Best of Suffolk 2014 by Tilston Phillips

the best of

SUFFOLK

YOUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO THIS UNIQUE COUNTY

bestsuffolk.com

JULY 2014 – JUNE 2015

£5.00

For homes of distinction

The perfect blend of traditional style, contemporary design and attention to detail DESIRABLE LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT SUFFOLK, NORFOLK, CAMBRIDGESHIRE & ESSEX

hopkinshomes.co.uk

Visit all of our developments at:

hopkinshomes.co.uk Call: 01394 446860 Email: sales@hopkinshomes.co.uk Images of Hopkins Homes developments. Help to Buy is subject to terms and conditions.

F anny& frank Suffolk’s (and now worst Essex’s)kept worst kept secret (Suffolk’s secret)

Clothes, Service,Shoes,Boots,Bags,

Beautiful

Accessories&Fragrance For

Ladies&Men Visit our Boutique Store at 6-8 Market Hill, Woodbridge Boutique01394 Stores in Woodbridge and Saffron Walden Telephone 384723 • www.fannyandfrank.com 6-8 Market Hill, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 4LU • 01394 384723 • hello@fannyandfrank.com 26-28 Church Street, Saffron Walden, Essex CB10 1JQ • 01799 516202 • saffron@fannyandfrank.com

www.fannyandfrank.com

Publisher Jonathan Tilston Tilston Phillips Magazines Ltd

Contents

Editorial Director Deanna Tilston Sales Marina Jacobs Design thatsbrave.co.uk Editorial Contributors Angela Hagan, Ros Green, Visit Suffolk, Ottilie Tilston. Photographic Contributors ©VisitBritain – Rod Edwards, Simon Kreitem. Britain on View, Ian Shaw, Daniel Bosworth, James Barnes, Pawel Libera, Simon Kreitem, Joanna Henderson, Jack Barnes, Grant Pritchard, Richard Surman, Adrian Houston, Tony Pleavin. With thanks to Justin Mimms for the key photography in this guide. www.justinminns.co.uk Filkr P18 Amber Photo by Jocelyn P18 Angling Photo by Martin Pettitt P41 Felixstowe photo by Andrea Vail P41Crazy Lilly Tim Parkinson Waveney Valley and Beccles Photography: Roland Blunk of the Swan House. St Edmunsbury Council Ipswich Borough Council discoverlandguard.org.uk

Tilston Phillips Magazines Ltd 141 Norwich Road Ipswich IP1 2PP 01473 286155 sales@tilstonphillips.com tilstonphillips.com ©Tilston Phillips Magazines Ltd 2014

Printed and bound by Printer Trento srl. Holder of the following quality, printing and environmental certifications: Quality and Printing Certifications: ISO 12647-2:2004 Fogra® PSO (ProcessStandard Offset) CERTIprint® ISO 14001:2004 FSC®(C015829) PEFC™(SA-PEFC/COC-004091) Carbon Trust Standard

County of Suffolk map Welcome Gateway to the Heritage Coast Woodbridge Snape Yoxford and Peasenhall Five best things to do in Spring and Summer Framlingham Heritage Coast Aldeburgh and Thorpeness Five of Pickle’s dog friendly places Orford Southwold Walberswick, Blythburgh and Dunwich Suffolk’s best Beaches Felixstowe Children’s Suffolk Ipswich – Suffolk’s county town Constable Country and beyond Hadleigh Lavenham, Kersey and Monks Eleigh Long Melford, Cavendish and Clare Five best Cultural Visits West Suffolk Bury St Edmunds Five best Ecclesiastical Treasures Suffolk’s best Homes and Gardens Newmarket Festival People Waveney Valley Bungay Beccles Halesworth The Great Outdoors Five best things to do in Autumn and Winter Cycling Sensory Suffolk Best of Suffolk Food Suffolk Pubs & Walks Made in Suffolk The best of Independent Schools Suffolk Weddings Relocation List of Advertisers Opening doors for your business

4 5 6 8 14 16 18 20 22 24 28 32 34 40 41 42 44 46 54 56 60 64 69 70 73 76 83 84 87 91 93 94 97 98 104 109 110 111 128 130 138 150 154 159 160

the best of SUFFOLK 3

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Work in Suffolk has been a pleasure throughout. The weather was clement, the natives were friendly, the scenery and buildings a delightâ&#x20AC;?. Nikolaus Pevsner, The Buildings of England

County of

Suffolk

the best of

SUFFOLK Many believe Suffolk’s untouched, rugged coastline mixed with its ancient landscape stretching evocatively from Constable Country to the Heritage Coast sets it apart. But others will say it’s Suffolk’s vast, dramatic skies which frame this unique county with its distinctive market towns and chocolate box villages that draw them back time and time again.

