Food & Drink Discoveries
great places to eat & enjoy
in town – in the country – by the river
Dive in!
Riverside Beccles is a refreshingly different heritage market town, set under vast Suffolk skies amidst wonderful Waveney Valley countryside at the southern tip of the Suffolk and Norfolk Broads National Park, and close to the sandy beaches of the coast.
Gateway to the Southern Broads, Beccles on the River Waveney in Suffolk has its own charming quay with easy-to-book public moorings. The historic riverside beneath mighty St Michael’s church and bell tower and the old town is home to boatyards, paddlesports and boat trip providers, as well as the ever-popular, traditional outdoor swimming pool – the Beccles Lido.
From its unique position, Beccles has been watching over the Waveney Valley world and looking towards the coast for centuries.
You’ll find it full of fascinating contrasts, fine architecture, nature-rich green spaces, breath-taking town, country and river views, and endless opportunities to enjoy.
A friendly, welcoming community and a place with so many tales to tell, it’s no wonder that beautiful Beccles is one of England’s fastest-growing market towns today.
Free public Wi-Fi is now available in Beccles! Along The Walk, New Market and Exchange Square! Safe surfing and privacy notices
A truly welcoming, year-round relaxing holiday and boating destination in its own right, Beccles is also the perfect base-camp for exploring all that Suffolk and Norfolk has to offer.
Close to the stunning lakes and landscapes of The Broads, and the Suffolk coast’s sandy beaches, well-connected Beccles is the ideal get-away-from-it-all location for short breaks and longer stays.
Travelling to and getting around Beccles – and getting around once you are here – just couldn’t be easier.
Why not take a look at what’s on Beccles’ doorstep?
Bustling market town Beccles has a fine trading tradition and rather unusually, has not one, but two historic market places.
Today, the Fairtrade town is much-loved by locals and visitors alike for its collection of interesting and mainly independent shops, including traditional greengrocers and butchers showcasing local products.
Beccles still upholds the tradition of a Friday market, and monthly farmers’ markets are also really popular.
Look out for the annual Beccles Food & Drink Festival and programme of town centre events.
great places to eat & enjoy
in town – in the country – by the river
Dive in!
friendly, interesting independent stores & more
a real retail community that cares
Browse & buy!
Fun-loving Beccles is home to all sorts of family-friendly events from carnival capers to gravity-fed go-kart races and its much-loved Food & Drink Festival. Its social scene is relaxed and welcoming, with something for all ages and interests.
The historic Public Hall & Theatre is a volunteer-run arts venue at the heart of the Beccles community and cultural scene for over two centuries.
Expect a wide-ranging programme of theatre, film screenings, family shows, concerts, comedy, creative workshops and more from this go-to venue – and a truly entertaining time throughout the year.
Gravity-fed karting in Beccles town centre – 29th Sept 2024. Where to watch. How to book to participate.
A lighted hearted guest blog introduction to who’s who in Beccles history.
The Beccles Lido has a rich history of outdoor swimming fun, sport and exercise in the water.
Saltgate, Ballygate, Northgate, Newgate – but where are the gateways? Surely Puddingmoor has something to do with supper? So why didn’t the Beccles bell tower get its steeple? If New Market is five centuries old, how old must Old Market be? Where was the Iron Age Causeway? Was Lord Nelson’s family really from Beccles stock? What’s the connection between Napoleon and a bonfire on The Common? Can you really see Lowestoft’s mighty wind turbine from the top of St Michael’s tower?
Unlock all the answers. Visit Beccles.
Gateway to The Broads National Park, Beccles is a relaxed and thriving north Suffolk riverside market town with a huge heritage. You’ll find it full of local spirit, independent shops and fab places to eat, with a welcoming quay and friendly boating community too.
Beccles is located right on the Suffolk-Norfolk border, on the meandering River Waveney in one of East Anglia’s most picturesque rural valley settings. It is ideal throughout the year, for a gentle or active time away together with family, friends or just as a couple.
Love walking, cycling or boating? Into paddlesports? Enjoy immersing yourself in nature – or prefer a dip the Beccles Lido outdoor pool? Keen on birdwatching, but want to satisfy the culture vulture in you too? Guide yourself around historic Beccles and climb the bell tower for the ultimate perch with awesome river valley views.
Whatever floats your boat, Beccles is sure to put a smile on your face. This relaxed riverside hideaway is even super-close to popular beach-resorts Southwold and Lowestoft.
Come and visit Beccles soon.
Only a 2.5 hour drive or train journey from London – or a 25 mile meandering waterway cruise from the boatyards of the northern Broads – Beccles is easy to reach by rail, road or river.
Beccles train station has regular services to Ipswich for connections to London (Liverpool Street), and to Lowestoft via Oulton Broad for connections to Norwich and the Norfolk Broads .
Beccles is on the Angles Way long distance path as well as National Cycle Route 1, Regional Cycle Route 30 (link to 31) and the new round-Suffolk cycle route, The Wolf Way.
