The River Blyth flows between the fashionable town of Southwold and its smaller but equally popular neighbour, Walberswick. The river's traditional bustling atmosphere is a refreshing contrast to the sophistication of modern Southwold. Fishing boats line the harbour unloading their catch to the black sheds dotted along the foreshore. The River Blyth sits in a marshy landscape separated by deep ditches, raised levees and abundant reed beds. It is a peaceful stretch of water, which if you have a dinghy, is navigable inland as far as Blythburgh. For yachts it is only possible to go as far as the Bailey Bridge which used to carry the railway into Southwold. The Southwold and Walberswick shores are joined by a foot ferry – essentially a small rowing boat which operates from April to the end of October.



Southwold is a little town with a big personality. There are not many places that can boast a pier, a lighthouse, a brewery, wonderful sandy beaches, a harbour and some strange and wonderful buildings. The town also has some excellent shops, a good selection of galleries and some great cafes and restaurants

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Walberswick is a charming seaside village with a large sandy beach backed by an undulating dunescape of marram grass and yellow sand. From Walberswick there is a coastal footpath which runs all the way to Aldeburgh before turning inland to follow the Alde estuary.



Beyond the Bailey Bridge the River Blyth opens out to a wide and tranquil estuary which is a haven for wildlife. The area is protected by Natural England and is important for the flora and fauna it supports including marsh harriers and numerous wading birds.



At the head of the estuary is the village of Blythburgh with its impressive church. Dubbed the 'Cathedral of the Marshes' this impressive structure stands on a small hill overlooking the estuary and is linked to the ghostly legend of the Black Shuck. The church is well worth exploring and has a fascinating history and impressive interior.





There are no marinas on the River Blyth but moorings are available in the harbour – the tide ebbs and flows fast here, so do follow the instructions you'll find online and in your sailing almanac if you're a first-time visitor.  Visiting boats should contact the Harbourmaster on VHF Ch12, and there's a warm welcome for all at the Southwold Sailing Club. Access to the water for dinghies is via the concrete slipway which is useable at all states of the tide.

If you don’t have your own boat and would like to get out on the water Coastal Voyager offers sea blasts and more genteel trips along the Blyth estuary.

  If you like your adventures on the water to be wet, Southwold Surf School offers Surf and SUP hire and lessons – as well as bicycle hire for those wishing to stay on dry land.



Southwold and Walberswick are blessed with many great restaurants, cafes and pubs, including the Harbour Inn on the Blackshore, the Bell Inn and the Anchor in Walberswick, and the White Hart Inn in Blythburgh