Whatever the season, it’s always a good time to visit Suffolk. In our now overly technological and busy lives, Suffolk offers a unique opportunity to put down your smart phone and re-connect with your surroundings. Enjoy some real down time in the comfort of one of our many independent hotels which offer heaps of character and luxury, our cosy cottages for a home-from-home experience, or our B&Bs for a warm and friendly welcome. And that’s not to mention the mouth-watering food. As you travel around you’ll notice that the county prides itself on an abundance of locally produced and award-winning food at the many and varied farm shops, delis and independent butchers, fishmongers and pick-your-owns. All are well worth a visit. You’ll also find superb local produce widely available on the menus of pubs and restaurants throughout the county, in a display of ingredients that links the sea, the soil, wildlife, livestock and, most of all, its irrepressible people.

The Best of Suffolk has all the information you need to discover what’s waiting, whether you are looking for a one-off item of local craftsmanship, interested in the county’s legendary arts and music scene, looking for award-winning fish and chips or a lively market with a colourful array of local produce or just seeking a crackling fire and locally-brewed pint to wind down by. And if it’s the kind of place you can see yourself relocating to, we’re immensely proud that Suffolk promises not only a happier, healthier way of life with its great outdoors, fantastic choice of schools and local opportunities but it’s also bursting at the seams with history and culture. Whatever your passion, we hope you enjoy discovering it as much as we do.

Jonathan Tilston Publisher

the best of SUFFOLK 5

Gateway to the Heritage Coast

Suffolk. Where vast skies meet a rugged, untouched coastline with a rich and colourful history dating back to Anglo Saxon times and beyond. Many of the county’s picturesque market towns and villages are mentioned in the Doomsday Book. Renowned for its shingle shoreline, ancient woodlands, nature reserves, medieval castles Suffolk also offers many other hidden gems. Like the wildlife and botanical wonders of Snape and its enchanting estuary on the River Alde. Snape’s natural beauty inspired its most famous resident Benjamin Britten to compose his best works, having declared it to be ‘just heaven.’ It’s now a mecca for classical musicians and food lovers alike at the converted Maltings venue. Take a stroll along the River Deben which snakes around Woodbridge and you’ll find almost every angle lovingly captured in the many paintings on show in the town’s galleries and fine restaurants. Or head to Framlingham Castle, believed to be founded by King Raedwald, for a rooftop walk along its remains boasting dramatic views across the windswept marshes teaming with migratory birds.

Woodbridge Traditional boat-building continues down at the quayside where the chief attraction is the picturesque Tide Mill. HISTORY The Tide Mill was the last commercially available mill of it’s kind, and is a rare surviving example at over 800 years old. It has recently been fully restored to working order, and now also houses a fun museum. The Shire Hall building on Market Hill dates back to 1575, the time of Tudor bigwig and local benefactor, Thomas Seckford, whose name lives on in Seckford Street and the beautiful period Seckford Hall, now a hotel. You can discover more about Thomas Seckford and other famous townsfolk at Woodbridge Museum, which also records the spectacular finds at the nearby Anglo Saxon ship burial site of Sutton Hoo, now in the care of the National Trust.

GET YOUR BEARINGS Everywhere you go there are intriguing streets of pretty houses. The railway station is at the end of the town, as is the swimming pool, cinema and Riverside Restaurant, which will serve meals to fit in with film performances. A pleasant walk with

8 the best of SUFFOLK

views along the Deben will take you past a children’s play area towards Kyson’s Hill, now owned by the National Trust, and once a favourite spot of the Victorian landscape painter, Thomas Churchyard. If you keep going you can walk over the hill and all the way round and back into the town centre.

of them independents, selling books, foodstuffs, local provisions, fashion, shoes, gifts, china and furnishings. There is a good kitchenware shop here, too.

DON’T MISS • The Suffolk Punch Trust at Hollesley • UFO walk in Rendlesham Forest

If you are inclined to venture farther afield, there is also much of interest at the Bentwaters Cold War Museum at nearby Parham, one of a number of former USAF bases positioned in this part of East Anglia during the Second World War. They are open Sundays throughout August.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE For centuries, Market Hill was the nucleus of the town and here you will find the Shire Hall, which is home to the town council as well as a museum dedicated to the Suffolk Punch heavy horse. Here, too, is another very attractive cluster of little shops and tempting eating places to explore. In the town centre there is a good selection of specialist shops, many

• An easy stroll along the estuary followed by a hearty ‘all-day’ breakfast at The Whistle Stop Cafe.

