Lowestoft

Piers, porcelain, sand and slot machines

  • For the Kids
  • Places to Stay
  • Useful Information


    • About Lowestoft

    Lowestoft is the most easterly seaside town in the UK which is why this part of the Suffolk coast is known as the sunrise coast. The town of Lowestoft dates back to Viking times and was for many centuries an important centre for the fishing industry, its best known catch – the herring.

    The harbour was only built around 300 years ago, until then fishermen fished first from the beach and then from the traditional clinker built craft so iconic of the Suffolk coast which set sail from and landed their catch on Lowestoft’s long sandy beach.

    In and around Lowestoft...

    Africa Alive, Kessingland near Lowestoft Lowestoft Maritime Museum

    History

    The town of Lowestoft dates back to Viking times and was for many centuries an important centre for the fishing industry, its best known catch – the herring.

    The harbour was only built around 300 years ago, until then fishermen fished first from the beach and then from the traditional clinker built craft so iconic of the Suffolk coast which set sail from and landed their catch on Lowestoft’s long sandy beach. Such a glorious beach was ideal for holidaymakers and the beach was developed as a bathing site in the 1760s, Lowestoft’s main beaches are to the south of the harbour and have Blue Flag status.

    The Arts

    Lowestoft’s most famous son is Benjamin Britten born in Lowestoft, on 22 November 1913. His mother was an amateur singer and Benjamin Britten began composing at the age of five, and produced prolifically throughout his childhood, composing before breakfast and school. Britten always loved the Suffolk coast, so much so that he and his partner created the Aldeburgh Festival which has drawn musicians and audiences from around the world.

     

    For the Family

    There is still a thriving fishing trade and great fresh fish to be had both in Lowestoft and along the Suffolk coast.  Lowestoft has two piers, the Claremont and South piers on which stands the East Point Pavilion. Lifeguard facilities are provided during the summer and there are great opportunities for watersports.

    There is an excellent theme park, Pleasurewood Hills just north of the town, whilst a little to the west of Lowestoft is Oulton Broad, one of the Norfolk broads, where you can enjoy boat trips and watersports on the Broads and River Waveney. To the south  Africa Alive at Kessingland is a major attraction.

    Lowestoft is famous for the annual Lowestoft Airshow, founded in 1996. The airshow takes place in August and includes a wide range of aircraft including, in the past, the Red Arrows, a Lancaster bomber, Spitfires and an Avro Vulcan.

     

    Why not?

    Take a look at the maritime and transport history of Lowestoft.

    Visit the Lowestoft Maritime Museum  under the lighthouse in Sparrow’s Nest Park. Fascinating array of fishing equipment and artwork.

    The Transport Museum at Carlton Colville has a super collection of restored trams, trolleybuses and more.

    		  

    A trip on the Broads

    Lowestoft is close to the Broads which extend from Beccles in the south to Wrexham in Norfolk.

    Rowing boats can be hired  on the River Waveney .  For a full day hire a Canadian canoe or motor cruiser.

    There are boat trips from The Quay at Beccles and Waveney River Tours from Mutford Lock, Oulton Broad

    		  

    Somerleyton Hall

    The wealthy Victorian entrepreneur, Sir Moreton Peto created prosperity in Lowestoft developing the harbour and creating a railway line to the town.

    Somerleyton became his country seat and the house was completely refurbished, its architecture Neo-Italian with lavish decor.  A splendid walled garden, pond, greenhouses and fantastic yew maze.
    Download article as PDF