Suffolk Guide

Suolk

Guide 2012/13 Places to visit Food & drink Towns & villages Accommodation Arts & crafts Special events

www.eastlife.co.uk

Tudor time AT FRAMLINGHAM CASTLE Once the refuge of Mary Tudor before she became Queen in 1553, this magniďŹ cent 12th century castle boasts a long and colourful past.

Enjoy our free and lively audio tours and themed trails and explore the Mere and the wall-walk with its spectacular views over the surrounding landscape.

Check our extensive events programme for an extra special day out with costumed characters and lots more.

TGA.7198.300312

Framlingham Castle, Suffolk IP13 9BP www.english-heritage.org.uk/framlinghamcastle or call 01728 724189 1

Contents

2012/13

Welcome to the Suffolk Guide. Use this guide to take your first steps towards a relaxing break in this lovely part of the UK. 4 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.

Take your first taste here.

54 WHAT’S ON There’s no shortage of great events throughout the year - here’s a selection of some 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 Media Partners Ltd.

www.eastlife.co.uk

Find somewhere special to spend your visit to Suffolk 66 INFORMATION Map and further information.

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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 Aldeburgh 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

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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 400-year 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 one of the key players on any trip to the Suffolk coast, and not to be missed.

(Just off the A12 between Woodbridge and Saxmundham) Sun 1 July Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Sun 29 July Family Picnic & Musical Afternoon Guided House Tours & Art Classes

For more info or to book tickets, visit www.glemhamhall.co.uk T: 01728 746704 E: events@glemhamhall.co.uk

Seaside dining, just a step away from the beach in Aldeburgh

Discover the Terrace at the Brudenell where our idyllic seaside setting and fresh local food blend effortlessly with indulgence and informality.

The Brudenell Hotel, The Parade, Aldeburgh, Suffolk IP15 5BU Telephone: 01728 452071 Email: info@brudenellhotel.co.uk www.brudenellhotel.co.uk Follow us here:

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Places to Visit

Beccles

contested charity Rubber Duck Race, and the ‘Straw Race’, a pub-crawl that sees its plucky competitors laden down with a straw ball.

Bungay

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 passing pleasure 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 in July, with live music, a parade, fun fair and fireworks. Most engaging of the annual get-togethers however takes place in September; the fiercely

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 their weekly 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 apparition 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 award-winning 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.

Bungay Castle

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Places to Visit

Bury St Edmunds Few 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 dragon-slaying 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 8

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,

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Bury St Edmunds… and just beyond Just 30 minutes east of Cambridge you will find a historic town that has a delightful atmosphere all its own.

Bury St Edmunds’ medieval Abbey Gate, behind which stands the award winning Abbey Gardens, overlooks a beautiful square surrounded by splendid Georgian town houses, St Edmundsbury Cathedral, the Angel Hotel and Athenaeum. The square plays host to the hugely popular Christmas Fayre each November.

From there it’s a short stroll into one of the most cosmopolitan town centres. Famous name stores sit cheek by jowl with delightful independent shops and cafés galore.

Every Wednesday and Saturday the town plays host to the largest street market in East Anglia. From gourmet chutney and preserves to local cheese, bread and vegetables there is always a bargain to be had.

The 'arc' shopping centre is the latest addition to the town giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy a stunning new shopping experience.

With top name stores and a flag ship Debenhams it seems that this shopping centre has been in Bury St Edmunds forever. The arc compliments streets such as St John's Street and Hatter Street with their marvellous range of independent shops offering traditional service and endless inspiration.

The town’s many attractions are within easy walking distance. With theatres, galleries and museums there is plenty to visit. For something a little different Greene King Visitor Centre promises a warm Suffolk welcome and a chance to sample some of their famous ales! Or visit the Theatre Royal - the only working Regency playhouse in Britain. For evening entertainment there is no place better than the newly opened apex. Situated in the arc the award winning building hosts a range of events from classical to rock and from comedy to dance.

If you would like someone to do the hard work take one of our guided tours and let our knowledgeable town guides show you everything including some of the more hidden attractions. Tours run daily between May and September and leave the Tourist Information Centre at 2pm.

For further information or a free visitor pack contact the Tourist Information Centre, 6 Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1UZ. Tel. 01284 764667 www.visit-burystedmunds.co.uk tic@stedsbc.gov.uk

Everyone Falls in Love with Bury St Edmunds

Award winning gardens t Heritage walks t A thriving market t Independent shops With something for everyone Bury St Edmunds make a memorable day out Nowton Park Country Fair Sunday 17th June

Jubilee Fete Tuesday 5th June

Free family fun event at Nowton Park situated on the outskirts of Bury St Edmunds. Entertainment includes a main arena with circus acts, clowns and a strong man show. Other attractions include an animal petting area, have a go sports area and fun dog show.

Come and celebrate the Queen's Jubilee with a 1950's style fete in the Abbey Gardens. Traditional children's games, bonny baby competition, music and much much more.

Free event for all the family.

Armed Forces Day in the Abbey Gardens Saturday 30th June Come and support National Armed Forces Day. Free family entertainment in the Abbey Gardens including music, dance and a homecoming parade.

Contact the Tourist Information Centre for a full programme of events T: 01284 764667 E: tic@stedsbc.gov.uk W: www.stedmundsbury.gov.uk 10

Places to Visit

Don’t miss the annual Christmas Fayre in November.

This wonderful three-day event won ‘Best Tourism Event’ in the Enjoy England Regional awards.

Cavendish

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, with its imposing colonnade; the Athenaeum, hub of social life since Regency times; 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. The town is home to Greene King and any visit must include a visit to the brewery, where you can take a tour and a tasting.

The small but enormously significant Theatre Royal, built

by National Gallery architect William Wilkins in 1819, is the sole surviving Regency Theatre left in the country and even after nearly 200 years remains a vital part of the town’s cultural identity.

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 after his son had put to death Wat Tyler, the peasants’ leader. What is even more amazing is that the same handle still hangs on the door some 620 years later.

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 l.ocal cafes and pubs. Visit the remains of a 13th-century Augustinian Priory and the quaint Ancient House Museum.

The open space of Clare Castle Country Park is a wonderful place to relax, while there is a lovely nature trail along the pretty River Stour. Summer events include open-air garden theatre and treasure trails for children.

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 at low tide.

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Constable Country Constable 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’.

The Bridge Cottage is now 12

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

Felixstowe, 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 almost the entire length of the

Places to Visit

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 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.

The art deco style Spa Pavilion theatre, also on the seafront, stages dance shows, music and musicals, comedy, ballet, children’s shows and hosts the annual Felixstowe Drama Festival. 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.