SHOWS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS 15 JUNE Woodbridge Regatta and Riverside Fair 5 JULY Woodbridge Carnival 7 DECEMBER Mammoth Christmas Street Fair To check out local events www.choosewoodbridge.co.uk

HOTSPOTS The Crown Hotel IP12 1AD Wild Strawberry Café IP12 4LX

Scandinavian-Inspired Lifestyle Interiors

07702 877081 mandy@vanil.co.uk Open Tuesday - Saturday 10.30 - 5.30 17 Church Street Woodbridge IP12 1DS

Simply Scandinavian www.vanil.co.uk

10 CHURCH STREET Woodbridge

ANTIQUES - INTERIORS - GIFTS www.10churchstreet.com | 01394 384949

the best of NORFOLK 9

BEAUTIFUL CLOTHES & ACCESSORIES

see it... love it... want it...

72 Thoroughfare Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 1AL 01394 382300 sue@hollyblueboutique.com

10 the best of SUFFOLK

A FASHION LOVER’S

walk through Woodbridge by Karen Wolff-Evans of Fanny & Frank

Some years ago, when living in London, a couple I knew announced they were moving out to Suffolk. In true city-dweller style I replied where is Suffolk? They moved and I became a frequent visitor to the county, enjoying the discovery of gorgeous seaside towns like Southwold, Aldeburgh (aka Hampstead-on-sea) and, of course, Woodbridge. Shopping in these towns back then meant quaint, quirky little independent shops selling things such as painted driftwood, seaside trinkets and aromatherapy oil. Oh, how things have changed. Before long, my husband and I also planned our escape from London for the good life in Suffolk, and it seems we were part of a wave of likeminded people and entrepreneurs, bringing new business ventures and passions and a desire for the kind of good shops and choice of restaurants we were used to. We settled in Woodbridge, a real town with a cinema (The Riverside is no ordinary cinema – where else can you combine fine dining and a film?). Woodbridge is as pretty as a picture postcard, sitting sleepily on the edge of the River Deben and full of history. Fourteen years ago, however, there was very little in the way of fashion shops, with just a few boutiques quietly doing their thing … and then boom! It all changed. Part of that revolution in 2004, was when our boutique department store, Fanny & Frank, opened on the Market Hill, selling gorgeous designer brands such as Vivienne Westwood and Joseph and shoes you would expect to find only in Paris or Milan. Fanny & Frank celebrates its 10th anniversary soon and in that time Woodbridge has become a destination for ladies’ fashion. There are no fewer than 13 independent fashion shops within walking distance of each other, and 13 has never been such a lucky number for shopping lovers. This collection of shops stock fantastic brands, most of which would not be out of place in Harvey Nichols or Selfridges. The town is split into two main shopping areas – The Thoroughfare

and The Market Hill. At the north end of The Thoroughfare, going out of town and just across the traffic lights, is the first ladies’ clothing boutique, Laura Jane, where you will find brands such as Lauren Vidal and Part Two. If you walk back along The Thoroughfare, you will come across Holly Blue, stocking brands including Great Plains and Urban Code. Then Adams Apple stocking Adini and Gardeur. Woodbridge also has a specialist independent lingerie shop, Sweet Dreams, on your right, and John Ives with a wide selection of shoes. Farther along is the elegant and traditional Alexanders, stocking country and formal wear for both sexes. Farther still is Upstairs Downstairs. At Cross Corner, you can take a break and enjoy a glass at the Crown, Prezzo or the East Coast Diner. Nearby you will find the

Woodbridge is as pretty as a picture postcard, sitting sleepily on the edge of the River Deben and full of history. Designer Dress Exchange and at the end of Quay Street, you can discover Nininoo, who stock St Tropez and Vero Moda. Retrace your steps and head up Church Street, passing Number 10 and Vanilla, two gorgeous individual homeware shops, and then, on the Market Hill, there are ﬁve designer ladieswear boutiques and bespoke jeweller Susannah Chenevix-Trench. You will ﬁnd jean brands to match most London stores – Hudson, James, Paige, Seven for all Mankind, NYDJ, Donna Ida, JBrand and many more.

