Southwold Pier Reviews Summary

Category: Tourist attraction

Address: N Parade, Southwold, IP18 6BN, United Kingdom

Phone: +441502722105

Rating: 4.4
based on 489 reviews.

Entertainment and Attractions

Pros:

  • "The 'end of the pier show' puts on some really fabulous tribute shows as well as hosting some splendid speakers."
  • "Lovely pier with hilarious amusements you will have never seen elsewhere, very entertaining!"
  • "This is a quirky fabulous pier with homemade curio attractions, cafes and a lovely clock mid-way."
  • "A pier with great charm and a sense of fun."
  • "Wonderful old time pier, with some very eccentric one-off games in the amusements arcade."
  • "The under the pier show slot machines are a diamond in the rough!"
  • "Fun, fun, fun. We came across The Under Pier Show, a collection of unique eccentric machines that completely redefine what Pier entertainment is all about."

Cons:

  • "The amusements are a little tacky but the place doesn't take itself too seriously."
  • "Most of the amusements were out of order."
  • "The arcades were closed when we visited, which is one reason why we came."
  • "Amusements didn't open until 11.30!!!! Everyone was queueing and complaining."
  • "The great Tim Hunkin autometers have been removed and the annoying tourists were single filing in and out of the pathetic shops."
  • "Only one sad thing though... The 80s retro room was closed 😲 as a retro Gamer I was saddened to see the likes of Space Invaders and Pacman arcade cabinets all switched off and closed 😔"
  • "Too many people, no masks, the usual smell of frying but just a bit too scary."

Accessibility and Facilities

Pros:

  • "Lovely old pier still in good condition and free to walk along, with ice-cream parlours, slot machines, weird 'one off' games, gift shops and a great view up and down the coast."
  • "Free to enter and walk to the end. There's a few bits to keep the kids occupied for a while for not much money."
  • "Pier, restaurant and arcade very wheelchair accessible, and well organised for social distancing."
  • "The Pier is accessible to all levels of mobility."
  • "It's very clean and organized well for COVID."
  • "The pier itself is clean and well kept."
  • "The pier and the beaches are very clean."

Cons:

  • "Shame the pier is beginning to look a bit tired."
  • "The pier was quaint, but very tired and dated and the whole pier needs a good revamp."
  • "The pier is looking pretty shabby but it is the pre season close down of most of the businesses / entertainments and shops."
  • "It is looking very dated and in need of a lick of paint."
  • "The pier itself is under refurbishment in certain sections, so be aware that there are slightly less places to do than normal."
  • "Having renovations at present with boards being replaced but you can still access it."
  • "The pier is closed down now, not sure if it will reopen during the summer period."

Food and Dining

Pros:

  • "The fish and chips are the best."
  • "Great selection of refreshments including an ace fish and chippy (including battered halloumi!!)."
  • "But the haddock and chips was gorgeous as was the Eton mess."
  • "Good fish and chip shop."
  • "Delicious fish and chips on the pier, we really love Southwold."
  • "Very good fish and chips with gluten-free batter."
  • "Fantastic food and hot chocolate to be had in both cafes."

Cons:

  • "Southwold was brilliant apart from Adnams shop and pubs they only take debt or credit cards no CASH which is ridiculous."
  • "The fish and chips from the shop before the pier the last 2 times has been substandard to what it used to be."
  • "The chips were horrible and dry."
  • "The expensive portion of chips we had at the entrance were some of the worst I have had for ages."
  • "Fish and chips from the Boardwalk £17.50 per portion."
  • "Both cafes ridiculously expensive..coffee £3 50 ...fish and chips £18.40."
  • "The cafe, well! £11 for a sandwich."

Parking and Accessibility

Pros:

  • "Easy to park for free and paid."
  • "£1.50 for 2hrs parking was very reasonable."
  • "There's parking next to the pier & beach next to the small boating lake and crazy golf."
  • "Very good parking two minutes away in a very large easy access pay and display carpark with full toilet facilities."
  • "Parking is next door, with the first 30 minutes free and two hours for £1.50."
  • "We were able to park outside the entrance to the pier in a disabled space for free next to the disabled toilet which was super handy for changing in."
  • "Huge car park and parking spaces for campers and motorhome."

Cons:

  • "Machine at car park nightmare best myself & another could get was free 30mins."
  • "Interweb signal not great so Ringo kept cutting out took us 20mins to get ticket!! Not impressed just want ticket for windscreen!!"
  • "Be aware that you need a smart phone to download the app to book into the car parks. No coins or payment by credit card."
  • "Parking was reasonably priced."
  • "Couldn't walk along it as the wind was severe and people were not allowed on to the end."
  • "You will not be able to get out at the top end, (opposite end to toilets) if you have access issues as there are steps that are difficult to navigate."
  • "They are currently working on the pier, so it's not its normal attraction with the very unusual clock."

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