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Enjoy one of Suffolk’s finest 17th Century Inns set in the delightful village of Westleton on the Suffolk Heritage Coast. t Award winning restaurant t Imaginative menus and wine list t Selection of real ales t Crackling log fires t Charming terraced gardens t 34 stylish bedrooms t Children and dogs very welcome For that romantic get away or a family break The Westleton Crown offers the sophistication and comforts of contemporary living whilst retaining the atmosphere and charm of an old coaching inn.

The Westleton Crown, Westleton, Nr Southwold, Suffolk IP17 3AD

01728 648777

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Once a haunt of smugglers, The Ship at Dunwich is the perfect base from which to explore this wild and wonderful coastline, partake VM ZVTL VM [OL ILZ[ ÄZO HUK JOPWZ VU [OL :\MMVSR coast or simply enjoy a pint or two of Adnams. @V\ ^PSS ÄUK! YLHS HSLZ YLHS MVVK HUK YLHS ÄYLZ comfortable, traditionally furnished bedrooms, an enormous garden, and a beach that really is just a short stroll away.

Ideally situated on the Suffolk Heritage Coast in between Aldeburgh and Southwold, just a few minutes off the A12.

The Ship, Dunwich, Suffolk IP17 3DT 01728 648219 info@shipatdunwich.co.uk

Places to Visit

search for a unique find. A twice-weekly market takes place on Market Hill every Tuesday and Saturday.

Hadleigh

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 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 (November-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 between 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

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 15

Ipswich market

fair to raise money for good causes. Halesworth’s New 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 and HighTide Festival at the end of April, which presents world premieres of theatre productions by new writers. The Town Park hosts Gig in the Park every August, a showcase of local, national, and international musical talent. Market day is every Wednesday.

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 new retail quarter, and a new leisure quarter 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 Centre that hosts a range of entertainments.

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 16

Haverhill also offers wonderful green spaces; the large recreation ground in the heart of the town is popular with all

ages while the award winning East Town Park and the Railway Walk offer access to the surrounding open countryside.

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

Places to Visit

Ipswich Waterfront

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.

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 open-air market on the Cornhill on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, located right outside the newly 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.

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 of being one of the foremost cloth making centres in England from the 14th to the 16th century 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 17

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, as Dutch refugees to Colchester brought with them cheaper, more fashionable cloth. 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 18

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. It contains the Gayer-Anderson collection of furniture, pictures, sculptures and ceramics.

Art lovers will be at home here too with a collection of wonderful galleries to visit.

Much recommended is a walk along the disused railway line, followed by a wander through the gift and antique shops, then a cream tea, lunch or dinner 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, The Angel Hotel.

Places to Visit

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, 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 interesting sights, including (at the top of the village) 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 mitre-topped turrets.

One of the attractions of Long Melford today is its thriving and growing hub of art galleries. In the past Long Melford has been known as a centre for antiques, but now the village has a reputation for being one of the

best places in Suffolk to view and buy works of art. This has brought a new vibrancy to the village and there is a now a wider array of good quality shops from ladies boutiques to fine foods, as well as some high quality antique shops.

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

Located 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 unique 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. The legendary Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival is an exhilarating aerial display set against the backdrop of one of East Anglia’s finest beaches; funfairs, rides, simulators, food stalls and music transform the seafront into a flurry of activity to suit all ages.

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Tony Carter designs ďŹ ne English handmade ceramic collectable teapots made in the beautiful village of Debenham, Suffolk

A visit to this unique Pottery will show you world renowned tea pots being made and painted by hand.

U Tea/Coffee shop - light refreshments available U Ceramic CafĂŠ & Pottery Shop U Follow brown tourist signs for teapot pottery OPENING TIMES:

Discover something unique... s Home-made Lunches & Cream Teas s Large Selection of Gifts and Cards s Stylish Home & Garden Accessories s Corn Dollies & Silk Flowers s Traditional Toys & Games s Garden Nursery

Mon to Fri 9am - 5.30pm Sat & Bank Hols 10.30 - 4.30pm Sunday 2pm - 5pm School Summer Holidays Low Road, Debenham, Suffolk, IP14 6QU

Bridge Farm Barns

Opening times Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm Sunday 10 am-5pm

Monks Eleigh, Nr Lavenham, Suffolk IP7 7AY

Tel: 01728 860475 Email: info@cartersteapots.com www.cartersteapots.com

T: 01449 740456

www.bridgefarmbarns.co.uk

the finest places to eat, drink, stay...

Gun Hill, Dedham

Hall Road, Kesgrave

01206 323150

01473 333741

Stratford Rd, Dedham

The Quay, Harwich

Stratford Rd, Dedham

01206 322795

01255 241212

01206 322367

find us on Facebook | www.milsomhotels.com

22

Places to Visit

Mildenhall

has a good number of restaurants, shops and other amenities. Mildenhall Stadium hosts greyhound, stock car and speedway racing.

Needham Market

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

Needham Market is a small historic town set in the Gipping Valley. Once a thriving wool town, the onset of the plague resulted in the town being ‘chained’ off from the outside world between 1663-65 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 and specialist shops, and fine Georgian and Tudor architecture. Nearby is Alder Carr Farm with a farm shop, pottery, tearoom, gift shop and monthly farmers’ market.

Be sure to visit Needham Lake and nature reserve.

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, and now there are said to be some 2,500 horses training in the town at any one time with one in every three jobs said to relate to the industry. 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.

23

Explore the beauty of the River Orwell with

Orwell River Cruises

The River Orwell has been officially voted the 2nd most beautiful river in the country behind only the River Dart.

Orwell Lady provides a unique opportunity to experience the beauty, the sights and the extensive history of our magnificent river and harbour, together with close up views of the huge ships at Port of Felixstowe, beginning and ending her trips at Ipswich Waterfront.

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Orwell River Cruises Ltd Public Cruises tel: 01473 258070 All other enquiries: 07734 875887 E: info@orwellrivercruises.com

www.orwellrivercruises.com

24

Places to Visit

Orford Castle

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.

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

Pin Mill

Orford Steeped 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.

25

Places to Visit

Orford Ness

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

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.

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.

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 26

Saxmundham Station

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visit our new website www.thebeadboutique.co.uk or call 01787 464909 ~ beads ~ semi-precious gemstones ~ buttons ~ tools ~ classes ~ findings ~ wire ~ steampunk ~ freshwater pearls ~

Places to Visit

Southwold Southwold 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 28

of brightly coloured and 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. Elsewhere in town look out for the stylish Adnams Cellar & Kitchen shop on Victoria Street.

Winner of countless awards and accolades, no visit to the town is complete without the chance to discover the delights of the 16th-century coaching inn and its creative bar and restaurant menus. The Swan

Southwold Pier

29

Places to Visit

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.

Southwold

Sudbury

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, 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 30

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, a 30 minute tour of Sole Bay.

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

Set in the heart of the Stour Valley, the market town of Sudbury was for centuries a centre of the weaving and silk industries. 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 on Thursdays and Saturdays, a farmers' market on the last Friday of each month plus a lovely range of shops to explore.

