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 2025, 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. East Suffolk Council car parks use several cashless providers which allow drivers to locate a parking place before starting their journey, receive navigation to it, pay for their parking session and even extend it should they need to. Find out more about registering and using the services at www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/visitors/parking/car-parks/ what3words shape.bystander.angry Be Wildlife Wise
Dogs are permitted on certain parts of the beach - check the signs located along the beach for details. Please do not bring or leave sources of fire such as barbeques, cigarettes, and litter near to plants and habitats at risk of fire. This includes dunes and grassland. They will be at particular risk of fire during periods of drought and high temperatures. 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. East Suffolk Council car parks use several cashless providers which allow drivers to locate a parking place before starting their journey, receive navigation to it, pay for their parking session and even extend it should they need to. Find out more about registering and using the services at www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/visitors/parking/car-parks/ what3words giants.boosted.playroom Be Wildlife Wise
Dogs are allowed on the Denes Beach. Please avoid walking over the dunes and keep to established paths as the dunes are easily eroded. Dunes provide great habitats for wildlife and flood protection. Please do not bring or leave sources of fire such as barbeques, cigarettes, and litter near to plants and habitats at risk of fire. This includes dunes and grassland. They will be at particular risk of fire during periods of drought and high temperatures.
For places to eat, places to stay and travel information, check out our Southwold Town Guide.
Attraction name:
Southwold Beach