southwold is an affluent town.  For many people, shopping in the town’s chic boutiques is one of the best things to do in Southwold.  There are country clothing and home furnishing stores aplenty – all of them very expensive.  Several attractive delicatessens will tempt you with their delicious-looking window displays, or you might be drawn to the largest and oldest amber stockist in the UK.  Whatever your preference, make sure your wallet is full!

Enjoy Fish and Chips at the Sole Bay Fish Company

Eating freshly caught fish fried in light crispy batter with delicious chips made with locally-grown potatoes has to be one of the best things to do in Southwold.  There are several fish and chip shops in town but, for me, the best is the Sole Bay Fish Company located in the old harbour.  It is housed in a traditional black wooden fisherman’s hut and has a fresh fish counter as well as fish and chips.  Weather permitting, you can sit at one of the outside tables, or you can venture indoors to admire the quirky nautical décor while you eat.  And the best thing?  They serve Aspall’s cider to wash it down with!

A Word About Sole Bay

You see the name Sole Bay everywhere in Southwold.  Why?  Well, the battle of Solebay was fought just off shore in 1672 as part of the 3rd Anglo-Dutch war.  English and French fleets clashed with the Dutch.  A total of 132 warships and over 50,000 men were involved.  The battle only lasted for one day, but there were heavy losses on both sides.  The result was inconclusive with both sides claiming victory.

Explore Southwold Harbour

Having enjoyed your fish and chips, make sure you take the time to explore the harbour.  Southwold was once a very busy fishing port and is recorded as such in the Domesday Book.  It remained so until the First World War with herring being the main catch.  Throughout the twentieth century, however, the port declined.

Today, Southwold Harbour is enjoying something of a resurgence with busy workshops and vibrant boats.  There are several places to buy fresh fish or to enjoy a drink and a meal.  You can even take boat trips out into the North Sea or up the River Blyth.

There is an RNLI station at the entrance to the harbour and the Alfred Corry Lifeboat Museum which is worth a look.

Catch the Walberswick Ferry

There is a small but reliable ferry service operating from the harbour.  It’s really just a rowing boat!  If you don’t fancy it, you can walk to the end of the harbour and cross the Bailey bridge to get to the lovely village of Walberswick.  The day we did this it was blowing a gale and lashing down with rain so some of the village’s charm was lost on us.  We’ll have to revisit on a better day!

Watch this Fabulous Video About Southwold

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Adnams Tours and Experiences

Fancy doing something a little bit different? Take a tour of the Adnams Sole Bay Brewery and Copper House Distillery in the heart of Southwold where Adnams have been brewing since 1872. 

Behind the walls of a stunning Victorian building on East Green lies one of the most modern breweries in the UK.  In 2010, Adnams added a micro distillery too, so why not immerse yourself in an Adnams tour or experience while you are in town.

You can choose from a variety of tours and experiences including;

• Brewery Tour
• Distillery Tour
• Southwold Lighthouse Tour
• Make your own Gin experience
• Cocktail Discovery Masterclass
• Gin Remake experience

You'll be an Adnams Expert in no time!

Explore what's on:

What’s on by town/village, plan your future trip to the suffolk coast in the comfort of your own home.

The attractions and hotels, along with bars, cafes and restaurants in Suffolk are following the strict Public Health England and World Health Organisation guidelines to maintain public safety at all times, and are closed. The advice is not to travel at all - even to campsites, caravan parks or second homes whether for isolation purposes or holidays. People should remain in their primary residence to avoid putting extra pressure on local services. For now, please enjoy our website and look for inspiration for your future trip to the Suffolk coast so you are ready to visit as soon as we re-open! For more information on social distancing visit www.gov.uk/social-distancing

Adnams Brewery Tour: Become a Suffolk Beer Explorer

by The Foodie Travel Guide | Oct 3, 2016

Adnams brewery tour gives you a peek inside one of Britain’s most historic breweries. Delve into its past on your visit to Southwold and enjoy beer tasting by the sea.

How to Find Adnams Brewery in Southwold

The Meeting Point for Adnams Brewery Tour is at East Green, Southwold, Suffolk, IP18 6JW

Adnams Brewery

The Foodie Travel Guide

Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures. 

