The school summer holidays are always a popular time to visit Southwold and with all the restrictions we’ve experienced over the past few years now fully lifted, we’re excited to share a bumper amount of events in and around the Southwold area.
From one-off events for all the family to enjoy to music afternoons and open days at heritage sites, there’s plenty to experience in Southwold and the surrounding area this summer.
Below is a roundup of some of our top picks for the summer.
Teddy Bears Picnic, Thorington Theatre – Friday 29th July 2022
1 hour’s fun perfect for little ones aged 2 – 6 years. Expect to listen to well-known songs, colourful displays, puppets and more. Don’t forget to bring your little ones favourite teddy and a picnic. Tickets can be booked on the Thorington Theatre website.
Music on the Green, Southwold – Saturday 30th July 2022
This popular Southwold event returns to South Green with music from The Glamtastics. The Southwold Lions Club will also be hosting a BBQ tent. Entry is free however donations to the Lions charities are most welcome. Starts at 6.30pm.
Southwold Model Boat Regatta (First) – Saturday 30th July 2022
Southwold has played host to Model Yacht Sailing for over 100 years and each year a series of Model Boat Regattas take place on the boating lake close by to Southwold’s Pier. There are prizes for the best sail and boat and anyone is welcome to join in. We suggest taking a look at the Southwold Model Yacht Regatta website ahead of time where you can find lots of information about taking part.
Mini Ranger Walk, Dunwich Heath – Sunday 31st July 2022
Enjoy a walk with a ranger in the beautiful depths of Dunwich Heath. Bring along your friends and family and discover an array of wildlife. The walk takes place at 10am and lasts one hour. Tickets are bookable online via the National Trust website.
Blythburgh Day, Blythburgh – Sunday 31st July 2022
Just a short drive from Southwold Blythburgh village will be celebrating the return of the ‘Blythburgh Day’ – a mini festival with music, games, BBQ, dog show, raffle and more. It starts at the Blythbugh Priory ruins from 11am and the main festival starts at midday. There will also be a chance to tour the Railway Shed at Blythburgh Station site.
Wild Families Summer Adventure at Carlton Marshes – every Thursday morning school holidays
Carlton Marshes is a great venue for adults and children alike, with fantastic walking trails to discover and an abundance of wildlife. During the school holidays the team host a range of activities aimed at families with children from the ages of 5+. Tickets required and a range of tickets to suit your family group are available on the website.
Theatre on the Coast (“Summer Holiday”), Reydon – from Tuesday 9th August 2022
The perfect show for you and your family to enjoy, The ‘Summer Holiday’ tour is showing at the Big Barn Theatre in Reydon, near Southwold. Enjoy this stage musical with plenty of well-known hits of Cliff Richard and the Shadows. Get your tickets via the Theatre on the Coast website.
Steamworks Open Afternoon, Southwold – every Sunday in the summer holidays
Open from 1pm to 5pm, visitors are welcome to come along and explore the old Southwold Railway, which is located off Blyth Road. There will be guided tours of the site plus the shop and café will be open.
Southwold Open Air Theatre – various shows and dates starting on Sunday 14th August 2022
Enjoy a family evening watching various shows on Southwold’s glorious Common this summer. Show names include King Arthur, Through the Looking Glass, The Wind in the Willows, Much Ado About Nothing and more. Suitable for all ages and each show will have an interval. Ticket purchase required via the Ticket Source website, with under 3s free of charge.
Dog Day at Dunwich Heath, Dunwich – Sunday 14th August 2022
Celebrate all things pooch with this fantastic day out for those with a four-legged friend or two. Enter your furry friend into one of eight categories for the chance to win some great prizes. The event runs from 10am – 4pm.
Family Fun Day at The Pit Stop Cafe, Southwold – Sunday 14th August 2022
Village Fete and Dog Show, Walberswick – Saturday 27th August 2022
The Walberswick Village Fete and Dog Show returns this summer. More details are expected to follow soon.
