There’s a lot to see and do in Beccles. Whether you are visiting on business, taking a family day out or cruising through.
A must for any summer visit is the town’s outdoor Lido on Puddingmoor. The 30metre x 15metre main pool and separate toddler and paddling pools are heated to 27degC. There are lots of grassy areas and sunloungers along with a cafe.
Beccles Public Hall & Theatre
A centrally located community centre in the heart of Beccles the Public Hall and Theatre is run almost entirely by volunteers. They host a number of events from concerts and performances to special interest groups.
Throughout February there is wine tasting with Flint Vineyard, tribute band The Jam’d and then family friendly fun for the February half term including Disney blockbuster films Encanto and Lightyear – all for just PS2 per person. Punch and Judy shows and workshops plus the Bubble Man will also be in attendance for more family entertainment.
For those looking for an extra boost of adrenaline why not check out UK Parachuting who are open seven days a week year round and offer two different experiences from 13,000ft. You can book a Tandem Skydive or an Accelerated Free Fall experience and they also raise money for charity through organised events.
Beccles also has a selection of shops, restaurants and coffee bars to suit all tastes. There are well-known national chains as well as a high percentage of independent shops.
Beccles Museum
Located a few miles from Hemsby Beach Holiday Park, the Beccles Museum is a must visit attraction for history lovers. With exhibitions on the subjects of Natural Sciences, Archives, Social History, Medicine, Trade and Commerce and War, this small but well-curated museum also hosts special temporary exhibits.
Guests can visit the museum any day of the week but for best results, try to plan your trip during the week as it is less busy then. The museum is dog friendly and the terminus tea rooms serve delicious food.
Beccles Museum was one of hundreds of organisations across the country to receive funding from the Arts Council Let’s Create fund enabling it to create a programme of events celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The events were held at the venue and were a massive success. The events were free of charge and a great way to spend an afternoon in Beccles. Visitors can find out more about upcoming events by visiting the Beccles Museum’s website.
Shops & Restaurants
There’s something for everyone in Beccles, from shopping at national chains and independent stores to dining at restaurants and cafes. The town also has a number of attractions that showcase its rich heritage.
For example, visitors can stop at the church tower for an arial view of the town. The curious tower has clock faces on three sides, while the fourth side is blank. Local legend says the side facing Norfolk was left blank because Beccles residents didn’t want to give away free time to their neighbours across the border.
The East Anglia Transport Museum is also worth a visit. It’s home to a variety of historic vehicles that you can ride, including a light railway and trams. The site is dog friendly and hosts a Terminus tearooms for refreshments. The Beccles Lido is another must-see attraction. This traditional open-air pool has a 30x15m main pool as well as a toddler and paddling pools. A children’s adventure play area is also available onsite.
Events & Festivals
Beccles is home to a variety of attractions and places to go. The town has a high percentage of independent shops and restaurants and hosts regular community events throughout the year.
The free to attend Beccles Food and Drink Festival is set to take place in the town centre this May. The event will feature over 60 stalls offering a range of artisan East Anglian food and drinks, plus world street food. There will also be a range of activities including Punch and Judy shows, cooking demonstrations by local chefs and music performances.
For those looking for an outdoor adventure, why not try the Beccles Marsh Trail, which is waymarked throughout the town and surrounding countryside. Or for a bit of a thrill, you can skydive from 13,000 feet with UK Parachuting. They are open seven days a week and offer both tandem skydives and accelerated free falls. They also run a number of charity events throughout the year.