Great views, great food!

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We’ve revamped The Boardwalk Restaurant with special commissions by James Dodds Enjoy our North-side Skinny Terrace, fab loos and the imaginative designs of Tim Hunkin A menu packed with local seasonal, freshly-prepared food with a real passion for fresh fish Open 364 days of the year Open every evening from March to October Go on, try us!

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southwoldpier.co.uk 01502 722105

Places to Visit

Thorpeness Meare

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 Tudor 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 (among others) in the Pirate’s Lair and Wendy’s Home, 32

with boats available to rent in order to enjoy the Meare 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 Impressionists, 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. Martin Bell and Geoffrey Palmer both maintain properties here, while Paul Heiney and Libby Purves live nearby. The village is the setting for Esther Freud’s novel, The Sea House, thinly disguised as ‘Steerborough’ - presumably a coded reference, or in-joke, towards one-time resident, Philip Wilson Steer.

The village is famous for its annual crabbing competition The British Open Crabbing Championship, held every August. The person who catches

Walberswick Ferry

Wild Mushrooms from Clive Holder

33

Woodbridge

34

Places to Visit

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.

Woodbridge

The 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 again and again.

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 real charms of the town are the tiny winding lanes bedecked on either side with fine 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 bisects Market Hill and is home to the Suffolk Punch Heavy Horse Museum.

35

Attractions

Beautiful countryside, heaps of history, family fun and adventure... see what Suffolk has to offer Abbey Gardens

Beautiful public gardens surrounding the ruins of the Abbey, with a prize-winning record. Stunning summer bedding displays set the tone for the annual Bury in Bloom campaign. The Gardens include a host of ducks, children's play area, aviaries, tennis courts, putting, bowling green, teashop and a riverside walk leading towards a local nature reserve known as No Man's Meadows. Bury St Edmunds 01284 757067 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 or the distillery, or shop in the Cellar & Kitchen store on Victoria Street.

Southwold 01502 727225 www.adnams.co.uk 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 36

Africa Alive At this 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 8 acres of farmland with lions, rhinos, giraffes, cheetahs and more. An awe-inspiring presentation of the African Savannah, where the animals roam freely together as they do in the wild.

Kessingland, Lowestoft 01502 740291 www.africa-alive.co.uk

Anglia Indoor Karting This full size, purpose designed indoor racetrack offers many exciting features, all to boost the thrill of competitive racing in an atmosphere of fun and excitement. Farthing Road, Sproughton, Ipswich 01473 240087

Alton Water Largest reservoir in Suffolk offering fishing, sailing, windsurfing, nature reserve interest, picnic area, footpaths, water sports centre extension and visitor centre. Cycle hire available. Holbrook Road, Stutton, nr Ipswich 01473 589105

Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm Working livestock farm breeding endangered breeds of farm animals.

Cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, alpacas and pigs. Every child gets a free bag of food to feed the animals. Main area of farm is wheelchair and pushchair friendly. Walks around paddocks, beside river and lake shore. Picnic areas. Café and shop with gifts and home made refreshments. Mill Lane, Baylham, Ipswich 01473 830264 www.baylham-house-farm.co.uk

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 from the Whole Amber World; both modern and antique. It also houses many large examples of Amber found on the English coast - including the largest at 2.2kilo. The Amber Shop has a stunning collection of Amber jewellery and gifts. 15 Market Place, Southwold 01502 723394 www.ambershop.co.uk

Bawdsey Radar Station Visit ‘The Magic Ear’ - an exhibition about the history of Radar. In 1937, Bawdsey was the first of the Chain Home Radar stations that played a crucial role in the Battle of Britain.

Bawdsey 07821 162879

Beacon Rally Karts Outdoor off-road rally kart centre for all ages over 5. Three separate tracks and different size karts make this a fun day for all. Martlesham, nr Woodbridge 01394 610066 www.beaconrallykarts.co.uk Beccles Outdoor Swimming Pool Traditional lido. 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. See restored

‘war operations’ rooms and other displays. Bentwaters Parks, Rendlesham. www.bcwm.org.uk

organised parties. The Quay, Waldringfield, Woodbridge 01473 736260

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

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

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

01842 760116 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-19thC. 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 truly unique 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 Deben Cruises Cruises on the River Deben for

East Anglia Transport Museum

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 Exploring the Broads Great fun by cycle or canoe from Outney Meadow Caravan Park. Outney Meadow, Bungay 01986 892338 Eye Castle A Norman motte-and-bailey with medieval walls and a Victorian folly.

Eye 01449 724636

A fabulous working museum where the past comes to life. Travel as often as you like on preserved 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 tearooms. Royal Plain, Lowestoft 01502 533600 Easton Farm Park Delightful farm where you can learn all about the different animals. Lambs, ponies, Suffolk Punch Horses, piglets, rare breed cows and more. Chick nursery, adventure playground, pedal tractors, go karts, café and gift shop.

Easton 01728 746475 Euston Hall Home for the Dukes of Grafton for over 300 years and currently lived in by the eleventh Duke. The Hall has been open to the public during the summer for over 25 years, but will be closed for 2012 due to restoration work. The Hall contains, among its treasures, the famous collection of

Felixstowe Leisure Centre 25m pool, state of the art fitness suites, activity hall, bowls hall, soft play area, health suite and more.

Seafront, Felixstowe 01394 670411 Foxearth Leisure & Fishery Offering fishing for novices right through to experienced anglers, with three lakes. Foxearth also offers air rifle shooting and archery. Foxearth, Sudbury 01787 280024 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 both as a stronghold and as a symbol of power and status - as befitted one of the most influential people at the court of the Plantagenet kings. 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 37

Attractions

Fritton Lake

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. An introductory exhibition in the Poorhouse tells the story of the people who lived in the castle through its long and varied history.

Fritton Lake A beautiful stretch of water where you can mess about on boats, children can enjoy the playground, forts and mini tractors, there's 9-hole golf, fishing, pony rides and relaxing 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 Established museum in the birthplace of artist Thomas Gainsborough.

The historic townhouse, with an attractive walled garden, displays more of the artist’s work than any other gallery. The collection is shown together with 18th century furniture and memorabilia with work by Gainsborough’s contemporaries and followers. There is a varied programme of temporary exhibitions of both historic and contemporary art.

Sudbury 01787 372958 www.gainsborough.org 38

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 - and his wife Lady Blanche, a daughter of the 9th Duke of Devonshire. 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 1086 to the present. Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds 01234 714382 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 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

DISCOVER THE STORIES OF RACING – THE PEOPLE, THE HORSES AND THE HISTORY.

The National

Horseracing

Museum

TOURS SHOP CAFÉ

Diamond Jubilee by Emil Adam Š the Jockey Club Estates

The Lady Florence Cruises the calm waters of the rivers Alde and Ore from Orford in Suffolk.

