Why Suffolk
With 40 miles of Heritage Coast set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and fabulous historic towns and villages, Suffolk is a great place to stay. The picturesque seaside towns are great for families and there are some magnificent churches, castles, forests and windmills to explore. There are national cycle routes through the county and some great countryside and coastal walks. Most farms will be able to provide maps and drying and storage facilities.
Southwold is a very popular coastal resort with the pretty coloured beach huts, fisherman's cottages, picturesque harbour and pier. The landmark white lighthouse was built in 1890. Southwold is also home to Adnams Brewery. Aldeburgh is another charming seaside town with a wide high street with Georgian shop-fronts. The historic buildings include the Moot Hall and the 15th C. church. There is a steep shingle beach where the fishermen bring in their catch for the day. Nearby the Snape Maltings Concert Hall hosts some brilliant music festivals.
Orford is a very attractive small town and is overlooked by its 12th C castle keep built by Henry VII for coastal defence. There are lovely views from the top over the town, the marshes & Orford quay, and take refreshment in The Pump Street Bakery - delicious cakes! Nearby Framlingham has a magnificent Castle and you can enjoy local produce in the quaint cafes & restaurants.
The Suffolk Wool Towns which include Lavenham, Long Melford, Clare, Sudbury & Hadleigh are well worth a visit to enjoy the wonderful architecture, quaint village shops & tea rooms, stunning art galleries, excellent restaurants and much much more. The Guildhall at Lavenham (National Trust) should not be missed. Not far away near Stowmarket is Helmingham Hall & Gardens.
Lowestoft at Britain's most easterly point is an attractive seaside resort, with its glass Edwardian style pavilion, has one of Britain's best beaches. It was a flourishing fishing port and visitors can see the yacht harbour and neighbouring docks. The Suffolk Wool Towns which include Lavenham, Long Melford, Clare, Sudbury & Hadleigh are well worth a visit to enjoy the wonderful architecture, quaint village shops & tea rooms, stunning art galleries, excellent restaurants and much much more. The Guildhall at Lavenham (National Trust) should not be missed. Not far away near Stowmarket is Helmingham Hall & Gardens.
Oulton Broad forms the Southern gateway to the Norfolk Broads and is a haven for watersports enthusiasts and is ideal for sailing, rowing and cruising. Regular sailing regattas and motorboat racing events are held here.
Bungay is an unspoilt market town which sits on the River Waveney, and not far away at Flixton is the Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum, East Anglia's Aviation Heritage Centre. Nearby Halesworth sits on the River Blyth and has many fine buildings, including the carved Gothic House, a Tudor Rectory and Elizabethan almshouses.
Historic Bury St Edmunds is well worth a visit. Explore the fabulous Abbey Gardens and visit the stunning Cathedral, before enjoying a tour around the famous Greene King Brewery perhaps! Nearby Ickworth House & Gardens (National Trust) is great for family walks and there is also a play area for children to enjoy. For woodland walks Brandon Country Park is not far away along with the forest walks at High Lodge near Thetford.
