Suffolk Guide 2014

Suffolk

Guide 2014/15 Relax Discover Experience Explore

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A whole day of non-stop family fun & adventure in the forest!

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For more 12 info call 01842 815434.

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Contents 2014/15

Welcome to the Suffolk Guide. Use this guide to take your first steps towards a relaxing break in this lovely part of the UK.

5 PLACES TO VISIT Country or coast, Suffolk is home to some of the country’s most beautiful towns and villages

36 ATTRACTIONS Discover a whole host of interesting places to visit from farms and fairgrounds to historic houses and theatres

46 SHOPPING & ENTERTAINMENT Great places to shop and a whole range of theatres, concerts and arts centres

49 ARTS & CRAFTS Where to find some of the county’s creative work

50 FOOD & DRINK Suffolk is famous for its local produce - experience the taste of the county

54 WHAT’S ON? There’s no shortage of great events throughout the year - take a look at a selection of the best

58 WEDDING VENUES Fabulous locations and settings for your big day

62 PLACES TO STAY www.facebook.com/eastlifemag

@eastmagazines

The Suffolk Guide is published by Thompson Media Partners Ltd, Unit 4, Avenue Business Park, Elsworth, Cambridge CB23 4EY. Tel. 01954 267696. For more information or to advertise in the next edition, please contact Darren Marshall on 07826 628680. © Thompson

Find somewhere special to spend your visit to Suffolk

66 INFORMATION Map and useful contacts

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CATEGORY

A whole day of non-stop family fun & adventure in the forest!

T: 0845 094 9741 www.goape.co.uk

T: 01842 810090 www.bikeartthetford.co.uk

Directions: High Lodge is situated in Thetford Forest on the B1107. Sat Nav: IP27 0AF. Open every day (excluding Christmas Day). Discovery Pass available. All cars and minibuses must pay a site entry fee. Additional charges for Go Ape & bike hire.

For 12 more info call 01842 815434.

1152 HL advert_East Life March Ed.indd 1

T: 01842 813949 www.highlodge-catering.co.uk

East Life/1152 HL/Jan2014©Crown copyright

• Play areas for all ages • Walking and cycling trails • Go Ape & Tree Top Junior • Bike shop & hire from BikeArt • Forest Segway • Cafe

forestry.gov.uk/highlodge eastlife.co.uk | XX 20/01/2014 12:02

PLACES TO VISIT

Just one hour from London, Suffolk has a bounty of attractive towns and villages with great shops, beautiful buildings and plenty to explore. The Suffolk Coast is one of the UK’s finest landscapes with 40 miles of Heritage Coast set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Under big East Anglian skies discover charming seaside towns, lively resorts and beautiful coastal scenes.

Aldeburgh

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ldeburgh is a striking town found on the unspoiled East Suffolk Coast.

It is blessed with breathtaking scenery, both seawards and following the river Alde inland.

Once an important Tudor port and shipbuilding area, Aldeburgh had to wait until the 19th century when the fashion for the beach and craze for sea air brought back visitors in quantity, establishing it as a popular resort.

It is now characterised by its lively beachside atmosphere and thriving musical influence, once described as ‘a place of energy and inspiration for music and the arts’. The town’s most famous inhabitant was the composer Benjamin Britten, and there are many reminders of his life about the town. Britten, along with contemporaries Eric Crozier and Peter Pears established the classical Aldeburgh music festival in 1948, placing Aldeburgh firmly on the musical map.

Taking place at nearby Snape Maltings for two weeks every June, the festival kicks off the town’s summer season of events which also includes Jill

Freud’s Aldeburgh Summer Theatre in July and August, and the Carnival and Regatta in August.

Popular with weekend seadogs, Aldeburgh has an active yacht club catering for both the self-assured and the less buoyant sailors visiting the town.

For those less inclined to take to the high seas the town boasts two popular golf courses, all-weather tennis courts, and of course a historical legacy unlikely to go unnoticed, such as 400year old Moot Hall (now home to Aldeburgh’s

museum), a Norman Church and a Martello tower.

The high street has craft, food and antiques shops, reflecting local passions, as well as a myriad of excellent pubs and restaurants, not to mention Aldeburgh’s famous fish and chip shop (be prepared to queue!).

With a range of accommodation to suit all requirements (ranging from cottages to rent to family run B&Bs) Aldeburgh is undoubtedly not to be missed!

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PLACES TO VISIT Beccles

The market town of Beccles lies in North West Suffolk on the banks of the Waveney River, on the Norfolk-Suffolk border. Once a thriving Saxon river port, Beccles is now a flourishing boating centre, it’s attractive riverfront and quay making it a popular stop for passingpleasure crafts.

The town is dominated by the detached 16th-century bell tower next to St Michael’s Church, while a walk through the narrow streets of Beccles (the result of fires in the 16th and 17th centuries which paved the way for the towns many Georgian houses) offers a chance to peruse an eclectic mix of boutiques and antique shops, with plenty to tempt the palates of visitors.

Twyford’s café in Exchange Square serves a fine tea, for dining there’s Bells in The Old Market, Indiagate in Newgate and The Swan House wine bar and restaurant near the bell tower comes recommended by the Broads Quality Charter.

Among them too are quality food shops, including Bailey’s Delicatessen on Hungate.

Like Aldeburgh in the summer, Beccles also boasts an array of festivities, with an annual carnival and regatta, with live music, a parade, fun fair and fireworks. Most engaging of the annual get-togethers however takes place in September; the fiercely contested charity Rubber Duck Race, and the ‘Straw Race’, a pub-crawl that sees its plucky competitors laden down with a straw ball.

Bungay Buttercross

Bungay

The River Waveney loops around another market town situated on the Suffolk-Norfolk border, the town of Bungay. The streets are full of historic charm and offer several independent shops, restaurants, cafes and bars.

With theirweekly markets and an abundance of outdoor pursuits in the area (including walking, cycling, fishing and canoeing) there is plenty to keep even the most energetic of visitors busy.

It is perhaps though not this that has attracted people the most to this town, but instead an old legend that has long captured the imaginations of visitors passing through, The Legend of the Black Dog of Bungay. Dating back to 1577, it tells the story of a thundery August night when an parition of the devil appeared to the townspeople in the form of a Black Hound.

The St Mary’s Church, now unused, was partially destroyed, and legend goes that lives were

lost as a result of the Hound’s presence in the town.

Superstitious or not, the incorporation of an image of a black dog in the towns Coat of Arms, and the existence of the same image which can be seen throughout the town, is testament to the lingering effect this event has had on Bungay.

Also worth a look are the ruins of Bigod’s Castle, built in 1170, details of which can be found at the castle visitor centre on Cross Street.

Taking place every July and focused around the Castle, is the Bungay Festival.

For a bite to eat there’s the well loved Buttercross Tearooms and Tea Gardens, lunch from local produce at The Castle Inn on Earsham Street and at the awardwinning Earsham Street Café & Delicatessen.

Enjoy a scenic walk along the riverside pathway of the Waveney or hire a rowing boat to take advantage of unspoiled views of the heathland and golf course of Outney Common.

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PLACES TO VISIT

Bury St Edmunds

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ew places in England can match the beauty, character and history of Bury St Edmunds. Rich in legend and folklore, the town has been admired down the years by visitors and authors from Daniel Defoe to Charles Dickens.

The town grew up around the powerful Abbey of St Edmund in early medieval times. For five centuries it was visited by pilgrims from all over the world, coming to worship at the shrine of St Edmund - the martyred King of East Anglia. St Edmund was the patron saint of England until the dragonslaying George took up the title in more militant times.

Evidence of St Edmundsbury’s past and present is all around. Town and village streets, magnificent parish churches, and unspoiled

landscapes throw light on an England that elsewhere has long been lost.

Take the Abbey Trail through the town and visit the old Abbey Ruins; the remains of the great Benedictine Abbey, destroyed in the dissolution of 1539.

It’s a wonderful town to visit, with almost 1,000 preserved buildings and a network of streets that still follow the grid pattern devised by the abbots in the 11th century.

The town has excellent leisure and shopping facilities and is at its busiest on Wednesdays and Saturdays when people flock to the Buttermarket and Cornhill to visit one of the best provision markets in East Anglia.

The town is a shopper’s delight, where every sort of store from the large high street names to family-run

businesses and fascinating small gift shops sit comfortably side-by-side.

The Abbey Gardens are well known for their stunning floral displays. St Edmundsbury Cathedral was mostly built in the 16th century and has been a cathedral since 1914. There has never been a better time to visit this medieval building, once part of the great abbey of St Edmund, as it has recently been completed with the addition of a new Gothic style lantern tower.

Other buildings to admire include the Victorian Corn Exchange; Cupola House, where Daniel Defoe once stayed; the Angel Hotel, where Charles Dickens and his creation Mr Pickwick stayed; and The Nutshell, owned by Greene King, and probably the smallest pub in the country.

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PLACES TO VISIT

Clare

Cavendish

Cavendish is the perfect ‘picture postcard’ English village and arguably one of the prettiest villages in Suffolk. Situated in the Stour Valley, Cavendish is famed for its 14th/15th-century church, a number of thatched cottages, and the Sue Ryder Foundation Museum, which tells the life story of Sue Ryder and the history of the Foundation. In 1381 during the Peasants Revolt, Sir John Cavendish hung on to the handle of the church door to plead for sanctuary from his pursuers.

Clare

A delightful little wool town on the River Stour; in fact, its name is said to derive from the “clear” nature of the river Stour as it flows through the town.

Voted Suffolk Village of the Year 2010-2012, the town has a captivating history, offering a wide range of shops, antique outlets and excellent local cafes and pubs.

Visit the remains of a 13th-century Augustinian Priory and the quaint Ancient House Museum. The open

Dunwich

space of Clare Castle Country Park is a wonderful place to relax as is the picturesque nearby River Stour.

Debenham

A former court of East Anglian Kings, this attractive large village is set near the source of the River Deben. Once a thriving wool centre, the streets are lined with 14 -17th century timber-framed merchants’ houses.

‘Blood Field’ recalls a great battle which took place against the Danes.

Debenham is home to the world famous Carters Teapot Pottery and Ceramic Cafe. Visitors can watch the teapots being made, browse around the Pottery Shop and enjoy light refreshments (home made cakes and scones) in the Pottery’s small conservatory/tea room.

Dunwich

Once the capital of East Anglia, it’s hard to believe that the sleepy village of Dunwich was once a bustling port city with a population of 4,000. It might have been still if the sea hadn’t eaten away at it, leading to its almost complete abandonment by the 19th century, with its population dwindling to a mere 237.

Nonetheless there are fabulous reminders of its heyday, including the ruins of a Franciscan priory, while the natural splendour of Dunwich Heath is still intact.

A project is underway to uncover submerged parts of the original town, and some residents claim they can still hear the bells of drowned churches ringing.

Cavendish Hall

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Flatford Mill

Constable Country

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onstable Country is located on the Suffolk and Essex border, on the banks of the River Stour. This enchanting part of England was the birthplace of renowned artist John Constable and the subject matter of many of his most famous paintings.

Constable once said: “I associate my careless boyhood with all that lies on the banks of the Stour... those scenes made me a painter,” and indeed one of the best ways to appreciate the countryside that John Constable knew and loved is to walk around the picturesque Stour Valley.

By following in the footsteps of Constable, visitors can experience first hand the setting for some of Constable’s most famous paintings, such as ‘The Hay Wain’, ‘The Mill Stream’, ‘Boat-building near Flatford’ and ‘The White Horse’.

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The Bridge Cottage is now home to a small exhibition on Constable, a tearoom and shop.

The little riverside hamlet of Flatford is owned by the National Trust, who between March and October organise guided Constable tours around the village, lasting approximately one hour.

You can also visit the village of East Bergholt, Constable’s birthplace, and from where a young Constable used to walk across the riverside meadows to Dedham every day on his way to school.

Close by is the historic market town of Hadleigh, the delightful Shotley Peninsula, and some wonderful villages along the Stour Valley, which you can follow all the way to Haverhill. Known the world over for its atmospheric skies and captivating natural beauty, this is an inspirational place to spend a holiday.

Felixstowe

F

elixstowe, bordered on the north by the River Deben and on the south by the River Orwell, is a well loved resort known for its quality sand and shingle beach, long promenade, perfectly kept seafront gardens and seaside attractions.

Felixstowe became a fashionable seaside resort in the 1880s, and has retained many of its attractive Victorian and Edwardian houses and hotels. The seafront is over four miles long, with a wide promenade that stretches places almost the entire length of the beach from Languard Point to Felixstowe Ferry.

Famed as a linchpin of English defence, five Martello towers, built to prevent Napoleonic invasion, stand on Felixstowe’s coast. Later, Felixstowe was to become one of the few places bombed by the Italians

PLACES TO VISIT during the Blitz, with a number of Italian biplanes shot down around Felixstowe itself.

The front has all the attractions of a traditional seaside holiday resort, with old-fashioned beach huts, fish and chip shops, a funfair, amusement arcade, miniature golf, bowling green, cafés and restaurants, as well as the facilities of the leisure centre. Alternatively, you could enjoy a retro night at the movies at the 1930s Palace Cinema.

Felixstowe’s summer season of events includes a French Market, Historic Vehicle Rally, tennis tournament, Carnival and Fair and Art on the Prom.

Felixstowe is home to the UK’s largest container port, and Europe’s busiest. The viewing area at Landguard on the southern edge of the town offers great views of container and passenger ships from Felixstowe and Harwich harbours. Next to the view point is the Felixstowe Museum, full of artifacts from Roman to recent

times, and Landguard Fort, a multi-period military building dating back to the 16th century. The Fort’s warren of tunnels and rooms is open for exploration every day throughout summer.

Here too, at the mouth of the River Orwell, are the Landguard Bird Observatory and the Landguard Peninsular nature reserve, a significant site for shore and migrant birds, and rare shingle flowers.

