Southwold Boating Lake and Tearoom
Charming tearoom and free boating lake offering delicious cream teas and a relaxed atmosphere in Southwold.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Southwold Boating Lake and Tearoom
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Charming tearoom and free boating lake offering delicious cream teas and a relaxed atmosphere in Southwold.
"The best cream tea with generous portions and lovely staff, plus a free boating lake!"
🎯 Book Afternoon Tea
Reserve your spot for afternoon tea, especially gluten-free options, to avoid disappointment.
🚤 Free RC Boat Lake
The boating lake is free to use for your RC speedboats. Plenty of space to enjoy!
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 139 reviews
Type
Cafe
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Cream Tea
Tearoom
Indulge in generous portions of delicious sandwiches, terrific scones, and ample cream. A must-try for any visitor!
Boating Lake Fun
Boating Lake
A good-sized lake perfect for RC speedboats or simply enjoying the view. Free to use with surrounding benches and grass.
Sheltered Terrace Seating
Tearoom Veranda
Enjoy your treats on a lovely, sheltered veranda with comfy seats, offering a delightful atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Cream Tea in Advance
Embrace the Relaxed Pace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Family of 4 Americans 2 weeks in the UK.
I am bringing my two children to see their origin story. We arrive July 4th (poetic, also wifes birthday) at Gatwick to return July 18th and I have family from Ipswich picking us up. We'll be staying in Ipswich as home base, but specifically have not booked anything as this…
🎯 Book Afternoon Tea
Reserve your spot for afternoon tea, especially gluten-free options, to avoid disappointment.
🚤 Free RC Boat Lake
The boating lake is free to use for your RC speedboats. Plenty of space to enjoy!
🪑 Extra Terrace Seating
If the main terrace looks busy, check inside and behind the building for more tables.
🍰 Delicious Cakes & Breakfast
Don't miss out on their tempting cakes and tasty breakfast options.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Afternoon Tea
Reserve your spot for afternoon tea, especially gluten-free options, to avoid disappointment.
🚤 Free RC Boat Lake
The boating lake is free to use for your RC speedboats. Plenty of space to enjoy!
🪑 Extra Terrace Seating
If the main terrace looks busy, check inside and behind the building for more tables.
🍰 Delicious Cakes & Breakfast
Don't miss out on their tempting cakes and tasty breakfast options.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Southwold Boating Lake and Tearoom for its delightful cream teas with generous portions and friendly service. The free-to-use boating lake is a unique and enjoyable feature. While most experiences are positive, some may find it busy during peak times.
"Must visit when in Southwold. Lovely staff, beautiful sheltered veranda with comfy seats, cute plates and the best cream tea (I asked for extra cream and was beyond myself when I saw the portion 😍) delicious 😋"
Dita
"Only used the boating lake for our RC speedboat. Good sized lake, free to use. Couple of benches and surrounded by lots of grass."
Tommi Rusted
"Laura reserved a lovely table on the terrace for all nine of my family to enjoy a cream tea on my birthday. It was a smashing occasion, with delicious sandwiches and terrific scones. Generous and tasty. Thanks so much for a lovely experience."
Eleanor Cartwright
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The tearoom and lake are located within Southwold. If arriving by car, there is usually parking available nearby, though it can get busy during peak season. Public transport options might involve local bus services from surrounding towns.
The tearoom has sheltered veranda seating and indoor seating. The boating lake area is generally accessible, with benches and grassy areas surrounding it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the boating lake is free to use for your RC speedboats or just to enjoy the scenery.
It's highly recommended to book your table for afternoon tea in advance, especially if you have specific dietary requirements like gluten-free. You can usually call them or check their website for booking information.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information on when they are open.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The boating lake is perfect for sailing RC speedboats. There are also benches and grassy areas to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
The tearoom offers a lovely, relaxed atmosphere, especially on its sheltered veranda with comfy seating. It's a great spot for a leisurely breakfast or afternoon tea.
Reviews mention a delicious veggie breakfast, suggesting they cater to different dietary preferences. It's always wise to confirm specific vegan options when booking.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The cream tea is a standout, featuring generous portions of sandwiches, scones, and cream. They also offer delicious breakfasts and tempting cakes.
Yes, they offer delicious gluten-free afternoon tea, but it's essential to book this in advance to ensure they can prepare it for you.
Based on reviews, the afternoon tea is considered good value for money, with generous and tasty portions.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the charming tearoom with its veranda, the serene boating lake, and of course, beautifully presented cream teas. The cute plates add to the aesthetic.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer crowds, making for more picturesque shots of the lake and tearoom.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit