The museum is open 2pm to 4pm from Good Friday to the end of October (additionally 10.30am to 12 noon in August). Entry is FREE, but donations are very welcome.

01502 726 097

The Southwold Museum tells the story of the town, right from its humble beginnings to the present day. Starting with the earliest fossil remains, through sea battles, shipwrecks and the lifeboat, to the development of the town's architecture, its industries and artistic life, the rise and fall of its railway, the story of the war years, its famous land-locked lighthouse, its ever-changing coastline and finally the 20th century transformation of this busy fishing community into a prosperous seaside resort. The museum is a treasure chest of local information and exhibits include stuffed mammals and birds, fossils, flints, model ships, a fireman's helmet from the 1920's, cannon balls, porcelain and many artifacts connected to the Southwold railway.

Various displays in the museum

The building itself, with its Dutch gable end, became known as Dutch Cottage and was built during the 17th century. Thanks to lottery money, it has been beautifully restored, but in 1932 the building was condemned after being inhabited by at least 2 families! Thanks to a local benefactor, the building was saved and opened as the towns museum in 1933. As the collection grew, various extensions were added over the years and starting in 1999, the museum underwent a programme of refurbishment bringing it right up to date with modern displays superbly explaining their contents.

The Dutch gable end of the museum building

Learn more about the Victorian seaside holiday

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