Each shop has its own feel and different merchandise and what is so wonderful about shopping with independents is that you will have help in putting together an individual wardrobe as they will mix and match and cross over the brands in a way the big stores cannot. They know their stock inside out, making for a very personal shopping experience. At the top of the hill is D’arcy B with brands such as Nicole Farhi, and Marilyn Moore. Then Blue Bay, and Jennyfer Long, stocking Paul & Joe Sister and Hoss Intropia. Farther along is Chattertons, with Marc by Marc Jacobs and DVF, and then Anna with Acne and Selected. Our own store, Fanny & Frank, occupies two shops, one dedicated to shoes and boots, plus a men’s department and ladies store. You will fall in love with Woodbridge – it is shopping as it should be. Plenty of choice, welcoming smiles and personal service (and you can always park your partner in one of the many lovely pubs).

the best of SUFFOLK 11

Antiques 7 Quay Street, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1BX This beautifully arranged store showcases the wares of over 20 antique and YLQWDJH GHDOHUV ZLWK D ZLGH YDULHW\ RI SLHFHV WKDW UHĂ&#x20AC; HFW WKHLU RZQ WDVWHV SDVVLRQV DQG Âż HOG RI H[SHUWLVH 7KLV VHOHFWLRQ LQFOXGHV VLOYHU Âż QH DQG costume jewellery, watches, ceramics, glass, treen and other interesting LWHPV IURP WLPHV JRQH E\ Woodbridge Antiques Centre is conveniently situated on Quay Street, between the Riverside and the bustling Thoroughfare, just two minutes walk from the railway station and its car park, making it ideal for browsing KROLGD\ PDNHUV IDPLOLHV RQ GD\ WULSV RU WKH PRUH DYLG DQWLTXH KXQWHU Whether you are a collector, looking for a special gift at an affordable price or a treat for yourself, Woodbridge Antiques Centre is sure to provide WKH SHUIHFW VROXWLRQ 7R YLHZ VRPH H[DPSOHV RI LWHPV ZH VWRFN SOHDVH YLVLW RXU ZHEVLWH

Telephone 01394 387210 www.woodbridgeantiquescentre.co.uk

Hid dden Treasure... ...for all to enj n oy UFFORD PARK WOODBRIDGE

Ufford Park Wo W odbridge Hotel, Golf & Spa is open to all for delicious food using the finest local produce. Enjoy al fresco dining on the terrace overlooking the beautiful golf cours r e, or visit the restaurant, perfect for romantic dinners r and family l occasions.

Free Wi-Fi and open to all - why not pop in for a coffee... â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

All Day Food A ternoon Te Af T a - ÂŁ16.95 for 2 Thurs r day Night - Curry r Night Sunday Lunch Function Rooms

â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

15 metre Swimming Pool 18 hole par 71 Golf Cours re 2 storey Driving Range Luxury r Thermal Suite Spa Open to Non Members r

t 0844 477 6498 (local rate) w www.uffordpark.co.uk Y rmouth Road, Melton, Wo Ya W odbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1QW

12 the best of SUFFOLK

Bathsheba is a modern, boutique day Spa in the heart of Woodbridge. An oasis of calm, self spoiling and femininity in a warm, welcoming environment - a little bit of luxury just of the High Street. &EXLWLIFE 7TE SJJIVW ³WIRWEXMSREP´ 6)2 QEWWEKI ERH JEGMEP XVIEXQIRXW EGGYVEXI ERH HI½RMRK XLVIEHMRK ERH XMRXMRK Perron Rigot hot wax, luxury manicures and pedicures, gel nails and IBX, salt or sugar body scrubs, detox wraps and Mother-to-be treatments. “Summer Prep Package” now available please call for details. We also offer half day and overnight Spa packages in conjunction with The Crown Hotel, Woodbridge.

Please call 01394 388813 for an appointment or treatment advice. 24 Church Street, Woodbridge, IP12 1DH www.bathshebaspa.co.uk

the best of SUFFOLK 13

Snape Strange but true, the little village of Snape was once bigger and more commercially active than its seaside neighbour of Aldeburgh. HISTORY

GET YOUR BEARINGS

DON’T MISS

Occupying an important bridging place on the River Alde, Snape has a long and fascinating history stretching back to Anglo Saxon times.

But it is not just at festival time that Snape’s converted Maltings merit a visit. Spread out over the site you will find a collectors’ centre crammed with bygones and antiques; a house and garden store; stylish outlets for country clothing; a craft shop; an art gallery and a shop selling cards and books. There is a café, too.

