Southwold Pier: A Guide to a Suffolk Icon

I must admit, I am a little ashamed I had not really heard of it. I was in East Anglia for an event and had a day to spare.

A quick look at the map for a coastal spot to explore led me to Southwold in Suffolk. What a discovery.

It is one of those British coastal towns that has a beautiful, timeless charm all its own, and the centrepiece of it all is its magnificent pier.

This isn’t just any pier. It’s a story of survival, a testament to resilience against storms and wars, and a celebration of wonderfully British eccentricity.

It’s a place that manages to be both a nostalgic trip back in time and a quirky, modern marvel.

From the moment you see it stretching out over the North Sea, you know you’re in for a treat. This guide is born from that first wonderful visit, expanded with everything you could possibly need to know to plan your own adventure.

Planning Your Visit: The Complete Logistics Guide

Getting to Southwold Pier

Reaching this coastal gem is straightforward.

• By Car: Southwold is easily accessible from the A12. If you’re coming from the south (London, Ipswich), take the A1095 turn-off. From the north (Norwich, Lowestoft), follow the B1127. For your Sat Nav, the postcode is IP18 6BN.  
• By Bus: Local bus services connect Southwold with nearby towns like Lowestoft, Halesworth, and Norwich. The bus stop is conveniently just a few metres from the pier entrance.  
• By Train: The nearest railway station is in Halesworth, a lovely market town about nine miles inland. From there, you can catch a connecting bus service to Southwold.

Parking Information

There is a large council-run car park located immediately to the left of the pier, which is available 24 hours a day. It’s a Pay & Display system, but a great local tip is that parking becomes free of charge after 6 pm.  

Opening Times & Prices

One of the best things about the pier is that it’s completely free to walk on and enjoy the views.

It opens its gates at 9:30 am every day of the year except for Christmas Day.

The individual shops, cafes, and attractions on the pier operate their own seasonal hours, so it’s always worth checking if you have something specific in mind.

Accessibility and On-Site Facilities

The pier is well-equipped for visitors. You’ll find disabled toilets, baby changing facilities, and a cash point on-site.

For detailed accessibility information, resources like AccessAble provide in-depth guides for Suffolk, which can be very helpful for planning your visit.

A Pier Forged by Storm and Sea: The Dramatic History of Southwold Pier

The pier you walk on today is more than just a structure; it’s the final chapter in a long and dramatic story of survival. Its history is a battering, bruising, and ultimately triumphant tale.

From Steamship Landing to WWII Target

It all began in 1900, when the original 810-foot pier was built as a landing stage for the popular ‘Belle’ steamships that brought holidaymakers from London.

For decades, it was the gateway to a classic Suffolk seaside holiday. But the sea is a fickle friend. In 1934, a ferocious storm tore away the T-shaped landing stage at its end, a blow from which the steamer service would never recover.  

With the outbreak of World War II, the pier’s troubles deepened. Fearing a German invasion, engineers deliberately blew up a section of it in 1940. A year later, a drifting sea mine struck, causing even more destruction.  

Decline and Rebirth: Britain’s First 21st Century Pier

Though repaired after the war, the weakened structure was no match for the elements.

A storm in 1955 washed away half its length, and another in 1979 left just a 60-foot stump remaining—a sad shadow of its former glory.

But the story wasn’t over. After being purchased privately in 1987, a monumental rebuilding project began in 1999.

Completed in 2001, the pier was reborn, stretching 623 feet into the sea. This incredible feat of engineering and determination led to it being crowned ‘Pier of the Year’ in 2002 and celebrated as Britain’s only 21st-century pier.  

What to See and Do on Southwold Pier

The modern pier is an absolute joy, blending traditional seaside fun with a unique, inventive spirit.

The Under The Pier Show: Tim Hunkin’s World of Eccentric Genius

This is, without a doubt, the heart and soul of the pier’s quirky character.

