About nearby areas

Southwold is the second most prominent town in The Journal's circulation area, a fashionable resort which prides itself on being a holidaymaker's retreat rather than a glitzy summer venue, though tourism is its most important industry.

Originally a fishing port, it still has a small fleet of inshore boats based at its atmospheric harbour known as Blackshore - one of its attractions.

It also boasts two modern atttractions which are a throw back to its history - a new pier was opened in 2001, replacing one first built in 1901, the first new one in the UK for 54 years, and the Electric Picture Palace, in a converted stable building, is an Edwardian style cinema complete with organ rising from the basement and specialising in classic films for its membership patrons.

Its Summer Theatre, run by Jill Freud and Company, is another great asset. A borough before local government re-organisation in 1972, it still has a Mayor. Its population has declined to around 1400, with a third of its properties second or holiday homes. Its many greens, established as fire breaks following its great fire of 1659, are a feature, and it has a European Blue Flag beach.

Kessingland, six miles south of Lowestoft, is Suffolk's largest village, with an award-winning beach. Once a greater fishing port than Lowestoft, it has a popular holiday caravan and camping site, and local shops in its High Street. Classic author Sir Henry Rider Haggard had a home there, and it is where his close friend, poet and writer Rudyard Kipling would be a guest on occasions. Many visitors enjoy walks along the beach in either direction.

Corton, just to the north of Lowestoft, is the base for the Pleasurewood Hills Family Theme Park established 20 years ago. It also has the Broadland Sands Holiday Village, and a Warner's Corton Classic Resort. It also boasts Waveney's only nudist beach.

Oulton Broad, adjoining Lowestoft, is the link with the Norfolk Broads and a fine venue for sailing. There is to be found Nicholas Everitt Park, and the Lowestoft Museum at Broad House. The Broad is also the home of the Lowestoft and Oulton Broad Motorboat Club, which stages exciting powerboat racing meetings each Thursday evening during the summer. It also has a number of good hotels and pubs.

Kirkley, to the south of Lowestoft, is now starting to create a lively stop and stare tempo! For the day visitor, tourist or resident, with specialty shops and businesses offering a non high street blanket shopping approach with quirky and individual quality shops. It is also the home of the prestigious Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club attracting many people from Europe to the Yacht Marina.