Market days are Monday and Thursday

Southwold High Street runs through the heart of this coastal town, bending away from the beach and running from the Market Place to Station road.  The street is a delightful snapshot of Southwold life, encompassing a little of everything Southwold has to offer; from architectural beauty to retail therapy and from all things art to Adnams beer.

The High Street begins at the Market Place, where weekly markets continue to be held. In the centre of the Market Place is the Town Pump, which was presented to the town in 1873 by the then Lord Mayor. The pump replaced the original Market Cross and is decorated by herring fish and a crown of arrows, referring to the towns fishing heritage and the story of St Edmund's martyrdom.

The Town Pump in the Market Place

The Jubilee Clock in the Market Place

The Swan Hotel dates back to the 14th century and incorporates the traditional character of an English country house, with wonderful carved door frames, fine furniture and stunning art works. The heart of the hotel is its classic ‘Drawing Room’. There is no better place to sit and read or watch the world go by over a delightful cream tea! Time spent here jettisons one back to a bygone era of Victorian glamour and sophistication.

The Swan Hotel

The High street extends from this central hub northwards and is lined with classic coastal cottages and seaside buildings. One of the most impressive is the Southwold Town Hall, built in the early 19th century by Thomas Bokenham, the then owner of the Swan Hotel. The building once housed a horse drawn fire engine and a dungeon was located in the basement, but nowadays the hall is home to the Southwold Town Council who meet regularly to govern the local affairs.

Southwold Town Hall

The Crown Hotel is a charming and historic hotel. Originally a posting inn, it now offers 14 bedrooms as well as a pub, wine bar and restaurant. The maritime décor of the ‘Back Bar’ makes a delightful spot to relax and reflect on Southwold’s character and history.  The award winning restaurant is also well worth a visit, with a delicious and seasonally changing menu including fresh local fish and extensive Adnams wine list.

The Crown Hotel

The High street also contains numerous shops, places to eat and art galleries. Most notably the ‘Southwold Gallery’ which includes works by local favourites such as Karen Keable, George Gill, Mandy Gundry and Debbie Faulkner-Stevens. The usual facilities including banks, the town post office and a tasty fish and chip shop are also located on the High Street. A plaque dedicated to George Orwell, one of Britain’s most famous authors and who spent time in Southwold as a teenager, can be seen next to the fish and chip shop at the far end of the High Street.

The Southwold Gallery, exhibiting work by the regions most respected artists

Further along the street is Sutherland House, now a fine restaurant, but it is actually one of the oldest buildings in Southwold. The building is named after a surgeon who practiced here during the early 19th century, but it is famous for its resident ghost of a servant girl who fell for the Earl of Sandwich who stayed here the night before being killed in the famous Battle of Sole Bay.

Sutherland House, one of the oldest houses in Southwold

At the top end of the High Street is yet another site of civic importance. The Southwold Town Sign is one of Suffolk’s most impressive, and depicts two galleons at sea as well as the town seal and associated motto 'Defend They Right'. They are references to the great sea Battle of Sole Bay fought just off Southwold in May 1672.

The Town Sign at the top of the High Street and depicting Galleons from the Battle of Sole Bay

For any visitor to Southwold, the High Street offers a central point of reference. Full of typical Southwold charm, it’s a delightful spot and home to numerous sites of interest. No doubt a trip to Southwold will include a walk along this historic street.

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