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Suffolk Folk: Julia Marsen
FRAMLINGHAM
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A thriving market town built in the shadow of a magnificent Norman Castle, Framlingham is the perfect place to while away the day exploring its antique shops, independent boutiques, traditional pubs and deli.
Don’t miss: The magnificent late 12th-century Framlingham Castle, where, on the 19th July 1553, Mary Tudor learned that she had become Queen of England. A stroll around the Mere, a Suffolk Wildlife reserve – just watch out for the cattle! The Saturday market brimming with local produce and bric-a-brac. Taking the town trail or if walking is your thing, hiking the Brownsord Way, before turning in for a pint of locally brewed Victoria ale at The Station. Taking time out in the quiet surroundings of Grade I listed Framlingham Church. Hunting for bargains amongst the numerous antique shops. Lunch with a warm welcome at The Common Room. Salivating over the fantastic authentic Italian menu at Watson & Walpole. Browsing for childhood favourites at the secondhand book shop. Treating yourself to a new outfit at one of the stylish boutiques. Delicious picnic fare from Leo’s Deli. Did you know: The singer songwriter who recently broke multiple records for his chart success, Ed Sheeran, grew up in Framlingham. Joseph Tetley, of teabag fame, is buried in Framlingham cemetery.
JULIA MARSEN
SUFFOLK FOLK
Julia established Ottie and the Bea, an independent, modern children’s store in SE London, in 2010. Julia was brought up in Suffolk and having finally persuaded her family to return, is very excited to be bringing Ottie and the Bea to Framlingham this spring.
FAVOURITE SHOP New Street Market in Woodbridge always has wonderful flowers, and Pascale curates a great selection of beautiful treasures.
FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT
The Sheds, Framlingham has great food and is the perfect place to watch the sun setting.
FAVOURITE SPOT TO GRAB A COFFEE
FAVOURITE LOCALLY PRODUCED TREATS
The fab Black Dog Deli in Walberswick, where I usually end up having to get one of their delicious quiches as well. At the moment it would have to be the garlic tapenade from Emmett’s in Peasenhall.
FAVOURITE WALK I love walking from Southwold to Walberswick over the Bailey Bridge and then along the beach and out to the old windmill.
FAVOURITE BEACH Walberswick. I’ve been visiting the beach since I was a child, and it has become my go-to place when I need to reset.
BEST REASON TO VISIT It offers everything for a wonderful adventure - the coastline is stunning, the sky is wonderfully expansive, and there are so many fabulous independent makers and businesses to explore.
BEST OF ALL!
You’ll have time to do so much, because time seems to function differently here.
BEE KEMBALL
SHAWSGATE VINEYARD
One of East Anglia’s oldest commercial vineyards, Shawsgate produces a range of white, red and rosé wines, as well as quality white and rosé sparkling wines, cider, perry and, new this season, white and rosé vermouths. Tastings and walks in the vineyard are free, so bring a picnic and enjoy wine just metres from the vines that produced it. May-SepT. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Oct - Apr: Open Fri & Sat 11am-4pm. Visit the online shop for more information, tasting notes, vouchers and tour and event dates.
Badingham Road, Framlingham, IP13 9HZ T. 01728 724060 / www.shawsgate.co.uk
THE DENNINGTON QUEEN
The Dennington Queen is a stunning 16th century country pub run by chef/owner Jon Reeves and his dedicated team and is a firm favourite with locals. The outdoor seating areas overlook the church to the front and a covered deck area overlooks the village duck pond to the rear. The interior is charming; two welcoming inglenooks with roaring fires and a gorgeous, well-appointed restaurant and bar area. The food is freshly prepared daily, with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and the menu is a mix of restaurant quality food & pub classics. There is a varied children’s menu and a children’s play area at the rear of the pub. Open 6 days a week (closed Mon) food is served from 12pm-2pm & 5.30pm-8.30pm.
The Dennington Queen, The Square, Dennington IP13 8AB T. 01728 638241 / www.thedenningtonqueen.co.uk
EASTON FARM PARK
A fun-packed day the whole family will enjoy, Easton Farm Park is a farmyard gem nestled in the Suffolk countryside. You can meet all the farm animals, drive a tractor and ride a pony and lots more fun farm activities.
Easton Farm Park is open every day from February half-term until Christmas Eve, with lots of indoor and outdoor play. The Willow Barn Café serves delicious homemade meals from 9am, with free Wi-Fi, delicious hot & cold food and drinks and an indoor playzone, and the Riverbank Tearooms do fabulous homemade cakes and afternoon tea. From Easter to September, and in the school holidays, enjoy pony rides, hug a bunny, animal feeding, cart rides, egg collecting and lots more, not forgetting the indoor playareas and the outdoor adventure playground. With 35 acres to explore, it is an adventure for the whole family, including fun in the woods, pond dipping and den building. Easton Farm Park also runs special events including Easter celebrations, goat yoga, Halloween fun, Father Christmas on the farm and much much, more! Birthday parties offer a fun-packed day full of fabulous memories. If you can’t get enough of the farm fun, there are two 4 star holiday cottages on-site, plus cow-themed glamping pods and a large family campsite with excellent facilities. A holiday on the farm offers lots of fun and is the ideal base from which to explore the Suffolk.
