Dating back to the famous ‘Battle of Sole Bay’ in May 1672, Southwold’s picturesque harbour is famous for its past herring industry. Though little more than a village in size, it has been a town since receiving its charter in 1489. Southwold lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty consisting of long stretches of sand bordering salt marshes with large areas of woodland sweeping down to the shore. Situated on a hill which rises gently from the Blyth Valley, Southwold is virtually an island, which has retained its old world charm.