North of the town centre is the fishing village of Old Felixstowe and, at the mouth of the River Deben, the hamlet of Felixstowe Ferry with its gallery, golf course, cottages, boat yard and riverside inns. Here you can explore coastal paths, see the Martello Towers, pick up fresh fish at The Shed fish stall, enjoy excellent fish and chips at the Ferry Café and catch the small ferry boat across the estuary to Bawdsey.

Felixstowe Beach

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PLACES TO VISIT Framlingham Castle

towns, with a rich architectural history that has its origins in Saxon times. Hadleigh’s High Street is almost a mile long and runs parallel with the river, and of the 137 properties that line the street 90 percent are listed buildings.

Halesworth

Framlingham

Framlingham, known locally as ‘Fram’, sits in the unspoilt countryside of East Suffolk’s coastal district. The pretty market town has a conservation area and many of the town’s buildings date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Framlingham’s trail is a good way to explore the town’s history and interesting buildings.

The 12th-century Framlingham Castle, owned by the English Heritage, was the seat of the Earls and Dukes of Norfolk. Mary Tudor lived in the castle in 1553 and it was here that she heard she had become Queen of England. Open daily for much of the year (Noveber-March, weekends only) visitors can walk around the battlements and along the wall, to take in good views of the countryside and the Mere. Concerts and re-enactments take place in the grounds be-

tween May and September.

The Suffolk Wildlife Trust manages the Mere, which runs alongside Framlingham Castle. Framlingham town centre is best known for its antique shops, and is a great place to search for a special find. A twice-weekly market takes place on Market Hill every Tuesday and Saturday.

Hadleigh

Halesworth is a small market town primarily centred around a pedestrianised shopping street known as The Thoroughfare.

The town has a number of interesting buildings, not least St Mary’s Church and the old almshouses. Each year in June The Thoroughfare hosts a popular food, drink and craft fair to raise money for good causes. Halesworth’s Cut Arts, a centre for arts in the community, offers a whole range of arts and entertainment and is host to the Halesworth Arts Festival in October.

The Town Park hosts Gig in the Park every August, a showcase of local, national, and international musical talent. Market day is every Wednesday.

Hadleigh, in the south of Suffolk close to the border with Essex, offers a wonderful mix of the old and new, and is known as much for its collection of interesting shops, pubs and restaurants as for its fine architecture.

Hadleigh is one of Britain’s finest ancient market 15

Ipswich Marina Skyline

Haverhill

Haverhill is a market town that dates back to Saxon times. Whilst most of its historical buildings were lost to the great fire on 14th June 1667, it does however retain one notable Tudor house (reportedly given to Anne of Cleves as part of her divorce from Henry VIII, and thus titled Anne of Cleves House) and many interesting Victorian buildings.

Haverhill is predominantly a modern and young town, with a small centre with a number of shops, including a retail quarter, and a leisure complex with a number of restaurants and a Cineworld.

The town has a refurbished leisure centre with a state-of-the-art gym and swimming pool, and an Arts 16

Centre that hosts a range of entertainments. Haverhill also offers wonderful green spaces; the large recreation ground in the heart of the town is popular with all ages while the award-wining East Town Park.

Ipswich

Wolsey’s Gate, near the Ipswich Waterfront, is all that’s left of Thomas Wolsey’s dream to build a great college in his home town: a dream immortalised in Shakespeare’s play Henry VIII. When the Lord Chancellor fell from grace, this bustling, buoyant Tudor town fell with him. However, unlike Cardinal Wolsey, who died penniless and bereft, the modest maritime town of

Ipswich quickly recovered its civic poise and dignity.

Anyone who is unfamiliar with the fascinating county town is in for a pleasant surprise. Once a solid centre of maritime commerce and activity, the Ipswich ‘Docks’ has been transformed into the Ipswich ‘Waterfront’.

Much of the rich fabric of the past remains intact with sensitive renovations of several heritage dockland buildings including the delectable boutique style Salthouse Harbour Hotel and the imposing Old Custom’s House.

Meanwhile, a new wave of vibrant cafes, cosmopolitan restaurants, interesting shops and modern apartment blocks has washed in with the tide.

PLACES TO VISIT

Add this to the ever-changing skyline; the vista of visiting large sailing boats, Royal Navy ships, yachts and powerboats, it’s easy to see why Ipswich has become one of the most sought after destinations in the East.

Ten minutes walk away is the town centre, which offers rich pickings in terms of its museums, galleries, theatres, parklands and high street shops.

There’s also a great openair market on the Cornhill on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, located right outside the refurbished Town Hall Galleries, which is well worth a visit.

Christchurch Mansion, a fine Tudor house set in its own beautiful park in the heart of the town, boasts the most

important collection outside of London of works by Constable and Gainsborough.

International pop acts; mainstream and fringe theatre and an unrivalled arts festival can all be found at venues such as The Regent Theatre, the Corn Exchange, and the New Wolsey Theatre.

Of course, retail therapy is a must when in town. St Nicholas Street is ‘boutique paradise’, and there’s a thriving High Street and the Tower Ramparts shopping centre.

Ipswich Street Market

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Lavenham Church

Lavenham

Lavenham is a joy to explore at any time of the year and looks as beautiful in the evening as it does during the day. The village has a proud history and the many magnificent buildings that remain are a testimony to the town having been the fourteenth wealthiest in England.

Lavenham’s importance as a trading town was recognised as far back as the 13th century, and was granted its market Charter in 1257.

It then became of some international importance during the reign of Edward III, during which time Lavenham exported its famous blue broadcloth to Russia, trading with the notorious Catherine the Great.

Lavenham’s industry went into a steep decline in the 16th century though, a Dutch refugees to Colchester brought with them cheaper, more fashionable cloth.

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At the turn of the 20th century much of the village was in a state of near dereliction.

Today it ranks amongst the most beautiful of villages; set in lush green countryside it makes the ideal weekend getaway.

The appearance of the town has changed little over the years, the buildings are fascinating, some are huge and imposing, others are tiny and crooked. The townspeople have even removed the telegraph poles and buried the wires underground to preserve the village’s Tudor appearance.

Lavenham has been described as ‘the finest medieval town in England’ and no fewer than 300 of its buildings are listed as being of architectural or historical interest. One of these is the Church of St Peter and St Paul, which is among the finest in East Anglia, a magnificent church with a spire of 141 feet.

The local Lavenham Sinfonia gives regular concerts here on Sundays. Other buildings of interest that are open to the public include The Guildhall of Corpus Christi, owned by the National Trust. This is a 16th-century timber framed building overlooking the market place and houses a museum offering insights into local life.

Little Hall is a lovely example of a 15th-century hall house with a crown-post roof.

Much recommended is a walk along the disused railway line, followed by a wander through the gift and antique shops, then a spot to eat in one of the many fabulous tea rooms, pubs and fine-dining restaurants scattered around the town. Recently The Angel, believed to be Lavenham’s oldest inn, has become home to Marco Pierre White’s latest success, Wheeler’s at the Angel Hotel.

PLACES TO VISIT

Long Melford Church

Long Melford

Long Melford is one of Suffolk’s most attractive villages, and in a nationwide poll by Savills Estate Agents, it ranked as the seventh most desirable village to live in Britain.

It has a long High Street two and a half miles to be exact; the longest in England - populated by charming independent shops, vibrant art galleries, antique centres, cafes, restaurants, and, of course, typical Suffolk Inns.

This, combined with beautiful architecture and amazing countryside, makes Long Melford a desirable stop for any visitor to Suffolk.

There are plenty of inter-

esting sights, including Holy Trinity Church, a wool church dating from the 15th century.

It contains several noteworthy memorials and brasses, and just outside is the brick hospital, founded in 1573 as an almshouse for twelve poor men and two poor women.

There are also two Tudor mansions in close proximity.

Kentwell Hall is a romantic, completely moated, mellow redbrick mansion in a tranquil parkland setting. There are lots of events going on at the Hall, not least their famous Tudor re-creations, and you can have a guided tour of the house.

Melford Hall is a large

Elizabethan house run by the National Trust, built of red brick around a quadrangle and ornamented with mitretopped turrets.

One of the attractions of Long of the best places in Suffolk to view and buy works of art. This has brought a new vibrancy to the village.

Long Melford is a true Suffolk gem. It has lots to offer the visitor, from historic buildings to contemporary fashions, and the food available throughout the village - from the butcher to the restaurants and pubs - will keep you sustained throughout your stay.

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PLACES TO VISIT

Lowestoft Beach

Lowestoft

L

ocated on the most easterly point of the British coast, Lowestoft provides an ideal holiday location for all ages.

Lowestoft offers a mix of lively beaches, pleasant seaside walks and quality family attractions all set in a traditional seaside town.

This once flourishing fishing port is now renowned for the quality of its golden sandy beaches, which are considered to be some of the very best in Europe.

The Victorian gardens provide the perfect surrounds to one of the east coasts highlights. The town centre and seafront areas have seen some recent changes to make them more accessible to visitors.

The improvements included the introduction of the Princess Royal Fountains, consisting of 74 individual waters jets that provide the perfect attraction for children throughout the

day and a visual spectacle in the evenings.

Lowestoft also offers a great shopping experience. The main town centre provides all the high street names, Kirkley offers a choice of independent stores whilst the High Street provides an opportunity to shop in one of the most interesting and historical parts of the town.

Those wishing to delve into Lowestoft’s rich maritime history will be able to explore Heritage Quay and the Maritime Museum. There is also the opportunity to buy some local fish from one of the

merchants or from the local smoke house.

Heading away from the beach, the town is surrounded by a wide choice of attractions, ranging from museums, wildlife parks, piers and other facilities that will keep all visitors of all ages entertained.

The Marina Theatre in the town provides a number of high quality acts throughout the year. Those wishing to be a little more active may decide to follow the coastal walk, either on foot or on horseback, and for the more adventurous kite boarding is also available.

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PLACES TO VISIT Mildenhall

Mildenhall is an attractive medieval market town surrounded by the River Lark.

The town centres on the Market Place with its distinctive 16th century hexagonal Market Cross - used for hanging criminals years ago - and the Town Pump. The parish pump still stands in the market place, as a reminder that piped water was not available until the 1940s.

A market is held here every Friday and was established

by Royal Charter in 1412.

During the Second World War, Mildenhall was an important bomber base and since 1950 has been home to the United States Air Force, fast becoming one of the most important American installations in this country. St Mary’s Church is one of the finest in Suffolk and the town has a good number of restaurants, shops and other amenities. Mildenhall Stadium hosts greyhound, stock car and speedway racing.

Needham Market

Needham Market is a small historic town set in the Gipping Valley. Once a thriving

Newmarket Racecourse

wool town, the onset of the plague resulted in the town being ‘chained’ off from the outside world between 166365 to isolate it and contain the disease. Despite the plan succeeding, the town still lost two-thirds of its population and did not recover for some two hundred years until the arrival of the railway.

The town has two road names linked to the plague: Chainhouse Road, named after the chains that ran across the East end of the town, and The Causeway, a modern variation of ‘the corpseway’, so called because of the route that plague victims were transported out of town.

The town boasts many unusual, independent St Mary’s Church Mildenhall

and specialist shops, and fine Georgian and Tudor architecture.

Newmarket

Whether you’re a devoted horseracing fan or just a lover of beautiful English towns, Newmarket is sure to appeal.

It has long been considered the birthplace of thoroughbred horseracing since successive Royal Family members came to appreciate the flat land as an ideal location for galloping their horses.

Racing’s early administrative body, The Jockey Club, created its home here.

If this is your particular fascination, you’ll be pleased to find the National Stud here, the National Horseracing Museum, Tattersalls Sale Ring, and also the impressive Newmarket Racecourses themselves.

There are other places of interest for the curious visitor too. Newmarket boasts impressive features such as the grand Clock Tower on the High Street, the King Edward VII Memorial Gardens, the War Memorial Gardens and the elegant Cleveland House in Old Station Road, built in the 1820s by Lord Darlington for his jockey.

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A HOOFIN’ GREAT DAY OUT There’s so much to do and see.

Meet the horses, rare Suffolk breeds and enjoy a tractor-trailor ride around the farm.

There’s a picnic and play area and our café serves lovely homemade treats and cream teas.

Family Tickets available. Under 5s FREE.

MAKE A DAY OF IT, WHATEVER THE WEATHER RARE BREEDS • PETS PADDOCK • CAFÉ HORSE DEMONSTRATIONS • FARM RIDES MUSEUM • HERITAGE GARDEN • GIFT SHOP Woodbridge Walk, Hollesley, Suffolk IP12 3JR 01394 411 327 www.suffolkpunchtrust.org

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PLACES TO VISIT Oford sunset

Orford

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teeped in history, Orford is an attractive town dominated by its impressive castle, built in the 12th century by Henry VII for coastal defence.

The town has plenty to offer those passing through, with excellent walks and cycle rides for the more outdoorsy, and plenty of good restaurants, pubs and tearooms for those simply looking to relax and soak up the surrounding history.

Brick and timber buildings line the streets to the little quayside, where there are boat trips to Orford Ness Europe’s largest vegetated shingle spit.

The Reserve contains a variety of habitats including shingle, saltmarsh, mudflat, brackish lagoons and grazing marsh. It provides an important location for breeding and passage birds as well as for the coastal shingle flora and wildlife (including a large number of nationally rare species).

Visitors can follow a 5.5 mile route, which can be walked in total or in part (the full walk involves walking on

shingle). Don’t leave without trying the locally cultivated oysters.

Oford Castle

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PLACES TO VISIT

Pin Mill

Pin Mill

On the banks of the River Orwell the hamlet of Pin Mill is a haven of tranquility, loved by artists, walkers and birdwatchers.

The 17th-century Butt & Oyster Inn is so close to the river that it can serve pints of ale through the window to yachtsmen at high tide.

Pin Mill was the setting for Arthur Ransome’s book ‘We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea’, one of a series of children’s books penned by the author.

Saxmundham Church

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Saxmundham

Saxmundham is a popular market town on the River Fromus at the centre of Suffolk’s Heritage Coastal region. Saxmundham, or ‘Sax’as it is known locally, has many local shops and businesses, sports and leisure facilities.

