Beccles Area Guide

A market town with a rich and vibrant history, Beccles is one of the highlights of the Broads and of North Suffolk. Pretty period buildings line the streets and the river meanders past the town. Points of interest include 16th century St. Michael’s church with its 13th-century font. Many of the streets have the suffix ‘gate’, which is thought to come from the Old Norse word for street.

Today the town boasts a lively year-round community, as well as attracting tourists. You can walk the Waveney Valley, go birdwatching, spot moorhens, coots, and cattle on the marshes, or cycle one of the many paths. Catch The Big Dog Ferry to neighbouring Geldeston and enjoy a spot of lunch at The Locks Public House, the Beccles Market, held every Friday, or browse the twice-yearly antique market with over 100 stalls. The annual duck race is another local favourite.

Did you know?
Nearby Roos Hall is said to be the most haunted house in Suffolk.

Amenities

Beccles has everything you need day-to-day, including both chain and independent shops and plenty of places to eat too. You can pick up a picnic from Baileys Delicatessen and eat down by the river, sample oak-fired pizza at the Royal Oak, visit the highly regarded Graze at The White Horse or tickle your tastebuds at Twyfords, among others.

Beccles is famous for its Lido, a 30x15m pool with separate toddler and paddling pools, and a café. Open all summer long, it’s a popular community asset.

The town also benefits from a common where you can go for a walk, with a World War II pillbox on it, a town museum where you can learn about the area’s history, plus a weekly newspaper, something of a rarity in this digital age and a great way to keep up-to-date with everything that’s going on.

Beccles Public Hall is a community theatre that hosts a pantomime each winter, as well as other productions, music events and a beer festival.

There are also two football teams, a kart racing track, a dance school, Scouts and Cadets groups for children and much more, so you’ll find it easy to integrate into the community and put down roots.

Education

Beccles has three primary schools, including a Catholic school, as well as Sir John Leman High School, named after a former Beccles resident who became Lord Mayor of London.