• A walk along the Alde Estuary from the Maltings to Iken following the footpath from the riverbank

Nowadays it is best-known as a major centre for the musical arts, and it is here that the world famous Aldeburgh Festival, founded by Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears, has its hub. A major visitor attraction, it comes as no surprise that this monument to Victorian enterprise was one of the largest of its kind when founder Newson Garrett drew up his plans. Today, a whole complex has grown up around the famous concert hall, opened in 1967 by the Queen.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE The setting is stunning with views out over the river and marshes to Iken, well complemented by a Barbara Hepworth sculpture in the foreground. There are very good local pubs serving food, and the concert hall has a restaurant and wine bar attached.

• Local seasonal produce at the monthly Farmers’ Market.

SHOWS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS 1 JUNE, 27 JULY, 5 OCTOBER, 30 NOVEMBER Vintage Market 27 – 28 SEPTEMBER Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival 3 – 5 OCTOBER FLIP – Brazil’s first and foremost literary festival

HOTSPOT Plough & Sail IP17 1SR

14 the best of SUFFOLK

Energy and inspiration on the Suffolk coast

A world-class centre for performance and artist development, with events taking place throughout the year.

2014 1 – 31 August 3 – 5 October 24 – 26 October 1 November 7 – 9 November 14 – 15 November 12 – 21 December

2015 SNAPE PROMS FLIPSIDE BRITTEN WEEKEND FASTER THAN SOUND: THE CHIMES HOUR 26th ALDEBURGH POETRY FESTIVAL ENGLISH TOURING OPERA CHRISTMAS AT ALDEBURGH MUSIC

January – March 30 Jan – 1 Feb 3 – 5 April May 12-28 June 1 – 31 August

FRIDAY LUNCHTIME CONCERTS PLACE CROSS-ARTS WEEKEND EASTER WEEKEND NEW OPERA: THE VIRTUES OF THINGS 68TH ALDEBURGH FESTIVAL SNAPE PROMS

01728 687110 www.aldeburgh.co.uk

G A L L E RY • T R A I N I N G • S H O P

L E T T E R I N G A RT S

THREE MAJOR LETTERING EXHIBITIONS A YEAR

Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays 11am - 5pm Lettering Arts Centre, Snape Maltings, Snape, Suffolk IP17 1SP letteringartstrust.org.uk 01728 688 393 01728 688 934

You can find Caramel in two delightful destinations in Aldeburgh and Snape Maltings CARAMEL – Snape Maltings sits within an independent retail area with no parking restrictions. We are located directly opposite Aldeburgh Music’s Visitor Centre – look out for the iconic red telephone box. We stock xs - plus sizes Stockists for MASAI and fair trade label PEOPLE TREE. Plus size labels PONT NEUF and MAT. Snape Maltings, Snape, Suffolk IP17 1SP

01728 687467 www.caramel-aldeburgh.co.uk Visit us at Snape Maltings where you will discover the delights of shopping in a warm and relaxed setting, where a friendly welcome awaits you. If in Aldeburgh visit our shop there, details on page 31.

the best of SUFFOLK 15

Yoxford and Peasenhall Slightly inland from Suffolk’s heritage coast you will find an area sometimes known as the ‘Garden of Suffolk’ HISTORY Yoxford’s quaint main street incorporates a mix of architectural styles, and is a good deal quieter now than it was a couple of centuries ago when all the London-to-Yarmouth traffic came this way, providing coaching inns with a roaring trade. Yoxford has a church with a spire and good brasses, as well as local shops and the King’s Head pub to explore. The village is surrounded by ample swathes of parkland belonging to no fewer than three big private country house estates, Cockfield Hall among them, and provides an ideal base from which to enjoy unspoilt country walks. This is where Elizabeth I had her cousin Katherine Grey (younger sister of Lady Jane) placed under house arrest following her stretch in the Tower of London. She died soon after and is buried here.

for money, while Suffolk House Antiques caters to the quality end of the trade. If you are interested in early furniture and works of art, a visit here is a must. The seven rooms are beautifully laid out with the sort of pieces often only seen in museums and the proprietor, Andrew Singleton, is always happy to advise. Half a mile through the village on the A1120 stands Yoxford Antiques Centre, offering an enormous range and variety of antiques and collectables to suit all budgets in light and airy premises. The courtyard houses a row of brightly painted beach huts, which stock craft goods of all kinds, as well as The Flying Goose Cafe. There are also five acres of gardens and field where you can visit the Centre’s three resident alpacas.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE GET YOUR BEARINGS The delightful village of Yoxford can be reached by rail as well as by road, providing you realise that the station is actually at nearby Darsham. Its most distinctive feature is that it is home to no less than three antiques outlets. Situated in the heart of the village, Garden House offers excellent value

