About the area

Beccles

Beccles stands on the Suffolk-Norfolk border, a jewel of a town threaded onto the glistening reaches of the River Waveney.

It is the southernmost town on the Broads and annually attracts thousands of holidaymakers who arrive by boat.

But visitors also come by road, Beccles being just a stone's throw from the main A143 and A146 routes to Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth, and by train, via the Lowestoft-Ipswich-Liverpool Street line.

Last year, after a competition in the Beccles & Bungay Journal, the town adopted the motto: Small Town, Big Heart – which aptly sums up its culture and attractiveness.

From whichever direction people approach, their first glimpse is invariably dominated by the 97ft high bell tower standing slightly apart from the main body of St Michael's parish church.

The three clock faces on the tower have recently been refurbished but the fourth side, facing across the river and county border, remains blank. Folklore has it that this is because the people of Beccles wouldn’t give the time of day to Norfolk!

Beneath the towers are the two small squares and many thoroughfares, liberally lined with shops, restaurants, cafes and bars, and rich in architectural merit, which help give the town much of its charm. Many of Beccles' buildings are in the Georgian style.

Visit on a Friday and the busy streets take on an even more active and colourful character as stallholders and visitors from neighbouring villages gather for the traditional market day. Early closing is on a Wednesday, but many of the larger shops stay open and there is always plenty to see around the town and its close environs.

A host of clubs and societies cater for all ages and interests. There are at least three live theatre groups and regular entertainment at the Public Hall. There are plenty of outdoor activities including the annual Beccles Carvival in July. The town also has a fascinating museum housed in the Grade I listed former Sir John Leman School in Ballygate.

On the outskirts, Beccles Marsh Trail is popular with walkers, is well signposted and is home to a wide range of interesting plants and animals. Beccles Common also offers a vast open space for walking, picnicking, children’s games and spotting wildlife. And there is plenty of time and space to relax by the river at the quayside.

The town's tourist information office is at Beccles Quay, telephone 01502 713196.

Find out about the history of Beccles

Bungay

Bungay, situated in the beautiful Waveney Valley on the Suffolk side of the river, is a small market town steeped in history and full of character.

The Saxon's established a settlement there - recent evidence has shown that there was a community there 400 years before the Norman Conquest - and today Bungay (it means "The Good Island") is a place with a population of around 5000 and establishing a growing reputation as a place for tourists to visit.

Part of Waveney Distinct Council's area, it is often described as "the jewel in Waveney's crown."

Its assets include the river, where you can hire rowing boats and enjoy a relaxing trip around Outney Common, a near 400-acre beautyspot which includes an 18-hole golf course.

There is a Bungay Town Trail to guide visitors around the town's historic attractions which include such buildings as the redundant St Mary's Church, Holy Trinity Church (c1041), the Butter Cross (1689) and Bungay Castle, built by the Bigod family in 1170.

The castle is now ruined, but provides the setting for many Bungay Festival events in July each year, and in 2000 a visitor centre is being built there as a focal point for the Town Trail.

The town has an indoor heated swimming pool and the Godric Cycle Way among its assets, as well as a weekly market on a Thursday and a good range of shops.

Carrying the name of Bungay world-wide is bookprinters Clays, one of the country's biggest printing factories, employing over 500 people. It was established in 1877.

Bungay is also unique in being the only place in the United Kingdom still retaining the ancient office of Town Reeve, said to date back to Saxon times, as figurehead and chairman of the Bungay Town Trust. Bungay Town Council is its civic body, headed by The Mayor.

Find out about the history of Bungay