Adnams Brewery Tour

• See Adnams memorabilia in the museum
• Smell the hops and malted barley
• See the Fermentation Room
• Watch the racking process
• Enjoy a tutored beer tasting

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35 best things to do in Southwold, Suffolk

• This post is a collaboration with Trespass who have gifted items featured.

It's been a hot minute since I wrote a blog post but I thought it was time to bring back the blog, and how better than by sharing the 35 best things to do in Southwold? As we navigate the stresses and worries of Lockdown 2.0, I'm sure a little light escapism to the seaside is just what the doctor orderer. My last day of freedom before Lockdown 2.0 was spent on a day trip down to the Suffolk coast and it was the best day out I could have asked for.

We had been hoping to score a day out down there since last summer but alas, life got in the way. But in spite of this, I actually think it worked out for the better. While in summer Southwold can be very busy, it was so peaceful on a sunny autumnal day and meant we could really enjoy it. It seems that staycations and UK trips are going to be a big thing for 2021. So understandably, you might be looking for a little inspiration for future travels. Don't forget to check out my posts on Norfolk:

• Why Norfolk holidays should be on your UK bucket list
• 8 of the best Norfolk stately homes to explore
• The 13 best Norfolk nature reserves & parks

After growing up on the Norfolk coast, it's been a real pleasure to create content for you guys to really showcase what the area has to offer. Now I'm happy to be extending that further to the Suffolk coast and hope to explore more in 2021. I know the future of travel is uncertain right now, but it's important to take this time to explore what is right on our doorstep and supporting local businesses. Travel doesn't have to mean far-flung destinations. It can mean travelling an hour down the road to explore a place we've never been before. Read on for all the inspiration for a cute little seaside escape for post-lockdown.

35 best things to do in Southwold

The top 10 for your first visit:, take a walk along the pier.

Stroll along the boardwalk to watch the fishermen at the end of the pier, check out the view of the lighthouse and beach huts that Southwold is famous for. Read the many plaques in memory of loved ones and marvel at the memories the pier holds for so many. Check out the crazy mirrors on your way back for a giggle or pick up some gifts in the craft shops.

Enjoy the George Orwell mural

The author of 1984 and Animal Farm spent time in Southwold in his youth and some amazing artwork has popped up in tribute. Literary buffs can check out the mural and plaque at the pier for quotes and references to his work.

Visit the lighthouse

Southwold Lighthouse is rather unusually located in the centre of lots of old cottages and a pub instead of perched on the edge of a cliff. Guiding boats since 1887, you can still visit this working lighthouse and climb up it on selected summer days.

Rent a beach hut

Southwold is well known for the super cute beach huts that line the beaches. Take a wander along and try to guess which ones sell for £250,000. Often beach hut owners will rent out their huts for the day to tourists. It's a great way to add a bit of old fashioned seaside charm to your experience. Suffolk Secrets have lots of gorgeous beach huts to choose from starting from £40.

Stroll along the beach

No day at the seaside is complete without sandy toes, so don't forget to pack your bucket and spade. A beautiful and long beach, it's perfect for dog walks, lazy afternoons or watching the sunset. There's also lots of space in the sand dunes if you prefer somewhere sheltered to sit. Check out The Denes Beach and Walberswick beach.

Sip a local brew & visit the brewery

You can't visit Southwold without trying a local bevvy. Order a pint of Adnams Mosaic or a Copper House G&T for a taste of Suffolk's finest. Brewing in Southwold since 1872, you can head to The Swan to take tours of the Adnams brewery and distillery. One of the best things to do in Southwold, gin-lovers can even make their own juniper blend on-site!

Enjoy the local pubs

If you love an old English pub as much as I do, you'll love exploring the locals in Southwold. One of the best things to do in Southwold – head for a pub lunch. There's some great places to eat including The Sail Loft – it's right by the beach and has a lovely garden overlooking the marshes, and floor to ceiling windows. Plus the food is amazing and with great deals – highly rate the fish & chips and the beetroot burger with goats cheese!

