The award of a Borough Charter to Southwold by Henry VII in 1489 marked it as a working market town which it remains to this day. This, coupled with a vibrant community spirit, is perhaps why we love it so much.
For most of its history the main economic activity of the town was fishing and the town's magnificent church was built on the proceeds of herrings. While there is still a busy working harbour, Adnams and numerous other companies including shops, fashion designers, creative agencies, architects and the professions keep this bustling town active all year round.
In the nineteenth century the landed gentry of East Anglia built huge villas on South Green and Gun Hill for their households to relocate to during the summer. The holiday trade soon caught on and visitors came by coach to the Market Place, by narrow gauge railway from the main line at Halesworth or by steamer from London to the Pier, a service which still operates on a few days a year. Southwold remains a firm holiday favourite and people come back, year after year.
The very special combination of sky, sun, sea, dunes, marshes and peace has long attracted all kinds of artists, musicians, and writers. Others are attracted by the fabulous shopping, food and cultural events in Southwold and its surrounding area.
Southwold is special: let us help you make the most of it.
For most of its history the main economic activity of the town was fishing and the town's magnificent church was built on the proceeds of herrings. While there is still a busy working harbour, Adnams and numerous other companies including shops, fashion designers, creative agencies, architects and the professions keep this bustling town active all year round.
In the nineteenth century the landed gentry of East Anglia built huge villas on South Green and Gun Hill for their households to relocate to during the summer. The holiday trade soon caught on and visitors came by coach to the Market Place, by narrow gauge railway from the main line at Halesworth or by steamer from London to the Pier, a service which still operates on a few days a year. Southwold remains a firm holiday favourite and people come back, year after year.
The very special combination of sky, sun, sea, dunes, marshes and peace has long attracted all kinds of artists, musicians, and writers. Others are attracted by the fabulous shopping, food and cultural events in Southwold and its surrounding area.
Southwold is special: let us help you make the most of it.