The town has two caravan and camping sites, as well as several excellent hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs. There’s also a market every Wednesday.

There are several significant annual events in the town such as St Georges’ Day Weekend celebrations, ‘Saxmundham in Bloom’ and Saxmundham Arts Festival.

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PLACES TO VISIT

Southwold Pier

Southwold

S

outhwold lies in the centre of an area of great natural beauty – a haven for the walker, the naturalist, and the birdwatcher.

Situated on a hill that gently rises from the Blyth Valley, the town is virtually an island, being surrounded by the River Blyth to the south and Buss Creek to the north. This has enabled Southwold to retain its old world charm. The dramatic coastline and the town’s beautiful architecture make it a popular attraction throughout the year.

In the summer, Southwold’s sandy beaches are a huge draw and out of season some its most charming elements can be enjoyed – cosy pub lunches, isolated walks or a quiet browse in its many antiques shops.

Southwold’s beach is immaculately kept and is a regular Blue Flag winner. The shore is famous for its rows of brightly coloured an highly sought after beach huts.

These days they sell for the

price of a small flat!

Quiet and full of character, Southwold is a refreshingly unspoilt coastal resort.

In the town centre there’s an exciting selection of interesting and independent shops, selling antiques, crafts and gifts. There’s also a variety of art galleries, boutiques and jewellers scattered around the town.

Special to the town is the Southwold Summer Theatre, with a season of children’s performances, lunchtime events and evening theatre.

As you’d expect, first class seafood can be found in the town’s many fine restaurants and pubs, most of which serve ales brewed by the local – and world famous – Adnams Sole Bay Brewery.

The Adnams stamp is everywhere and reflected in the cluster of great pubs: Sole Bay Inn, Lord Nelson, Harbour Inn and King’s Head. The Crown Hotel is one of several Adnams-owned hostelries.

Adnams has been brewing

from its base in the town for over 100 years and now has an estate of 80 pubs, two bespoke hotels and a chain of successful high quality wine and kitchenware stores. The brewery can be found on East Green, and you can see some of its workings through an external glass wall.

The Swan Hotel, which dominates the Market Place, is not only an excellent place to stay but has a highly regarded restaurant.

Southwold looks out over Sole Bay, scene of an inconclusive battle in 1672 between the combined British and French fleet and the Dutch fleet.

The town was once known for its herring fishery, and today the attractive harbour is still home to a little fleet of boats.

To discover something of Southwold’s maritime heritage visit the Sailors’ Reading Room, on East Cliff overlooking the sea, where the exhibits include ship models, 29

PLACES TO VISIT Stowmarket Windmill

southwold continued... figureheads and early photographs of past seafaring local heroes.

There’s more maritime history to be found in The Alfred Corry Museum, at the end of Ferry Road, the resting place of Southwold’s old sailing lifeboat, which saved 47 lives during its use between 1893 and 1918.

In Victoria Street the Southwold Museum, once a weaver’s cottage, houses an intriguing collection of artifacts from the town’s past.

Southwold’s gleaming white lighthouse, built in 1890, stands 101 feet above the town. Its warning beacon can be seen for 17 miles out to sea.

Visitors who climb the winding lighthouse stairs are rewarded with fantastic views. Those wanting to take to the sea themselves can take the Coastal Voyager sea trip from the harbour.

Southwold Lighthouse

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Stowmarket

A town at the geographical heart of rural Suffolk and on the River Gipping, Stowmarket was originally an agricultural market town.

Industry developed upon the canalization, in 1793, of the River Gipping bringing new prosperity to the town.

Now the old towpath forms an enjoyable footpath through the Gipping Valley, from Stowmarket railway station to the docks at Ipswich.

Even though it is growing in size and population, Stowmarket hasn’t lost its charm, with a variety of listed buildings typical of Suffolk’s towns and villages, most notably St Peter and St Mary’s Church.

Not to be missed is the Museum of East Anglian Life, one of the UK’s leading open-air museums.

Sudbury

Set in the heart of the Stour Valley, the market town of Sudbury was for centuries a centre of the weaving and silkindustries. The painter Thomas Gainsborough was born here and a fine collection of his paintings can be seen in his house, which also has a contemporary art gallery and a print workshop offering summer courses.

The Quay Theatre puts on a lively programme of events and close by visitors can enjoy a lazy boat trip on the River Stour followed by a cream tea at the restored 18th-century Granary. There is still a traditional market, a farmers’ market on the last Friday of each month plus a lovely range of shops to explore.

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PLACES TO VISIT

Thorpeness

Thorpeness

If there was ever a village that deserved to be called ‘fantastic’, it is Thorpeness.

Built at the start of last century by Glencairn Stuart Ogilvie, a wealthy and eccentric Scottish barrister with a penchant for mock Tudo and Jacobean architecture, Thorpeness has a number of unconventional properties under its belt.

Originally a private fantasy holiday village, Ogilvie ingeniously disguised the village’s water tower as an overgrown house, the striking ‘House in the Clouds’, lest it offend the eye. ‘Peter Pan’ fans of all ages can find J M Barrie’s work realised at the Meare boating lake where islands and coves are given names taken from the book.

Children are able, and indeed encouraged, to play in the Pirate’s Lair and Wendy’s Home, with boats available to rent in order to enjoy the Meare 32

in all its quirkiness. After an afternoon’s boating enjoy a meal and explore the stalls at the Thorpeness Brasserie and Emporium.

In August the Meare hosts the Thorpness Regatta, attracting visitors looking to enjoy the numerous boat races and impressive fireworks display.

Walberswick

Walberswick is a village across the River Blyth from Southwold. Until the early 20th century, it was a trading port, but today it is one of Suffolk’s top tourist attractions with half of the properties in the village being holiday homes.

The village and surrounding beach and marshland have long attracted residents drawn from the arts, film and media.

In the 1890s and 1900s it became associated with Philip Wilson Steer and his circle of English Impression-

ists, and it was home to the noted artist and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh from 1914.

Considering its size, an inordinate number of British celebrities own holiday homes in the village including Emma Freud and her husband Richard Curtis.

The village is the setting for Esther Freud’s novel, The Sea House, thinly disguised as ‘Steerborough’ - presumably a coded reference, or injoke, towards one-time resident, Philip Wilson Steer.

The village is famous for its annual crabbing competition - The British Open Crabbing Championship, held every the single heaviest crab within a period of 90 minutes is declared the winner. The proceeds go towards strengthening Walberswick’s sea defences.

The village has tearooms, restaurants, two public houses, an art gallery, original crafts and gift shops.

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PLACES TO VISIT

Woodbridge

Woodbridge

T

he picturesque market town of Woodbridge effortlessly mixes the old with the new and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Whether it’s for a walk along the smooth River Deben overlooking Sutton Hoo, the ancient burial site of the Anglo Saxon Kings tucked across the river estuary, or simply to enjoy one of the many cafes and eateries around the town, you’ll find plenty of reasons to return.

The town’s most well known landmark is the white-boarded Tide Mill, which is neatly nestled between the boat builders, sail makers and chandlers still plying their wares. It may be one of the earliest mills in the UK - a mill was first recorded on this site in 1170 - but today’s building

dates from the 18th century.

In town you will probably want to catch your breath in The Thoroughfare, a cornucopia of delicatessens, boutiques, and bookshops.

One of the charms of the town are the tiny winding lanes bedecked on either side with medieval timbered cottages, Georgian townhouses, and a plethora of cosy pubs.

Market Hill provides one of the best vantage points in town and it’s here that you’ll find Woodbridge Museum, which includes an excellent collection of memorabilia telling the intriguing story of the National Trust’s Sutton Hoo site amongst other things.

Then there’s the Shire Hall to explore. Built in 1575 by Thomas Seckford, the beautiful building is

home to the Suffolk Punch Heavy Horse Museum.

Woodbridge Church

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ATTRACTIONS

Beautiful countryside, heaps of history, family fun and adventure... it’s time to explore Suffolk

Adnams Brewery Adnams’ famous Suffolk beer has been brewed in Southwold for over 150 years and all around the town you will experience the influences of the brewery. The brewery itself is a mix of traditional buildings, with cutting edge installations where cask beer has been brewed since 1872 when George and Earnest Adnams moved in.

Take a guided tour of the brewery for £12 per person or the distillery, or shop in the Cellar and Kitchen store on Victoria Street.

Southwold 01502 727 225 www.brewerytours.adnams. co.uk Abbey Gardens Beautiful public gardens surrounding the ruins of the Abbey. Stunning summer bedding displays set the tone for the annual Bury in Bloom campaign. The gardens include a host of children’s play area, tennis courts, putting, bowling green, a tea shop and a riverside walk leading towards a local nature reserve known as No Man’s Meadows. Bury St Edmunds 01284 757067

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Aboard the Allen Gardiner What could be more delightful to contemplate than a leisurely and peaceful few hours viewing beautiful parts of Suffolk from its rivers, whilst dining aboard the Lady Florence, and the South African Air Force (SAAF) air/sea rescue launch, the Allen Gardiner? Operating from the historic waterfront’s Ipswich Haven Marina in the Wet Dock, cruise the River Orwell down to the Port of Felixstowe, whilst enjoying fine food from an a la carte menu. 07831 698 298 or 01473 558 712.

Adventure Island Play Park Excellent purpose-built children’s indoor soft play centre. Pinbush Road, South Lowestoft Industrial Estate, Lowestoft. 01502 519933 www.adventureislandplaypark.co.uk Alton Water Largest reservoir in Suffolk offering fishing, sailing, windsurfing, picnic area, footpaths, water sports centre extension and visitor centre.

Cycle hire available. Holbrook Road, Stutton, nr Ipswich. 01473 589105 The Amber Museum The UK’s only purpose-built museum dedicated to the history of amber. The museum has artefacts, carvings, jewellery and objets d’art; both modern and antique.

It also houses many large examples of Amber found on the English coast - includ

Allen Gardiner on the River Orwell

ing the largest at 2.2kg. The Amber Shop has a stunning collection of Amber jewellery and gifts. 15 Market Place, Southwold. 01502 723394 Beccles Outdoor Swimming Pool Heated pool situated by the river Waveney. Puddingmoor, Beccles 01502 713297 Bentwaters Cold War Museum Museum housed in a command post or bunker on what was the USAF air base at RAF Bentwaters. Bentwaters Parks,Rendlesham.

Africa Alive An award-winning attraction set in 100 acres of dramatic coastal parkland, where you can get close to the animals and discover the sights, sounds and smells of the world’s most vibrant and exciting continent. Enjoy a walking family safari through eight acres of farmland with lions, rhinos, and more. An awe inspiring presentation of the African Savannah, where animals roam freely together as they do in the wild.Kessingland, Lowestoft 01502 740291 www.africa-alive.co.uk

Brandon Country Park 32 acres in the heart of the Brecks with walks, cycle and easy access trails. Brandon 01842 810185

Deben Cruises Cruises on the River Deben for organised parties. The Quay, Waldringfield, Woodbridge. 01473 736260

The Brecks One of the great natural areas of Britain with over 370 square miles of forest, heathland and countryside.

01842 760116

Dunwich Heath Coastal Centre Enjoy wonderful walks and fabulous views at this site of specific interest within an area of outstanding natural beauty. Dunwich 01728 648505

Carlton Marshes Over 100 acres of beautiful Suffolk grazing marsh, fens and peat pools to explore via waymarked trails. Carlton Colville, Lowestoft 01502 564250 Christchurch Mansion A fine Tudor mansion built between 1548 and 1550 with later additions. A good collection of furniture, panelling, ceramics, clocks and paintings from the 16th-19th centuries. Christchurch Park, Ipswich 01473 433554 Clare Castle Country Park Beautiful quiet space that contains the remains of the 13th century stone castle keep. The nature trail takes in the River Stour and the Railway Walk. Visitor Centre.

Maltings Lane, Clare 01787 277491 Coastal Voyager Fast exciting sea trips from the harbour. Southwold Harbour Kiosk. 07887 525082 The Control Tower Museum Learn the fascinating history of this airfield, from the first flights in 1917 to the 1970s, and about the British and American airmen who worked, fought and died at Martlesham Heath. Martlesham Heath 01473 435104 www.mhas.org.uk

East Anglia Transport Museum A working museum where the past comes to life. Travel as often as you like on historic vehicles or take a trip on the narrow gauge railway. Chapel Road, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft.

01502 518459 East Point Pavilion Visitor Centre A glass, all-weather Edwardian-style structure with a large indoor play platforms called Mayhem. Small souvenir shop, restaurant and tea rooms. Royal Plain, Lowestoft 01502 533600 Easton Farm Park Delightful working farm where you can learn all about the different animals, including lambs, ponies, Suffolk Punch Horses, piglets, rare breed cows and more.

Chick nursery, adventure playground, pedal tractors, go karts, cafĂŠ and gift shop.

Easton 01728 746475 Euston Hall Home for the Dukes of Grafton for over 300 years and currently lived in by the 11th Duke. The Hall contains, among its many treasures, the famous collection of

paintings of the court of Charles II and includes works by Van Dyck, Lely and Stubbs. Visitors are also invited to enjoy the tranquil gardens, the church and the river walk to the recently restored watermill. Euston, Thetford 01842 766366 Electric Picture Palace Owned and run by Southwold Film Society, the Electric Picture Palace shows films in seasons throughout the year, with a short break between each season. Tours of the Palace are also available and usually take place on a Sunday at 2:30pm whilst the cinema is closed between Film Seasons. Blackmill Road, Southwold. 07815 769565 Felixstowe Leisure Centre 25m pool, fitness suites, activity hall, bowls hall, soft play area and more. Seafront, Felixstowe. 01394 670411 Framlingham Castle A magnificent example of a late 12th century castle.

Built by Roger Bigod, Earl of Norfolk, the castle, together with Framlingham Mere, was designed as a stronghold and as a symbol of power and status. The castle is notable for its curtain wall with mural towers, an early example of this design.

