FIRST Dates’ Fred Sirieix has fallen for the English seaside.
The matchmaking maitre d’ found plenty to love on a recent trip to Southwold, Suffolk – from the charming Victorian pier to “kiss me quick” souvenirs.
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Enjoy a charming Victorian pier and ‘kiss me quick’ souvenirs on a seaside trip to SouthwoldCredit: 2012 photolibrary.com
In partnership with Visit Britain, the smooth-talking Frenchman gives his guide to the traditional seaside town plus his top five domestic destinations for a romantic getaway.
Stroll the prom
Wander along the promenade between pastel beach huts and the sand-and-pebble beach and you cannot help but fall under Southwold’s spell.
There is the wind blowing in your face, the smell of the sea and the sound of the waves.
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Wander along the promenade and admire the pastel beach hutsCredit: Alamy
You can stop for fresh oysters or an ice cream.
It’s the perfect opportunity to walk hand-in-hand and enjoy quality time with your partner.
There is so much anxiety and uncertainty in the world right now, so it is more important than ever to escape for a day or two and relish today without thinking about tomorrow.
I think we all owe it to ourselves.
Fish & chips
I may have worked in some very nice eateries but, when visiting the seaside, fish and chips is all I want.
I can say The Boardwalk Restaurant, on Southwold Pier, does some of the best I’ve ever had.
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The Boardwalk Restaurant, on Southwold Pier serves a delicious fish and chipsCredit: Pete Dadds/Visit Britain
They served up a delicious, big piece of haddock, perfectly cooked chips – just the right consistency – and beautiful mushy peas. No vinegar for me, though – that’s a step too far.
There’s no seating inside, due to Covid-19 – but far better anyway to perch on the pier and enjoy the wind in your face and the smell of the sea.
Shopping
I stayed overnight at The Swan, a fantastic hotel with beautifully appointed rooms and great coffee at breakfast.
Best of all, it was right in the centre of town. Walk out of the door and you’re in a quaint little market, which runs every Monday and Thursday.
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There is a quaint little market, which runs every Monday and ThursdayCredit: Alamy
You’ve got local fresh produce, clothes and souvenirs for the kids or grandkids. It feels like you’ve travelled back in time to when things made sense.
I didn’t know about the quirky English tradition of “kiss-me-quick” seaside hats until I saw the logo printed on a mug and someone explained the quirky slice of seaside history.
Take my advice, though – much better to “kiss me quick, but take your time”.
Fishing
I love a seaside pier, they are just so English, and Southwold’s is one of the country’s best.
Built in 1900 as a dock for steamships ferrying tourists from London, it is a throwback to a more romantic era of travel.
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Go fishing and hope you catch something tastyCredit: Pete Dadds/Visit Britain
I went fishing on the pier and was desperate to land something so I could text my pal Gordon Ramsay and tease him with a picture of a big catch.
He gets so competitive when fishing and always wants to win so I would have loved to wind him up.
Sadly, I didn’t catch a thing.
Boat ride
Walk to the south of Southwold and you will reach the River Blyth.
From here you can take a ferry across the river to the village of Walberswick or head upstream for a peaceful pleasure boat ride.
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Walk to the south of Southwold and you will reach the River BlythCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Coasting upstream, watching the current rush by, I felt so relaxed.
A sense of serenity engulfs me when I’m near water, and I feel at peace.
Truth be told, I’m a keen swimmer, so I daydreamed about whether I’d be able to swim against the current.
GO: SOUTHWOLD
STAYING THERE: One night’s B&B at The Swan in Southwold is from £90pp based on two sharing.
MORE INFO: For inspiration for UK breaks see visitbritain.com/escape.
Brewery trip
I’m really into my beer and have always been a fan of the Adnams brewery in Southwold.
It makes great stuff, so to visit was a pleasure.
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The Adnams brewery in Southwold offers tours for beer enthusiastsCredit: www.adnams.co.uk www.jamesbedford.com
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Adnams has been brewing beer at the site for more than a century and now makes all sorts there, from whisky and gin, to cider and even wine.
Food and drink always tastes better when enjoyed where it is made – and it is vital to support local businesses right now.
I had a great time on the tour – and a delicious gin.
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