Clare Willcocks
06 February 2023
Fans of retail therapy are in for a treat in the vibrant town of Southwold on the beautiful Suffolk Heritage Coast. Southwold High Street boasts a unique collection of independent boutiques and shops, where you’ll find everything from antiques, seasonal produce, gifts, jewellery, pottery, glassware, handmade candles and the obligatory bucket and spade!
We’ve picked out a few of our favourites to look out for when you’re shopping in Southwold, but there are plenty more to discover yourselves, with a mid-shopping stop to grab a cuppa and cake!
Why not book a stay in one of our Southwold holiday cottages and make a holiday of it?
Chapmans of Southwold
Image courtesy of Chapmans of Southwold
This delightful Aladdin’s Cave is a one-stop shop for all your holiday essentials…and more! At Chapmans of Southwold, pick up newspapers and magazines to read in the sun on the beach, and stock up on confectionery and children’s craft kits to keep the younger members of the family happy. Toys, gifts, stationery and games – it won’t be hard to find things that make you want to part with your cash.
Best for: Cards, stationery and magazines
Address: 79 High Street, Southwold IP18 6DS
The Amber Shop and Museum
Images courtesy of the Amber Shop and Museum
For something a little quirkier, a visit to the Amber Shop and Museum provides a fascinating insight into this golden-coloured gemstone, prized since Neolithic times. The company has been making jewellery for over 100 years, cutting, polishing and shaping the amber which is found locally on the Suffolk coastline. Whether you’re looking to take home a sparkly memento of your holiday or you’re simply interested in learning more about the honey-hued stone, it’s definitely worth adding this unusual stop to your schedule.
Best for: Amber jewellery
Address: 15 Market Place, Southwold IP18 6EA
Collen & Clare
For true fashionistas, a visit to Collen & Clare is a must. The clothes shop boasts a collection of some of the most coveted names in fashion including Barbour, S Max Mara, Belstaff, Essentiel Antwerp and Jumper 1234. With over 100 brands to choose from, this fashion-forward shop should feature on the itinerary of anyone with a penchant for the finer clothes in life.
Best for: Designer clothing
Address: 25 Market Place, Southwold IP18 6ED
CRAFTCO
Images courtesy of Craftco
If you fancy taking home some local art, why not visit Craftco? It’s an artists’ cooperative selling a unique collection of prints, ceramics, jewellery, textiles and toys? Upstairs, the gallery hosts changing exhibitions showcasing art and crafts from creatives in East Anglia. You generally won’t see paintings and photography here, the focus on applied art makes for an interesting array of work using a range of specialised techniques.
Best for: Crafts and gifts
Address: 40A High Street, Southwold IP18 6AE
Serena Hall Gallery
A visit to the Serena Hall Gallery on Queen Street also offers a colourful collection of work by up-and-coming artists all over the UK, including Suffolk and Norfolk. The beautifully curated exhibition showcases a range of styles and media, so if you’re in the market for a new piece of art, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye.
If you’ve got more than one space to fill on your walls, check out our guide to art galleries in Southwold.
Best for: Fine art
Address: 16 Queen Street, Southwold IP18 6EQ
Lift
Images courtesy of Lift
Lift is an independent home and accessory store, packed with deliciously attractive functional items to make your heart sing while carrying out everyday tasks. From beautifully designed stationery to simple bags, they have an impeccable eye for Danish and Japanese products. What’s more, through their ‘Lift it Forward’ scheme, every 200th customer is presented with £5 with which to do something good, and a postcard to let Lift know what they’ve done with it. The way these £5 donations have made a difference to people’s lives is heartwarming, and more than enough reason to support this lovely shop in return.
Best for: Beautiful everyday items
Address: 1 Drayman Square, Southwold IP18 6GB
Adnams
Images Courtesy of Adnams
Founded in Southwold, Adnams has a 150-year-long history of making beers, spirits and wine. In their Southwold location, you can take a brewery or distillery tour, and even make your own gin. This is their flagship store, selling a range of their products, which extend to homewares and food. There’s a characterful cafe and a sunny courtyard where you can take a break before you get back to the High Street.
Best for: Beer, spirits and wine
Address: 4 Draymans Square, Southwold IP18 6GB
Stay in Southwold
What could be better after a day of shopping than heading to your holiday cottage five minutes away to flop down on a comfortable sofa to plan the next day’s adventures? Our Southwold holiday cottages offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a treat in the form of a hot tub or glorious views, or hunting for that perfect family home to enjoy time together. Take a look at our complete collection of Southwold holiday homes.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.