Walk around the impressive wall-walk, explore the mere and admire the fine castle gatehouse. It was here that Mary Tudor waited to hear whether she or Lady Jane Grey had been declared Queen after the death of Edward VI. Church St Framlingham, Suffolk IP13 9BP. 01728 724189.

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ATTRACTIONS Fritton Lake Golf Course

Fritton Lake A stretch of water where you can mess about on boats, children can enjoy the playground, forts and mini tractors, there’s nine-hole golf, fishing, pony rides and walks. Fritton, nr Lowestoft 01493 488288 Fultons Clay Pigeon Shooting ‘Have-a-go’ taster sessions for beginners comprise safety instruction, gun fit, eye dominance check and include gun loan, cartridges, clays, ear and eye protection. Coaching for the more experienced too. Worlington 07734 735 511 Gainsborough’s House Gainsborough’s House and garden is the birthplace of one of Britain’s greatest artists, Thomas Gainsborough R.A (1727-88). The elegant Georgian fronted townhouse and exhibition gallery shows an outstanding collection of his paintings and drawings and presents a changing programme of displays and temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

Sudbury 01787 372958 Glemham Hall An elegant, red brick Elizabethan mansion surrounded by 300 acres of parkland situated between Woodbridge and Saxmundham. Glemham Hall was built circa 1560 by the de Glemham family,

who took their name from nearby Great (Magna) and Little (Parva) Glemham. After a varied history, the Cobbold brewing family purchased the house in 1923; it became the home of Captain John Murray Cobbold - founder and first chairman of Ipswich Town Football Club as a professional club. The 3,000 acre estate now hosts a variety of events including a country fair, open air opera and theatre. Little Glemham, Woodbridge 01728 746704 Go Ape! Extreme tree-top challenge course - an amazing trail of nets, rope bridges, slides and trapezes high up in the trees. Santon Downham, Brandon 0870 420 1279 Greene King Brewery The visitor centre is full of interesting exhibits and displays about the brewery, plus you can book a tour around the brew house. See how Greene King make their famous beers during your guided tour, have a tutored tasting and learn about Greene King and Bury St Edmunds from 1799 to the present. Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds 01284 714297 Hadleigh Guildhall A medieval timber-framed complex, Grade I listed dating from 15th century. There is a timbered guildroom, an

old town hall which has a fine crown-post roof, a Georgian assembly room and a Victorian ballroom. Small walled garden with medieval features. Market Place, Hadleigh. 01473 823884 Heavy Horse Museum Wonderful museum dedicated to the Suffolk working horse breed (or Suffolk Punch), the oldest such breed in the world and possibly the most perfect working animal ever bred by man.

Shire Hall, Market Hill, Woodbridge 01394 380643 Helmingham Hall Gardens Spectacular Grade 1 listed garden in the grounds of the 500-year-old house, home to the Tollemache family. A moated and walled garden with many rare roses and possibly the best kitchen garden in Britain. With a new rose garden and herb and knot garden created in the early 1980s. Nr Stowmarket 01473 890799 High Lodge Sporting and leisure venue set in 100 acres of woodland, offering clay target shooting, a pay and play nine-hole golf course, fishing, holiday lodges, shop andmuch more. HawWood, Hinton, nr Darsham 01986 784347

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High Lodge Forest Centre High Lodge Forest Centre is the Forestry Commission’s premier recreation destination in East Anglia and right at the heart of Thetford Forest, Europe’s largest man-made lowland forest.

With over 70km of cycle trail, 20km of walks and 50 pieces of equipment in the children’s Play Arena, it is perfect for families. ‘Bike Art’ can hire you a cycle to explore the forest floor or you can live adventurously with ‘Go Ape’; the award-winning highwire adventure in the trees. Swing through the tree tops and climb over a number of obstacles until you reach the famous Tarzan swing - a truly great day out for all the family. High Lodge has all the facilities you need, including a gift shop and café that serves food and drink from local suppliers. Big summer music concerts in the forest. Open all year. 01842 815434 www.forestry.gov.uk/highlodge The Hollesley Bay Colony Stud The world’s oldest stud farm breeding the endangered Suffolk Horse, operated by The Suffolk Punch Trust, a registered charity dedicated to the preservation of Suffolk’s history. Visit and see this season’s foals, rare large black pigs, red poll cattle and Suffolk sheep. There’s a large vehicle and implement display, a heritage exhibition , cinema and a play area.

Hollesley 01394 411327 www.suffolkpunchtrust.org Ipswich Witches Top speedway racing.

Foxhall Stadium, Ipswich 01473 623640 40

(Go Ape pictured above) Ickworth House, Park and Gardens One of England’s most extraordinary houses. The house is set in a Capability brown park and surrounded by an Italianate garden with a range of marked woodland walks, an adventure playground and picnic area.

There’s a vineyard (producing Ickworth wine) and plant centre, plus regular events.

Horringer, nr Bury St Edmunds 01284 735270 Ipswich Blue Badge Guides Walking tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from May to September. Discover the town’s history and heritage.

Also, Ipswich Ghost Tours on the first Thursday of the month. Ipswich Tourist Information Centre 01473 258070 www.visit-ipswich.com Ipswich Museum The museum and gallery has displays of Roman Suffolk wildlife, Suffolk and world geology, the Ogilvie bird gallery, People of the World and much more.

High Street, Ipswich 01473 433550

Jimmy’s Farm As seen on television, Jimmy’s Farm is the home of the rare breed Essex Pig. It is a working farm and is open for visitors seven days a week.

There is plenty to do for a great family day out, including a nature trail, woodland walk, beautiful gardens, farm shop, adventure play area and field kitchen. You can buy the home reared free range pig produce, beef and lamb in the butchers as well as an abundance of herbs and veggies from the garden. Pannington Hall Lane, Ipswich 0844 4938088 www.jimmysfarm.com Kentwell Hall and Gardens Moated redbrick Tudor mansion in a tranquil parkland setting. The exterior is almost unaltered, whilst the interior retains the original Tudor service areas. Renowned for its incredible recreations of everyday Tudor life and of WWII daily life, along with events such as Scaresville at Halloween. The present owners’ efforts to restore the house and recover and extend the once noted gardens, add to any visit’s enjoyment. Long Melford 01787 310207. www.kentwell.co.uk

ATTRACTIONS Lackford Lakes This nature reserve has year round importance for birds, dragonflies and other wildlife. The visitor centre offers stunning views across the reserve and is an ideal place to start your visit. Lackford, 01284 728706 Lady Florence River Cruises For a different fine dining experience, cruise the calms waters of the river Alde and Ore while enjoying a freshly prepared meal. Orford Quay, Orford 07831 698298 Lavenham Guildhall of Corpus Christi One of the finest timber-framed Tudor buildings in Britain, with tea room, shop and children’s guide. Market Place, Lavenham 01787 247646 Leiston Abbey One of Suffolk’s most impressive monastic ruins of a 14th century abbey with a 16th century brick gatehouse.

Leiston 01223 582700 Long Shop Museum Discover Leiston’s unique history and visit the home of the Garrett collection. An award-winning museum housed in the original Garrett works buildings including the Grade II listed Long Shop built in 1852. Four exhibition halls, resource centre, picnic garden and gift shop. Main Street, Leiston 01728 832189 Lowestoft Family Bowl Indoor bowling, nine-hole mini-golf. Capital Estate, Rant Score, Whapload Road, Lowestoft 01502 519200

The Malthouse Project Restored old maltings, which dates back to the 17th Century. Elsey’s Yard, Risbygate Street, Bury St Edmunds 01284 732550 Mannings Amusement Park Originally opened in 1933 by Sir Billy Butlin this fun park has been run by the Manning family since 1946. Traditional fairground rides and amusement arcades. Seafront, Felixstowe 01394 282370 Mechanical Music Museum and Bygones Small music boxes, polyphons and organettes, larger street pianos and player organs, large fair organs, dance band and cafe organs plus a number of unusual items and the Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ.

Blacksmith Road, Cotton, 01379 783350 Melford Hall Romantic Tudor mansion, home of the Hyde-Parker family. New interpretations, craft displays, special events. Long Melford 01787 379228 Mid Suffolk Light Railway Museum The MSLR, known affectionately as ‘The Middy’ was a classic case of a railway built late in the great railway age that never paid its way - indeed, it effectively went broke before it opened, but still struggled on for 50 years.

This example of quirky English history is remembered in Suffolk’s only railway museum.

Brockford Station, Wetheringsett 01449 766899 Mildenhall Greyhound Racing Evening racing with up to

four races per hour, every Tues and Friday. Mildenhall Stadium, West Row, Mildenhall 01638 711777 Moyse’s Hall Museum Housed in the oldest domestic building open to the public in East Anglia, Moyse’s Hall dates back over 800 years. Many striking architectural features can be seen in the building. Cornhill, Bury St Edmunds. 01284 706183 Museum of East Anglian Life Open-air museum in 75 acres of beautiful countryside.

Here you can explore nearly 3km of woodland and riverside nature trails, learn about fascinating East Anglian crafts and traditional Gypsy culture and discover fifteen splendidly restored historic buildings. Plus steam engines, animals, including Suffolk Punch horses, and more. Stowmarket 01449 612229

The National Horseracing Museum The story of the people and horses involved in racing from its Royal origins to Lester Piggott, Frankie Dettori and others. Highlights include: the head of Persimmon, a great Royal Derby winner; a display about Fred Archer, the Victorian jockey who committed suicide, which features the pistol he used; and the colourful jackets of ‘Prince Monolulu’, the 1950’s tipster. High Street, Newmarket. 01638 667333 41

ATTRACTIONS The National Stud The only thoroughbred horse stud in Britain open to the general public. Take a tour around the 500-acre site, see stallions, 200 mares, and foals. Newmarket 01638 666789

Newmarket Racecourses One of the world’s greatest racetracks, steeped in history and offering top racing and an unbeatable experience on both its Rowley Mile and July Racecourses. Cambridge Road, Newmarket 01638 675500 Newmarket Tours Palace House can arrange hourlong tours of historic Newmarket, explaining in depth its associations with Royalty and the Sport of Kings. Tourist Information Centre, Palace Street, Newmarket 01638 667200 Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum This fascinating heritage centre has over 60 aircraft, military and civil, dating from 1918 to the present, plus 25,000 smaller exhibits di played in two hangars and nine themed buildings. Flixton, Bungay 01986 896644 Nowton Park 200 acres of beautiful Suffolk countryside landscaped over 100 years ago in typical Victorian style. Nowton Road, Bury St Edmunds 01284 763666

Oasis Camel Centre Farm Park that specialises in camels, llamas, alpacas, plus a pets corner, play areas, crazy golf, bouncy castle, walks and gift shop. Orchard Farm, Cratfield Road, Halesworth. 07836 896644 Orford Castle The polygonal tower keep of Orford Castle stands beside the pretty town and former port which Henry II also developed here in the 1160s.

His aim was to counterbalance the power of turbulent East Anglian barons like Hugh Bigod of Framlingham, and to guard the coast against foreign mercenaries called to their aid. An 18-sided drum with three square turrets, and a forebuilding reinforcing its entrance, the keep was built to a highly innovative design. Orford 01394 450472

Pakenham Water Mill Suffolk’s last working water mill, producing traditional stone ground flour. Beautiful setting with garden by the millpond, guided tours, tea room, shop and special events. Pakenham 01284 724075 Pleasurewood Hills Set within 50 acres of enclosed coastal parkland and just 10mins from the popular seaside town of Great Yarmouth, Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park is a great family day out. Enjoy over 40 amazing rides, including the Jolly Roger ride (plunge from 0-60mph in 0.8 seconds), Plus lots of family rides and entertainment, including wonderful shows with Sea lions, parrots, acrobats and clowns. Leisure Way, Corton, Lowestoft 01502 586000 River Stour Trust Boat trips from Sudbury to Great Henny and vice versa on Edwardian style electric launch with a traditional canopy or a pontoon-style boat. Take in lunch at the delightful Henny Swan.

The Granary, Quay Lane, Sudbury. 01787 313199

Orwell River Cruises Enjoy the sights and scenes of the beautiful River Orwell from the comfort and tranquillity of the Orwell Lady – a custom-built river cruiser Sailing from Ipswich Wet Dock to Harwich Harbour, take in the beautiful wooded stretches of the river, the Stour estuary, historic Harwich and offer a chance to see the UK’s largest container port at Felixstowe.

Orwell Quay, Ipswich Wet Dock. 07734 875887

RSPB Havergate Island The island is famous for its breeding avocets and terns, which can be seen throughout the spring and summer.

The boat trip to the island (at 10 a.m.) adds to the interest of your day out. Prior booking essential. Orford Quay 01394 450732.

RSPB Lakenheath Fen A wetland area filled with life: marsh harriers, hobbies, bearded tits and warblers.

Lakenheath 01842 863400 43

RSPB Wolves Wood One of the few remaining areas of an ancient woodland that used to cover much of East Anglia. Hadleigh 01473 328006 St Edmundsbury Cathedral There has been a church on the site of Suffolk’s Cathedral for nearly 1,000 years. Once part of the great Abbey of St Edmund, St James’ Church served the people of the town. Though little remains of the Benedictine Abbey, following the Dissolution in 1539, St James’ Church has continued to grow over the centuries. The last 40 years have seen several additions to the church and its associated buildings, culminating in the recent Millennium Project.

The striking Millennium Tower, completed in 2005, is now the crowning glory of St Edmundsbury Cathedral. Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds.

01284 754933 Sandlings Forests The Sandlings covers woods in Rendlesham, Tangham and Dunwich. Rendlesham forest is the main area for recreation and there are various picnic sites and recreation areas. There are three circular walks including disabled trails and forest cycle trails and an adventure playground. Nr Woodbridge 01394 450164 Saxtead Green Postmill This corn mill was one of many built in Suffolk from the late 13th century. Though milling ceased in 1947, it is still in working order. Climb the stairs to various floors, which are full of fascinating mill machinery. Saxtead Green. 01728 685789 44

Somerleyton Hall & Gardens Home of the Crossley family since 1844, the Hall was remodelled from an original Jacobean Manor. 12 acres of beautiful gardens with famous 1846 Yew Tree Maze.

