Discover England’s most easterly resort, a town being transformed in a 15-year masterplan.
Banksys, boutique B&Bs, futuristic beach huts, award-winning beaches and a fab, beach-based arts festival have fixed Lowestoft firmly on the must-visit map. But there’s so much more coming in to land along this part of the sunrise coast.
From The Gull Wing – a new river crossing taking shape across Lake Lothing - to a great flock of vibrant arts offerings, and town, port and resort enhancements, much-loved Lowestoft is on an exciting flightpath to a bright, greener and more inclusive future. Wherever you look, there are modern echoes of the enterprising spirit of the town’s Victorian founding father, Sir Samuel Morton Peto. The engineering entrepreneur behind the bascule bridge, harbour basins and arrival of the railway, who saw his Kirkley South Beach resort from concept to completion, would surely be more than proud of the town's ambitious plans.
Wing your way out by Claremont Pier and level access beach huts now line part of the prom alongside one of Lowestoft’s signature sandy beaches. By South Pier, Royal Plain’s fountains are set to spout forth again next year. Meanwhile there are all sorts of activities, events and even craft beers on tap in adjacent East Point Pavilion. Across the bridge near Station Square, heritage buildings are receiving some timely TLC and slowly winning back their sense of community purpose. From the Victorian post office all the way up to the town hall and beyond, there’s evidence that enterprising architectural engineers are putting their stamp on things, whilst inspired artisans turn vacant space into something engaging to share.
With the town’s First Light Festival - timed to coincide with the summer solstice - on the not too distant horizon, why take a peek at what’s on offer? Delicious surprises - and the occasional Marmite moment - await. You’ll certainly spot a difference and definitely be back for more.
READ MORE: 5 great walks in and around the Suffolk town of Lowestoft
Wonderful watering holes
Sit back and sip a while in the laid-back, creative café space at The Grit (Arts & Heritage Centre) with its comfy sofas and bookshelves, or in Sparrow’s Nest Park’s summerhouse-style tearooms. Old Lowestoft’s tiny Triangle Tavern has a big real ale following, while South Beach’s newly refurbished East Point Pavilion has been reborn into a bright, family-friendly wintergarden, full of mouth-watering milkshake temptations, clever cocktails and all sorts of street food goodies. Dive in and you’ll soon be back for more, especially if you’re a night owl, as most are part of the music and events scene, adding to the great entertainment menu already on offer at The Marina Theatre - the space to watch come 2026 - and of course, The Seagull (Theatre), home to all sorts of productions celebrating Lowestoft’s heritage. Look out for The Joseph Conrad pub on Tuttles Corner, Station Square - a fine early department store building now receiving some grant-funded TLC.
Historic gems
Lowestoft lighthouse, with its Samuel Pepys connections, is an obvious historic highlight, but recent renovation works are shining a new light on other architectural landmarks from the town’s practical past. It’s hard to imagine just how many picture postcards started their journey from the Lowestoft Post Office since it was built in the 1880s and the day Royal Mail moved out in 2017. Its World War II role was invaluable, assisting the Royal Navy with messages about sailors missing or injured at sea. With its façade now loved back to life, it has restored real pride to this historic place whilst work continues behind the scenes, creating a high profile gallery/exhibition space, set to open next summer. Just down London Road North, the recently restored Railway Station Parcels Office is already ahead of the game, hosting concerts and events, but there are more exciting changes to come for the entire 1855 station building.
Fantastic, free, First Light
The clue’s in the name - the First Light Festival (June 17-18) is a magical music, arts and everything experience on South Beach and other venues, spanning two days, from noon on day one until early evening the following day. It's a packed programme with something for everyone from dance and music, to literature and theatre, visual arts, wellbeing, workshops, nature and science, plus plenty for children. The festival is free but some events are ticketed, and you need to book camping and campervan pitches. For information, the full line up and how to plan your visit go to firstlightlowestoft.com
READ MORE: What to expect at Lowestoft's 2023 First Light Festival
Interested in finding out more?
Catch up on Lowestoft’s exciting transformational plans and all latest ‘new dawn’ news at thinklowestoft.co.uk. For need-to-know information, directed walks and fun historic insights, download The Pocket Guide to Lowestoft, produced in association with East Suffolk Council, and discover more at thesuffolkcoast.co.uk
