Walberswick
Lying to the south of the River Blyth, this picturesque village of Saxon origin is accessible either by a foot ferry from Southwold Harbour, by an enjoyable 25 minute cycle ride or 45 minute walk along the old railway line (approx. 3 miles). This begins as a footpath at Blyth Road Police Station and becomes tarmac after the cutting, then continues across the marshes via the Bailey Bridge; or by road (9 miles), turning off the A12 at Blythburgh. The village has two pubs, cafés, gift shops, a delightful village green, ample parking, walks and sandy beaches.
Blythburgh
Situated on the A12 four miles west of Southwold, Blythburgh is dominated by the 'Cathedral of the Marshes', the Church of the Holy Trinity. Ideal for concerts, it is also often host to part of the Snape Malting and Aldeburgh Music Festivals. It is possible to walk to the white Hart from Southwold along the old branch line following the beautiful river estuary (approx. 1 hour, taking a right fork at the bench marking the old Walberswick halt, 1/2 mile after the Bailey Bridge). Coastal Voyager from Southwold Harbour also offers river trips.
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Dunwich
This former capital of East Anglia, famed for over 80% of the town being lost to the sea, lies 9 miles by road to the south. As the most easterly point, this shipbuilding port with its own Mint, was a vital stronghold to the country's defences and trade. The Dunwich Museum has a model of the dwellings and records the losses, 6 churches, 3 chapels, 2 monasteries and more. Excellent fish & chip café, Ship Inn, Nursery & Tea Room, pebble beach and local walks.
Minsmere
A 1,500 acre nature reserve administered by the RSPB can be found 10.7 miles to the south, near Westleton. Superb walks and plenty of hides to enjoy the 100 species of birds that breed in the mixed habitat of man-made lagoons, reedbeds, heath and woodland.
Sunrise Coast, Broads & Market Towns
Lowestoft (12 miles north) boasts award-winning golden sands, the most easterly point in Britain, Ness Point, and the huge Gulliver wind turbine, while Kessingland, (9 miles North) has golden beaches and a Safari Park. The River Waveney is accessible by boat hire at Oulton Broad and Beccles. The market town of Bungay offers shopping and the nearby medieval hall of St Peter's Brewery. Halesworth has a good pedestrianised precinct (9 miles east is Huntingfield's Grade 1 Church with its famous painted ceiling).
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