Southwold Beach

Officially recognised as an environmentally-friendly beach, Southwold is a top spot for those wanting to take a paddle in the sea and a stroll along the prom. 

The town is home to two beaches; Southwold Pier Beach to the north and Southwold Denes Beach to the south.

Southwold Pier Beach

The Pier beach is popular with visitors, offering a traditional seaside experience with beach kiosks serving ice creams, a beach hut lined promenade (some of which are available to hire) and the famous Edwardian pier. 

Awarded both the Blue Flag status and a Seaside Award in 2023, the beach has been recognised for ensuring visitors are guaranteed to find a clean, safe, attractive and well-managed coastal stretch. 

Essential Information

• Public toilets are available at Southwold Pier. 
• Beach kiosks serving ice creams, hot and cold drinks and snacks include Southwold Pier, Southwold Boating Lake and Tearooms and Suzie's Beach Cafe. There is also a range of cafes and shops located in the town centre.
• There is a lifeguard patrol from May-September with a lifeguard hut located on the promenade.
• There are car parks and street parking available within walking distance of the beach. Car parks can be found using the RingGo website or app.
• Dogs are permitted on certain parts of the beach - check the signs located along the beach for details.
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Southwold Denes Beach

A wilder beach than the neighbouring Pier Beach, the Denes is a sand and shingle beach, backed by dunes and marshland, located to the north of the town towards the Harbour and the mouth of the River Blyth. A great spot for kite flying, this stretch is also popular with windsurfers, surfers, paddle boarders and wild swimmers.

Essential Information

• Public toilets are located at Southwold Harbour and towards the Pier on Ferry Road.
• Beach kiosks serving ice creams, drinks and snacks is located at The Harbour and towards the Pier Beach below Gun Hill.
• There is no lifeguard patrol on this stretch of beach.
• There are car parks and street parking available within walking distance of the beach. Car parks can be found using the RingGo website or app.
• Dogs are allowed on the Denes Beach.
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For places to eat, places to stay and travel information, check out our Southwold Town Guide.