Guided tours of the hall, garden trail, Walled Garden and special events. Somerleyton, Lowestoft.

0871 222 4244 South Pier Leisure Complex Ten-pin bowling, amusement arcades, luxury casino and more. Royal Plain, Lowestoft 01502 512793

Southwold Lighthouse Enjoy a tour of this marvellous operational landmark, first lit in 1889. Stradbroke Road 01502 722576 Southwold Maize Maze A giant puzzle of pathways within eight acres of maize; a real brain-teaser that will test your navigational skills to the limit. Every year there’s a new design. Plus play and picnic area. Old Hall Farm, Reydon 01379 586746 Southwold Pier Following extensive renovation Southwold Pier is now one of the finest examples

of a Pier to be found in the British isles. From traditional fish and chips in the Promenade Café to mouthwatering menus in the Boardwalk and The Clockhouse. Plus gift shop, children’s shop and lifestyle store, amusements and more. North Parade, Southwold 01502 722105 Southwold Railway Bus Tours The Southwold Railway was a narrow gauge railway plying between Halesworth and Southwold from 1879 to 1929.

It’s not restored yet, but the Southwold Railway Trust can take you on an entertaining and instructive all-day trip on an historic 1950s bus to see what is left of the railway, including surviving trackbed and track and the station sites. There’s also the Halesworth and Southwold museum. Tours are available throughout the summer. 27 High Street, Southwold IP18 6AS. 07972 013804 www.southwoldrailway.co.uk Suffolk Moto Park The home of Suffolk’s offroad driving experience, the Moto Park offers the thrill of rough terrain driving. There are 4x4s, quad riding and 290cc off road dirt karts.

Clay pigeon shotting also available. Red House Farm, Bucklesham, Ipswich 01473 659222.

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary A delightful place to visit to watch, study or simply enjoy the Owls and other birds of prey. There are over 60 raptors at the centre, all housed in spacious aviaries and flying free in narrated flying displays or demonstrations plus a mini-maze. Stonham Aspal. 01449 711425

Sutton Hoo One of Britain’s most important and atmospheric archaeological sites, burial ground of the Anglo-Saxon kings of East Anglia, discovered during 1939 excavations, completed in 1991. An exhibition hall tells the compelling story of early English history, and you can also enjoy sandlings heathland and woodland walks. Nr Woodbridge 01394 389700 Thornham Walks Twelve miles of footpaths through the woodland, farmland and parkland of the Thornham Estate. Red House Yard, Thornham Magna, Eye 01379 788345 The Thornham Walled Garden Restored Victorian glasshouses in the idyllic setting of a two-acre walled garden with fruit trees, wide perennial borders, collection of East Anglian geraniums and fern house. 01379 788700 Thorpeness Windmill This working mill dates from 1803 and is a visitor centre for Suffolk coast and heaths area of outstanding natural beauty. Uplands Road, Thorpeness 01728 687110 Valley Farm Camargue Horses A working farm and a diverse, multi award-winning equestrian leisure centre.

Attractions include an animal collection and their foals, as well as Camelot the Camel, Muffin the Mule and other animal friends, as featured many timeson television. Wickham Market, Woodbridge 01728 746916

ATTRACTIONS

Waveney River Centre A range of vessels available for hire from rowing boats and canoes to luxury day cruisers. Burgh St Peter, Beccles 01502 677343 Waveney River Tours River trips from Oulton Broad to a number of destinations along the southern Broads.

Mutford Lock, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft 01502 574903 West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village A reconstructed Anglo-Saxon village built on an original settlement site, giving visitors the opportunity to touch and experience Anglo-Saxon houses as we imagine them to have been 1,500 years ago. Visitors can also see the archaeological objects excavated from the site on display in a specially built centre. West Stow, nr Bury St Edmunds 01284 728718 West Stow Country Park 125-acre country park with a wide range of Breckland habitats - heath, woodland, river and a lake. There are nature trails, walks, bird hides and a bird feeding/viewing area, visitor centre, cafĂŠ, shop, picnic areas and adventure playground.

Icklingham Road, West Stow, Bury St Edmunds 01284 728718 Wildtracks Off Road Activity Park Purpose-built offroad activity park dedicated to a range of fun outdoor events for the public and corporate entertainment market. Enjoy activities such as offroad driving, karting and clay pigeon shooting to name a few! Chippenham Road, Kennett, Newmarket 01638 751918.

Woodbridge Tide Mill (pictured above) By the early 1950s Woodbridge was home to the only surviving tidal mill in the country. It regularly grinds high quality wholemeal flour when conditions are suitable, and at most low tides the machinery will turn.

When the machinery turns, the whole building comes alive. It affords a fascinating and educational glimpse into our industrial and technological past. Tide Mill Way, Woodbridge. 01394 385295. www.woodbridgetidemill.org.uk Woodbridge Museum Local history museum.

Market Hill, Woodbridge.

01394 385572 45

SHOPPING & ENTERTAINMENT

A retail haven awaits during the day, whilst at night Suffolk comes to life with a mix of enjoyable entertainment SHOPPING

Snape Maltings

Arc Bury St Edmunds This fabulous centre is the new heart of shopping in Bury St Edmunds with a great array of fashionable retailers - 35 smart new shops and restaurants, topped off by the breathtaking curved Debenhams flagship store.

Prospect Row, Bury St Edmunds. 01284 763124 Bridge Farm Barns Located in Monks Eleigh, one of Suffolk’s prettiest villages, Bridge Farm Barns is a collection of independent retail businesses and a tea room, each offering a good selection of distinctive products. Monks Eleigh.

01449 740456 Buttermarket A centre situated in the retail core of Ipswich and featuring many familiar high street names. St Stephen’s Lane, Ipswich. 01473 281879 The Guineas Retailers offering brands at affordable prices. Stores include Argos, Select, Claire’s, Poundland, The Black Cat, Newmarket Sports and more.

Newmarket 01638 665809 Snape Maltings (pictured) An unusual collection of quality shops and galleries in converted granaries and malt house buildings by the River Alde. There’s a large house and garden shop, a food hall, Samphire ladies and men’s fashion, Little Rascals selling toys and books 46

for children; crafts, gifts and ceramics at The Shop on the Quay; a large antiques centre and two art galleries.

Snape, nr Aldeburgh 01728 688303 Stonham Barns A leisure, shopping and rural pursuits complex with specialist craft, antique, home furnishing and interiors shops and a restaurant. Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, Stowmarket. 01449 711755 Tower Ramparts Undercover mall with a selection of shops set over two levels. Stores include jewellers, fashion shops and other retail stores.

01473 226386 ENTERTAINMENT Aldeburgh Cinema A delightful independent cinema. The auditorium

dates back to around 1920, and today it has 286 seats and all the latest technology. 51 High Street.

01728 452996 The Apex Bury St Edmunds’ state-ofthe-art music and entertainment venue presents a wide variety of events throughout the year. Live music ranges from jazz to classical and from folk to rock. Regular events include Fat Cat Comedy Club on the second Sunday of every month and a range of dance events.

The venue plays host to the Bury St Edmunds Festival, a plethora of music with over 20 events in May. The stunning auditorium is acoustically designed for perfect sound and the white oak galleries give a contemporary feel. There are studios for workshops, including dance classes. The contemporary

coffe bar is open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm for visitors to relax in beautiful surroundings.

All artwork is based on the theme of music and exhibitions change on a regular basis. Bury St Edmunds 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk Cineworld Cardinal Park, Grafton Way, Ipswich 0871 2002000 Electric Picture Palace Owned and run by Southwold Film Society this delightful small cinema was opened in 1991 by Michael Palin. It is named after the first Southwold cinema which began to operate in 1912 and follows the style of this period. It has 66 authentic cinema seats, a box office, kiosk, circle, organ and air-conditioning. Southwold 07815 769565 Fisher Theatre Georgian building that started life as a theatre but spent most of its life serving other purposes until 2001 when it reopened as a centre for shows, arts and film. Broad Street, Bungay 01986 897130 Haverhill Arts Centre Originally the Town Hall, this 210- seat auditorium hosts music, theatre, arts events, and films. High Street, Haverhill 01440 714140 Hollywood Cinema Anglia Square, Ipswich 01473 232666; 41 London Road South, Lowestoft 01502 564567; Hatter Street, Bury St Edmunds 01284 762586 Leiston Film Theatre Suffolk’s oldest purpose built cinema, first opened in 1914.

The original picture house had a capacity for 700 people; it had a small stage and a pit for the then ubiquitous organ. After are furbishment in 2001, it is more than fit for the 21st Century.

High Street. 01728 830549

productions. Ipswich 01473 433100

Marina Theatre This superb theatre dates back to 1897 and today hosts a range of top flight shows. Lowestoft 01502 533200

The Seagull An important performing arts venue, offering a diverse range of shows, classes and workshops. Morton Road, Pakefield, Lowestoft 01502 589726

New Cut Arts Centre Community arts centre hosting a range of theatre and music productions, plus film screenings. New Cut, Halesworth. 0845 6732123 New Wolsey Theatre A 400-seat theatre with a varied programme of drama, music, comedy, poetry, dance and children’s shows. Civic Drive, Ipswich. 01473 295900 Palace Cinema Fabulous independent cinema dating back to 1937 and offering blockbuster movies and a real retro cinema experience.

Crescent Road, Felixstowe 01394 671330 Quay Theatre Small, charming theatre by the Stour offering a wide range of shows and films.

Quay Lane, Sudbury 01787 374745 Regent Theatre and Corn Exchange The Regent is East Anglia’s largest theatre, and the Corn Exchange has an impressive Grand Hall. They feature top West End shows, international music, comedy and high quality amateur

Riverside Theatre Films, occasional stage shows and restaurant.

Quayside, Woodbridge 01394 382174

Seckford Theatre New 350-seat theatre situated in the beautiful grounds of the four centuries old Woodbridge School.

Woodbridge. 01394 615111 Snape Maltings Concert Hall Inspired by the legacy of its founder Benjamin Britten, Aldeburgh Music has evolved into a year round programme of artistic endeavour, much taking place at this stunning auditorium.

Home also to the Snape Proms and a host of community concerts and performances. Snape, nr Aldeburgh. 01728 687100 Spa Pavilion Located on Felixstowe’s picturesque seafront, this excellent 892 seat theatre has an adjoining restaurant with wonderful panoramic sea view. Undercliff Road West, Felixstowe 01394 282126 Theatre Royal Built in 1819 this is the country’s sole surviving example of a Regency playhouse. It is a most significant theatre buildings in the UK. Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds 01284 769505 47

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ARTS & CRAFTS

Suffolk’s scenery has inspired generations of artists and continues to do so today. Art lovers will find many contemporary landscapes and seascapes in galleries throughout the county.

Just a few places to find great art and crafts…

Aldeburgh Gallery 143 High Street, Aldeburgh 01728 452772 Angel Gallery 17 Market Place, Lavenham 01787 248417 The Apex Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds. 01284 758000 Art Garden Gallery High Street, Yoxford 01728 668163 Beyond the Image Gallery Red House Yard, Thornham Magna. 01379 678230 Blackthorpe Barns Rougham, Bury St Edmunds 01359 270091 Bookends of Sudbury Gaol Lane. 01787 881232 Buckenham Galleries 81 High Street, Southwold 01502 725418 Cork Brick Gallery 6 Earsham Street, Bungay 01986 894873 Craftco High Street, Southwold 01502 723211 The Crooked House Gallery 7 High St, Lavenham 01787 247865 Eyestorm Gallery 27-29 St Nicholas Street, Ipswich, 01473 222197 Ferini Art Gallery All Saints Road, Pakefield, Lowestoft 01502 562222 1st Floor Gallery 1 Lower Downs Slade, Haverhill 01440 762444 Halesworth Gallery Steeple’s End, Halesworth

01986 872409 Hunter Gallery Coconut House, Long Melford 01787 466117 Imagine Gallery Hall Street, Long Melford, 01787 378786 Jessica Muir Gallery Hall Street, Long Melford 01787 310400 John Russell Gallery 4 - 6 Wherry Lane, Ipswich 01473 212051 Kersey Pottery The Street, Kersey 01473 822092 Kesgrave Arts 83 Main Rd, Kesgrave 01473 333553 Lavenham Contemporary Gallery, Hall Street, Lavenham 01787 249451 Lime Tree Gallery Hall Street, Long Melford 01787 319046 Reunion Gallery 36 Gainsborough Road, Felixstowe. 01394 272266 Sea Pictures Gallery Well Lane, Clare 01787 279024 Serena Hall Gallery 16 Queen St, Southwold 01502 723887

Smiths Row The Market Cross, Cornhill, Bury St Edmunds.

