Southwold

Its charm, like the good qualities of so many things, was forged in turmoil - the famous greens that are scattered across the town were the result of a devastating fire in 1659, and the cannon - most prominent on Gun Hill, but visible elsewhere too - a commemoration of 1672's bloody but indecisive Battle of Sole Bay. The beach, too, has seen much change. There was once a whole fishing village on the shores of Southwold, where now beach huts and the sandy beach attract visitors all year round, and some of the Founder Fathers were seventeenth century Southwolders.

Now Southwold, a town by charter since 1489, manages to combine a year-round working population, and a small resident clan too.

The most notable Southwold brand, Adnams, employs large numbers of people, and a decision to upgrade its brewery in town rather than moving it out has ensured that Southwold keeps a beating, working heart. This is enhanced by other sizeable employers including the Pier, Saint Felix School, Southwold Harbour and Spring.

In the summer and during other school holidays the town blossoms with tourists, all keen to sample the town's charms. The bustling high street still has a good number of independent shops, which reward visitors' imagination by selling a wide range of produce and some amazing high end designer labels, fabulous antiques, high quality art, not to mention great local food and drink. 

It's the wonderful pubs, hotels and restaurants which to many people characterise Southwold - and in that we include the town's amazing Pier, an extraordinary attraction which entertains, feeds and delights 364 days a year.

Southwold's landmarks include the Lighthouse, which still operates at night; the staggeringly beautiful church of St Edmund; the extensive common lands with a small but popular golf course and, of course, those beautiful bright beach huts.