Suffolk &amp; Cambs


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY? </h2>



<p>Beccles is a fast-growing market town in the scenic Waveney Valley on the Southern tip of the Norfolk Broads, full of gorgeous Georgian architecture and perfectly placed for days out to surrounding castles, coast and countryside. There are plenty of independent shops, restaurants and cafés too, as well as a picturesque quayside – and it even has its own lido!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat-nbsp">EAT&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="960" height="768" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/04/the-waveney-house-hotel-beccles-1.jpg" alt="Waveney House Hotel from the river in Beccles " class="wp-image-25740" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/04/the-waveney-house-hotel-beccles-1.jpg 960w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/04/the-waveney-house-hotel-beccles-1-800x640.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/04/the-waveney-house-hotel-beccles-1-400x320.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/04/the-waveney-house-hotel-beccles-1-656x525.jpg 656w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Waveney House Hotel</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="http://www.oakfired.co.uk">Oakfired at The Royal Oak</a> is an amazing Italian and one of only three UK restaurants to achieve accreditation for their Neapolitan pizzas from Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), Naples. You won&#8217;t taste a better pizza unless you hop on a Flight to the Italian city itself. <a href="https://grazewhitehorse.co.uk/">Graze at The White Horse</a> is a fabulous local, serving everything from tandoori scallops to wild mushroom risotto in the gorgeous garden or cosy restaurant (or sip a porn star martini in the cocktail lounge). Follow the path beside the River Waveney or hire a day boat to the <a aria-label="Wherry Inn  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.wherryinn.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wherry Inn</a>, a pleasant spot for a Sunday roast, or <a href="https://www.thelocksinn.com/">The Locks Inn</a> community pub, which is an idyllic spot.</p>



<p>The riverside restaurant at <a aria-label="Waveney House Hotel (opens in a new tab)" href="https://waveneyhousehotel.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waveney House Hotel</a> also boasts a tranquil setting by the water and top nosh, while restaurant with rooms <a aria-label="The Angel Inn (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.moss-co.com/the-angel-inn-wangford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Angel Inn</a> lies four miles away in Wangford and serves classics such sea bass and samphire, posh burgers and delicious desserts. In town you&#8217;ll also find chains like Prezzo, as well as <a href="https://winevaultsbeccles.co.uk/">The Wine Vaults Bar and Restaurant</a> and <a href="http://twyfordscafe.co.uk">Twyfords Café</a>, for delicious breakfasts and light lunches. A weekly Friday farmer’s market creates a community buzz.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop-nbsp">SHOP&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2048" height="1536" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/310204294_527528676045904_7124518883443237213_n.jpg" alt="Bailey's Delicatessen Beccles Suffolk green shop front" class="wp-image-42270" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/310204294_527528676045904_7124518883443237213_n.jpg 2048w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/310204294_527528676045904_7124518883443237213_n-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/310204294_527528676045904_7124518883443237213_n-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/310204294_527528676045904_7124518883443237213_n-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/310204294_527528676045904_7124518883443237213_n-1536x1152.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Baileys Delicatessen</figcaption></figure>



<p>You’ll drool daily passing the freshly baked bread, pastries and cheeses in the window of <a aria-label="Baileys Delicatessen  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.baileysdelicatessen.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baileys Delicatessen</a>. Browse the shelves of <a aria-label="Beccles Books  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.facebook.com/becclesbooks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beccles Books</a>, treat the kids in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Beccles-Toy-Box-100054459009849/?locale=en_GB">The Toy Box</a>, pick up some organic meat from <a aria-label="Bob Knight’s Butchers (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.facebook.com/Bob-knights-butchers-108058854088167/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bob Knight’s Butchers</a> and stock up on haberdashery at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/parlourmade.victoriajermany/?locale=en_GB">Parlour Made craft shop</a>, if that&#8217;s your thing. In 2023 <a href="https://twomagpiesbakery.co.uk/beccles/">Two Magpies Bakery</a> opened in the town – really cementing Beccles&#8217; spot as a top place to live in Suffolk. Don&#8217;t miss <a href="https://huus.co.uk/">Huus</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/themarmaladetree/?locale=en_GB">The Marmalade Tree</a> and <a href="https://auburnboutiquebeccles.com/">Auburn Boutique</a> either – a handful of amazing indies on Blyburgate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>If living surrounded by water doesn&#8217;t keep you fit and healthy, there&#8217;s <a href="https://www.spaceatthequay.com">Space at the Quay</a>, a cute little café-cum-gym-cum-spa-cum-workspace where you can take yoga and pilates classes, enjoy treatments and just work surrounded by others. <a href="https://saxonwellbeing.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOoojef7T3UnkhEvzaZbpjAk5eSwTOfvVxpf0V54UTNziI9NXN2lf">Saxon Wellbeing</a> in town is mostly a wellness shop but also offers treatments such as acupuncture, hypnotherapy and counselling. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>Community is a a big word in Beccles, with initiatives such as a community-run <a href="https://www.becclespublichall.co.uk">theatre</a> and a community-run pub going strong. The residents also come together for events throughout the year including the huge Beccles Food and Drink Festival every May and a Carnival Weekend in August. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1113" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/beccles-lido.jpg" alt="Beccles Lido in summer with people swimming" class="wp-image-27324" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/beccles-lido.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/beccles-lido-800x594.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/beccles-lido-1000x742.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/beccles-lido-400x297.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/beccles-lido-708x525.jpg 708w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Beccles Lido</figcaption></figure>