01284 762081 Snape Maltings Snape, nr Aldeburgh 01728 688303 Soule Pottery Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspal 01449 711000 Southwold Gallery High Street, Southwold 01502 723888 Spiral Gallery High St, Debenham 01728 861699 Thompson’s Gallery 175 High St, Aldeburgh 01728 453743 The Town Hall Galleries Cornhill, Ipswich 01473 432863 The Upstairs Gallery Exchange Square, Beccles 01502 717191 The Wildlife Art Gallery High Street, Lavenham 01787 248562 Wildwood Gallery Churchgate St, Bury St Edmunds 07710532735 Wingfield Barns Church Rd, Wingfield 01379 384505 49

FOOD & DRINK

In Suffolk there’s no shortage of places to find delicious home grown and locally produced food Adnams The brewer of distinctly nautical ales including Broadside and Explorer, along with a range of seasonal brews. The empire also includes an estate of over 70 pubs and two hotels in its home port of Southwold. 01502 727200 www.adnams.co.uk Alder Carr Farm Shop Alder Carr farm raise their own Highland cattle for beef, and produce a delicious range of fruit icecreams. Their farm shop and delicatessen sells produce that includes home-baked pies, meats, herb plants, free-range eggs, goat’s cheese, European cheeses, Jersey cream and local wines and beers. The pick your own farm offers a great range of fruit and veg, there’s also a yard restaurant and crafts centre. Creeting St Mary. 01449 720820 Aspall Cyder Eight generations of the Chevalier family in Debenham have produced Aspall Suffolk Cyder. All apples pressed for the cyder are from the local area. 01728 860510 www.aspall.co.uk Assington Farm Shop Willow Tree Farm at Assington sells own-produced honey, freshly pressed fruit juices and bacon alongside a wide range of own grown fruit and veg. The shop also sells local pork sausages, bread, free-range eggs and 50

cakes. Specialities include homegrown fruits, Jersey cream and honeycomb ice-cream. There’s also plenty of choice at their pick your own farm, which is open throughout the summer. Willow Tree Farm, Assington, Sudbury 01787 211610 Bartrams A micro-brewery run by Marc Bartram since 1999 that has won a host of sought-after awards, including one for the label of Comrade Bill Bartrams Egalitarian Anti Imperialist Soviet Stout. Bury St Edmunds 01449 737655 www.bartramsbrewery.co.uk Brandon Built in an old dairy in 2005 which forms part of a hotel and restaurant complex offering tearooms and hire boats. Among the range of

beers is Gunflint, which commemorates the role of the local flint in winning the Battle of Waterloo. Brandon www.brandonbrewery.co.uk Butley Orford Oysterage An experience where you can enjoy fish as fresh as it comes. Perfect fresh fish and seafood, oysters from Pinney’s own beds, a large range of fish from their own smokehouse, all available in the shop or restaurant. Market Hill, Orford 01394 450277 The Chilli Company Started in 2001, The Chilli Company has grown over the years and in 2006 opened the Chilli Farm.

Based in a 400 year old converted barn which houses the shop and licensed coffee shop, with the nursery open to the public during the summer, they grow and

and sell over 50 varieties of chilli plants, using them to make a range of homemade chilli including chilli scones, chilli sausage rolls and chilli brownies and its own chilli ice cream.

Mendlesham 01449 766 677 www.chillicompany.com Earl Soham A brewery based in an old chicken shed behind the Victoria pub since 1985 before being reopened in 2001 after a refit. Its beers - which include Victoria Bitter, Albert Ale, Gannet Mild, Empress India and Porter - are now available in over 25 pubs in the region. 01728 684097 www.earlsohambrewery. co.uk Emmets of Peasenhall Mark Thomas is widely recognised as producing the finest hams in southeast England, using locally reared, free-range Suffolk pork and curing and smoking on the premises at his delightful well-stocked shop that has a Royal Warrant.

Vintage Velvet hams are cured with port, others with cider. Peasenhall, Saxmundham, 01728 660250 Farmcafe and Foodmarket An oasis on the A12 offering locally produced food in both the café and shop.

A12, Marlesford, Woodbridge 01728 747717 www.farmcafe.co.uk Friday Street Farm Shop Locally produced organic veg and chocolate are sold beside a wide range of home-grown seasonal vegetables. A good selection of organic meat includes beef, chicken, pork and lamb.

Farnham, nr Saxmundham

01728 602783 Goslings Farm Shop This well stocked general farm store offers plenty of home grown and local fruit and vegetables, meats and poultry, cakes, bread and preserves and a range of gluten free and vegetarian foods. They also offer a wide range of pick-your-own soft fruit and veg. To add to your visit there’s a coffee shop and cakes, and a packed plant centre. Longford House, Trimley St Mary, Felixstowe. 01394 273361 Grange Farm Shop Seasonal apples are a speciality here, sold beside home-grown pears, plums, blackcurrants and more.

The shop also offers a range of locally sourced products including seasonal veg, groceries, meat, cakes, juices and ice cream. Grundisburgh Road, Hasketon, Woodbridge 01473 735610 Green Jack A three-man team producing beer inside the Triangle Tavern who produced a brew called Ripper which was voted the best winter beer in the UK. All its beers are known for their hoppy character thanks to a blend of local and new world hops.

Lowestoft 01502 582711 www.green-jack.co.uk Greene King A pub owner and brewer based in Bury St Edmunds for over 200 years, Greene King is responsible for iconic beers including Abbot, Old Speckled Hen, Ruddles County and its eponymous IPA. Bury St Edmunds 01284 763222 www.greeneking.co.uk

Hadleigh Maid Chocolates Beautifully packaged chocolates carefully hand-made by a team of chocolate fanatics in the picturesque town of Hadleigh. George Street, Hadleigh 0845 330 6384 www.hadleighmaid.com High House Fruit Farm Fruit growers for more than 40 years with a shop that’s open daily selling fresh fruit, juices and preserves. Or pick your own! Sudbourne, Woodbridge www.high-house.co.uk Hollow Trees Farm Shop This Les Routier accredited farm shop has been established for 20 years. You’ll find local meats - including kid meat from their own-reared goats, and home-reared beef, pork and lamb - locally baked bread, home grown vegetables, hay for pets, locally smoked fish and fine cheeses, local ales and ciders, fresh pressed juices and smoothies, and home grown cut flowers and plants.

There’s also a farm trail that takes you through the fields and livestock sheds, and a café. Semer, nr Hadleigh.

01449 741247 51

James White A range of bottled fruit juices produced just eight miles north of Ipswich and available to buy regionwide. www.jameswhite.co.uk Jimmy’s Farm As seen on TV, Jimmy Doherty’s place is a working farm which makes for a geat family day out with trails, and play areas. In the farm shop you can buy all of their home reared free range pig produce, beef and lamb in our butchers as well as an abundance of herbs and veggies from the garden.

Pannington Hall Lane, Wherstead. 08444 938088 Marybelle A family run business, located in the heart of Suffolk’s beautiful countryside, making a fabulous range of dairy products for East Anglia. All of their milk is sourced from local family farms. Its products include milk, yoghurt, cream, creme fraiche, and the popular Suffolk Meadow range of ice creams. Walpole, Halesworth 01986 784658 www.marybelle.co.uk Mauldons A micro-brewery set up in 1981 by Peter Mauldon, re-establishing a family business dating back to the 18th century. Though it has since been purchased by an outsider it continues to produce the old favourites, including award-winning Black Adder. Sudbury 01787 311055 www.mauldons.co.uk Musk’s It’s not just horses Newmarket is famous for. The recipe for these sausages is a closely guarded secret and 52

unchanged since the days of Queen Victoria. Today, the company still supplies sausages to the Queen.

01638 662626 Newbourne Farm Shop Family run farm shop selling home grown fruit and vegetables and locally sourced, Suffolk food. 01473 836996 www.suffolkcheese.co.uk Paddy and Scott’s Independent coffee brand based in Earl Soham producing gourmet traditional hand-roasted coffee. www.paddyandscotts.co.uk Palmers Bakeries The oldest traditional family bakers and confectioners in Suffolk. Established in 1869, the Palmer Family use only traditional ingredients and methods. Shops located in Haughley, Stowmarket, Woolpit, Stanton, Claydon, Meredith and Norwich Road in Ipswich. 01449 673286 Powters Since 1881, Powters has built a reputation for its ‘Newmarket Sausage’. Prime cuts of East Anglian pork, freshly boned by hand and mixed with their secret blend of herbs and spices gives this a distinctive flavour.

Wellington Street, Newmarket 01638 662418 www. powters.co.uk Red Rat Craft Brewery A brewery whose success allowed it to multiply its output by 20 times

in a year to 10,000 pints a week. Among its favourites is the highly-regarded Crazy Dog Stout (named after the owner’s own dog) which is a great accompaniment to dark meat and game. Troston 01359 269742 Rookery Farm Shop Locally produced Double Fudge Delight ice cream is one of a number of specialities. The shop also sells Sutton Hoo chicken, local lamb, smoked fish, honey and seasonal veg such as purple sprouting broccoli and butternut squash. Tattingstone, Ipswich. 01473 327220 St Peters A brewery relying on Anglian malts and water drawn up from the chalky ground within its perimeter. It supplements a range of traditional beers with seasonal treats such as honey porter and fruit beer, as well as a gluten free variety. Bungay 01986 78232 www.stpetersbrewery.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

Shawsgate Vineyard One of East Anglia’s oldest commercial vineyards producing a range of white, red and rosé wines. Wander around the vineyard, visit the shop, or take a tour.

Badingham Road, Framlingham. 01728 724060 Stark Naked Foods The home of fresh pesto.

The Starke family have been growing herbs for over 100 years. They are the largest parsley growers in Europe, and the biggest herb producers in the UK. Stark Naked started in 2000 creating pure pestos. The Company was formed by Victoria Starke in response to a growing demand for fresh pestos that are 100% natural, pure and totally yummy.

Chestnuts Farm, Eye www.starknakedfoods.co.uk Suffolk Farmhouse Cheeses All cheeses are made from Jason and Elisabeth Salisbury’s Guernsey cows on their farm in Cottenham.

01473 836996 www.suffolkcheese.co.uk Suffolk Food Hall The Food Hall brings together several businesses under one roof providing an outlet for the best local quality food.

The concept of the Suffolk Food Hall started to take shape in 2005, as farmers, Oliver and Robert Paul were frustrated that consumers had limited and often inconvenient access to much of the fantastic food produced locally. They have teamed up with a number of specialists, including Hamish Johnston cheese, Crystal Waters fishmonger, Bread by Helena Doy, Promotion Wine and the Bourne Garden Centre and are looking to provide a great day out for the whole family with quality, traceable food alongside other local products.

Wherstead. 01473 786610

village of Peasenhall. With a driving passion to master the art of coffee roasting, Christopher now pursues his never-ending obsession; to create the finest and most exclusive coffee blends for you to taste and enjoy.

These boutique blends have become widely recognised as some of the best freshly roasted coffees available today. www.thesuffolkcoffeecompany.co.uk Ufford Produce and Provison Co Award-winning specialist Suffolk Food Store. As well as fresh produce from surrounding farms all meat products are sourced from suppliers who raise and butcher their animals within a 30 mile radius of the shop. Loudham Lane, Lower Ufford, Woodbridge. 0844 556 9323

Stokes Sauces From their ‘Saucery’ in the heart of Suffolk, Stokes produce an award-winning range of quality mayonnaises, sauces, mustards, relishes, chutneys, dressings, jams and marmalades, in the Stokes, Suffolk Mud and Staverton Ewe brands. www.stokessauces.co.uk

Willow Trees Farm Shop Willow Trees farm shop sells as much seasonal and local produce as possible, and it is all superb quality. There are cheeses and chickens, cakes and breads, as well as classic frozen vegetables and ready meals. Willow Trees also stock a wide range of locally produced jams and chutneys, oils and sauces, and they are well worth a visit during the short asparagus season for a taste of those alone. Lower Road, Glemsford, Long Melford 01787 280341

The Suffolk Coffee Company For over 20 years Christopher Rayner Green has developed his passion for fine coffee. Today he runs the UK’s most bespoke Coffee Roastery, from the

Valley Farm Vineyards 14 acres of vineyards that produce fine English wines.

The Visitor Centre is situated in a newly restored 18th century barn. Wissett, Halesworth. 01986 785535 53

WHAT’S ON?

Festivals, concerts, country shows, historical recreations, airshows, sports and more... Suffolk has it all!

8 Dizzee Rascal Newmarket Racecourse 9 - 10 Woodturning and Fun Weekend Dallinghoo Jubilee Village Hall 10 Pre-war Cars Felixstowe Museum 15 - 17 Maritime Festival Ipswich The Maverick Festival

JULY 4-6 Maverick Festival Farm Park, Woodbridge 4-6 Beer Festival Cherry Inn, Woodbridge 5 Soul By the Sea Opposite the Red Lion Hotel, Aldeburgh

Stowmarket Recreation Ground 20 Classic Boat Trip Waveney River Centre, Beccles 26 Jazz by the Waterfront St Peters by the Waterfront, Ipswich

5 Moth Morning Landguard Peninsula, Felixstowe

26-27 4th Annual Military Heritage Weekend Suffolk Aviation Heritage Museum

5 Outdoor Theatre Event St. Mary’s Church, Pakeham

27 Brass on the Grass Christchurch Park, Ipswich

5-6 Woodbridge Carnival Kingston Field, Woodbridge

27 Suffolk Dog Show Helmingham Hall Gardens

7 Floristry Workshops Suffolk Food Hall, Ipswich

AUGUST

10 The Rural Coffee Caravan Benhall Village Green

3 Picnic Jazz The Pavilion, Orford

17 - 20 Latitude Festival Henham Park, Southwold

3 The Secret Seashore Landguard Nature Reserve, Felixstowe

20 Stowmarket Carnival Dog Show

4 Wings on Waves Felixstowe

54

15 - 17 Folk East Festival Glemham Hall, Suffolk 15 Wet Wet Wet Newmarket Racecourse 20 Wildart Carlton Marshes, Lowestoft 23 Peter Andre Newmarket Racecourse 24 - 25 Food & Drink Festival Bury St Edmunds 24 Beccles Antiques Street Market Beccles Town Centre 28 Poetry Prom Snape Maltings Concert Hall 30 - 31 Echoes of the Past Vintage Weekend Rougham Control Tower Museum, Bury St Edmunds 31 Walk with a Fork Helmingham Hall SEPTEMBER 5 Flash Tribute to Queen The Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh

The Suffolk Dog Show

6 Italian Autumn Harvest Suffolk Food Hall 6 Antiques and Interiors Auction Mander Auctioneers, nr Sudbury 7 Beccles Duck Race Beccles Quay 7 Art on the Prom Information Centre, Felixstowe 13 The Magic Ear Exhibtion Bawdsey Radar Station, Bawdsey

27 The ‘Speakeasy Ball’ at The Country Club Thorpeness Hotel and Golf Club

IP3 8UH

27 - 28 Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival Snape Maltings, Saxmundham

