The Telegraph has compiled a list of Britain’s 10 most genteel seaside towns that are “perfect for a weekend away”.
“From the ‘Biarritz of the North’ to a perfectly-preserved medieval town, these coastal destinations make for a refined trip,” the publisher said.
And if you are in Essex and fancy a road trip, this one just across the county border could be perfect.
Seaside town near Essex named among Britain’s most ‘genteel’
Making the list by The Telegraph was Southwold, in Suffolk.
Just an hour or so away from Essex, the Suffolk Coast says there are “few seaside towns quite so quintessentially British as Southwold”.
The Telegraph highlights its traditional pier, working harbour and “mile and a half of soft, blonde sand that’s backed by a cheeriness of beach huts”, and describes it as an “understatedly elegant town”.
It also gives a shout-out to Southwold’s “charming independents”.
@reanne.witter must visit seaside town near London 🌊⚓️🐚 #dayoutfromlondon #seaside #southwold #seasidebeach #suffolk #weekendtrip #weekendgetaway #slowliving #ukbeach #placestovisit ♬ son original – fabrice
Suffolk Coast says the town “offers a wonderful environment for holidays and weekends away, as well as a thriving market town atmosphere”.
Things to do in Southwold
Southwold is home to a number of sights to see and places to visit.
The Telegraph recommends trying food at the Sole Bay Fish Company and staying at The Swan, which offers “an urban-hip seaside stay”.
Tripadvisor also highlights some of the best things to do in Southwold.
Southwold Pier is an obvious choice, offering fun for all the family.
It’s fantastically rated and reviewed on Tripadvisor, sitting at a 4.3 from more than 2,500 reviews.
One person said it was a “wonderful pier with quaint shops and nostalgic amusements”.
Another option would be to visit the historic Southwold lighthouse, which stands in the middle of the town.
The lighthouse was commissioned in 1890 and was automated and electrified in 1938.
One visitor said it offers the opportunity to “see Southwold like you’ve never seen it before”.
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Other places highlighted on Tripadvisor to visit include the Adnams Distillery Tour, the Southwold Museum and the Walberswick Ferry.
Being a seaside town, the beach is always a great option too.
Denes Beach is one of the most popular in Southwold, with visitors praising it for being dog-friendly and a great place to watch the sunset.