Southwold & the Blyth Estuary

There are over 50-miles of Suffolk coastline, its entire length being designated as An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is a fascinating and varied coastline with much to see and enjoy.

Covehithe just a few minutes' drive from Wrentham is remarkable for its 'church within a church'. Once the massive church of St Andrews would have dominated the headland, but like many other beautiful old churches in East Anglia was laid to waste by Dowsing's men in the 1600s. The villagers could not afford to rebuild it so it was rebuilt as a smaller church inside. The original tower still stands.

Southwold is perhaps the best known town in the area. A popular resort for those who want to forget their work-life cares and return to an England very little changed since the early 1900s. Very popular, it is crowded in summer, but it is well worth a day visit even if you decide to stay in one of the quieter villages nearby. The town is full of character and charm. Bounded by creeks and marshes, the River Blyth and the North Sea, Southwold has some very attractive buildings, in a wide variety of styles, from the classic Georgian town house to the pink washed cottage. Part of its delight is the series of greens which were left undeveloped to act as firebreaks after much of the town was lost in a great fire in 1659.

There is a great choice of local shops whether you are looking for clothes or locally caught fresh fish and of course loads of wonderful pubs; this is the home of Adnams brewery! The beach is sandy, there is a wonderful pier and of course beach huts. There are also several fascinating small museums and three good art galleries, so summer or winter, sunshine or rain there is always something to interest the holidaymaker.

But if you are one of those who want to get away from your fellow man walk south along the seafront to the open marshes and the entrance to the River Blyth. Look down this glorious widening estuary towards the 'cathedral of the marshes', Blythburgh church, and the beautiful Blyth valley. Alternatively you might like to take the bridge, or the foot ferry when operating, over the River Blyth to Walberswick. This village has long been a magnet for painters and the tradition continues today with the sand dunes, sea, church and pretty village houses making delightful subjects for the artist. There is something in the air and the beauty of Suffolk which attracts the artist in us all and like its neighbours, Southwold and Aldeburgh, Walberswick is a Mecca for playwrights, actors and writers.

There is much to see and enjoy inland. The town centres and villages are largely unspoilt and the countryside breathtaking. The town of Halesworth is fascinating and no visit would be complete without a trip to the station with its unique moveable platform. The Cut is a thriving art centre and there are several excellent galleries. The village of Wenhaston has five commons so is great for walking. The village itself dates back to Roman times! The fine, small church houses the famous medieval 'Doom' painting - well worth a visit.

For food buffs and lovers of picture book villages Peasenhall is not to be missed. There is a great butchers and wonderful deli as well as nice traditional tea rooms.

Westleton oozes atmosphere with one of the prettiest village greens in this part of Suffolk and a fine tradition of village fetes. Surrounded by lovely cottages and houses, two excellent pubs, a cafe and village shop; a walk from the village will take you on to the heaths which stretch down to the RSPB reserve at Minsmere and Dunwich on the coast.

Dunwich was once the capital of East Anglia and a major trading port. Ships were built here and the town had its own mint, a fishing fleet and eight churches. Almost all have fallen into the sea and today there is little more than a church, a pub, a main street, some ruins and a wonderful museum. A fascinating village to visit at any time of the year this is a village for walkers, beach lovers and anyone interested in history or geology.

Yoxford was once an important stop on the London-to-Yarmouth coaching route, today it is a sleepy village with pink-washed cottages, arts and crafts, antiques and a good restaurant.