Welcome to Lowestoft
Famous for being Britain’s most easterly point, Lowestoft’s idyllic setting amongst the beautiful Broads and the wide golden sands of the Suffolk coast has made the town a favourite beach holiday destination since Victorian times. It is one of the earliest settlements in European history, with evidence of human activity in the form of man-made tools dating back 700,000 years.
The award-winning Blue Flag beach is said to have been the inspiration for Benjamin Britten’s first masterpiece. The composer grew up on Kirkley Cliff Road in the house that is now the Britten Guest House. Elegant Victorian Gardens and colourful beach huts line the promenades along the seafront of South beach, whilst the historic Scores wind from the town centre and the historic High Street to the north beach, Ness Point and Sparrows Nest lighthouse. London Road South and the historic High Street are home to many independent shops and cafes, as well as national chains – all just a short stroll from the beach.
Lowestoft is an area of huge potential growth, with a focus on building on its unique location as the most easterly point in the Britain and making more of its heritage assets and maritime history. Lowestoft is traditionally a port town, which developed with the fishing industry. Now it is rapidly developing as a centre for renewable energy industry within East Anglia. The town is also currently undergoing significant changes with a variety of interesting and exciting projects underway, including the Gull Wing – a much needed new bridge and the creation of permanent new flood defences. With nationally significant events such as First Light Festival alongside other collaborations between councils, businesses and cultural organisations, and with the new Towns Fund award, Lowestoft is positioning itself as a youthful, engaging and modern destination.
Shop, Eat, Explore
During First Light Festival, the town will be alive with activity. We suggest that you make the most of your visit, and explore everything our beautiful seaside home has going on while you’re here.
On the festival’s doorstep is Kirkley High Street, a thriving hub of independent businesses.
Live like a local and read Lowestoft Lowdown – the inside scoop for events and activities in the town from Books and Prints