We sail all year round including Christmas Day, with a cosy coal ďŹ re in winter. regardless of weather & tides.

Why not give a Lady Florence Gift Voucher?

For a leaflet, information or bookings contact: &NBJM JOGP!MBEZ ĂĄ PSFODF DP VL r XXX MBEZ ĂĄ PSFODF DP VL

Tel: 07831 698298

2012 EXHIBITION Royal Newmarket: Palace House, Its History and Future CAFÉ AND SHOP: Open all year, our shop stocks fun and imaginative horseracing & horse related gifts.

Admission to cafĂŠ, garden and shop is free Equine tours available. Booking essential The National Horseracing Museum & Tours 99 High Street, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 8JH Tel: 01638 667333 www.nhrm.co.uk Email: admin@nhrm.co.uk

There’s just so much more!

Summer Spupetocial

ÂŁ10ur0staoy*ff yo

Telephone 01986 784347 Website highlodge.co.uk clay shooting fishing weddings golf lodges corporate events *Terms apply – visit website for details

39

Target Shooting, a Pay and Play 9-hole golf course, fishing, holiday lodges, shop and more. Haw Wood, Hinton, nr Darsham 01986 784347 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 70kms of cycle trail, 20kms of walks and 50 pieces of equipment in the children’s Play Arena it’s perfect for every member of the family. ‘Bike Art’ can hire you a cycle to explore the forest floor or you can live life adventurously with ‘Go Ape’; the award winning high wire adventure in the trees.

High Lodge has all the facilities you need including a gift shop and café; that serves tasty 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 unique 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 and cinema as well as a play area, gift shop and coffee shop. Hollesley 01394 411327 www.suffolkpunchtrust.org 40

Holton Saint Peter Postmill Restored postmill, dating from the mid-18th Century, on a 2-storey roundhouse. There are displays on its history and workings. Holton St Peter, Halesworth 01986 872367 Hoofbeats Tours around Newmarket’s rich equestrian heritage, including The Gallops, Equine swimming pool, British Racing School, The National Stud, Jock Club rooms and more.

Laceys Lane, Exning, Newmarket 01638 578628 Ickworth House, Park & Gardens One of England's most extraordinary houses. A rotunda begun in 1795, the inspiration of the Earl of Bristol (also Bishop of Derry), housing a major collection of pictures including works by Titian, Gainsborough and Velasquez, fine furniture and Georgian silver. The house is set in a `Capability' Brown park and surrounded by an Italianate garden with a range of way 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 Tues and Thurs, May-Sept. Discover the town’s history and heritage. Also, Ipswich Ghost Tours on 1st Thurs of 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 Ipswich Town Football Club Championship club steeped in history.

Stadium tours available. Portman Road, Ipswich 0870 111 0 555

Ipswich Witches Top speedway racing every Thursday night. Foxhall Stadium, Ipswich 01473 623640 Jimmy’s Farm As seen on TV, Jimmy’s Farm is the home of the rare breed Essex Pig. It’s a working farm and is open for visitors 7 days a week. There's loads to do at the farm for a great family day out.

There’s a Nature Trail, Woodland Walk, Beautiful Garden's, 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 & Gardens Moated redbrick Tudor mansion in a tranquil parkland setting. Over 150 years ago it was written that ‘visitors emerging from the Avenue on a summery evening cannot withhold admiration when they see the manifold beauties of Kentwell Hall’.

This remains true today. The exterior is almost unaltered, whilst the interior retains the original Tudor service areas. Elsewhere, alterations reflect the changing tastes of successive families, embellished by that of the present owners. Renowned for its incredible Re-creations of everyday Tudor life and of WWII daily life, along with other significant events such as Scaresville at Halloween. The present owners’ efforts, since 1979, to restore the house and recover and extend the once noted gardens, add to any visit’s enjoyment. Long Melford 01787 310207 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

Attractions

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 tearoom, 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 as the 1st production line for portable steam engines. Four exhibition halls, resource centre, picnic garden and gift shop. Main Street, Leiston 01728 832189

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. The interior roof is adorned with hundreds of old records and horned gramophones. Blacksmith Road, Cotton 01449 613876 Melford Hall Romantic Tudor mansion, home of the Hyde-Parker family. New interpretations, craft displays, special events. Long Melford 01787 379228

Lowestoft Family Bowl Indoor bowling, 9-hole mini-golf.

Capital Estate, Rant Score, Whapload Road, Lowestoft 01502 519200

Mid Suffolk Light Railway Museum The MSLR, known affectionately as ‘The Middy’ was a classic case of a railway built late on in the great railway age that never paid its way indeed, it effectively went broke before it opened, but still struggled on for fifty years. This fine example of quirky English history is remembered in Suffolk’s only railway museum.

Brockford Station, Wetheringsett 01449 766899

The Malthouse Project Restored old maltings, which dates back to the 17th Century. Elsey's Yard, Risbygate Street, Bury St Edmunds 01284 732550

Mildenhall Greyhound Racing Evening racing with up to four races per hour, every Tues and Friday.

Mildenhall Stadium, West Row, Mildenhall 01638 711777

Mr G’s Bowling Centre 8 lane complex with stylish 200 seating capacity bar & restaurant in the centre of Brandon. Market Hill, Brandon 01842 813111 Moo Play Farm Indoor play barn and outdoor adventure play farm for ages up to 12.

Tractor rides, nature hunt, picnic area and farm pets. Locks Road, Brampton, Beccles 01502 575841 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. A museum for 100 years, it houses local history collections relating to the town, Abbey & St Edmund. They also include William Corder’s scalp from Murder in the Red Barn relics as well as many other curios from the local area. 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 41

Attractions

Dettori and other modern heroes.

Highlights include: the head of Persimmon, a great Royal Derby winner in 1896; a special display about Fred Archer, the late Victorian jockey who committed suicide, which features the pistol he used to take his life; and the colourful jackets of ‘Prince Monolulu’, the 1950’s tipster.

