Beach Information in Southwold
Southwold’s beaches are one of the town’s main attractions. Multiple award-winning, and frequently appearing in ‘best-of’ lists, they’re split into the north beach, where you can enjoy a stroll along the promenade, and the less developed south beach, where clumps of marram grass grow amongst the sandy dunes.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed on the north beach between October and March. This covers the area from the north section of the promenade (at the end of the beach huts) to the southern point at Gun Hill Café. From April to the end of September, the beach is dog-free, though registered users of disability assistance and medical assistance dogs can still take their dogs with them on to the beach.
While on the promenade, dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
Safety
The north beach is patrolled by RNLI lifeguards between 25 May and 1 September, 10am to 6pm. Pay attention to where the red and yellow flags are flying, these tell you where the water is covered by lifeguards. A solid red flag means do not swim, and orange flags indicate you shouldn’t use inflatables. It’s important you do not climb on the groynes and rocks, and stay away from the legs of the pier.
There are lifebuoys spaced out along the promenade, and lifeguard huts at either end of the north beach.
Accessibility
There is a ramp next to the Pier, which leads down from the promenade to the sand. During the summer it’s possible to hire a beach wheelchair which has larger tyres that makes travelling across the sand easier – contact beach.wheelchairs@eastsuffolk.gov.uk or call 01502 586167 for more details.
Beach Hut Hire
Not only are they an iconic part of the seaside, beach huts are extremely convenient. Instead of carting armfuls of beach paraphernalia back and forth from your accommodation every day, you can leave it in your hut. They also provide shelter, and often include cooking facilities and other amenities. Rent them by the day or the week.