I knew nothing of this place before I came, Southwold, indeed Suffolk was a mystery. All I knew had been gleaned from the endless repeats of Coast on the BBC. Except, for some reason, I remembered that Gordon Brown had holidayed here. Regardless of your political persuasion, Gordon, a son of the manse, is never going to be your first point of reference for advice on having a good time.
As it turns out, according to Andrew Rawnsley, the holiday was nothing more than a PR stunt by Sarah Brown, an initiative designed to suggest that the Prime Minister was on the same wavelength as middle England. History shows it didn’t work, not only that, “he hated every minute of it and couldn’t wait to get back to Scotland”. Like I said, not your first point of reference for advice on having a good time.
It may appeal to middle England but it has a distinctly New England feel. There is nothing to hate and much to like – busier than I would prefer (it is the end of half-term week), it is pretty, unspoilt and not overtly commercialised. So far we have only spent time in Halesworth, Southwold and Walberswick but, it is already easy to imagine coming back:
Across the River Blyth, Southwold Harbour
Fish for sale, Southwold Harbour
Sheds at Southwold Harbour
The ferry, Southwold Harbour
Some like fishing, some don’t
Southwold in a sea mist
Southwold beach and distant pier in a sea mist
northumbrian : light 
Looks good! Isn’t a sea mist called a sea fret in those parts?
Thanks Sue, it is. It could be a haar if you were further up the north east coast – not to be mistaken for a ha-ha which is something entirely different – strange thing language 🙂
Oh, I know a ha-ha…keep the cattle in! As you say, language is interesting!
Love the seaside scenes. This is a part of the world we’re always meaning to go, but don’t
Thanks Tish – a bit of a pain getting here but worth the effort – recommend it.
Emulating politicians, in any way, should be avoided, especially when it comes to vacations. 🙂 Lovely serene images. Love the softness of the first one. Looks like it was one of those humid days when thunderstorms are on the horizon. Have a wonderful vacation with your lady, Robin.
Thanks Julie and sound advice re politicians – no matter the country, no matter the tribe, they seem at best a disappointing bunch. You got the weather right – very humid indeed although the threatened thunderstorms never arrived. Enjoying your Instagram images – hope the more sedate life at home is working out. All the best, R
I love the colors and can easily imagine walking along that beach.
janet
Thanks Janet – very west coast America – heavy sea mists as the cold air from the sea meets the warm air from the land.