The Denes

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Beach Overview

Southwold offers a classic British seaside experience, boasting two distinct beaches: Southwold Pier Beach to the north and Southwold Denes Beach to the south.

A wilder counterpart to the Pier Beach, Southwold Denes features a serene sand and shingle landscape, framed by dunes and marshland. Nestled towards the Harbour and the River Blyth's mouth, this beach exudes a quieter and more isolated ambiance.

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More Information

The beach's northern stretch is embellished with lively huts, forming an iconic seascape. Two beach kiosks, namely Gunhill Beach Kiosk and Harbour Kiosk, offer refreshments. In Southwold, you'll find an abundance of cafes, restaurants, and other facilities for a more comprehensive experience if needed.

For those seeking accessible beach experiences, Southwold offers seasonal beach wheelchair hire. To book or inquire further, contact beach.wheelchairs@eastsuffolk.gov.uk or call 01502 586167. Watersports enthusiasts can anticipate the return of surfboard rentals by Southwold Surf Hire (Cycle Hire) in 2024.

The southern end of the beach has both a lifeboat station and museum. If you find the time, explore the fish shacks (especially the excellent Sole Bay Fish Co) and riverside cafes. Alternatively, you can take the foot ferry to Walberswick.

Dog Restrictions

Dogs enjoy year-round access to parts of Southwold Denes Beach. However, be mindful that the main beach on the opposite side of Gun Hill Cafe enforces dog restrictions from April 1st to September 30th, clearly marked at beach entry points.

Toilet Facilities

Public toilets are conveniently located at Southwold Harbour (IP18 6ND) and on Ferry Road, open year-round from 7 am to 6 pm. Disabled facilities are exclusively available at Southwold Harbour.

Car Parking

Ferry Road (IP18 6HQ) is the closest car park, operating on a pay-and-display basis from 8 am to 6 pm, with free parking for up to 30 minutes. Harbour Quay East & West (IP18 6TA) also offer pay-and-display parking with a free 30-minute grace period.