16 the best of SUFFOLK

A stone’s throw away from Yoxford, the smaller village of Peasenhall is also interesting. It has an industrial as well as an agricultural past, having become a major production centre for the early nineteenth-century seed drill invented by James Smyth. The church is right next door to where the Suffolk Seed Drill Company used to be. Today it is very much a foodie village with the

excellent local butcher JR Creasey, a classic tearoom and Emmett’s village stores. Trading here since the 1840s, Emmett’s sells all sorts of delicious treats but is most famous for its traditionally produced bacon and hams - in particular its Suffolk black ham. If you head off towards the coast you will find you are not far from Dunwich, the once great town famously lost to the sea, and Minsmere, the nature reserve run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

DON’T MISS • A visit to St Peter’s church in Yoxford to see its medieval history. • A visit to the nearby RSPB Minsmere Bird Reserve

SHOWS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS 20 JULY Peasenhall Pea Festival 14 - 17 AUGUST Yoxford Arts Festival

HOTSPOTS The Kings Head IP17 3EX

Visit our Arts & Crafts Beach Huts and The Flying Goose Café. There are five acres of open gardens and fields to enjoy and ample free parking.

Over 80 antiques dealers under one roof selling a wide range of antiques, collectables and vintage items.

We are open 6 days a week: Monday to Saturday – 10.00am to 5.00pm Sundays – 10.00am to 4.00pm Bank Holidays – 10.00am to 5.00pm Closed Tuesdays.

01728 668844

www.yoxfordantiques.com Find us on the A1120, between Yoxford and Peasenhall (IP17 3JW).

Suffolk House Antiques Established over twenty years ago in the pretty village of Yoxford, Suffolk House Antiques has one of the largest selections of high quality early oak and country furniture and associated works of art in the UK. For further information, please visit our website www.suffolk-house-antiques.co.uk or contact Andrew Singleton by telephone or email.

Member of the British Antiques Dealers Association

High Street, Yoxford, Suffolk IP17 3EP Tel: 01728668122 Email: as@suffolk-house-antiques.co.uk

www.suffolk-house-antiques.co.uk the best of SUFFOLK 17

FIVE BEST THINGS TO DO IN

Discover more

SPRING AND SUMMER

Take a river cruise with Lady Florence at Orford or Allen Gardiner at Ipswich. IP12 9LU www.lady-florence.co.uk 07831 698298 Windsurfing, Paddle Boarding and Dinghy hire available at Alton Water - April through to the end of October IP9 2RY www. altonwater.co.uk 01473 328408

Hot air balloon trip This quirky way of getting around offers the next level of view appreciation - total immersion into the landscape itself! Opt for Wizard Balloons, the only independent balloon flight operator in East Anglia, as they fly in smaller, more intimate groups. From their leafy launch site at Nowton Park, and you can choose to pass over a variety of stunning Suffolk landmarks. The main flying season is March to October. IP31 2NH 01359 233622 www.wizardballoons.co.uk

Summer Saturdays at Newmarket Races Throughout June and August, the renowned races at Newmarket really come into their own as brilliant days out. In addition to the usual world class horse racing, there is a huge range of extra activities for kids and grown ups alike. All accompanied children aged 17 and under are admitted free, while adults shouldn’t miss The July Festival - East Anglia’s answer to the Royal Ascot! CB8 0TG www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk 01638 675500

Theatre in the forest Every summer an enchanting spot of Suffolk woodland is transformed into a stage and brought to life by Shakespeare. Red Rose Chain, the independent theatre and film company behind this annual season of shows, has created highly original and accessible Shakespeare adaptations year on year, resulting in a steady increase in popularity. A guaranteed open air hit with families, but don’t forgot your waterproofs! IP9 2AR www.redrosechain.com 01473 603388

Take the big dog ferry in Beccles for a relaxing trip down the River Waveney. NR34 9PL www.bigdogferry.co.uk 07532 072761 Visit Wyken Vineyards, Restaurant, Gardens, Shop or Farmers Market Stanton, Bury St Edmunds. IP31 2DW www.wykenvineyards.co.uk 01359 250262 Pick your Own at Wheldon’s Fruit Farm the season begins in May. Harvest times vary due to the weather, so do ring before setting off. CO10 0QE www.wheldonsfruitfarm.co.uk 01787 374322 Power boat racing at Oulton Broad – You can try it for free every Thursday during the Summer lobmbc.org.uk/ Theatre Royal - Take a Backstage Past tour of this Regency theatre in Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QR theatreroyal.org 01284 769505

Explore the Amber Coast Angling in Aldeburgh Aldeburgh’s steep shingle access to deep water makes it Suffolk’s star spot for beach fishing, and it is also in the top five locations for cod in the UK. You can park at Fort Green and head to North Warren beach, or Martello tower which is a great night time spot. Cod feed better in coloured or dark seas, so the best time to fish is at night, but whatever bait you use make sure it’s at least half the size of your fist!