Top pubs to visit in Southwold:

• The Harbour Inn
• The Sail Loft
• The Red Lion
• Sole Bay Inn

Shop vintage & retro in Southwold

If you've got a love for all things retro, vintage and second-hand – don't miss Wow Vintage Southwold. It's full of clothing, interiors, accessories, crafts and all the knick-knacks you could ever want. They also have a great selection of vinyl.

Delve into Southwold's rich history

If you have a love of all things nautical, you can pay a visit to the Alfred Corry Lifeboat Museum. This fascinating little museum is steeped in history, even the building has a tale to tell. Explore Southwold Museum for a peek into the local and natural history of the area. Or visit the Southwold Sailors Reading Room on the seafront for a peek into the fishing and maritime history.

The top 10 most unique experiences:

A night at the movies.

For a rather bouji movie experience, head to the The Electric Picture Palace which hosts just 70 seats and an organ! The award-winning building shows a wide range of films and you can also become a member.

Get racing and join the regatta

The town is home to Southwold Model Yacht Club which hosts a range of events throughout the year. Visitors can join in with some including the Southwold Model Yacht Regatta.

Spot the Jack

Did you know that you can find doppelgangers of a wooden soldier hidden around the town? St Edmund's Church is home to the original 15th century woodwork soldier fondly named Jack . But keep an eye out for his replicas as you walk around the town.

Go Alpaca Trekking

Suffolk is actually home to a lot of alpacas – would you believe it? There is an alpaca farm in Southwold where you can buy alpacas or go alpaca trekking if you're looking for a unique experience. Nearby Lings Meadow campsite also offers alpaca walks.

Be a-maized by Southwold

Why not take the family to explore Southwold Maize Maze ? This 8 acre site is a mass of puzzling pathways that will keep you entertained for hours. It has a new theme each year and is open June to September.

Rent a cottage – or go off-grid

Why stop at a day trip when you could stay for a weekend? There are lots of gorgeous old cottages to rent in Southwold. Or you could go off-grid and choose a more unusual and quirky accommodation such as the following:

• Bell tents, hot tubs and luxury glamping – Little Wren Glamping
• Luxury glamping safari tents – Boundary Farm
• Luxury, secluded clifftop sanctuaries – The Watch Room
• Romantic, electricity-free cottage lit by candlelight – Hex Cottage
• Quaint and cosy shepherd's huts – Woodland Retreat Shepherd's Hut
• Compare prices of holiday rentals, airbnb and hotels on cozycozy.com

Support the independent stores

Visit Southwold Books to pick up your latest read – it's a literary lover's dream! Or discover the treasure trove of homeware at Max Southwold. Wander the high street to explore the boutiques and pick up some unique gifts.

Pick up fish & chips for dinner

No trip to the seaside is complete without fish & chips. Head to Mrs T's Fish & Chips for the locals' favourite traditional fish & chips freshly cooked to order, or pop over to The Little Fish & Chip Shop for seafront views and a stroll along the prom. And look no further than the SoleBay Fish Company for a family-run fishmongers and restaurant by the harbour. They have the traditional favourites but also a choice of mixed seafood platters, oysters and lobsters.

Chase an adrenaline rush

The sleepy town of Southwold might not seem like the best place to find excitement, but it's here that you will find the Coastal Voyager . An exhilarating high speed boat ride, it's perfect for thrill-seekers and there are event options for boat trips to visit the local seals and wind farm.

Take the kids on a treasure trail

Get the whole family involved and explore while joining in S outhwold Murder Mystery Treasure Trail . It's a self-guided murder mystery walking trail that's perfect for kids aged six and above. The two mile loop trail takes around two hours to complete and if you solve the mystery, you can be entered into a prize draw of £100.

9 more things to do in Southwold, Suffolk

Play a few holes.

Whether you fancy yourself as the next Tiger Woods, or can barely hit the ball. Golf fans of all abilities are catered for in Southwold. From mini-golf for the family, to Southwold Golf Club.

Indulge your sweet tooth

Summer days at the beach are the perfect time for an ice cream – head to Beaches and Cream on the seafront. A perfect place to indulge your sweet tooth with ice creams, milkshakes, sweets and snacks.

Learn about the history of amber

Southwold is home to The Amber Shop , the only museum in the UK which tells the history and the story of amber. The oldest and largest specialist in Great Britain, you can find a selection of second-hand and antique amber, as well as modern amber. You can pick up souvenirs to take home with you.