High Street, Newmarket 01638 667333 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 hour-long 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 & 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 displayed in two hangars and nine themed buildings. Flixton, Bungay 01986 896644

llamas, alpacas, plus there's a pets corner, play areas, crazy golf, bouncy castle, walks and gift shop. Orchard Farm, Cratfield Road, Linstead, Halesworth 07836 896644 Orford Castle The unique polygonal towerkeep 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. Climb its spiral staircase leading to a maze of rooms and passageways and visit the museum in the upper hall. Orford 01394 450472 Orwell River Cruises Choose between the 3.5 hour Harwich Harbour Cruise or the 2.5 hour Pin Mill Cruise and explore some the stunning coastline. Orwell Quay, Ipswich Wet Dock 01473 836680 Pakenham Water Mill Suffolk's last working water mill, producing traditional stone ground flour. Beautiful setting with garden by the millpond, guided tours, tearoom, shop and special events. Pakenham 01284 724075 Pleasurewood Hills

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,

Award-winning amusement park with over 40 amazing rides, including the new Jolly Roger ride (plunge from

0-60mph in 0.8 seconds!), the thrilling 120ft, 50mph Wipeout, Enigma roller coaster and awesome spinning Wizzy Dizzy. 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 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 10am) adds to the interest of your day out, and helps you really feel you're getting away from it all. 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 RSPB Minsmere Minsmere is a perfect place to discover nature. The two circular walks bring you close to a wide variety of wildlife, whatever the season. Seven birdwatching hides offer shelter, with excellent views across Minsmere's wetlands. Open daily, except 25 and 26 December, from dawn to dusk. Visitor Centre open 9 am - 5 pm (closed 4 pm November - January). Westleton, Saxmundham 01728 648281 www.rspb.org.uk/minsmere RSPB North Warren Nature Reserve Stroll across the heathland to hear Dartford warblers and woodlarks, while bitterns and marsh harriers can be seen in the reedbeds. The wet 43

grassland supports breeding waders and wintering wildfowl, including some of the UK's only regular tundra bean geese. Aldeburgh 01728 648281 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 1000 years. Once part of the great Abbey of St Edmund, St James' Church served the people of the town.

The nave of today's church, started in 1503, is the successor of that church.

Though little remains of the Benedictine Abbey, following the Dissolution in 1539, St James' Church has continued to grow over the centuries. In 1914 St James’ became the Cathedral church of the Diocese of Saint Edmundsbury and Ipswich.

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 3 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 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 8 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 CafĂŠ to mouthwatering menus in the Boardwalk and The Clockhouse. Plus gift shop, children's shop and lifestyle store, amusements and more. The pier receives visits from Britain's only surviving sea-going steam passenger ship, the PS Waverley paddle steamer and its sister ship the MV Balmoral.

North Parade, Southwold 01502 722105 Suffolk Moto Park The home of Suffolk's off-road driving experience, the Moto Park offers the thrill of rough terrain driving. There are 4x4s, with both Land and Range Rovers protected by safety roll cages; Quad Riding, with 250cc Polaris Trail Blazer quads, and 290cc off road Dirt Karts. Instruction and safety equipment provided for all. 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 company of 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. You will also find Red Squirrels, the Raptor Hospital, an

44

Attractions

information centre about Owls, a woodland walk with bird hide, picnic areas and plenty of activities for children including a mini-maze & adventure frame, plus the famous Owl Barn Gift Shop. Stonham Barns, 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.

Priceless royal treasures were discovered in a huge ship grave. 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 2-acre walled garden with fruit trees, wide perennial borders, collection of East Anglian geraniums & 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, featuring Britain’s only herd of Camargue horses from the south of France, and their foals, as well as Camelot the Camel, Muffin the Mule and other animal friends, as featured many times on

television. Wickham Market, Woodbridge 01728 746916 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 Unique 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 one thousand five hundred 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, café, 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. Offroad driving course and play areas; 4x4s and tuition; Military vehicle driving range; 10m wide, 700m tarmac karting circuit and high performance karts; Purpose-built tracks for motocross, supermoto, quad bikes and rally karts; Clay and laser target shooting, laser combat, archery and fly casting; Hovercrafts and more. Chippenham Road, Kennett, Newmarket 01638 751918 Woodbridge Tide Mill By the early 1950s Woodbridge was home to the only surviving tidal mill in the country. It is now fully restored and working. Tide Mill Way, Woodbridge 01473 626618 Woodbridge Museum Local history museum. Market Hill, Woodbridge 01394 385572 45

Shopping & Entertainment

SHOPPING

Arc, Bury St Edmunds

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 breath-taking new 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 unique, 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 such as Internacionale, Hallmark, Pilot, Model Zone, Boots, Hawkins Bazaar and TK Maxx. 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 A unique 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 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, 46

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 Warren James and Ernest Jones, The Perfume Shop, Boots, fashion shops Quiz, Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge and Topshop, plus Rymans, Paperbox, Innovations, Virgin Media, Supercuts, Shoecare, Sky and Sketches Restaurant.

Tavern Street, Ipswich 01473 226386

ENTERTAINMENT Aldeburgh Cinema 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-of-the-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 also 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 popular dance classes.

The contemporary art gallery and coffee 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 a re-refurbishment in 2001, it is more than fit for the 21st Century. High Street 01728 830549 Marina Theatre This superb theatre dates back to 1897 and today hosts a range of top flight shows. Lowestoft 01502 533200 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 & 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 productions. Ipswich 01473 433100

Riverside Theatre Films, occasional stage shows and restaurant. Quayside, Woodbridge 01394 382174 The Seagull An important performing arts venue, reopened in 2009, offering a diverse range of shows, classes and workshops. Morton Road, Pakefield, Lowestoft 01502 589726 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 Since the first Aldeburgh Festival in 1948, the Suffolk Coast has become a world renowned meeting place for artists and audience alike. Inspired by the legacy of its founder Benjamin Britten, today 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 and designed by the eminent architect William Wilkins, this is the country's sole surviving example of a Regency playhouse. One of only eight Grade 1-listed theatres in the country, it is, in terms of both its architecture and history, one of the most significant theatre buildings in the UK. You can enjoy a wide range of entertainments. Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds 01284 769505 47

ELECTRIC PICTURE PALACE SOUTHWOLD

Discover something surprising at RSPB Minsmere.

Stunning scenery, relaxing walks, amazing wildlife, locally sourced food.

New for 2012 Discovery Centre, Wild Zone Created in 2002, but designed in 1912 theatrical style, the award winning 68 seat cinema has a rising “Tiny Wurlitzer” cinema organ, a circle, a kiosk, usherettes and a commisionaire - all in the cause of creating “The Pictures”.

It is run by the Southwold Film Society, which you can join for £10 a year (or £3 for the season). Tickets are £6 stalls, £7 Circle.

Wild Wood Adventure Open daily. Free entry for RSPB members Two miles from Westleton. IP17 3BY

T:01728 648281 E:minsmere@rspb.org.uk www.rspb.org.uk/minsmere.

To join, book or find out more call:

07815 769565

ELECTRIC PICTURE PALACE, BLACKMILL ROAD, SOUTHWOLD, SUFFOLK, IP18 6AQ

s Free parking s Regular events s Adventure Play Area s Fully pedestrianised malls s Premier Card scheme giving further discounts and offers

OPENING TIMES Monday to Saturday 10am - 6pm Sunday 11am - 5pm Bank Holidays 10am - 5pm Stephenson Road West, Clacton-on-Sea Essex CO15 4TL T: 01255 479595

Visit us at: www.clactonfactoryoutlet.com 48

Art & 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 453203 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

Sacallop, Suffolk-born artist Maggi Hambling’s striking tribute to Britten and his music, is a four-metre high steel sculpture made by Aldeburgh craftsmen, Sam and Dennis Pegg. Standing on the beach at Aldeburgh, the work had a mixed reception when it was unveiled in 2003. The phrase “I hear those voices that will not be drowned” (from Peter Grimes) is pierced through the steel, to be read against the sky.

