Southwold out of Season - Reasons to Visit

When thinking of a seaside town, your thoughts may immediately go to summer. Whilst summer is always a fantastic time to visit Southwold, out of season the iconic town still has so much to offer. With art centres that put on year-round performances, pubs that offer welcome shelter from chillier weather and a cinema that showcases an eclectic range of films, there are so many reasons to visit Southwold out of season. Skip the summer crowds and be first in line for some yummy fish and chips, we’ll see you there!

Southwold Electric Picture Palace

Get your popcorn (and wine) ready, because the Southwold Electric Picture Palace offers a gorgeous cinema in what was once a 19th Century stable. Showing films old and new, this theatre showcases films from days gone by and new releases. Guests are welcome to enjoy a glass of wine whilst watching their chosen film, and the foyer offers a range of yummy snacks. The cinema itself is in a historic establishment, and the theatres are classically decorated. If the history of the theatre interests you, the palace puts on weekly tours. The cinema is a members-only establishment, however, seasonal memberships are available at a very reasonable price and each member is allowed to bring up to three guests with them on their visit.

Just around the corner from the Electric Picture Palace is Sandpiper. A terraced cottage which has been decorated and furnished to a good standard you’ll be closely situated to the cinema, town and the beach.

Food

Southwold is full of fantastic eateries. Independent restaurants, pubs and cafes offer amazing quality food, coffee and sweet treats that are sure to keep your bellies full on your Southwold trip. For breakfast, head to The Harbour Café. Open from 8 am, the café offers a top of the range fry up that is sure to prepare you for the day ahead. You’ll also be able to enjoy stunning views of Southwold Harbour from their large windows. For lunch, head to Coasters. Their doorstep, fish finger sandwich is hard to beat, and utterly delicious. For dinner, Sole Bay Fish Company serves fresh, locally caught fish caught that day. Lobsters, oysters and shellfish are part of the collection but make sure to book in advance, this charming establishment tends to be full. For a sweet treat, Two Magpies has a stunning collection of freshly baked cakes and pastries, and Harris & James serves home-made gelato in an impressive range of flavours including oreo cookie and lime mojito. If you’re on the move, The Little Fish and Chip Shop sells the best fish and chips around, we love getting our bag of chips and enjoying them on Southwold Beach.

With sea views from the upstairs bedroom, The Cabin is almost on the beach and provides excellent accommodation for groups who are keen to explore all the eateries of Southwold. Located on Ferry Road, you’ll be just a short walk away from The Sole Bay Fish Company, where a full evening can be spent with the friendly owners.

Reydon and Southwold Pantomime Group

Award-winning and oh so fun, Reydon and Southwold Pantomime group put on a great show each year at the Southwold Arts Centre. Enjoyed by both adults and children, this year's pantomime is Jack and the Beanstalk which starts on the 27th of January and finishes on the 2nd of February with both matinee and evening performances. The group, who put on their shows for the love of theatre rather than money, are a dedicated ensemble who love to bring joy to both locals and visitors to Southwold. Not only will you be supporting them, but also the Southwold Arts Centre where the pantomime is held. This charming venue is home to many other performances, so if pantomime isn’t your thing, we’re sure you’ll find a show more to your taste.

Lovingly refurbished to provide all that you could need for a wonderful holiday in the heart of Southwold, The Cornerstone still retains some of its’ original features, making it both homely yet stylish. Not only will the arts centre be close by, but also Southwold’s beach, harbour and town centre.