Southwold

Southwold is a seaside town and civil parish in the East Suffolk district of Suffolk, England. It sits on the North Sea coast at the mouth of the River Blyth, near Sole Bay, about 8 miles north of Aldeburgh and 15 miles south of Lowestoft. The town lies within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a popular destination for visitors during the summer months. The population is in the low thousands.

Southwold features a working harbour, a long shingle and sand beach, and a promenade. The Southwold Pier, opened in 1900, is a focal point of the seafront with a pavilion and amusements. On the headland stands Southwold Lighthouse, a prominent landmark guiding vessels along the coast. The Adnams Brewery, established in the town in the 19th century, remains a major local employer and producer of beer and spirits.

Historically, Southwold developed as a fishing village and later as a Victorian and Edwardian seaside resort. The coast nearby is associated with the 1672 Battle of Sole Bay. The town was once connected by the Southwold Railway to Halesworth; the line closed in 1929. Today, tourism, fishing, and brewing underpin the local economy.

Geographically, the area features a flat, coastal landscape with sandy beaches, sea walls, and a mix of terraces and cottages along the seafront. The climate is temperate maritime, with mild winters and cool summers.

Southwold is accessible by road from surrounding towns; the nearest rail services are at Halesworth and Saxmundham on the East Suffolk Line, with bus services connecting to nearby communities.