Southwold Bolthole

Southwold Bolthole is located in the heart of one of Britain’s most popular seaside towns. Located on the wonderful Suffolk Heritage Coast, picturesque, pastel painted beach huts line the promenade. The beach is lovely with the refurbished, iconic pier taking pride of place. The pier is lined with shops, eateries and amusements.

Southwold lies between the pretty resort of Aldeburgh and the bustling town of Lowestoft. The town is almost an island, being bounded by the North Sea to the East, by the River Blyth and Southwold Harbour to the South West and by Buss Creek to the North. There is only one road in and out of the town which adds to its seaside magic. Southwold is home to the famous Adnams Brewery. Adnams offer brewery tours throughout the year and you can sample the tasty pints everywhere. Visitors enjoy various boat trips with the Coastal Voyage being one of the most popular. At high speed, the boat is put through formidable paces in a 30 minute tour where you will enjoy marsh harriers, herons, gulls and possibly osprey.

There are some wonderful walks from the town. A firm favourite is to cross the River Blyth to Walberswick, exploring the trackbed of the old Southwold Railway. You will see lots of children crabbing on the way. Later you can return on the little ferry. Over a thousand acres of heath and marshland around Walberswick are protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The quaint, welcoming Walberswick boasts tea rooms, restaurants, two pubs, an art gallery, village shops and wonderful craft and gift shops. Fresh fish can be bought from the harbour huts. Walberswick used to host the annual British Open Crabbing Championship, raising funds for good causes.

The enchanting Aldeburgh is a delight. It’s famous resident, Benjamin Britten, the founder of the June Aldeburgh Festival, is celebrated thoughout the town. There is a wonderful sculpture on the beach. Aldeburgh is very attractive with pretty, pastel coloured 19th century homes lining the promenade, a wonderful pebble beach and fisherman’s huts selling the local daily catch.

If you are on holiday between July and Sepember, you may want to visit the Dunwich Heath Coastal Centre and Beach. It is quietly tucked away, offering tranquility and a true sense of being at one with nature. The heath is alive with colour during the summer months, a patchwork of pink and purple heather and coconut scented yellow gorse. It is a rare and precious habitat for dartford warblers, nightjars, woodlarks, adders and much more.