18 - 19 The 95th Rifles Landguard Fort, Landguard Peninsula, Felixstowe

28 Militaria Fair Thetford Leisure Centre, Thetford OCTOBER 4 Long Melford Book Fair Memorial Hall, Long Melford

14 Autumn Plant Fair Helmingham Hall

4 Tattersalls Million Day Newmarket Racecourse

20 Autumn Craft & Design Fair The Old School, Long Melford

5 Blue Cross Seafront Sponsored Dog Walk Felixstowe Seafront

20 - 21 Flower Festival St Peters Church, Bury St Edmunds

10 - 1 Nov Scaresville Kentwell Hall

20 Sampling Saturday Suffolk Food Hall

11 What’s About with the Ranger Landguard Nature Reserve, Felixstowe

21 Sheepdog Trials Suffolk Food Hall

11 Cesarewitch Saturday Newmarket Racecourse

26 - 29 Retro Dub Festival Trinity Park, Ipswich

11 - 12 Suffolk Robin Hood Game & Country Show Trinity Park, Ipswich, Suffolk

16 Kitchen Club- Baking The Suffolk Food Hall

19 Suffolk Whole Hog Team race Wantisden Hall, Wantisden Valley 24 - 26 The Art Craft & Design Show The Millennium Grandstand, Rowley Mile Racecourse 25 Little Orchard Miniature Ride-On Railway Little Orchard Ixworth Road Norton 25 Landguard Spooky Day Felixstowe Museum 26 - 2 Nov Spooky Trail Landguard Fort, Landguard Peninsula, Felixstowe 26 Lavenham Farmers’ Market Lavenham Village Hall, Church St, Lavenham 30 - 31 Halloween Fun at the Mill Pakenham Water Mill, Pakenham 55

WHAT’S ON? 31 Little Fort of Horrors Landguard Fort, Landguard Peninsula, Felixstowe 31 Sudbury Farmers’ Market St Peter’s Church, Market Hill, Sudbury NOVEMBER 1 Bury St Edmunds Charity Fireworks Display Abbey Gardens, Bury St Edmunds 1 Murder Mystery Night Belstead Brook Hotel, Ipswich 1 Christmas Fair Needham Market Community Centre 8 - 9 Ipswich Christmas Craft & Food Fair Suffolk Showground, Trinity Park, Ipswich 7 Halesworth Country Market St Mary’s Church Hall, Halesworth

Christmas in Bury St Edmunds

Ipswich

St Peter and St Mary’s Church Station Road West, Stowmarket

8 Woodbridge Farmers and Fine Food Market The Community Centre, Woodbridge

21 - 23 Ipswich Christmas Market Ipswich Waterfront

8 Top of the Pops Night Belstead Brook Hotel, Ipswich

22 Wetheringsett Victorian Christmas Fair Mid Suffolk Light Railway

7 Dolls Houses & Miniatures Fair Felixstowe Leisure Centre

22 Blue Cross Christmas Fair St Mary’s Church Hall, Felixstowe

7 Mammoth Christmas Street Fair Thoroughfare, Woodbridge

23 Sesaw Christmas Fair & Grand Annual Draw Leavenheath Village Hall, Leavenheath

13 Book Fair Village Memorial Hall, Long Melford

15 - 16 The Christmas Show Wherstead Park, The Street, Wherstead 15 Dark Side of the Wall Pink Floyd Tribute Act The Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh 15 Antiques and Interiors Auction Mander Auctioneers, near Sudbury 16 Giant Christmas craft and Gift Fair Cameo Hotel, Copdock,

27 Kitchen Club- Canapes and Cocktails The Suffolk Food Hall 28 - 3 Jan Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival

DECEMBER

13 Bread Workshop The Suffolk Food Hall 19 Farmer’s Market St Peter’s Church, Sudbury

56

Welcome to High Lodge

A Unique Venue

kee p up to date

Situated in 100 acres of woodland and delightful countryside High Lodge offers a range of leisure activities and relaxing short breaks in our luxury lodge accommodation!

The

Sunday Carvery Pay & Play Golf

Book now for Sunday

Fabulous Weddings

H AV E A GO DAYS Award Winning

1st Saturday of each month

Corporate Packages

OUR NEW WEBSITE IS LAUNCHING SOON www.highlodge.co.uk email info@highlodge.co.uk tel 01986 784347 find Suffolk us just off the A12 nearLife)_Layout Blythburgh, Suffolk IP17 3QT 12:11 Page 1 2014 Guide (East 1 23/04/2014

Great Breaks for Everyone... at Ufford Park Woodbridge

Set in 120 acres of historic parkland, one day at Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel, Golf & Spa in Suffolk is never enough.

Let us welcome you to our wonderful facilities & stunning views.

1 Night Golf & Spa Breaks from £89 per person* Family Inclusive breaks - from £299 per adult (Kids from £10 each*) • 18 hole, par 71 golf course • 2 tier floodlit driving range • health club • luxury spa & treatments • 15 metre swimming pool

• all day food • afternoon tea • parties, wedding conferences • walk/jog round our trim trail • open to all 7 days a week

t 0844 4991631 (local rate) w www.uffordpark.co.uk *Terms & conditions apply.

Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1QW

57

WEDDING VENUES

There’s no better place to be for your special day Suffolk is the perfect location for your wedding

Seckford Hall Seckford Hall is a splendid Tudor hotel near Suffolk’s Heritage coast, set among 34 acres of private countryside. It is licensed for civil ceremonies with an oak-panelled Great Hall, which can seat 30 people, or the Lakeside Suite for up to 120 guests, which overlooks the gardens. A glamorous marquee in the grounds is available for hire, with windows, French doors, carpet, chandeliers, and heaters to keep it warm whatever the weather. The Hall also caters for evening receptions for up to 140 guests, and there is Minstrel’s Gallery from which a small band can play.

Woodbridge 01394 385678 www.seckford.co.uk Glemham Hall This impressive red brick Elizabethan mansion is steeped in history and is the perfect setting for a traditional English country-style wedding. This venue offers a mid-week wedding package that retains all the romantic charm that Glemham Hall is renowned for but at a fraction of the cost.

Glemham Hall, Little Gleham, Woodbridge 01728 746704 www.glemhamhall.co.uk Christchurch Mansion Christchurch Mansion is a red brick Tudor manor house set amid lovely 100 58

acre parkland, close to the centre of Ipswich. The picturesque grounds are perfect for wedding photography; the rooms of the manor are beautifully furnished in various period styles from Tudor to Victorian. Soane Street, Ipswich 01473 433554 Le Talbooth For a wedding in the heart of Constable Country this family-run, luxury country house hotel is set in an idyllic position beside the river Stour and provides fabulous menus, and rooms, to suit every style of wedding. The River Room offers space for larger parties, while the Weavers room is suitable for a small, intimate gathering.

There’s also a marquee on the upper terrace, which caters for groups of up to 180 people. Dedham 01206 323150 www.milsomweddings.com Trinity Park This contemporary setting for a wedding sits amid 300 acres of beautiful landscaped grounds, and has a stunning courtyard garden.

The venue holds a license for civil marriages and partnership ceremonies, and also offers the services of a wedding coordinator. The Park can comfortably acco modate up to 500 guests for a wedding breakfast, and more intimate spaces can be created for smaller wed-

ding parties. Ipswich.

01473 707119 www.trinityparkevents.co.uk Bedford Lodge Hotel The elegant white Bedford Lodge, with its romantic rose gardens, dates back to the 17th century. A beautiful venue for a civil wedding ceremony and wedding reception, the hotel offers a choice of three self-contained banqueting suites which can accommodate from 10 to 150 guests. There is also space for a marquee in the grounds. Bury Road, Newmarket 01638 663175 Butley Priory This luxury fairytale wedding venue, with a stunning gothic interior, was originally an Augustinian Monastery.

The Priory is located between Rendlesham Forest and the Heritage Coast.

Both the Great Hall, which can seat 90 people, and the smaller panelled Drawing Room seating 50, are licensed to hold wedding ceremonies. Overnight accommodation is also available. www.butleypriory.co.uk 01394 450046 Thorpeness Hotel and Country Club The Thorpeness Country Club is a magical wedding location, just a pebble’s

Bedford Lodge

throw from the beach. The hotel offers a selection of menus and dishes, all of which are individually priced, allowing you the flexibility to create a bespoke menu and package to suit your requirements. You may wish to give your wedding a seaside theme, or simply opt for something traditional; the choice is yours. 01728 452176 www.thorpeness.co.uk Woodhall Manor A private country house made available for business and leisure purposes. The manor is an exceptional place to do business, away from it all on the Suffolk Heritage Coast, yet just two hours from London.

Business can be conducted in privacy in any of the four reception rooms, all fully equipped with the latest IT and communications technology. The manor is also the ideal venue for

weddings and private parties. With nine acres of English country gardens you will be spoilt for choice with photographic backdrops and beautiful settings.

Accommodation is in 12 en-suite bedrooms furnished to an exceptional standard and catering will be provided to your exact specifications. The banqueting suite can seat 120 for a sit-down meal and up to 200 if a less formal buffet menu is preferred. Smaller parties can opt for a more intimate setting, dining in the manor itself. Larger celebrations can be accommodated in marquees in the grounds.

01394 411288 www.woodhallmanor.co.uk St Peters Hall The moated St Peters Hall is fully licensed for weddings and civil ceremonies and offers a photogenic

medieval setting for weddings for up to 250 people, with bar, two function rooms, garden, optional marquees and a chapel. The hall has an on-site events manager and will help as much as you wish with planning and is also home to Wickedly Good Food, the high-class event catering company. St Peter South Elmham, Bungay 01986 782288 www.stpetershallsuffolk.co.uk Haughley Park Barn This 17th century, oakframed barn is surrounded by beautiful country house gardens. A private, exclusive venue located in central Suffolk, Haughley Park Barn is an idyllic setting for a wedding with civil ceremony, reception and evening party all in the one place.

Haughley Park, Stowmarket.

01359 240701 www.haughleyparkbarn. co.uk 59

WEDDING VENUES

Hintlesham Hall With its grand entrance to the estate and its sumptuous rooms, Hintlesham Hall is ideal for a picturesque wedding banquet in regal settings, whether you marry at the Hall or nearby, any day of the week. There’s a warm, relaxing and friendly ambience to this beautiful country house hotel, together with attentive staff and renowned cuisine. The magnificent Salon, the Carolean Room with its stunning 17th century plasterwork ceiling and the intimate Justice room are licensed to accommodate civil ceremonies for up to 100, 50 and 20 guests respectively. Hintlesham Hall Hotel, Hintlesham, Ipswich 01473 652334

Hungarian Hall Events The wedding venue is set in landscaped surroundings.

The tastefully decorated Danube Suite can cater for up to 160 ceremony guests.

For the reception, the stunning marquee is suitable for 200 guests. The marquee has been carefully designed with a curved window, presenting guests with beautiful rural views throughout the day.

The marquee can also be tailored to meet your individual colour schemes and dĂŠcor ideas.

Pettistree, Woodbridge.

01394 460362 www.hungarianhallevents. co.uk 60

High Lodge High Lodge is a beautiful venueon the Suffolk Coast, giving exclusive use to you and your guests at exceptional value and at a very high standard. Their professional team ensure that every detail of your wedding celebration is taken care of. High Lodge can provide the full wedding package, including civil ceremonies and, complete with on-site accommodation, it is a great venue for the smallest, most intimate gathering to the grandest of events. High Lodge Wood, Hinton, Nr Darsham. 01986 784347 www.highlodge.co.uk

Ufford Park Ufford Park Hotel, Golf and Spa is set in a tranquil 120 acres of historic Suffolk parkland. The hotel holds a civil wedding licence and offers a choice of beautifully decorated modern function rooms that can accommodate small gatherings or large parties. Prior to the big day there are also the golf, spa and health club facilities to enjoy; perfect for hen parties and stag weekends.

Melton, Woodbridge 01394 383555 www.uffordpark.co.uk Kentwell Hall There are few more romantic Houses than Kentwell, a completely moated, mellow redbrick Tudor mansion in a tranquil parkland setting.

It has an atmosphere in which brides and grooms

feel comfortable and guests are always impressed.

All this with the striking detail of the Main Rooms, the organisational experience of Kentwell’s famed friendly staff and high quality catering combine to make Kentwell an unrivalled location. Specialising in bespoke weddings - tailored to each couple’s requirements. They can cover everything from a simple civil wedding ceremony to a grand departure accompanied by fireworks.

Long Melford, Suffolk, 01787 310207 www.kentwell.co.uk, Bruisyard Hall Bruisyard Hall is a historic manor house which has been renovated and is available for weekend breaks, holidays and weddings. The Hall is in a beautiful position in the heart of the Suffolk countryside, providing wonderful settings for some stunning wedding photos.

Staff can provide contact for details for caterers, marquee hire, florists and even a wedding planner should you wish, but then it is down to you to organise your perfect wedding day without the constraints often imposed by hotels. Bruisyard, Saxmundham. 01728 638712 www.bruisyardhall.co.uk Otley Hall Otley Hall, a grade I listed 16th century house situated in 10 acres of gardens. Three rooms are licensed for civil ceremonies, two are suitable for 60 guests, and the Parlour holds 25 guests. Wedding breakfasts are catered for in

the Great Hall for up to 40 guests, or the Gosnold Suite for 55 guests. Evening receptions for up to 80 guests.

Otley. 01473 890264 www.otleyhall.co.uk Ipswich Town Hall and Corn Exchange Professionals at Ipswich Town Hall and Corn Exchange can help plan your event down to the very last detail.

The prestigious grade II listed building in central Ipswich can cater for any size group from 50 to 800 guests. The rates are reasonable, and professional and experienced staff are on-hand to help ensure and unforgettable and special day.

01473 433465 The West Wing at Ickworth An elegant setting for weddings and civil partnerships for 80 to 200 guests. The impressive gallery on the first floor of the west wing overlooks the beautiful Italianate gardens, and accommodates wedding ceremonies and sumptuous wedding breakfasts for up to 200 guests. The court is a smaller room, adjacent to the gallery, and is available for the bride and groom to use as an extra area for a crèche or quiet room. There are marquee areas for larger wedding receptions, and the orangery and beautiful gardens are available for reception drinks. Horringer, nr Bury St Edmunds 01284 735957

Somerleyton have been the setting for many magical weddings over the years.

