Beccles: UNLONDON on The Waveney
If you want to UNLONDON from the mighty Thames, then the tranquillity of quiet backwater Beccles on the river Waveney will appeal.
At the southern-most edge of the Broads National Park, 125 miles of navigable, lock-free waterways, Beccles is a charming market town that’s a great place for exploring by canoe or boat… or you could see the whole view from 13,000 feet by jumping out of an aeroplane! Very UNLONDON!
Where is Beccles in England
Riverside Beccles is in the Broads National Park, Suffolk, in the East of England, is 18 miles south east of Norwich and can be reached by train from London in around two and a half hours.
What makes Beccles special
Beccles is the outlier of the Broads National Park, away from the hustle and bustle of the main boating centres. Close to the furthest navigable part of the river Waveney, all you’ll get here is peace, quiet, and relaxation… a long way from the capital. Beccles is the opposite of Zoom (you see what we did there?).
Where to stay in Beccles
Base yourself at pet-friendly Hippersons and you could stay on a quirky individual boathouse or floating pod. Nestle down for a cosy secret hideaway break, watching the world and the river go by with a hamper full of local goodies from Relish, or strike out and explore – this is the place to escape the everyday of Teams meets and spreadsheets and create magical memories for ever.
Waveney goodbye to London
With the slow pace of life in Beccles, where nature and people coexist seamlessly, there’ll be no Zooming around here! This is about mindfulness and relaxation.
What to do in Beccles? Add a Stand Up Paddleboard lesson to your itinerary, try a spot of fishing, hire a bike, take a guided canoe tour, row a little wooden boat or head out on a pedal boat for two. Or wild swim…
Explore the Waveney, our ‘secret river’
As local author Roger Deakin, whose writings exploded the wild swimming cult in the UK, wrote, ‘The Waveney is a ‘secret river’, by turns lazy and agile, dashing over shallow beds of golden gravel, then suddenly quiet, dignified and deep… With its secret pools and occasional sandy beaches, the Waveney is full of swimming holes.’
You’re taking time out from cooking so head for the town for Suffolk’s best pizza at Oak Fired at Royal Oak, enjoy dining at The Easy Tiger or The King’s Head, go waterfront at The Waveney House, or enjoy coffee and cakes at the delightful Twyfords.
For unique things to do that are definitely UNLONDON, take an outdoor dip at The Lido that overlooks the Waveney before jumping on the Black Dog Ferry, or take a tandem parachute jump with UK Parachuting at nearby Ellough Airfield. Or head to nearby Flint Vineyard for a tour and taste.
Wildlife, Naturally in the Broads
Take a day boat and explore isolated and peaceful waterways where you’ll mostly be on your own. Well, you may have an otter, a Marsh Harrier or Kingfisher for company.
Head east, towards the coast, and you’ll pass the unique ziggurat-shaped tower of St Mary the Virgin church at Burgh St Peter before arriving at lovely Oulton Broad and Nicholas Everitt Park or stopping at Carlton Marshes. Supported by Sir David Attenborough, this wetland nature reserve is set to become one of the largest in the country under a plan by Suffolk Wildlife Trust.
Head west and you’ll go upriver, slow and meandering, to the last navigable part of the river at Geldeston, where you’ll find an absolute treat. Moor up and enjoy lunch and a pint at the community-owned Locks, Suffolk’s hidden pub. Sit by the waterside and make a toast: ‘To the Waveney and UNLONDON!’ Smile. You’ve made it.
Beccles across all seasons
This is the place to be at one with the environment… get out on the water, the only way to properly enjoy the Broads National Park’s 125 miles of navigable, lock-free waterways, and you’ll see how the wildlife and nature changes through the seasons.
Getting to Beccles by train from London
You can get to Beccles by train from London Liverpool Street station, the journey takes around 2 hours 27 minutes, and has 1 change at Ipswich station. Our trains are accessible and feature free Wi-fi and plug points in-between seats. First Class and catering are available on most of our London to Ipswich intercity services.
If you’re planning to stay overnight, you should check out our Weekender ticket, which lets you travel out on a Friday or Saturday, and return on a Sunday or Monday.
FAQs about Beccles staycation
Around two and a half hours, changing at Ipswich. You’ll be swapping the intercity train for a scenic local service.
Yes, it’s a small market town with most things focused around the market place. But Beccles is best if you get on the water.
Beccles Farmers’ Market takes place on the first and third Saturdays of each month. With around 30 stalls it’s one of the biggest under cover rural markets in the UK.
The Beccles Antiques Street Market usually takes place twice a year, in May and August, and is a must-visit for anyone looking for vintage finds, collectibles and antiques. The Beccles Food and Drink Festival is typically held in May.
Photography courtesy of Visit East of England