Nestled on the banks of the River Waveney in north-east Suffolk, Beccles is a picturesque market town boasting a vibrant culture and friendly atmosphere. Its quaint streets and independent shops make it a desirable place to live, especially for those seeking peaceful riverside living. Found out more about living in Beccles with our area guide.
The history of Beccles is closely associated with the Waveney, and was probably used widely as an Anglo-Saxon trading route. It continued to be an important point on the waterway and was granted Port status in 1831. There has been a market in the town since pre-Norman times, and Beccles was given its charter by Elizabeth I in 1584. Its most famous son, Sir John Leman, became Lord Mayor of London, but didn’t forget his roots and left a bequest in his will for a school, which continues to this day. RAF Beccles was built for the US Army Air Force during World War II – the airfield is now used for tandem skydiving!
Beccles is booming, in an understated way, and so is the housing market here. Whether people want a period cottage by the river or something more modern, the demand from buyers in Beccles is strong.
The Barsham Vale development of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes is just outside the town centre of Beccles, offering an attractive mix of rural living and modern conveniences. Houses and apartments are available in this extensive development.
With its excellent transport links to Ipswich and Norwich, Beccles has become a popular place to rent in recent years, and there is a diverse range of properties available, from period terraces to modern apartments and family homes. Rents are lower than the national average and locally too.
There are four primary schools in Beccles, all rated ‘good’ by Ofsted: Beccles Primary Academy on Ellough Road, the Albert Pye Community Primary School on Frederick’s Road, St Benet’s Catholic Primary on Ringsfield Road and Ravensmere Infant School on St Benedicts Road. In terms of secondary schools, Sir John Leman High School on Ringsfield Road is rated ‘good’.
Beccles benefits greatly from having a railway station and being on the Greater Anglia network. There are around 15 direct services a day to and from Ipswich, with a journey time of 1 hour 8 minutes. There is not a direct service to Norwich, but passengers can change at Lowestoft, with a journey time of around 1 hour 25 minutes. Commuting to Norwich is much quicker by car, as it takes only around 35 minutes on the A146. Driving to Ipswich from Beccles takes around 1 hour 10 minutes via the A143 and A140. Buses from the Old Market Place in Beccles run every 15 minutes on weekdays to Norwich city centre, with a journey time of 40 minutes.
One of the most adrenaline-charged things you can do in Beccles (or anywhere) is a parachute jump. Tandem jumps are available from the skydiving centre at Beccles airfield, operated by UK Parachuting. If you’re feeling energetic, how about climbing the 122 steps to the top of the 97-foot high Beccles Bell Tower, which stands separately to St Michael’s Church and from where you get sweeping views of the Waveney Valley. Back on terra firma, have a walk along the banks of the river and watch the boats and barges come and go through Beccles Quay.
If you love messing about in boats, you’ll adore Beccles! Why not hire a boat for the day and take off down the Waveney, or book onto a skippered guided tour? Fancy a swim? Set on the banks of the river, Beccles Lido is open all year round, and features a springboard, slide and toddler pool. Beccles Public Hall and Theatre is the go-to place for entertainment in the town, with a packed schedule of touring theatre productions, musical performances and a Christmas pantomime. Every May Beccles hosts a food and drink festival in the town and there is a carnival weekend in August.
It may be small but Beccles has plenty of choice when it comes to eating out. For Italian dishes, how about Ristorante Piatto on Smallgate, where there are vegetarian and vegan options as well as the pasta and pizza classics; Graze White Horse is a highly regarded bar and grill with an extensive garden seating area, serving a tasty menu including gourmet burgers, tandoori scallops and wild mushroom risotto. For those looking for traditional but quality pub food in a convivial atmosphere, try the Bear & Bells pub and restaurant in the Old Market.
Beccles is tantalisingly close to both the Suffolk Heritage Coast and the Broads National Park, with their rich array of wildlife and waterways. The traditional seaside towns of Lowestoft, Gorleston and Great Yarmouth are close by too. Covehithe beach, possibly the wildest, most remote beach on the Suffolk coast, accessible only on foot, is one of the hidden glories of this part of the world. The Waveney and Blyth Valleys are wonderful stretches of countryside, great for walking, cycling and bird-watching.
Let us know! We have a wide range of stunning homes available to buy and rent in and around Beccles. Give us a call at 01502 714500, email beccles@howards.co.uk or come in and visit us at our Beccles branch.