Best Museums in Southwold

"Despite its history as a centre for industry and trade - or maybe because of it, the core of town boasts a wealth of fascinating historic buildings. Perhaps the most spectacular of these is Ancient House on Buttermarket. The house dates to the 14th century, and its exterior is embellished with astonishing pargeting, an ornate form of plasterwork, plus intricate woodcarving representing the continents of Asia, Africa, America, and Europe."

"The rich London merchant Edmund Withypoll tore down the Priory of the Holy Trinity and built himself this grand house in the late 1540s. The Grade I-listed Christchurch Mansion is a breathtaking piece of heritage, with an authentic Tudor kitchen, Georgian saloon and splendid assortments of fine art and decorative art, as well as toys and games from the Victorian period. Allow plenty of time to pore over Lady Drury’s Cabinet, a series of painted wooded panels from the early 17th century, previously on a bedroom closet at Hawstead House outside Bury St Edmunds."

"From intriguing toys in the Victorian nursey to paintings by renowned Suffolk artists Gainsborough and Constable, there is lots to see in this magnificent Tudor mansion. Discover furniture, ceramics and more, all displayed in atmospheric period rooms. Christchurch Mansion is situated in the stunning surroundings of Christchurch Park and also hosts major temporary exhibitions."