The May Half Term holiday will soon be upon us and is the last opportunity to enjoy a break away to the seaside without the full summer crowds.
Why not plan your visit to Southwold and the surrounding area today? With a great range of events taking place in various locations across the Suffolk coast, a holiday to Southwold with family, friends or loved ones will certainly keep everyone occupied.
We’ve featured some handpicked favourites of ours taking place in Southwold and the surrounding area.
Southwold Lighthouse Tours
Date: Various dates
The panoramic views from arguably the most iconic building in Southwold are a must-see, so why not treat yourself and a loved one this May half term? Book a Southwold Lighthouse Tour and with an experienced tour guide you’ll spend 50 minutes climbing right to the top to take in those glorious views. You’ll also receive a Sole Bay Inn drinks voucher plus a discount at the Adnams Cellar and Kitchen store.
Southwold Maize Maze Play Park, Old Hall Café and Walks (approx. 1 mile from Southwold)
Date: Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th May 2023
Visit the Southwold Maize Maze Play Park with the kids where they can enjoy lots of fun this May Half Term. The park includes jumping pillows, ziplines, ride-on tractors, sand pits and much more. Adults can enjoy a beverage or two from the café on site. Please note the maze and go-karts are closed until the summer season.
Beccles Food and Drink Festival 2023 (approx. 14 miles from Southwold)
Date: Saturday 27th May 2023
The annual food festival in Beccles is back for its 8th year this year. This food festival will feature over 60 stalls showcasing artisan food and beverages all locally sourced and produced. It’s a great festival for all the family to enjoy with world street food, music, children’s entertainment and more. It’s free to attend, plus a free park-and-ride shuttle service will be operating from the Quay. The festival runs between 10am and 4pm.
Guided Walks at Carlton Marshes (approx. 12 miles from Southwold)
Date: Saturday 27th May & Wednesday 31st May 2023
Visit Carlton Marshes, a Suffolk Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve home to a variety of wildlife and take part in their guided walks with one of the knowledgeable guides. Ideal for keen birdwatchers, but everyone is welcome. Each walk takes place between 10am – 12.30pm.
Open Afternoon at Steamworks, Southwold
Date: Sunday 28th May 2023
Learn all about the historic Southwold railway at the Steamworks. The 3-foot narrow gauge railway once linked Southwold with the Great Eastern main line at Halesworth but closed in 1929. Enjoy a guided tour around the site plus the café and shop will be open on the day.
Robin Hood at Thorington Theatre (approx. 7 miles from Southwold)
Date: Sunday 28th May 2023
Enjoy Robin Hood on stage at Thorington Theatre presented by Illyria. Show running time is 1 hour 50 minutes including an interval. The show is suitable for ages 5 years and older. Tickets are bookable online.
Southwold Lions May Fete
Date: Sunday 28th May 2023
Come and enjoy a traditional family day out in Southwold. There will be plenty of food stalls, tea tent, Morris dancers, musicians, bouncy castle, archery plus much more. Taking place on Southwold’s Common with official opening by the Town Mayor at 10.30am.
Southwold Model Yacht Regatta, Southwold
Date: Monday 29th May 2023
The first Spring Regatta takes place this bank holiday Monday at the boating lake next to Southwold’s Pier. Entries will be taken on the day and the event will see a series of regular races (two lengths of the pond), followed by the May Cup for younger sailors. Boats are charged at £2 and are available to loan. The club recommend arriving a half an hour prior to the start time to have a practise!
Mr Bean Magic Workshop, Southwold
Date: Wednesday 31st May 2023
Hosted at the Stella Peskett Millennium Hall is a fun-filled event for children 7 years or older who are interested in learning a bit of magic. All children will be presented with a trick pack and will have the opportunity to learn a range of magic tricks. You’ll also be able to take a bag of props home with you. Tickets are £2 and bookable online.
Looking for holiday cottage for May Half Term? Why not take a look at our lovely May Half Term holiday cottages in Southwold and the surrounding area – we have a fantastic selection of holiday cottages all waiting to be discovered.