This post may contain affiliate links

Southwold is a small town and civil parish on the English North Sea coast in the East Suffolk district of Suffolk. It lies at the mouth of the River Blyth within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. When I told my mum I just wanted to go out for a day trip, we discussed London. But I know I can not manage a whole day exploring like I used to. That is the joys of my rheumatoid arthritis condition. My mum suggested a drive to Southwold. She has been here with her friends and thought that I would like it. It is the next county from me, and it took us ninety minutes to drive from our base in Essex. We drove straight to the pier, booked an hours parking and went onto the pier.

The pier is definitely one of the smallest I have ever been on. But it is very well thought out. Lost of places to set and rest, lots of places for a bite to eat.

I loved the pastel painted beach huts. They looked so well looked after. You can even rent one for the day.  You can also paddle in the generally icy North Sea is mandatory. I grew up with the North Sea as my local beach in Clacton On Sea, and it is always very cold. We then left the pier through the normal arcades.

Then my mum decided to try into the town and look for the lighthouse. The last time, she visited, she parked her car here for longer and they just walked from the pier into town. It certainly is walkable but for my mobility issues, it is just not possible. Luckily we found somewhere in the main street.

The lighthouse was not opened which was a pretty but not mend to be. I really enjoyed my visit to Southwold, it is a very charming seaside spot. I would love to return and explore further. I can see why this is my mum’s favourite place.