Holidays and Leisure in Southwold

HOLIDAYS & LEISURE

9 - 11 Victoria Street, Southwold, Suffolk IP18 6HZ - Tel: 01502 725600 Email: curator@southwoldmuseum.org

Southwold has attracted holidaymakers for over 200 years with its picturesque seafront and unique character. In the 1800s the familiar bathing machines transported modest Victorian swimmers down to the water’s edge on wheels. The 1920s brought the trademark string of 300 colourful beach huts which now change hands for tens of thousands of pounds.

Southwold’s holiday appeal has always been traditional rather than tacky, with picnics on the greens, sandcastle-building and bicycle hire. Early holiday attractions included travelling waxworks, circuses, theatre companies and fairs. Later, steamer rides, motor trips and concerts in the Pier Pavilion added extra glamour.

Southwold’s two luxurious beachfront hotels, The Grand Hotel and the Marlborough, didn’t survive the Second World War. But you can still stay at the 18th century Swan and Crown hotels in the town centre, or rent cottages and apartments nearby. Wealthy families built holiday homes in Southwold 200 years ago – just as people buy second homes here today.

Find out more about what Southwold has on offer for visitors in the 1800s,1900s and today by visiting the Tourist Information Offices below.

Wish you were here - Happy snaps from Southwold 1900 - 1930
Can you help to identify any of them?

GOOD MORNING CAMPERS!

The Duke of York attending the Boys' Camp on Southwold Common in August 1932

The Duke of York attending his annual Boys' Camp on Southwold Common in August 1932.
For more pictures, click the photo.

Memories of the Duke of York's Boys' Camps.

Single girls used to flock to the Boys' Camps on the Common

Did the King sleep under canvas... or in one of Mrs Bee's best rooms on the QT?



	Local artist, Reg Carter, was a prolific producer of seaside postcards in the inter-war years, many of which were adapted for other resorts. (Use your curser to take a peek at the Bathing Belle!)

Southwold Museum & Historical Society, 9 - 11 Victoria Street, Southwold, Suffolk IP18 6HZ. Tel : 01502 725600 Email : curator@southwoldmuseum.org

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation, Registered Charity No 1159790.

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