Forget typical arcade games; this is a collection of bizarre, hilarious, and wonderfully satirical coin-operated machines created by the eccentric genius Tim Hunkin.

Where else can you take out your frustrations on the financial industry with a game of ‘Whack A Banker’, experience life as a fly in virtual reality, or train for your future on a zimmer frame simulator?

It’s utterly bonkers and brilliantly British.  

The Famous Water Clock and Other Quirky Sights

Another of Tim Hunkin’s creations, the Water Clock is a famous landmark.

Every half an hour, it puts on a cheeky performance where a pair of sculpted figures “perform punctually,” much to the amusement of onlookers.

Don’t miss the wacky wall of mirrors or the 80s retro room for more classic fun.  

Classic Seaside Fun: Arcades, Shops, and Fishing

Beyond the eccentricities, you’ll find all the classic seaside pleasures. There’s a traditional amusement arcade with two-penny pushers, three distinct shops offering gifts, lifestyle goods, and children’s toys, and plenty of space to simply stroll and take in the sea air.

For those who fancy a bit of angling, the end of the pier is a popular spot for fishing; just grab a permit from The Boardwalk Restaurant and cast your line.  

Food and Drink on the Pier

You won’t go hungry. Whether you’re after a hearty meal or a quick snack, there are plenty of options.

The Boardwalk Restaurant offers sit-down meals with fantastic views, while The Pier Fish & Chip Shop serves up a seaside essential.

You’ll also find the Clockhouse and other cafes for lighter bites, ice cream, and coffee.  

Exploring Southwold: Beyond the Pier

The pier is the star, but the town of Southwold is its perfect supporting act. It’s a place of well-kept Georgian houses, beautiful greens, and a perfect promenade.  

The Adnams Brewery & Distillery: A Taste of Southwold

Southwold is synonymous with Adnams. The brewery has been here since 1872, and its name is proudly displayed on every pub.

You can take a fascinating tour of the brewery or the modern distillery to see how their famous beers, gins, and whiskies are made—tastings included!

You can find more information and book a tour directly on the official Adnams website.

Climb the Iconic Southwold Lighthouse

Unusually located right in the middle of the town, the 101-foot lighthouse is an unmissable landmark.

Tours are available, and if you’re up for the 113-step climb, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the town, coast, and sea.  

Discover Southwold’s History: Museums and Landmarks

For a small town, Southwold is packed with history.

The Southwold Museum on Victoria Street offers a peek into the area’s local and natural history, while the Alfred Corry Lifeboat Museum down at the harbour tells the story of the town’s maritime rescue heritage.  

The Famous Beach, Beach Huts, and a Walk to Walberswick

The beach itself is a lovely mix of golden sand and shingle, lined with a promenade and the town’s iconic, brightly coloured beach huts.

For a fantastic walk, head south along the coast for about three miles to the charming village of Walberswick.

You can cross the River Blyth via a bridge or, for a truly memorable experience, take the tiny seasonal rowboat ferry back.

George Orwell’s Southwold

Adding another layer to the town’s character is its connection to one of literature’s greats.

George Orwell, the author of 1984, lived here with his parents for parts of his life and completed novels here, including A Clergyman’s Daughter.

Literary fans can even find a mural and plaque on the pier with quotes and references to his work, a fitting tribute in a place that celebrates unique visionaries.  

As for a personal tip, if you’re looking for a fantastic Sunday dinner, I can’t recommend the Red Lion pub enough. It gets incredibly busy, a sure sign of its quality, so be sure to book ahead!  

Southwold and its pier are a perfect pairing. The town is charming, the history is dramatic, and the pier itself is a masterpiece of resilience and fun.

It’s a place that respects its past while embracing a wonderfully quirky present. I arrived by chance, but I’ll be returning by choice for many years to come.

For further adventures in Suffolk why not go a wander in the magical Thetford Forest.

Frequently Asked Questions