The market town of Beccles is the southern-most navigable point of the Norfolk Broads situated on the Suffolk side of the Waveney Valley.
Once a prosperous Saxon Port many of the street names end in 'gate' which is derived from the Saxon word for street. For many centuries Beccles housed large numbers of clock and watch makers.
The Quay is where many tourists start their visit to Beccles arriving by boat, it also used to host the annual regatta and the fireworks finale to Beccles carnival.
As a result of fires most of the town is Georgian in appearance with the exception of the Tudor Manor of Rose Hall. There is also a strong Flemish influence in the architecture and many of the town houses which have Georgian facades, hide much older buildings.
A wide range of pubs, shops and restaurants are available in the town and the main shopping area which has been partly pedestrianised contains many well-known stores along side independent places.
The centre of the town is a conservation area and contains many buildings of historical interest.
There is a mile long Heritage Trail which takes you down most of the principal streets and offers fine views as well as places to sit. The octagonal Town Hall built in red brick close to the church tower dates from 1765 and was the site of the original medieval Market Cross. 

Saltgate - Chateaubrand was where a French Aristocrat stayed on 1794 during the French Revolution teaching, at the local school. Northgate contains some striking houses and is considered to be one of the most arresting streets in the town. For holiday accommodation in Beccles or close by visit our accommodation pages which list - hotels - guest houses - bed and breakfast - inns - camping and caravanning and self catering.

The father of Martin Bell the former war correspondent used to live at Number 19 Northgate. Also look out for Hungate Lane where there is an 18th century crinkle crankle wall. 
The separate church tower of St. Michael's dominates the area and can be seen for miles around as it measurers well over ninety feet. The church itself was built between 1350 and 1400.

It was here in 1749 that Catherine Suckling married the Reverend Edward Nelson parents of Lord Horatio Nelson. It is said that the west side which faces Norfolk was deliberately left blank because the inhabitants of Beccles did not want to show the time for free to their Norfolk neighbours.

The town has a good museum housed in Leman House, believed to have been built in about 1570 and was completely restored and modernised in the 1760s.

Inside the museum you will find all aspects of printing from office to hot metal, litho and bindery.
There is a regular train service to Lowestoft onto Norwich or to Ipswich connecting to services to London Liverpool Street. From the quay you can enjoy  a boat trip in Edwardian style along the River Waveney.