Pictures of England

Search:

Historic Towns & Picturesque Villages

Going home

Ramsgate

a Seaside Town in the county of Kent

A picture of Llanberis

Llanberis

in the county of Gwynedd

Pictures of Beccles

a Historic Market Town in the county of Suffolk

About Beccles

Delightful market town with a history reaching back into the mists of time, although the church was certainly built within the land mentioned in the Doomsday Book. It is a town of picturesque buildings, with many relaxing places in which to quietly roam.

The town suffered from an out-break of fires during the 16th and 17th-century, during this period many of its older building perished. None-the-less, there still remains pleasant black and white timber frame properties, and there is a delightful building dating back to the 16th-century which houses Beccles Museum. The handsome flint and brick facade was added in 1760, and interestingly, the building was gifted to the town in the will of Sir John Leman in 1631, who also left lands in support of the building. At this time it was a school, and remained so until 1905. During the late 18th-century, John Davey was headmaster, it is he who founded the Apollo Lodge of Masons in the town, of which he was the first Master.

Historic St.Michael's church is certainly worth a visit. It was built C1350 - 1400 by the Abbot of Bury St.Edmunds. The church is in the decorated style, with attractive exterior walls of flint and rubble. It has a beautiful south porch decorated with graceful pinnacles and, a stunning belfry. The church has a host of historic treasures, including an intricate carved screen, beautiful stained glass, and commemorative plaques. In the churchyard you can see graves and tombs from several centuries.

Here in Beccles there are picturesque reaches of the River Waveney. Beccles Quay is a particularly attractive spot where the visitor can see gaily painted boats at anchor, find peaceful fishing spots, or follow interesting marsh trails from which to enjoy the wildlife of the river. Boats can be hired, and there is a children's play area a short distance away from the river. Near to here there is a large open space where the annual fair and carnival are held. This is a patch of land that is put to good use at the time of the annual Regatta.

A street market is held each Friday, this is a lively, well attended event with stalls full of fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, clothes and farm produce. It is also a good place to buy your Christmas tree. There are many other attractive shops, together with the usual chain of food stores.

There is a pretty local common, and to the north of the town the River Waveny flows into the beautiful Norfolk Broads. Just outside, on the town's southern side, there are pleasant gardens to be explored.

Beccles offers a good choice of pubs, inns, restaurants and hotels. Its close proximity to the Norfolk Broads and the beautiful Suffolk Heritage Coast, makes it an ideal destination for weekend 'away from it all' or a place for a longer stay whilst exploring the pleasures and delights this lovely town, and all that the wider region has to offer.

Recommended towns & villages near Beccles

The village pond, Somerleyton, Suffolk.

Somerleyton (70 Pictures) a Picturesque Village in the county of Suffolk

(5.5 miles, 8.9 km, direction NE of Beccles)

Found nestling in a corner of the north-east Suffolk countryside is the charming, tranquil village of Somerleyton...

Reedham Church

Reedham (46 Pictures) in the county of Norfolk

(7.0 miles, 11.3 km, direction N of Beccles)

Reedham is ideally placed for cruising the waters of the Broads National Park, exploring the North Norfolk and North Suffolk coastlines and for discovering the historic city of Norwich...

Christ Church, Lowestoft.

Lowestoft (298 Pictures) a Seaside Town in the county of Suffolk

(8.1 miles, 13.0 km, direction E of Beccles)

This is now a sunny holiday resort but for many years fishing played an important part in the history of the development of Lowestoft...

Bandstand at Gorleston

Gorleston-on-Sea (60 Pictures) in the county of Norfolk

(10.4 miles, 16.8 km, direction NE of Beccles)

Quieter than its near neighbour, Gorleston has a prestigious Blue Flag beach which is especially attractive to families...

Defend They Ryghts

Southwold (211 Pictures) in the county of Suffolk

(10.6 miles, 17.0 km, direction SE of Beccles)

The beach here is of sand and shingle, it is safe for swimming except around the harbour entrance. The restored pier is a great attraction with an amusement arcade at the shore end...

All towns & villages in Suffolk
Complete A to Z of towns & villages in England

Nearby attractions..

Lowestoft Museum

Lowestoft Museum (2 Pictures)

(6.0 miles, 9.7 km, direction E)

This pleasurable museum can be found located in Broad House, a delightful castellated building situated in Nicholas Everitt.....

Somerleyton Hall, Suffolk

Somerleyton Hall (13 Pictures)

(6.2 miles, 10.0 km, direction NE)

Somerleyton Hall, a splendid Victorian residence of palatial proportions was the creation of Sir Morgan Peto, a clever.....

View of lowestoft lighthouse across sparrows nest bowling green

Lowestoft Lighthouse (4 Pictures)

(8.6 miles, 13.8 km, direction E)

..

The wall of Burgh Castle Roman Fort, Burgh Castle, Norfolk

Burgh Castle Roman Fort (16 Pictures)

(9.6 miles, 15.4 km, direction N)

The ruins of Burgh Castle are in the care of English heritage, they consist of little more than the remains of impressive Roman.....

Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens, Filby, Norfolk.

Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens (29 Pictures)

(13.9 miles, 22.4 km, direction N)

..

Castle remains

Caister Castle (8 Pictures)

(14.3 miles, 23.0 km, direction N)

..

Norwich Cathedral, Norwich, Norfolk

Norwich Cathedral (92 Pictures)

(16.3 miles, 26.2 km, direction NW)

In a town that is full of ancient well preserved streets and buildings which retain their medieval appearance and atmosphere, it.....


All attractions in Beccles
All attractions in Suffolk
Complete A to Z of attractions in England