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 01284 752938 Wingfield Barns Church Rd, Wingfield 01379 384505 49

Food & Drink

In Suffolk there’s no shortage of places to find delicious home grown, locally produced food & drink...

Adnams

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 cakes. Specialities include homegrown fruits, Jersey cream and honeycomb ice-cream. And 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

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 ice creams.

Their large farm shop and delicatessen sells a wide range of produce that includes home-baked pies, meats, Suffolk-cure bacon, 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 50

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 A unique experience where you can enjoy fish as fresh as it comes owner Bill Pinney will have been at sea catching it himself. Perfect, unadulterated 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 the wonderfully simple 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 sell over 50 varieties of chilli

Aspall cider

plants as well as a using them to make a range of homemade chilli including Chilli Scones, Chilli Sausage rolls and Chilli Brownies and they have recently developed their 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

Farmcafe & 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

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

Goslings Farm Shop This well stocked general farm store offers plenty of home grown and local fruit and vegetables, local meats and poultry, cakes, bread and preserves and a range of gluten free and vegetarian foods. They sell own-grown Maris Bard, Stemster and Saxon potatoes throughout the year and offer a wide range of pick-your-own soft fruit and veg. To add to your visit there’s a coffee shop serving homemade dishes and cakes, and a packed plant centre. Longford House, Trimley St Mary, Felixstowe 01394 273361

Engel A small brewery called "Opa Hay's" in memory of the owner's great grandfather who brewed beer in northern Germany. Its Pale Ale, Best and Amber beers can be found in five local pubs and the Real Ale Shop in Wrentham. Beccles 01502 679144 www.engelfineales.com

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 breads and carrot cakes, 51

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 www.hollowtrees.co.uk James White

yoghurt, cream, creme fraiche, and the popular Suffolk Meadow range of ice creams. Walpole, Halesworth 01986 784658 www.marybelle.co.uk

spices gives this a unique and distinctive flavour. Wellington Street, Newmarket 01638 662418 www.powters.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

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

Musk’s It’s not just horses Newmarket is famous for. The recipe for these sausages is a closely guarded secret and unchanged since the days of Queen Victoria. Today, the company still supplies sausages to the Queen.

01638 662626

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 who make a fabulous range of dairy products for East Anglia. All of their milk is sourced from local family farms. Their products include milk, 52

Newbourne Farm Shop Family run farm shop selling home grown fruit & vegetables and locally sourced, Suffolk food. 01473 836996 www.suffolkcheese.co.uk Paddy & Scott’s Independent coffee brand basd 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 & 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

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 brocolli 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 grow 8000 tons of herbs per year and 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

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

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

The Suffolk Coffee Company

Suffolk Farmhouse Cheeses All cheeses are made from Jason & 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. Hence they set about creating a Food Hall that is a showcase for quality local food with provenance.

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.

Restaurant. Wherstead 01473 786610

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.

Try them for yourself - order online at www.thesuffolkcoffeecompany.co.uk

For over twenty years Christopher Rayner-Green has developed his passion for fine coffee. Today he runs the UK's most bespoke Coffee Roastery, from the village of Peasenhall. With a driving passion to master the art of coffee roasting, Christopher now pursues his never-ending obsession; to create

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 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

Fresh pesto from Stark Naked

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What’s On

Festivals, concerts, country shows, historical recreations, airshows, sports... Suffolk has it all MAY 3-13 Hightide Festival Halesworth 6 Historic Vehicle Rally Ipswich to Felixstowe 6-7 Suffolk Game & Country Fair Glemham Hall, Little Glemham, Woodbridge 7 Woodbridge Horse Show Trinity Park, Ipswich.

7 Mendlesham Street Fair Mendlesham, nr Stowmarket 9-10 June Suffolk Walking Festival 13 South Suffolk Show Ampton Racecourse, Ingham 13 Wings & Wheels Henham Park, Beccles 17-27 Bury St Edmunds Festival Bury St Edmunds 27 East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival Oulton Broad, nr Lowestoft 26-5 June Suffolk Open Studios Showcase Exhibition Art and crafts.

Blackthorpe Barn, Rougham 25-9 June Pulse - Ipswich Fringe Festival Ipswich 26-27 Woolpit Steam Rally Warren Farm, Wetherden, nr Stowmarket

JUNE 1-10 June Stowmarket Festival Stowmarket 2-4 The Whitsun Re-Creation of WWII Life Kentwell, Long Melford 2-5 Aldeburgh Art - Visual Arts Festival Aldeburgh 2-30 Suffolk Open Studios Artists throughout the county 54

open their studios to the public over the weekends.

01473 780330 3 Leestock Music Festival Sudbury 7-8 The Suffolk Show Trinity Park, Ipswich 8-17 Woolpit Festival Woolpit 8-24 65th Aldeburgh Festival of Music & The Arts Snape Maltings Concert Hall and surrounding venues

1556 Kentwell, Long Melford 23-24 Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival Lowestoft 24 Chelsworth Open Gardens Day Chelsworth 24 Two Counties Motor Show Rowley Mile Racecourse, Newmarket 30-1 July Suffolk Food & Drink Show Gifford Hall Vineyard, Hartest 28 - 1 July 15th Festival of Beer and Brewing Museum of East Anglian Life, Stowmarket 29 - 1 July Maverick Festival Easton Farm Park, Easton 30-1 July Crafty Village Weekend West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, West Stow, nr Bury St Edmunds

JULY

9 Horham Bygones Country Rally Horham, nr Eye 9-10 Teddy Bear Parachuting and Flower Festival Blundeston 9-10 Stowfest Stowmarket 10 Rural Pastimes Euston Park, Euston Hall, nr Thetford 15-4 July Ip-Art Ipswich Arts Festival Ipswich 16-17 Ipswich Riverside Folk Weekend Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich 17 The Hidden Gardens of Bury St Edmunds Bury St Edmunds 17 Nowton Park Country Fair Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds 17-1 July Tudor Kentwell

1 Ipswich Music Day Christchurch Park, Ipswich 1-3 Thurston Festival Thurston, Bury St Edmunds 4-8 Bures Music Festival Bures 5-8 Drum Camp Festival South Elmham St Michael 7-22 Bungay Festival 8 Heveningham Hall Country Fair Heveningham Hall, nr Halesworth 12-14 July Festival July Racecourse, Newmarket 12-15 Latitude Festival Henham Park, Beccles 14-15 Mid & West Suffolk Show Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspall 15 Long Melford Street Fair Long Melford

24-26 Aug Theatre in the Forest Rendlesham Forest 28 Ring Quest West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, West Stow, nr Bury St Edmunds 29 Suffolk Dog Day Helmingham Hall

AUGUST

Jessie J is just one of several top stars appearing at this year’s Newmarket Nights music festival. In all, there are nine fantastic big name concerts to be held at the July Racecourse. A ticket will enable you to watch an afternoon of top horseracing followed by an open-air concert. This year’s line up is: McFly (9 June); Madness (22 June); Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons (29 June); Kool and the Gang (20 July); Van Morrison (3 August); Tom Jones (10 August); Jessie J (17 August); Steps (25 August).

