Beside the Seaside in Southwold, Southwold, England

Despite our mini-break at Choo Choo Moo being in Norfolk, we were practically straddling the border of neighbouring Suffolk. Which gave us plenty of options when it came to selecting a seaside destination for a birthday day trip. We settled on Southwold. And here are FIVE reasons why we’re glad we did.

I’m not gonna lie. I saw those beautiful rainbow-coloured beach huts on Instagram and instantly wanted a photo. What I didn’t bank on was it being an extremely blustery day when we arrived, and therefore having to run the gauntlet of the waves crashing against the seafront. Eventually though, it was safe enough to walk along the promenade without risking a drenching. And it’s safe to say we got a little obsessed with taking photos and mentally decorating and restyling our own hypothetical beach hut. Of course there would be bunting. And fairy lights. Maybe a little bookshelf of classic novels.

And of course what’s a beach hut without a beach? Southwold has an award-winning Blue Flag beach, so make sure you pack your bucket and spade.

Southwold’s pier provides the expected. An amusement arcade full of ringing and pinging sound, and a metallic tang of two pence pieces in the air. Little souvenir shops, selling all sorts of trinkets with your name on. (Well, not my name but hey, unusual monikers rule right?) A fish and chip shop where the smell of vinegar permeates the air. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).