18 the best of SUFFOLK

Unbeknownst to many, the average coastal stroll in Suffolk involves stepping over countless little treasures. The beaches between Felixstowe and Southwold are a great place to look for raw amber, and the best place to look for it is at the very top of the line of debris left by high tide. Raw amber looks like a dull creamy-brown stoneit’s only when it is polished that it comes to life.

The Martello Tower Y

BEAUTIFUL LUXURY COTTAGES IN THE VERY HEART OF SUFFOLK Suffolk Cottage Holidays offers a superb range of holiday accommodation to suit all tastes. Choose from the tranquility of the countryside with beautiful walks from your front door or the peace of the coast with its stunning sea views. Relax and unwind. Utterly unique, an architectural prize winner, The Martello Tower Y, near Bawdsey sleeps 5. It has breathtaking 360 degree views over the Suffolk coast and the sea. Enjoy the holiday of a lifetime in this spacious historic building. p6JG XKGYU HTQO VJG VQR QH VJG VQYGT YGTG UVWRGPFQWU |YG NQXGF VJG light! No hesitation in returning. Fabulous sunset on our first night – we will remember it always.” Alan & Emma K, Leicester. 3 night breaks from £1400. Hawkeswade Barn, Ufford

Hidden down a quiet country lane just a few minutes’ drive from Woodbridge, Hawkeswade Barn provides the perfect 5 star holiday get away for 2. Sumptuous en suite bathroom, spacious bedroom and fabulous open plan living room / kitchen, nothing has been forgotten. “Stunning location and fantastic barn, very peaceful, enjoyed every minute of our stay.” Lee H, Birmingham, April 2014. 3 night breaks from £273. Overlooking the river Deben, Willow Farm Cottage sleeps 4 in 2 luxurious en suite bedrooms. Relax in front of the wood burner in winter, enjoy al fresco dining on the deck overlooking the lovely garden and wildlife rich water meadows beyond in summer. Burn off the calories in your private gym. ”We’ve really enjoyed exploring Suffolk and coming ‘home’ each evening to this beautiful house and peaceful garden.” John and Lesley M, May 2014. 3 night breaks from £354.

Willow Farm Cottage, Ufford

An exceptional sleeps 8 property in the heart of Woodbridge, 4 Doric Place is hidden down an unspoiled, tree lined, medieval track. Wander round the shops, dine in superb restaurants, take a walk along the river to Sutton Hoo. Sail, swim, visit the theatre, cinema or the pub - you won’t need a car. “So lovely to stay in this beautiful house. Enjoyed walking by the river, the excellent shops and the wine merchant too! We will be back.” Steve and Ann J, Worcester

3 night breaks from £705

4 Doric Place, Woodbridge

01394 389189

www.suffolkcottageholidays.com Follow us on Twitter @SuffolkCottHols @VisitSuffolk

Framlingham Voted one of the best places to live in Britain, Framlingham has been described as ‘the essence of the English market town’. HISTORY Framlingham’s biggest visitor attraction is its wonderful 12th-century castle, which could be an illustration from a children’s picture book and is one of the finest surviving examples of its kind. Built by Roger Bigod, one of the Earls of Norfolk, it has been adapted and used as many things over the centuries, including a poorhouse and a court. Today it is in the care of English Heritage and hosts a programme of events and re-enactments. The castle also contains a small museum of fascinating domestic and agricultural bygones amassed by local collector Harold Lanman, along with a complete collection of the Framlingham Weekly News from 1859 to 1938. It is here, too, that you can find echoes of a clock-making industry that once made Framlingham tick.

GET YOUR BEARINGS Once you have explored the castle, head for the Market Square, which forms part of a conservation area at

20 the best of SUFFOLK

the heart of this thriving community. Here you will find quality shops to explore and eateries that range from a café to a coaching inn. The mixture of independent retail caters for the needs of the locals as well as for visitors keen to spend their money on something to take home. On your way out of the town, pay a visit to Shawgates Vineyard and winery on Badingham Road.

1864. Former pupils include the artist Alfred Munnings. Market days are on Tuesday and Saturday and take place on Market Hill.

