This
delightful coastal village attracts many visitors through its
natural charm and tranquility. It is the home of the national
and world crabbing championships in late Summer, and has long
been popular to many artists, whilst providing a retreat to
national figures. Walberswick was once a flourishing fishing
port at the mouth of the river Blyth. It is approximately nine
miles by road from Southwold, but can be accessed by the Southwold
ferry, or on foot by the linking Bailey bridge. It provides
a splendid walk from Southwold, and an attractive prospective
of the river, harbour and boatyard area of Southwold.
The
Market town of Bungay is just six miles from Beccles. It is
a small compact town, famous for its ancient 'Butter Cross'
in the town centre where the weekly market is still held.
The
town has a castle and picnic area, well worth a visit, and houses
the areas indoor Swimming Pool.
The
famous Snape Maltings and concert hall attracts visitors of
all ages. A range of crafts and local products may be found
as you browse the splendidly furbished shopping area. The concert
hall is nationally renowned for its quality of productions.
Snape may be found slightly inland from the coastal town of
Aldeburgh.
Just
four miles from Southwold, its 15th century Holy trinity church
can be seen from many angles. Floodlights portray this splendid
church at night, known as the 'Cathedral of the marshes' as
it overlooks the main A12 road. It is said that Oliver Cromwell
used the church as a resting place, where his men used the nave
as a stable. The River Blyth was once used by merchants ships
dealing in the wool trade, but as the estuary silted up, ships
could no longer navigate the river resulting in Blythburgh shrinking
in size.
Once
the capital of East Anglia, lies mainly submerged by the sea,
the beach is a popular area for local fishermen and provides
an ideal spot for inshore fishing vessels, selling freshly caught
fish. The museum highlights the extent of the loss of buildings
to the sea, whilst the village provides many pleasant walks.
The
church of St Andrews is the focal point of this small hamlet.
This small thatched church was built within the remains of the
original larger church, and by the materials of the original
building. A short walk from the church the road ends, as it
has fallen into the sea. Visitors must be aware of the treacherous
state of the cliffs due to extensive erosion. Towards the northern
end is an access road to 'Benacre broad', a popular area for
angling and bird watching
Inland
from Southwold, is a popular ancient market town with its peaceful
riverside tranquility, Beccles has an excellent Quay side facility
and borders the highly popular Norfolk broads. A street market
may be found in the town centre each Friday, along with its
array of shops and restaurants. A focal point of the town is
its unique church, with tower detached from the main building,
providing wonderful views across the marshland area. In August
the town holds a popular three day carnival.
This
East Coast town is popular for its southern beach and promenade.
It holds a wide range of shops and services. The central railway
station provides links to Gt. Yarmouth further along the coast,
or the capital towns of Suffolk and Norfolk. Ipswich and the
city of Norwich are regularly served from this point, along
with a service to the London station of Liverpool Street. The
towns Marina Theatre is well known for its extensive program
for a town of its size. The town once housed a fishing fleet
of some 60 ships, and was a central point of the herring industry.
