Southwold, although a sizeable town, is effectively an island with only one access road. Bounded by the sea and the River Blyth on two sides, a stream named Buss Creek runs along the other two sides. The single access road has probably led to Southwold’s lack of overdevelopment, and its timeless feel. Nowadays, the security camera on that road is said to be responsible for the town’s low crime rate. Despite the influx of second home owners and trendy lifestyle shops, the town retains the atmosphere of a genteel Georgian seaside resort. George Orwell developed his insight into the ways of the pretentious middle classes when he lived here for most of the 1930’s. Although my favourite part of Southwold will always be the harbour, known as the Blackshore (see under B) the town, its beach huts, the Common, the lighthouse and the local landscape are subjects I have sketched on each visit.