For details and tickets call 0844 579 3010 or go to www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk 15 Darells Day Landguard Fort, Felixstowe 15 Peasenhall Pea Festival Nr Yoxford.

20-22 Weeting Steam Rally Fengate Farm, Weeting 20-22 Open-air Shakespeare Kentwell, Long Melford

20-22 Abbey Fest Abbey Gardens, Bury St Edmunds 21-28 The Home Educators’ Summer Festival Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspall 22 Ufford Bygones & Fun Day Crown Farm, Ufford, nr Woodbridge

1-31 Snape Proms Snape Maltings Concert Hall, Aldeburgh 4-5 Beowulf & The Monster West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, West Stow, nr Bury St Edmunds 5 Helmingham Festival of Classic and Sports Cars Helmingham Hall 10-12 Gig in the Park Halesworth Town Park 11-12 Steam & Crafts Weekend Museum of East Anglian Life, Stowmarket 11-12 Spinning a Yarn West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, West Stow, nr Bury St Edmunds 16-19 Ipswich Beer Festival Ipswich Waterfront 16-19 Yoxfest Yoxford 17-20 Pontins Elvis Weekender Pontins Pakefield, Lowestoft 18-19 Beccles Carnival 18-19 Anglo-Saxon Family Life West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, West Stow 18-20 Aldeburgh Carnival 19 Westleton Barrel Fair Westleton, nr Saxmundham 23-24 Thorpeness Regatta & Fireworks Thorpeness 24-26 Folk East Festival Somerleyton hall, Lowestoft 55

24-27 Tudor High Summer Kentwell, Long Melford 25-27 Mildenhall Cycling Rally 26-27 Village life in the 7th Century West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, West Stow 31-2 Sept All About Gardening Trinity Park, Ipswich

SEPTEMBER 1 Traditional Music Day Museum of East Anglian Life, Stowmarket 1 Big Bear Fest Belchamp St Paul, Sudbury 2 Art on the Prom Felixstowe 2 Suffolk Heavy Horse Spectacular The Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket 7-9 Harvest at Jimmy’s Jimmy’s Farm, Ipswich 8-9 Trolleybus Gala Weekend East Anglia Transport Museum, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft 8-30 Artworks Exhibition Blackthorpe Barn, Rougham 15-16 Grand Henham Steam Rally Henham Park, nr Beccles 22-23 5000 Years West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, West Stow, nr Bury St Edmunds 27-29 Cambridgeshire Meeting Newmarket Racecourses 29-30 Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival Snape Maltings, nr Aldeburgh 29-30 Tudor Michaelmas Kentwell, Long Melford

Deep in the heart of Suffolk’s Thetford Forest, you can once again enjoy one of a series of top concerts held by the Forestry Commission.

This year’s line-up features: Razorlight (14 June); Plan B (15 June); Will Young (pictured, 16 June); Ed Sheeran (12 July); Alfie Boe (13 July); The Darkness (14 July).

For tickets call 03000 680400 or go to www.forestry.gov.uk/music

Week West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, West Stow

OCTOBER 8-12 Southwold Literary Festival Southwold 9-11 The Art, Craft & Design Show Rowley Mile Racecourse, Newmarket 10-11 Yule Fest West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, West Stow 17-18 Yule Fest West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, West Stow 23-25 Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre

OCTOBER 6-7 Robin Hood Game & Country Show Trinity Park, Ipswich 13 Future Champions Day July Racecourse, Newmarket 13-28 Halesworth Arts Festival 56

18-31 Scaresville - The Haunted Village Kentwell, Long Melford 29-4 Nov Anglo-Saxon Craft

DECEMBER 15-22 Dickensian Christmas Kentwell, Long Melford

At Heritage Hideaways we oer a superb choice of carefully selected self-catering properties on the Heritage Coast and in the glorious Suolk and Norfolk countryside.

Kiln Farm Guest House o J47 of A14. En-suite rooms around courtyard setting.

O Conservatory dining room and guest bar O CertiďŹ ed CL Site O Children & Pets Welcome O Visit Britain Silver Award Winner

01359 240442

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We pride ourselves on our personal service and attention to detail. So we think you’ll ďŹ nd our approach makes a refreshing change too. Call us now on 01502 578278, or for full details of all our properties, visit our website.

Come and explore the Suolk and Norfolk Coast this summer

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Southwold Maize Maze Fun for all ages with new theme: the Queen ’ s J U B I L E E open 7 days a week, 10am-6pm

21st July 2012 - 2 nd Sept 2012

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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 amongst 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's Minstrel's Gallery from which a small band can play. Woodbridge 01394 385678 www.seckford.co.uk Glemham Hall This impressive, elegant red brick Elizabethan mansion is steeped in history and is the perfect setting for a traditional English country-style wedding. This stunning venue is now offering 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 Glemham, Woodbridge 01728 746704 www.glemhamhall.co.uk Christchurch Mansion Christchurch Mansion is a red brick Tudor manor house set amid lovely 100 acre parkland, close to the centre of Ipswich.

58

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 accommodate up to 500 guests for a wedding breakfast, and more intimate spaces can be created for smaller wedding parties.

Ipswich. 01473 707119 www.trinityparkevents.co.uk

Bedford Lodge Hotel The elegant white Bedford Lodge, with it's 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. Sumptuous 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 pebbles 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

Ufford Park Ufford Park Hotel, Golf & 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

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. Exclusive use of the manor allows you and

your party to celebrate in complete privacy and enjoy luxurious surrounds, truly making the Manor your dream home for the duration of your stay. The Manor is an exceptional place to do business, secluded away from it all on the Suffolk Heritage Coast, yet just two hours from London. With sole use, the day’s 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 9 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 superb 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, oak-framed barn is surrounded by beautiful country house gardens.

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Hintlesham Hall

A private, exclusive and individual 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 Hungarian Hall Events The wedding venue is set in landscaped surroundings.

The tastefully decorated Danube Suite can cater for 60

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

High Lodge High Lodge is unique venue on the Suffolk Coast, giving exclusive use to you and your guests at exceptional value and at a very high standard. Their caring and 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 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 Wantisden Valley Wantisden Valley, in the heart of the Suffolk countryside on the Heritage coast, provides for civil ceremonies and receptions in a beautiful and very private location in Suffolk. A number of buildings are available.

