About Southwold

Southwold...
Southwold is a beautiful, picturesque town located on the East Coast in Suffolk and a great place to visit at any time of year, whether just for a day or a whole week.

There are various places to visit from the recently rebuilt pier, to the habour and the neighbouring village of Walberswick, just a short ferry trip across the River Blyth.

In the town can be found a selection of shops, several museums, numerous pubs and also the famous Adnams Brewery.

So whether you just want to take a stroll along the seafront to take in the sea air, view the striking and colourful beach huts or take a walk along the pier to see the unique water clock you're sure to find plenty to see and do in Southwold.
The Lighthouse...
This striking lighthouse can be found just behind the Adnams Brewery near the town centre. It was constructed by Trinity House who commenced work in 1887 and after its completion it began operation in 1890, until it was electrified and de-manned in 1938.

It replaced three lighthouses which had been condemned due to serious coastal erosion. The lights it houses are white when seen from directly out to sea (for navigation) and red from the sides (as a warning).

The lighthouse is unusual in that the light itself is switched on and off in sequence (four flashes every 20 seconds), rather than the more usual lenses to create a rotating beam.
The Pier...
Southwold's distinct pier was built in 1900, when it extended for a distance of 810 feet (247 m) and finishing with a T-shaped end. The pier end was practically destroyed by a gale in 1934, with the T-shaped end being swept away.  A series of events during the Second World War and a further major storm in 1979 reduced the pier to approximately 100 feet (30 m).

A major refurbishment program begun in 1999 in order to restore the pier to its former glory.  Local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to purchase small plaques which would be placed along the railings of the pier.  The proceeds from the sale of the plaques went towards the costs of the pier refurbishments.

The work was completed just over 2 years later, 100 years after it was first opened. In 2002 the T-Shaped end was additionally added, bringing the pier to a total length of 623 feet (190 m).  This additional length now allows the pier to accommodate visits by Britain's only surviving sea-going steam passenger ship, the PS Waverley paddle steamer and its sister ship the M.V. Balmoral.



Some more views of Southwold...
The beach huts...





The Pier Water Clock...



The Church of St Edmund...



The Pier at sunset...