Dating back to the famous ‘Battle of Sole Bay’ in May 1672, the town is famous for its past herring industry. Though little more than a village in size, it has been a town since it received its charter from Henry VII in 1489. The town lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty, consisting of long stretches of sand bordering salt marshes with large areas of woodland sweeping down to the shore. The town of Southwold is situated on a hill, which rises gently from the Blyth Valley. Since the River Blyth to the south and Bus Creek to the north form the town boundaries, it will be seen that Southwold is virtually an island, which has stood the town in good stead by limiting modernisation, thus retaining its old world charm. Today the picturesque harbour is a lot calmer, although visitors can still catch a glimpse of Southwold’s maritime heritage in the unique Sailors’ Reading Room.
Attractive features such as the lighthouse built in 1890, which stands four square above the town and the church (1460) dedicated to St Edmund, Christian Martyr and the last King of East Anglia, with its 100 foot high tower are both must sees within the town.