Somerleyton Hall is the perfect venue for any wedding day. Its lavish architecture, fine staterooms, three ceremony rooms, and formal gardens designed by Price Albert’s favourite architect John Thomas, provide a perfect setting and ideal backdrop for a traditional country wedding. The wedding ceremony can take place in three different areas of the estate; the main hall, the gardens, and the walled garden. The gardens are also perfect venues for a wedding reception.

Lowestoft. 01502 734904 www.somerleyton.co.uk The Swan at Lavenham The Swan dates back to the 15th century when it played a key role in Lavenham’s wool trade. Today it is a quintessential English country hotel and restaurant, proud of its achievement of an AA four-star 81% rating and two AA Rosettes. The Swan offers a full package of wedding assistance, with floral arrangements, wedding cakes made to order, a Master of Ceremonies available, and a Honeymoon Suite for after the big event. Lavenham.

01787 246207. www.theswanatlavenham. co.uk

Somerleyton Hall and Gardens The hall and gardens at 61

PLACES TO STAY

Visitors to Suffolk are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a great place to stay.

Here are just a few of the beautiful accommodation available for over night stays and weekend getaways...

HOTELS Bedford Lodge Hotel 4 star country house hotel where traditional charm meets contemporary chic.

Newmarket 01638 663175 www.bedfordlodgehotel. co.uk The Brudenell Most of the 42 rooms of the fresh looking Aldeburgh hotel offer either spectacular views of the sea or of the River Alde and marshland.

There’s a superb restaurant that overlooks the sea and a beach terrace. Aldeburgh 01728 452071 www.thebru. co.uk The Bildeston Crown A stylishly renovated 15th century timber framed former coaching inn. Each of the Bildeston Crown’s 12 en-suite double rooms are uniquely decorated.

Bildeston 01449 740510 www.thebildestoncrown. com The Angel Hotel Georgian, ivy-clad four-star luxury hotel and restaurant that is a landmark building in the centre of town. A curious contrast of contemporary design with touches of exotic 62

The Swan in Lavenham

grandeur. Dining here is a culinary treat. Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds 01284 714000 www.theangel.co.uk The Crown This boutique hotel has 11 stylish luxury en-suite bedrooms, all individually designed and furnished.

Stoke By Nayland 01206 262001www.crowninn.net The Ship at Dunwich Once a haunt of smugglers, you will now find a traditional coastal inn with traditionally furnished bedrooms.

01728 648219 www.shipatdunwich.co.uk Thorpeness Hotel A five-minute walk from the beach, the hacienda style three-star Thorpeness Hotel is a great spot for all who

come to enjoy the golf, the Meare boating lake, tennis and al fresco dining on the terrace. Thorpeness 01728 452176 www.thorpeness. co.uk The Westleton Crown Traditional coaching inn perfectly situated for exploring the delights of the Suffolk Heritage Coast.

01728 648777 www.westletoncrown.co.uk The Swan at Lavenham A charming 15th century country hotel complete with rich furnishings, inglenook fireplaces and 45 beautifully decorated en-suite bedrooms. Lavenham 01787 247477 www.theswanatlavenham. co.uk

Satis House Hotel

Newly-refurbished beachfront hotel. Aldeburgh 01728 452720 www.whitelion.co.uk The Crown and Castle Country house hotel in the pretty coastal village of Orford, with 19 bedrooms and a lively bistro, the Trinity, which serves decent, unpretentious food. Orford 01394 450205 www.crownandcastle.co.uk

Kesgrave Hall The Hotel offers plenty of luxurious contemporary cool.

Kesgrave 01473 333741 www.milsomhotels.com Sutherland House Two star boutique hotel on Southwold’s High Street blending medieval charm with contemporary furnishings. Southwold 01502 724544 www.sutherlandhouse.co.uk Hintlesham Hall Offering sumptuous comfort, this four-star hotel is a classically decorated Elizabethan Manor House set in 175 acres of rolling countryside. The 33 bedrooms and suites are of varying sizes and styles. Guests can enjoy the health club and pool, and treat themselves to a range of health and beauty treatments.

Hintlesham 01473 652334 www.hintleshamhall.com Angel Hotel This attractive pub hotel offers eight well-equipped en-suite bedrooms.

Lavenham 01787 247388 www.theangelhotel.com

The Swan Hotel The fine looking Swan Hotel on Southwold’s market place has 42 bedrooms.

Southwold 01502 722186 www.adnams.co.uk/hotels The Olde Bull Inn Award-winning accommodation. Barton Mills, Bury St Edmunds 01638 711001 www.bullinn-bartonmills.com Riverside House Hotel Despite undergoing a complete renovation, this 18th century building on the picturesque banks of the river Lark has maintained its beautiful period features and is now bursting with a contemporary, modern charm. Two comfortable, informal bar areas, plus the highly regarded Riverside Terrace Restaurant. Mildenhall, 01638 717274 www.theriversidehousehotel. co.uk Salthouse Harbour Hotel Four-star luxury boutique hotel on Ipswich quay.

Ipswich 01473 226789 www.salthouseharbour.co.uk White Lion Hotel

Satis House Hotel 18th Century Grade II listed country house set in three acres of parkland. sample fine British cuisine in the modern English restaurant.

Saxmundham 01728 668418 www.satishouse.co.uk Randolph Hotel Lovely hotel in the village of Reydon, just 15 minutes’ walk from the heart of Southwold.

They even have a classic Southwold beach hut you can hire on a weekly basis.

Reydon 01502 723603 www. therandolph.co.uk Black Lion Hotel Privately owned village hotel with 10 lovely rooms and great food in the award-winning restaurant. Long Melford. 01787 312356 www.blacklionhotel.net PARKS & CARAVANS Badwell Ash Holiday Lodges Cosy Scandinavian timber lodges. Badwell Ash 01359 258444 www.badwellashlodges. co.uk Beach View Holiday Park Caravans and camping, and self catering lodges right beside the beach. Sizewell 63

PLACES TO STAY

working farm mainly producing free range eggs for supermarkets.

01728 663644 www.swefflinghallfarm.co.uk Valley Farm Vineyards Guests to Valley Farm can opt for the self-catering cottage (sleeps 8-10) or bed and breakfast at the farmhouse. Wisset 01986 785535 www.valleyfarmvineyards. co.uk

Aldeburgh Seaview; one of the cottages avilable at Heritage Hideaways

www.run-cottage.co.uk Common 01728 830724 www.beachviewholidaypark.co.uk Broadland Holiday Village Caravans and lodges close to one of the prettiest of the Norfolk broads. Oulton Broad 01502 573033 www.broadlandvillage.co.uk Carlton Meres Country Park Leisure lodges and touring caravan pitches dotted around a well-stocked fishing lake. Saxmundham 01728 603344 www.carltonmeres.co.uk Broadland Sands Award winning caravan holiday park. Corton 01278 792222 www.broadlandsands.co.uk High Lodge Self-catering lodges for up to six. Darsham 01986 784347 www.highlodge.co.uk Run Cottage Touring Park Camp amid wildlife in this peaceful caravan touring park on the Heritage Coast.

Caravans and motor homes from £18 per night, tent pitches from £15 per night, all with 10amp electric hook up. Open all year round.

Hollesley. 01394 411309 64

Pakefield Caravan Park An award-winning four-star caravan park complete with outdoor pool. Lowestoft 01502 539264 www.pakefieldpark.co.uk COTTAGES & FARMS Heritage Hideaways Holiday Cottages A superb collection of holiday cottages in some of Suffolk’s iconic seaside towns and surrounding villages, including Southwold, Aldeburgh and Thorpeness. 01502 578278 www.heritagehideaways. com Bay Tree Cottage An idyllic, thatched, self-catering, Grade II listed, chocolate box hideaway dating from the 17th century.

Redgrave, Eye 01993 810194 The Old Mill Nearly a thousand years old, the Old Mill on the River Deben overlooks its own golf course, which is free for guests. Glevering Mill, Wickham Market 01728 746571 Sweffling Hall Farm 17th century farm house on

Rumburgh Farm This working farm offers b&b farmhouse accommodation, or self-catering in one of two lodges. Rumburgh 01986 781351 www.rumburghfarm. co.uk GUEST HOUSES/B&B Drinkstone Park Award-winning B&B set in three acres of beautiful gardens. Drinkstone, Bury St Edmunds 01359 272513 www.drinkstonepark.co.uk The Norfolk Guest House Visit Britain four-star and Silver Award winning; 25 metres from the beach. Felixstowe 01394 283160 www.thenorfolk.com Ocean House Beautifully decorated Victorian guest house, a stone’s throw from Aldeburgh’s beach and High Street. Aldeburgh 01728 452094 www.oceanhousealdeburgh.co.uk Kiln Farm Guest House Victorian farmhouse and a courtyard of six converted stables. Elmswell, Bury St Edmunds. 01359 240442 www.kilnfarmguesthouse. com

Kiln Farm Guest House off J47 of A14. En-suite rooms around courtyard setting. l Conservatory dining room and guest bar l Certified CL Site l Children & Pets Welcome l Visit Britain Silver Award Winner

01359 240442 e-mail davejankilnfarm@btinternet.com

Wentworth Wentworth h o t e l & R e s ta u R a n t

Kiln Farm.indd 1

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h o t e l & R e s ta u R a n t

GET THE INSIDE TRACK The Wentworth Hotel is a 35-bedroom hotel run by the Pritt The Wentworth Hotel is a 35 are ideal for summer time. In family since 1920. in the Winterbustling the hotel hasseaside three open town of bedrooom hotelSituated run by the Pritt 1920. in fires roaringfrom in the lounges and Aldeburghfamily the since hotel is Situated a stone’s throw the beach. the bustling seaside town of bar enabling comfort at any time Wake upAldeburgh to experience fantastic enhanced by the of theseaviews, year. the hotel is a stone's throw from the beach. in Wakeall up sea facing Lunch can be enjoyed provision of binoculars rooms. to experienceHotel fantasticisseaviews, little asfor £10.00 for two time. In The Wentworth a 35 for areas ideal summer The hotel has aby2theAA rosette serves both courses in our that conservatory enhanced provision of restaurant Winter the hotel has three open bedrooom hotel run by the Pritt restaurant. binoculars in all sea facing Dinner is served lunches dinners.

Spacious andinathe snug bar and offer familyand since 1920. in lounges fires lounges for tworoaring courses from £17.50. rooms. The hotelSituated has a 2 AA On night comfort the restaurant rosette restaurant thatenjoy serves both comfortable spaces to informal meal or time barSunday enabling at any the bustling seaside town ofa more lunches and dinners. Spacious offers 3 courses for £14.90.

Aldeburgh the hotel is a stone's of the year. afternoon lounges tea, have prebardinner drink, relax with a and a a snug offer Bookings are or always advisable. be– aenjoyed throw from beach.

Wake upa has comfortable spacesThe to enjoy SoLunch whether its can for a relaxing coffee after thethemeal. hotel twoseagardens Bar more informal meal seaviews, or afternoon stay oras whether you for two to experience fantastic forbyasthelittle £10.00 Terrace and Garden. have seaviews and are tea, the have Tiffany a pre dinner drink, areBoth just popping in for a meal courses in our conservatory enhanced by the provision of or relax with a coffee after the the Wentworth Hotel offers idealbinoculars for summer winter thefood hotel has three open alltime. seatwoIn facing restaurant. is served meal. in The hotel has gardens quality and Dinner service with –The a in Barhotel Terrace and the comfortable and a £17.50. fires rooms. roaring the lounges and comfort at any has a 2Tiffany AA bar, for enabling two surroundings courses from Garden. Both have seaviews and view to match. restaurant timerosette of the year. that serves both On Sunday night the restaurant and its dinners. offers courses £14.90. you Solunches whether for a Spacious relaxing stay by 3the sea orforwhether Bookings areor always lounges and a snug bar offer Please phone 01728 452312 for enquiries email advisable. are just popping in for a meal, theallWentworth Hotel offers comfortable spacesstay@wentworth-aldeburgh.co.uk to enjoy a So whether its for a relaxing quality andmeal service with comfortable surroundings morefood informal or afternoon stay by the sea or whether youand a view match. tea,tohave a pre dinner drink, are just popping in for a meal the Wentworth Hotel offers or relax with a coffee after the meal. The hotel has two gardens 452312 quality food and service with 01728 comfortable surroundings and a – a Bar Terrace and the Tiffany www.wentworth-aldeburgh.com Garden. Both have seaviews and view to match.

As the headquarters of thoroughbred racing, Newmarket is an exciting place to visit, with something for everyone: the excitement of a day at Newmarket Racecourses; a visit to The Jockey Club Rooms, original home of The Jockey Club, the fun of watching mares and foals at the National Stud; a visit to a training yard or discovering Newmarket’s history at the National Horseracing Museum.

Newmarket Experience offers tours for groups and individuals, providing guides and arranging accommodation if required. We will act as your single point of contact and provide individual itineraries.

Tours can be combined with racing at one of our two famous racecourses and half day, full day or longer visits can be arranged. The Newmarket area has a number of excellent hotels and is well served by road links. Our professional one-stop booking service makes it an ideal destination for group visits or corporate events.

FOR MORE INFORMATION 01638 719 749 or visit www.newmarketexperience.co.uk

Please phone 01728 452312 for all enquiries or email stay@wentworth-aldeburgh.co.uk

65 Forest Heath DC.indd 1

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hotel, bar and brasserie.

your perfect Suffolk location for C U LT U R E , H E R I TA G E , C O U N T R Y S I D E , C OA S T and of course J U S T T H E R I G H T A M O U N T O F L U X U R Y A N D G R E AT F O O D.

milsoms KESGRAVE HALL Kesgrave Hall, Hall Road, Kesgrave Ipswich, Suffolk IP5 2PU To book call: 01473 333741 reception@kesgravehall.com

www.milsomhotels.com

57

Great days out in Framlingham & Orford Experience a day out with a difference at the historic sites of Framlingham Castle & Orford Castle.

48

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