Please note that the postcard from series
ended in 2004 and that descriptions of shops and services were correct at
time of going to press
Where
is it:
Walberswick is on the picturesque Suffolk coast, about 15 miles
south of Lowestoft. The village is on the south bank of the River
Blyth and faces Southwold on the north bank.
What's the population:
The village, whose name means Waldbert's harbour, is home to almost
400 people, although half of the village's homes are holiday properties.
Best-known landmark:
Walberswick Church is one of the three churches that once towered
over the village. The imposing building stands to the west of the
ancient part of the village while the ruins of St Andrew's, built
in the 15th century, show how large it was before disrepair and
decay took over.
Idyllic view in Walberswick
Defining
moment in history:
At a point in the 15th and 16th centuries there were a series of
ports dotted along the east coast, bringing in great harvests of
fish. There was also a brisk trade in timber, butter, cheese and
bacon from mainland Europe and Iceland and thanks to tax-free trading
Walberswick became a wealthy village dominated by its churches.
Most likely to see:
Crabs in the summer when every bridge and riverbank vantage point
becomes crammed with buckets, bait and lines. Every year Walberswick
hosts the British Open Crabbing Championship, attracting entrants
from around the world and raising money for charity.
Best place for a drink:
The Bell Inn and Anchor Inn provide the hostelry hospitality in
the village. The 600-year-old Bell Inn is close to the village green
and beach and its tranquil setting has made it popular with visitors.
While the Anchor offers accommodation as well as a family atmosphere.
And a bite to eat:
The Bell also does food and again, so does the Anchor.
Any opportunities for retail therapy
Hand-made craft
and gift shops pepper the village along with the art gallery and
there is a chance to buy fresh fish from Uncle Fred in Church Lane
and from the harbour huts on the north bank of the river.
Walberswick Seafront
After
dark:
With around 40 clubs and societies to choose from the village's
night life is anything but dull.
Must see:
There are more than a thousand acres of marshland and heath land
around Walberswick. Much of which is protected as an area of outstanding
natural beauty. And with the charming seaside town of Southwold
within ambling distance across the bailey bridge or by foot ferry
in the summer there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to
take in the sights or enjoy the slow pace of life.
How to pretend you're a local:
Make sure you say it right. It is Wall-burrs-wick, and even some
locals have been known to get it wrong. Also, study the accent.
Villagers can always recognise a tourist with the wrong sort of
voice. Alternatively, read the on-line village newspaper, Village
News at www.walberswick.net
