Southwold Pier Beach

Southwold is one of Suffolk’s best known resorts and has a long tradition as such. Perhaps the most obvious link to the seaside town’s seaside credentials is the 800 foot (250m) long pier. Along with a sprinkling of shingle, beach groynes and colourful beach huts there is no mistaking you are at the Great British seaside!

Opened in 1900 the pier has taken a few beatings from the sea over the years, in particular 1934 when the pier head was destroyed by a storm. Further storms damaged the pier up to the point that in 1998 the pier had to be closed for safety reasons. 

The good news is this was the beginning of extensive refurbishment and now the pier is home to a pavilion, restaurant and amusements, not to mention the famous water clock.

But there is more to Southwold beach than a pier. The quality of the beach has been recognised over the years by regular Blue Flag awards which demonstrate that the beach is  not only clean but provides an excellent array of amenities. 

The beach at Southwold is backed by a promenade which runs along the front of the town. It is only a quick walk to the town centre and a short promenade to the harbour area.

In case the pier and lighthouse look familiar it may be because they were used extensively for the locations in the children’s TV series “Grandpa in My Pocket”.