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.

Read more about Suffolk

Welcome to Suffolk, the East of England's very own treasure trove of delight! Famous for its charming villages, dreamy beaches and a history so rich, Suffolk is the place to be for anyone in search of the ultimate British adventure. We have some fabulous luxury properties waiting just for you. Seaside or countryside – take your pick!

Nature lovers, rejoice! The pristine, breathtaking Suffolk coast is calling your name. Aldeburgh, the coastal town with charm to spare, welcomes you with a shingle beach perfect for salty sea air inhalation, some good old fish and chips and the Aldeburgh Scallop sculpture, a tribute to the legendary composer Benjamin Britten. If you head a little further south, you will stumble upon the oh-so-peaceful village of Orford, complete with a castle on a hill offering panoramic views that will make your heart skip a beat. You can dive into the whimsical wonder of Thorpeness, head to Walberswick where beach huts and sandy shores create a haven for artists and beachcombers or Southwold, a gem with a quirky pier, a stunning beach and the famed Adnams Brewery. These seaside gems offer artsy flair and a delightful dose of coastal bliss.

Right in the beating heart of Suffolk lies Bury St Edmunds, a town so historically loaded it practically whispers tales of the medieval era. Look up, and you will see the majestic St Edmundsbury Cathedral dominating the skyline, a Gothic masterpiece that will make your jaw drop. The Abbey Gardens invite relaxation with colourful flowerbeds and the remains of the once-mighty Bury St Edmunds Abbey. Let us not forget Suffolk's rural charm, sprinkled generously across idyllic villages such as Lavenham. This medieval wool town is a paradise for history buffs, with timber-framed buildings that look like they are straight out of a fairy tale. You can explore the Guildhall and wander through cobbled streets surrounded by boutique shops and quaint tearooms.

For the wild at heart, Thetford Forest is your playground! Cyclists and hikers, get ready for scenic trails winding through dense woodlands and around picturesque lakes. The High Lodge Forest Centre is your one-stop-shop for outdoor thrills. Go Ape treetop adventures and Segway tours await, promising an adrenaline-fueled day amidst nature.

Suffolk's cultural scene is a vibrant kaleidoscope of excitement. The Snape Maltings, nestled by the River Alde, is a cultural hotspot with world-class music events in its iconic concert hall while the annual Aldeburgh Festival is a global magnet for music lovers celebrating the legacy of none other than Benjamin Britten.

Suffolk is like a timeless work of art, where history cuddles up with natural wonders. Whether you are wandering through medieval towns, exploring the coastal marvels or soaking in cultural vibes, Suffolk guarantees a quintessentially British experience that will leave your heart singing. Come on, the adventure awaits!