Pictures of Beccles

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.