Listen to live music

Pop over to Southwold Arts Centre for regular shows and live music. Or head back to The Sail Loft, a modern and popular bar by the beach and harbour where they host live music nights. The Red Lion Pub also has live music on a Sunday afternoon.

Dine or play at the Pier

Southwold Pier has so much more to offer than just a boardwalk. It's home to two restaurants, two cafes, shops, an "under the Pier show" which includes video games and arcades, and the famous water clock. There's lots to see and do, so why not stop for a bit longer?

Enjoy internationally-renowned musicians

Founded in 2008 following the success of a series of one-off concerts, Southwold Concert Series welcomes internationally-renowned artists each year. Hosted at St Edmund's Church, the event also welcomes several rising stars to the stage.

Come for festival season

The summer brings festival season with Southwold Arts Festival taking place each June. Boasting an eclectic mix of events from poetry and visual arts, to music, talks, theatre and much more. Not your scene? Why not head back to Suffolk for popular music festival – Latitude Festival which takes place in nearby Henham Park each July?

Take the ferry to Walberswick

Take in the view of Southwold from the sea as you catch the ferry to Walberswick where there is another lovely beach to explore.

Book tickets for the theatre

During the summer, Southwold Summer Theatre plays a different show every fortnight. Book tickets before you go to avoid disappointment.

6 fun activities near Southwold

Walk the suffolk coast path.

Stretch your legs and take in those sea breezes with a walk along the Suffolk Coast Path . Starting down in Felixstowe and running all the way up to Lowestoft, there's plenty of miles available, or you can just wander a short stint.

Go walking in the nature reserves

Just south of Southwold, you will find the National Trust's Dunwich Heath and Beach. An area of coastal lowland, it sits right next to the RSPB site and both provide a perfect place for a walk.

Go birdwatching at RSPB Minsmere

A 1,000 hectare site that is home to many breeds of bird including the bittern, stone-curlew, marsh harrier, nightjar and nightingale. It's a also a great place to spot other wildlife including deer, lizards and many more.

Visit a 13th century friary

Delve into history on the Suffolk coast by visiting nearby Dunwich Greyfriars . One of the most important ancient monuments in the county, it's also home to the ruins of a monastery and picturesque woods.

Explore Framlingham Castle

Here you'll find a beautiful lake and huge parklands surrounding the castle where Mary Tudor was proclaimed Queen of England. Take the spectacular wall walk and enjoy breathtaking views from Framlingham Castle .

Take a day trip to Orford

Nearby Orford is home to English Heritage site, Orford Castle which is a unique polygonal tower that sits right next to the town. There is also a port which was developed by King Henry II. One of the prettiest villages in the county, you'll also find Orford Ness National Nature Reserve nearby.

What to pack for the seaside in Southwold, Suffolk

It's always important to be prepared for all weathers in the UK, even just an hour down the road the weather can change dramatically and there's nothing worse than being caught in the rain without your brolly. If visiting in the summer, it's worth packing the sunscreen, shorts and even your bikini. Yes, it does get hot enough in the UK for my non-UK readers! I never go on a day trip to the seaside without my trusty sarong and Kindle – I love to sit and listen the waves while I read my book. If you're visiting in autumn/winter, make sure to wear a warm jacket. I recommend either trying an insulated or waterproof style that will help to block the wind. It's great for blowing away the cobwebs, but you don't want to get cold when you go for a walk on the beach.

Don't forget a waterproof jacket in the winter!

Trespass has a great range of weatherproof clothing including the amazing yellow raincoat I'm wearing in the photos in this post! They gifted me the waterproof jacket to try out and I'm so impressed with the quality. I sized up so I can fit a jumper underneath if needed, as you can see in the photos, and it was so cosy. We were lucky and there was barely any wind the day we visited Southwold, but it's always good to be prepared. I've got a lot of coats and jackets, but this is the only one I own that actually has a hood – so I'm looking forward to trying it out in the rain.

