A colourful seaside town where sandy shores, maritime history, and lively streets meet the Suffolk Coast Path.
Southwold is one of Suffolk’s best-loved coastal destinations, ideal for walking holidays and outdoor adventures along the Suffolk Coast Path. Sitting just north of Walberswick and south of Kessingland, it’s perfectly placed for seaside walks, heritage exploration, and easy access to nature reserves. The town’s pastel beach huts, working lighthouse, and 800-ft pier give it a nostalgic charm, while the harbour and surrounding marshes offer quieter routes for those seeking a slower pace.
From the beach, you can follow the Suffolk Coast Path south via the Bailey Bridge to Walberswick and Dunwich, or head north toward Covehithe and Kessingland for clifftop and rural coastal walking. Inland, footpaths lead through fields and meadows toward Reydon and Frostenden, adding variety to a coastal walking base.
The Suffolk Coast Path passes directly through Southwold, with the route heading south to Walberswick and Dunwich via marsh and heath, or north toward Covehithe and Kessingland along sandy beaches and coastal tracks. Shorter loops explore the River Blyth, Southwold Harbour, and the town’s historic streets.
