East Suffolk Council
Southwold Harbour
Harbour and Caravan Site - consultation
East Suffolk Council is seeking the opinions of local people and stakeholders about the future of Southwold Harbour, and plans to revitalise the Southwold Static Caravan Site.
The harbour site requires considerable investment and draft proposals are being presented which seek to increase investment in both the harbour and the caravan site, reflecting a collective ambition to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of Southwold and surrounding communities.
Participants are invited to complete an online survey, fill in paper copies, or attend one of three drop-in events taking place in the town.
The proposals seek to balance the rich heritage and charm of the Harbour with the needs and aspirations of the community and visitors. Local participation will be crucial in helping shape a future which respects the site’s history while embracing innovation and sustainability.
Currently, the caravan site is operated through the issuing of annual licences to static caravan owners. It has limited infrastructure, limited access to non-residents and limited income to support the wider harbour. Although increased investment in, and revenue from, an improved caravan site would support the harbour, considerable external funding would still be required to safeguard its future.
The Southwold Harbour Vision 2035 and the Static Caravan Site Revitalisation project represent a collective ambition to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of Southwold and surrounding communities.
- Draft Southwold Harbour Vision
- Consultation background information
- Consultation survey
- 2019 Harbour survey (Royal Haskoning HV)
- Concept designs, subject to consultation, engagement and any agreed decision-making processes
Hard Copy Surveys
Available for collection and submission at the Southwold Town Hall, Southwold Caravan and Campsite, The Harbour Master's Office, and the Post Office.
Event for caravan owners
26 April, 1.30pm – Southwold Sailing Club
Drop-in Sessions for all
30 April, 2pm – Southwold Sailing Club
14 May, 1.30pm – Southwold Town Hall
Please note: Consultation closes on 22 May 2024.
Permanent and short stay moorings
Please contact the Harbour Master before entry. All visitors should make contact with the harbour master 24 hours before their planned visit.
The approaches to Southwold are dogged by a series of sand and shingle banks which are constantly on the move especially in the winter months. Contact the harbour office for updated information.
Providing permanent and short stay moorings for the local community and visitors to the district, Southwold Harbour is situated in an area that is designated as an area of outstanding beauty and adjacent to the Southwold Denes Beach. Southwold has a historic town centre, which is within easy walking distance and is the home of the famous Adnams brewery.
Situated in North Suffolk Southwold is ideally located to explore nearby towns such as Lowestoft, Kessingland, Walberswick, Aldeburgh, Snape and Beccles. If you're looking for a quiet relaxing holiday, Southwold is the place to be. Southwold boasts two award winning beaches, skirted with the famous Southwold Beach Huts.
| Southwold Harbour byelaws and notices |
Facilities and availability
- Harbour Masters office
- Toilet
- Toilet/shower facilities for visiting vessels
- Short stay/visitor moorings
- Boat storage ashore, including winter storage
- Boat launching and recovery facilities
- Boat and trailer parking.
- Oil disposal points
- Public house including restaurant
- Cafe
- Chandlery
- Boat builders and restorers
- Suppliers of fresh fish
- Red/white diesel available on North Wall
Moorings are available all year round for visiting vessels. Southwold Harbour is very busy during the summer months and therefore advanced booking is strongly recommended during this period.
Marine Safety Plan
East Suffolk Council own and manages Southwold Harbour and as a Statutory Harbour Authority (SHA) has responsibilities and duties under health and safety, environmental and maritime legislation, and guidance.
Charges and bookings
All vessels in Southwold Harbour pay harbour dues. These dues are included in mooring fees on East Suffolk Council visitors berths but not on boatyard or private moorings. Fees for these should be paid at Harbourmaster's office before leaving harbour.
Whilst there is no charge for using the slip here there are other charges applicable when a vessel is launched; the daily rate is £11.60. Alternatively any vessel using the harbour frequently may prefer to pay an annual clearance (April to March), the cost of which depends on the length of the vessel, e.g. up to 20ft (6.1m) the cost is £81.00.
Storage ashore is £3.15 per foot (305mm). Winter Moorings on visitors stage is £4.50 per foot (305mm) per month.
Summer visitors moorings are:
- up to 20ft (6.1m) £24.20 per night
- 20ft (6.1m) - 30ft (9.15m) £28.60 per night
- 30ft (9.15m) - 40ft (12.22m) £35.20 per night
- 40ft (12.22m) - 50ft (15.25m) £44.00 per night
- each additional ft (305mm) over 50ft charged at £2.30 per night
