Beccles & Bungay Tourist Information

Beccles Gateway to the Southern Broads

Historic Beccles is located at the southern point of the The Broads National Park and is a major gateway into the Suffolk Southern Broads. Beccles town centre contains a wealth of historic architecture from the famous 16th century Beccles Bell Tower built separately from the church to beautiful heritage cinemas converted into cafe restaurants. Beccles town centre is a picture-postcard of traditional pubs, tearooms, stylish cafes, fine antique shops, independent shops, timber fronted buildings and stylish wine bars and restaurants.

The history of Beccles is rich and longstanding. This stunning Suffolk Broads town was once a Saxon Sea Port. Historic listed buildings in Beccles include the Beccles Museum itself situated in Leman House, a former free school, dating from around 1570 and restored in the 1760s. The Beccles Museum explores in-depth the town's history and contains numerous old photographs. Admiral Lord Nelson's mother Catherine Suckling was married in St Michael's Church with famous separate Bell Tower in Beccles (open for tours at various times of the year). Find out more about Nelson's family at the Beccles Museum.

Beccles Quayside on the River Waveney is one of the most beautiful in the Broads. You'll find one of The Broads Information Centres situated on Beccles Quay (opening times listed on The Broads Authority website). Visitors can take boat trips from Beccles Quay on the charming Edwardian-style Liana electric launch. Boat trips last around 1 1/4 hours. Visit the Broads Information Centre at Beccles Quay for more information on the Liana Boat Trip. The Beccles Quayside is also a hub for a range of events through the year including the Beccles Carnival, The Duck Race, Antiques Market and The Harvest Moon Free Music Festival.

The many other attractions in Beccles include the fantastic Beccles Lido open air swimming pool and excellent course for beginners the 9 hole Beccles Golf Course. Near Beccles is the popular Ellough Park Raceway, East Anglia's largest karting circuit. A choice of Beccles cycle hire centres are located in the town centre.

Things to Do & See in Bungay

Bungay situated just west of Beccles also contains a wealth of mostly stunning Georgian architecture such as the beautiful Buttercross in Market Place. The ruins of Bungay Castle are what remains of one of the Bigod's mighty castles in Suffolk. This popular Suffolk market town alongside the River Waveney is a superb gateway into the Southern Broads. The many spectacular historic churches in Bungay include Holy Trinity Church, the town's oldest building with Norman tower. The ornate exterior of the Catholic St Edmund Church in Bungay is another historic church highlight.

Bungay town centre contains a wide choice of antique shops and specialist shops, plus ample choice of fine restaurants, cafes and traditional pubs. Special Bungay Market days feature during the year including an Antiques Market and Christmas Market. Popular attractions in Bungay alongside the historic castle ruins include the Bungay Museum, The Fisher Theatre housed in a 19th century restored building and there is ample opportunity for cycling, walking and fishing around Bungay.

Beccles and Bungay Accommodation & Travel

Find an outstanding choice of accommodation in Beccles and Bungay listed here on iknow East Anglia. Beccles accommodation includes historic coaching inn hotels and stylish Beccles B&B guest houses alongside Beccles hotels with conference and wedding facilities. Eco friendly B&Bs in Beccles are available or opt for Bungay holiday cottages. Around the villages in the Southern Broads are a wide choice of caravan parks and camping sites.

Beccles Station affords visitors train links to Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, Woodbridge, Ipswich and Colchester. (National Express East Anglia)