Beccles is the largest market town in the Waveney District and lies at the southernmost point of the Broads area. Its church tower can be seen rising majestically above the town from all approaches. It has a pleasant shopping centre, which has been partly pedestrianised and has attracted many nationally well-known stores. The centre of the town is a conservation area and contains many buildings of historical interest. It has a well-stocked library run by Suffolk County Council with the latest computer technology available. The town boasts good schools at all levels. Four primary schools, two of which have nursery provision, two middle schools, one of which is in the neighbouring parish of Worlingham, and the Sir John Leman High School, which provides education to a large catchment area outside Beccles, as well as providing facilities for the town.
The town is well supplied with sporting facilities. The Sports Centre on the High School site provides excellent facilities and runs a scheme for youngsters in the summer holidays. At Beef Meadow, Waveney District Council, now runs hockey and cricket pitches. Beccles Town Council recently provided a football pitch, three tennis courts and rugby training pitches on land opposite Beef Meadow. The open-air swimming pool in Puddingmoor, is well used in the summer months. The Beccles Golf Club maintains nine greens on Beccles Common, but owners of grazing cattle and non-golf playing pedestrians also have access rights. The Common remains as the one open space in Beccles where young and old alike can enjoy the biggest open-air asset of the town. The Marsh Trail is a walk along the river and over the marshes and can be as long or as short as you are able to manage. Many species of fauna and flora are to be seen throughout the seasons of the year. The Marsh Trail has been upgraded for access for those with wheelchairs so that as many people can enjoy the facility as possible.
The town is well served with clubs and societies for all age groups and interests. There are scout and guide groups, sea, army and air cadets, Beccles Youth Club, Jongleurs Drama Group, Beccles Kingfishers Swimming Club, Beccles Rugby Club, Beccles Wasps Football Club, as providing activity for young people. Spotlight, Waveney Opera Society and the Choral Society provide the town with musical and dramatic entertainment. There is a strong Women's Institute, who hold a market in the Quaker Hall every Friday morning.
The Quay is of strategic importance to the town and many tourists start their visit to Beccles from this point. Beccles is part of the Broads network and has mooring facilities, which are used to their full extent in the summer months. The Quay also provides the venue for the regatta and the firework finale to the carnival. There is a well-maintained fenced play area where children can have hours of fun.
The town has many establishments of refreshment, from the traditional tea and coffee house, to the fully-fledged restaurant. The restaurants cater for many tastes and food from many countries of the world can be sampled. Hotels and pubs are located throughout the town.
The semi-rural location of the town makes Beccles a pleasant place in which to live and to visit. For those who are thinking of visiting the town, or who are already sampling its delights, it is hoped that you will enjoy your stay and want to return.
The original version of the above text can be found at
www.Beccles.info
- your official guide to the market town of Beccles.
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allowing us to use it on this site.
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