Beccles: Riverside Charm

Beccles is one of the most idyllic spots in Suffolk – actually, make that in the country. The River Waveney curves around the historic market town, where lovely old buildings nestle along narrow lanes and around pretty little squares.

As well as being an appealing town, Beccles is also in the perfect location. It sits in the lush Suffolk landscape between the Heritage Coast and the Norfolk Broads – an ideal base for those of us who love spending our weekends exploring the countryside. You’re also less than 20 miles from Norwich and about 45 miles from Ipswich or Thetford.

Living in Beccles

Beccles is a stunning town in North Suffolk

Beccles, Suffolk

Messing about in boats, sunny lunches at riverside pubs, dog walks along the towpath… Life in Beccles centres around the tree-fringed river, which flows through the town into Oulton Broad then onto the sea. You can be at the coast yourself in less than 20 minutes.

The town is a picturesque jumble of old buildings, from pastel-painted townhouses to half-timbered cottages. Many are now shops and cafes, and Beccles has a wonderful array of independent and family-run businesses. If you love to browse among original and quirky shops, this is the town for you. There are also regular markets, and the annual food and drink festival is a must. For your “big shop”, Beccles has several supermarkets, including Tesco, Morrisons and Lidl.

On your doorstep

Not only is Beccles itself lovely, but it’s close to two of East Anglia’s best-loved beauty spots: Suffolk’s Heritage Coast and the Norfolk Broads. Drive seven miles east, and you’ll reach the sandy beaches at Lowestoft. Go the literal extra mile, and you get to Southwold with its colourful beach huts and traditional pier. You’re also close to locals’ favourite, Walberswick.

If you go west, you’re in the beautiful Norfolk Broads National Park, a network of navigable rivers and lakes, and home to some of Britain’s rarest wildlife. Explore fens, woodlands and wetlands, dotted with historic buildings and pretty villages.

For an urban fix, drive or take the train to Ipswich with its modern marina, waterside dining and lively nightlife, or wander among the fascinating medieval streets of Norwich. Charming Bury St Edmund’s is about an hour’s drive away.

Family life in Beccles

Life on the river and the nearby coast are huge draws for families seeking an outdoorsy life. Two of the closest beaches, Lowestoft and Southwold, are actually rated as the best family beaches in Suffolk. Sandcastles and paddles, followed by fish and chips: perfect.

We also love the lido in Beccles, heated to 27 degrees and surrounded by paved areas and pretty planting. There are separate areas for younger swimmers, and the cafe is just what’s needed for a post-swim treat.

Further afield, there’s fishing and kayaking at The Suffolk Waterpark (try the cafe here, too), and there’s plenty for families to do in Ipswich from playgrounds to theatre trips. Framlingham Castle, Jimmy’s Farm and Jump In Adventure Park are all popular family attractions not far from your Beccles base.

Easy Connections

Transport links

Beccles has its own railway station, with regular direct services to Ipswich. Change at Ipswich for London Liverpool Street – a journey that takes about two and a half hours. There’s a direct train to the seaside at Lowestoft, and you can change here for Norwich.

Heading abroad? It’s a 40-minute drive to Norwich City Airport, and just over an hour to the ferry port at Felixstowe.

Schools in Beccles

Beccles is large enough to have a choice of nurseries, primary and secondary schools, and there’s even a sixth form attached to Sir John Leman High School. There are further schools and colleges in neighbouring towns like Lowestoft and Ipswich.

For universities, there is the University of Suffolk in Ipswich and the University of East Anglia near Norwich (and Cambridge is just 80 miles from Beccles…).