Beccles
The town of Beccles is situated on the banks of the River Waveney. It is an old market town, and was once a Saxon sea port. Its streets are filled with Edwardian buildings, reflecting a prosperous past. Today, it boasts independent shops on every street in the town centre. This is not a place to see national chain stores. Beccles is actually in Suffolk and has a population of just over 10,000 residents. It is less than 30 minutes from Norwich by car, using the A146.
Things to see and do:
St Michaels church is a little unusual in that its bell tower was built adjacent but not attached to it. It's thought this was because putting the tower any closer to the river, which flows next to the church, might cause the whole structure to collapse into the water. The bell tower is open to the public, and offers wonderful 360 degree views of Beccles and beyond, from its very top. Close by is the departure point for the Big Dog Ferry service which operates upriver to the pretty village of Geldeston. Details HERE. The journey time is around 45 minutes, offering the chance to experience the natural beauty of the River Waveney en-route. An outdoor swimming pool, The Lido, operates in the summer months. Beccles has its own train station linking the seaside resort of Lowestoft and then to Norwich if required.
Local pubs, restaurants:
There are many public houses offering food in Beccles. Wetherspoons have a branch here, The Kings Head. Other notable establishments are the Waveney House Hotel and the The Bear and Bells. Restaurants abound too, with Prezzo Italian Restaurant, Graze at the White Horse, and the Bombay Restaurant all offering a good standard of dining.
Cafes and takeaways:
The Garden Tearooms, Bailey's Delicatessen and Tyfords Cafe are situated in the town centre, offering tea, coffee and light refreshments. There is no shortage of takeaway options with Chinese, Indian, Chicken, Kebab & Pizza and fish and chips all represented in the town.
Other Shops:
As stated above, Beccles is known for the number of independent stores in the town centre. Beales Department Store is on Smallgate. You will find local butchers, chemists, clothing stores and all the other trades you would expect in a small town. Both Tesco and Morrisons have supermarkets in the town. The Beccles Medical Centre operates GP surgeries.
Things to see and do:
St Michaels church is a little unusual in that its bell tower was built adjacent but not attached to it. It's thought this was because putting the tower any closer to the river, which flows next to the church, might cause the whole structure to collapse into the water. The bell tower is open to the public, and offers wonderful 360 degree views of Beccles and beyond, from its very top. Close by is the departure point for the Big Dog Ferry service which operates upriver to the pretty village of Geldeston. Details HERE. The journey time is around 45 minutes, offering the chance to experience the natural beauty of the River Waveney en-route. An outdoor swimming pool, The Lido, operates in the summer months. Beccles has its own train station linking the seaside resort of Lowestoft and then to Norwich if required.
Local pubs, restaurants:
There are many public houses offering food in Beccles. Wetherspoons have a branch here, The Kings Head. Other notable establishments are the Waveney House Hotel and the The Bear and Bells. Restaurants abound too, with Prezzo Italian Restaurant, Graze at the White Horse, and the Bombay Restaurant all offering a good standard of dining.
Cafes and takeaways:
The Garden Tearooms, Bailey's Delicatessen and Tyfords Cafe are situated in the town centre, offering tea, coffee and light refreshments. There is no shortage of takeaway options with Chinese, Indian, Chicken, Kebab & Pizza and fish and chips all represented in the town.
Other Shops:
As stated above, Beccles is known for the number of independent stores in the town centre. Beales Department Store is on Smallgate. You will find local butchers, chemists, clothing stores and all the other trades you would expect in a small town. Both Tesco and Morrisons have supermarkets in the town. The Beccles Medical Centre operates GP surgeries.