Shepherd's Cottage is an 18th century thatched building nestled on the edge of a medieval wood, overlooking extensive lakes. It is licensed for civil ceremonies and small receptions for up to 40 guests with an enclosed garden and patio area. The Mixing Barn is licensed for 40 to 170 guests for civil ceremonies. Brick and flint built, it is fully carpeted and attached to the Main Barn where a reception can be held to seat up to 300 guests, with a large dance floor and licensed bar. 01394 459 995 www.wantisden.co.uk

for up to 80 guests. Otley. 01473 890264 www.otleyhall.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

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

Otley Hall Otley Hall, a grade I listed 16th century house situated in ten 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

Somerleyton Hall and Gardens The Hall and gardens at 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

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

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 The Bildeston Crown The Bildeston Crown is located in the heart of Suffolk's picturesque countryside, close to the historic towns of Bury St. Edmunds and Ipswich. The Bildeston Crown is an original 15th century coaching Inn which has been imaginatively refurbished to restore the building without losing any of the character of its past 600 years. With a function room licensed for weddings, a fantastic honeymoon suite, an award winning chef, and catering for up to 150 people, this is a perfect all-purpose Wedding venue for that special day. Bildeston 01449 740510 www.thebildestoncrown.com 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 hotels, holiday parks, guest houses, cottages and farmhouses Suffolk has to offer...

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 twelve 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 grandeur.

Dining here is a culinary treat.

Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds 01284 714000 www.theangel.co.uk The Crown This boutique hotel has eleven stylish luxury en-suite bedrooms, all individually designed and furnished.

Stoke By Nayland 01206 262001 www.crowninn.net 62

The Westleton Crown

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 Right next to the Meare at Thorpeness, and five minutes' 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 classically charming 15th century country hotel that's

complete with rich furnishings, inglenook fireplaces and 45 beautifully decorated en-suite bedrooms. Lavenham 01787 247477 www.theswanatlavenham.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 724 544 www.sutherlandhouse.co.uk Hintlesham Hall Offering sumptuous comfort, this spacious 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 shapes, sizes and

food in the award-winning restaurant. Long Melford 01787 312356 www.blacklionhotel.net

The Angel Hotel, Bury St Edmunds

PARKS & CARAVANS

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 unique 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 4 star luxury boutique hotel on Ipswich quay. Ipswich 01473 226789 www.salthouseharbour.co.uk White Lion Hotel Newly-refurbished beachfront hotel. Aldeburgh 01728 452720 www.whitelion.co.uk The Crown & 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 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

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 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 www.run-cottage.co.uk Pakefield Caravan Park An award-winning four-star caravan park complete with outdoor pool. Lowestoft 01502 539264 www.pakefieldpark.co.uk 63

Aldeburgh Seaview, one of Heritage Hideaways’ many holiday homes and cottages.

Felixstowe Beach Family holiday park.

Felixstowe 0844 8471115 www.hoseasons.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 working farm mainly producing free range eggs for supermarkets.

01728 663644 www.swefflinghallfarm.co.uk 64

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 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 3 acres of beautiful gardens.

Drinkstone, Bury St Edmunds 01359 272513 www.drinkstonepark.co.uk The Norfolk Guest House Visit Britain 4 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 The Old Butchers Shop B&B in a listed building in the centre of Orford village.

Orford 01394 450517 www.oldbutchers-orford.co.uk Newmans Hall B&B with heated indoor swimming pool and an En-Tout-Cas tennis court.

Little Waldingfield, Sudbury 01787 249111 Lavenham Old Rectory Stunning 5-star hotel offering rooms and gourmet breakfasts.

Lavenham 01787 247572 Manorhouse Award-winning b&b in a Suffolk longhouse, originally a farmhouse dating back to the 16th century and set in large gardens. Beyton, nr Bury St Edmunds 01359 270960 www.beyton.com 34 Lee Road High quality b& b accommodation in a quiet but central position. Aldeburgh 01728 453271 Britten House Magnificent Grade II listed Victorian townhouse with unobscured sea views and a prime position on the seafront.

The property was the birthplace of the composer Benjamin Britten and his family home for 21 years. Kirkley Cliff Road, Lowestoft 01502 573950 www.brittenhouse.co.uk Sidegate Guest House Four star accommodation, free wifi, great breakfasts. Sidegate Lane, Ipswich 01473 728714 www.sidegateguesthuse.co.uk Crauford House Beautifully presented boutique style bed and breakfast.

Cockfield, nr Bury St Edmunds 01284 827545 www.craufordhouse.com

Run Cottage Woodbridge Close to the market town of Woodbridge, we are a small family run 20 caravan touring park, located on Suffolk’s Heritage Coast on the outskirts of the village of Hollesley.

Set in 2.5 acres of parkland with a large pond and views over open farmland, we offer peace and tranquillity – a place to escape the hustle and bustle of today’s busy lifestyle.

Run Cottage Touring Park

Ideally situated for walking, cycling, bird watching and visiting local attractions, with an abundance of wildlife on site, from sparrows to barn owls, rabbits to deer, by the stream you may even catch sight of the elusive kingfisher.

01394 411309 www.run-cottage.co.uk

Harry’s Menu for casual dining Short of time or you wish to have a meal in the middle of the afternoon? Either way why not pop in for a steak sandwich, coffee or enjoy our delicious Afternoon Tea. Or enjoy a plate of pasta and a glass of wine?

Alfresco‚ style on the terraces.

Food available between 7.30am and 10.30pm Alternatively why not try our famous All Inclusive three course lunch?

Only £33.50 problems parking

Everyd r ay a Dining - not just for f a Hintlesham, Ipswich. IP8 3NS 01473 652334 reservations@hintleshamhall.com

www.hintleshamhall.com 65

Information

National Rail Enquiries

08457 484950

Suffolk Tourist Information Centres Check opening hours locally as some are seasonal and some may close at 1pm on Saturdays.

Hadleigh Hadleigh Library T 01473 823778

Stowmarket Museum of East Anglian Life T 01449 676800

Aldeburgh 152 High Street T 01728 453637

Ipswich St Stephen’s Lane T 01473 258070

Sudbury Gaol lane T 01787 881320

Brandon 31 High Street T 01842 814955

Lavenham (seasonal) Lady Street T 01787 248207

Woodbridge Station Buildings T 01394 382240

Bury St Edmunds 6 Angel Hill T 01284 764667

Lowestoft East Point Pavilion T 01502 533600

Felixstowe 91 Undercliff Road West T 01394 276770

Newmarket Palace House, Palace Street T 01638 667200

Flatford (seasonal) Flatford lane T 01206 299460

Southwold 69 High Street T 01502 724729

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USEFUL WEBSITES visitsuffolk.com discoversuffolk.org.uk stedmundsbury.gov.uk suffolkcoastal.gov.uk choosesuffolk.com southandheartofsuffolk.org.uk suffolk.gov.uk eastlife.co.uk

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