The quaint seaside town of Southwold, nestled on the Suffolk coast, has been unveiled as a hidden treasure that every Brit should add to their staycation wish list. Despite its modest population of just over 1,000, the delightful Southwold is home to stunning pastel-coloured seaside buildings and, according to Capital on Tap, the most affordable fish and chips in Britain. Southwold doesn't just offer budget-friendly coastal cuisine, it's also been crowned the best seaside town in the UK.
The Camping and Caravanning Club have heaped praise on Southwold, labelling it as a "great destination all year round, whether you're planning a summer visit for an ice cream or a winter trip for windswept walks and cosy pub lunches." The club also applauds Southwold for its sandy beach, functioning lighthouse, and award-winning pier, reports the Express . A visit to the Adnams Brewery, located next to the lighthouse, is a must during your stay.
After enjoying a drink at the brewery, visitors can indulge in the wallet-friendly fish and chips. Capital on Tap reveals that a meal here costs just 1.06% of an average weekly salary, making Southwold the most cost-effective spot for this traditional British dish.
An average bag will only set you back £8.35, which is £6 cheaper than the classic seaside location of Robin Hood's Bay up in North Yorkshire. The publication stated, "this seaside town proves that quality doesn't always come at a premium.
Impressively, despite the lower cost, Southwold's fish and chips boast a rating of 4.5 out of 5, indicating that customers are consistently pleased with their dining experience." "For those seeking affordability without sacrificing taste or satisfaction, Southwold stands out as a top choice.
" Promising a beer lover's dream, the famous brewery in Southwold offers tours all year long with the tourism chiefs from The Suffolk Coast advertising, "there is no shortage of pubs and restaurants at which to sample the variety of Adnams beers on offer". Southwold is home to two beautiful beaches - Southwold Pier Beach to the north and Southwold Denes Beach to the south. The north beach is quintessentially British, while the one on the south end provides a wild combination of sand and shingle.
For those planning a visit, it might be good to know that Southwold Pier Beach, featuring ice cream kiosks and adorable beach huts, usually pulls in more tourists. It has also achieved both Blue Flag status and a Seaside Award for cleanliness in 2024. To ensure safety, lifeguards watch over the coast from May through September.
Dining options are abundant, with some popular spots being Southwold Pier, Southwold Boating Lake and Tearooms, and Suzie's Beach Cafe. A host of charming cafes and shops are nestled into the town centre as well. Adding to the allure, kids will absolutely love the classic maize maze.
This isn't just any old cornfield attraction, it comes equipped with ride-on tractors, sandpits, and even a zip wire! A 20-minute lighthouse tour provides a glimpse into its crucial role in guiding ships into Southwold Harbour, and includes a visit to the charming Edwardian pier, which houses quaint shops, eateries, and traditional amusements including the nostalgic two penny pushers..