Paired with my trusty wellies, the Shoreline Women’s Lightweight Waterproof Jacket with Hood will be necessary over the winter months if I'm to continue my country walks. I also love the bright sunny yellow, not only does it stand out in a crowd, but it brings a little sunshine to even the dark and rainy days. Particularly in 2020, I think any way we can bring sunshine to our day is a win! If you want to purchase the jacket, you can find it here: https://www.trespass.com/women/jackets/waterproof-jackets

Have you visited Southwold or the Suffolk Coast? Would you like to visit?

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EXPERIENCE ADNAMS

At Adnams, there is so much to enjoy!  See how our beers and spirits are lovingly made in Southwold with a brewery or distillery tour, or make your own gin with one of our Adnams gin makers.   The Swan Afternoon tea is a must or enjoy a tasty lunch in one of our other Adnams pubs.  You can even gift these experiences to friends and loved ones.

BREWERY & DISTILLERY TOURS

See how our award-winning beers and spirits are lovingly made in Southwold.  Hidden behind our Victorian façade on Victoria Street lies a cutting edge brewery and distillery.  Check it out and taste our exciting product range for yourself.

GIFT VOUCHERS

Enjoy everything Adnams has to offer.  Choose any one of our beautiful coastal locations from Southwold to Blakeney, Walberswick to Aldeburgh, and treat yourself or a loved one to afternoon tea, lunch, dinner or even an overnight stay.

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Southwold Lighthouse visitor centre

Image by Tim Warner

Tours of Southwold Lighthouse are offered by Adnams.

Southwold Lighthouse stands in the middle of the historic resort of Southwold, in the heart of the beautiful Suffolk Heritage Coast. The lighthouse provides a waymark for vessels navigating the east coast and guides vessels making for Southwold Harbour.

Tours of Southwold Lighthouse are offered by Adnams and can be booked via their website: Lighthouse Tour – Adnams PLC

Please note, Trinity House reserves the right to close for operational reasons at short notice.

Southwold is situated at the end of the A1095, 4 miles from the A12 at Blythburgh or 4.5 miles from Wrentham via the B1127.

Parking is available on public roads close to the lighthouse. Car parks are also located at the pier and harbour.

Health & Safety

There are a few rules to ensure you have a safe visit. These include:

• Children are very welcome, but they must be at least 1.1 metres in height and physically capable of ascending and descending the staircases by themselves unaided
• wear sensible footwear (eg not flip flops)
• all visitors (including children) must be able to ascend and descend the stairs unaided

Please read the Health and Safety guidelines before you set off.

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Catered Group Tours

Bored with the boardroom? Why not entertain your colleagues, clients or friends with the full Adnams experience and combine a Brewery or Distillery tour with a Suffolk-made breakfast or lunch. Our Adnams chef team embrace the best local ingredients, creating menus with flavours of the season. Group tours require a minimum of 8 people and run from Monday to Friday, November to April.

To discuss your needs, please contact our Tours team on 01502 727225 or email [email protected] To find out more, read on.

Tours with Breakfast

There’s no better way to start the day, than with an Adnams tour and breakfast in Southwold. Choose from a hearty Suffolk Breakfast or something a little lighter from our menu below. Your experience includes a Brewery or Distillery Tour, lasting approximately 1 hour and a 30-minute tasting of Adnams beers or spirits.

To find out more, please contact our Tours team on 01502 727225 or email us on [email protected] .

Tours with Lunch

Our Adnams chef team can create a delicious lunch for you and your group to make your Tour experience extra special. Check out our lunch menu below. Your experience includes a Brewery or Distillery Tour, lasting approximately 1 hour and a 30-minute tasting of Adnams beers or spirits. To find out more, please contact our Tours team on 01502 727225 or email us on [email protected] .

Available November until April, our Adnams chef team can create a delicious lunch for you and your group and make your Tour experience extra special. Check out our lunch menu below. Your experience includes a Brewery or Distillery Tour, lasting approximately 1 hour and a 30-minute tasting of Adnams beers or spirits. To book, call our Tours team on 01502 727225 or email [email protected] .

TO FIND OUT MORE...

Please contact our Tours team on 01502 727225 or email [email protected] and review the Terms and Conditions below.

Visiting from afar? Book an overnight stay and take in all Southwold has to offer. View our coastal collective of pubs and hotels here .

Terms & Conditions apply.

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