<p>A love of water is must for Beccles residents. Go for an open-air swim at the<a aria-label=" Lido (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.beccleslido.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Lido</a> (there’s a toddler’s pool, inflatable slide and it&#8217;s open in the winter too, Wim Hof fans), or hop aboard <a aria-label="Big Dog Ferry (opens in a new tab)" href="https://bigdogferry.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Dog Ferry</a> and cruise along the River Waveney to Geldeston (around three miles). Our favourite way to spend a day in Beccles is to hire a day boat from <a href="https://www.hippersons.co.uk/dayboats">Hippersons Boatyard</a> for a serene pootle down the river. </p>



<p>Trips to nearby beaches at Lowestoft and Southwold are easy peasy and to the north you&#8217;re at the gateway to the fabulous Norfolk Broads. For something on dry land, there&#8217;s the very cool <a href="https://www.urbanjungle.uk.com/locations/urban-jungle-beccles-cafe/">Urban Jungle Beccles</a> &#8211; a wonderland of exotic plants to buy with a cool café and regular craft and plant-based events. </p>



<p>If you move here and want to get married nearby then look no further than <a href="https://elmsbarnweddings.co.uk">Elms Barn</a>, a stunning barn venue with dreamy gardens just outside town in the rural idyll of Toft Monks. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>You don&#8217;t have to leave town for your culture fix – visit <a aria-label="Beccles Museum (opens in a new tab)" href="https://becclesmuseum.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beccles Museum</a> in Grade I-listed Leman House in Ballygate, or see a live show at <a aria-label="Beccles Public Hall (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.becclespublichall.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beccles Public Hall</a>, which has a thriving youth theatre. <a href="https://www.thoringtontheatre.co.uk/">Thorington Outdoor Theatre</a> is just 20 mins away too and there&#8217;s <a href="https://www.marinatheatre.co.uk/">The Marina Theatre</a> at Lowestoft for more mainstream shows. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices-nbsp">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Prices are still reasonable here, with an average sold price of £286,074. Detached houses sell for an average of £427,923, with terraces fetching just £220,554.&nbsp;Total. Bargain. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/11/56269_103589001701_IMG_24_0001-1000x563.jpeg" alt="riverside house for sale in Beccles " class="wp-image-42879" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/11/56269_103589001701_IMG_24_0001-1000x563.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/11/56269_103589001701_IMG_24_0001-800x450.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/11/56269_103589001701_IMG_24_0001-400x225.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/11/56269_103589001701_IMG_24_0001.jpeg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">If it&#8217;s riverside living you crave, this unique one-story waterside beauty could be just the ticket. <a href="https://templewicks.co.uk/property/northgate-beccles-suffolk/">On the market for £900,000</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>Several good nurseries to choose from. <a href="https://infolink.suffolk.gov.uk/kb5/suffolk/infolink/service.page?id=NRP4IDkeRJY">Sunshine Pre-school and Day Care</a> on Castle Hill is the main childcare option in the town with 30 places for children from 0 to 5 yrs. Just outside town on the Norfolk border is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gillinghamearlyyears/">Gillingham Early Years</a>, and <a href="http://www.worlinghampreschool.co.uk">Worlingham Pre-School</a> is in a nearby village school. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools-nbsp">SCHOOLS&nbsp;</h2>



<p><a aria-label="SET Beccles School (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.becclesschool.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SET Beccles School</a> is rated Good by Ofsted overall and Outstanding for personal development, behaviour and welfare. Independent prep (2.5 – 11 yrs) <a aria-label="The Old School  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://theoldschoolhenstead.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Old School</a> lies less than 5 miles away in Henstead. Over the Norfolk border, <a aria-label="Langley School  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://langleyschool.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Langley School</a> is a co-ed day and boarding school for 2 –18 year olds.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET </h2>



<p>Beccles was once home to Catherine Suckling, mother of Lord Horatio Nelson. In more recent history, the Harry Potter books were originally printed in nearby Bungay, and in 2003 two boys and a man from Beccles were arrested for stealing manuscripts of <em>Harry Potter and The Order of Phoenix </em>after copies were found dumped in a Suffolk field! </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE </h2>



<p>Beccles station has frequent trains to Ipswich (75 mins), where you can connect to trains for London Liverpool Street (70 mins) or Lowestoft (18 mins).&nbsp;Driving? The A12 is close by, creating easy access to Ipswich (60 mins) or Norwich on the A146 (34 mins). </p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live">Top 300 Best Places to Live</a></em>.</p>


Beccles

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