DON’T MISS • A winter pint by the fire at the 16th-century coaching inn – The Crown Hotel. • A visit to nearby Saxtead Green Post Mill IP13 9QQ

THINGS TO DO AND SEE A quick tour of the town includes everything from a ducking pond and Tudor almshouses to a Victorian pillarbox, which is still in use. Also not to be missed is the beautiful church of St Michael’s with its magnificent tombs and effigies. The area surrounding the castle, Framlingham Mere, is another Bigod legacy and makes for a lovely walk. It provides a haven for wildlife as well as offering views of the castle and of Framlingham College, a private school founded in memory of Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert in

SHOWS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS APRIL/MAY The Alde Valley Spring Festival 4-6 JULY Maverick Festival 12TH 13TH JULY Heveningham Hall Country Fair 19TH JULY 120th Framlingham Horse Show

HOTSPOT The Crown Hotel IP13 9AP

FRAMLINGHAM’S FINEST

RESTAURANT, BAR, 14 BEDROOMS AND THE STABLES FUNCTION ROOM. FABULOUS SURROUNDINGS WITH STYLISH AND ECLECTIC INTERIORS, WITHIN A STUNNING HISTORIC TIMBER-FRAMED BUILDING.

Great coffee, homemade cakes, delicious lunches and a licence! Add to that the perfect setting and a warm and friendly welcome – you must have found Café 46.

O P E N 7 DAYS A W E E K F O R B R E A K FA S T, LUNCH & DINNER

Open Mon - Thurs 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-5pm and 6-9pm and Sat 9am-5pm

Alison & Sara look foward to welcoming you

Café 46

46 High Street, Wickham Market Suffolk IP13 0QS 07922 605216 greatcoffee@cafe46.co.uk

MARKET HILL, FRAMLINGHAM, SUFFOLK IP13 9AP

01728 723521 www.framlinghamcrown.co.uk

ruby tyger lifestyle & accessories

Individual clothes Soft furnishings Cow Hides and Reindeer Skins Gifts and much more, while in Framlingham a visit is essential! Open 9.30am - 5.00pm Monday to Saturday. No 1 The Mews, Market Hill, Framlingham, Suffolk IP13 9AN Tel: 01728 724470 info@rubytyger.co.uk www.rubytyger.co.uk

OPEN DAILY TEA & COFFEE HOMEMADE CAKES BREAKFAST & LUNCH HAVE IN OR TAKE AWAY SOURCED IN SUFFOLK. MADE IN OUR KITCHEN. SERVED IN COMFORT.

3 Church Street Framlingham Suffolk IP13 9BE

the best of SUFFOLK 21

The Heritage Coast Giant pebbles on a shingle beach, art galleries galore, flag-strewn gift shops, quaint fishermen huts and awarding fish and chips. Suffolk simply wouldn‘t be the same without Aldeburgh which positively oozes with history. The town’s council still meets in the atmospheric Moot Hall dating back to the 16th century. But if you’re looking for the quintessential English seaside town look no further than Southwold with its pretty pastel-painted beach huts, award-winning pier complete with Punch & Judy shows and even its own working lighthouse. The coastal village of Walberswick with its sandy dunes, beach huts and famous hand-steered ferry is a must for crabbing fans both young and old. Or take a picnic to Dunwich Heath, where you can spot rare species’ of birds and admire the far-reaching views carpeted with the trademark pink and purple heather.

Aldeburgh and Thorpeness Famed for its associations with the composer Benjamin Britten, its festival and its fish and chips, the little town of Aldeburgh is charming.

HISTORY

THINGS TO DO AND SEE

Composer Benjamin Britten and his partner, tenor Peter Pears lived and worked in Aldeburgh from 1957 until their deaths. They initially lived at Crabbe Street (marked by a blue plaque) but found the intrusion too great and swapped their home for The Red House in leafy Golf Lane, which continues to house the BrittenPears Library.

The internationally-acclaimed music festival happens in June, most of it based at nearby Snape Maltings, and a growing literary festival takes place in spring. In August, the town fills with holidaymakers and the boating community heads for the Aldeburgh Regatta. The summer carnival is renowned for its Chinese lantern procession to the beach and firework finale.

A major redevelopment of The Red House site was completed in 2013 to mark the centenary of Britten’s birth. Visitors are now able to see where he composed, tour the house he shared with Pears, browse the temporary new exhibition Conscientious Objections, or just enjoy the gardens.

GET YOUR BEARINGS Aldeburgh’s centre is clearly defined by its wide high street which is lined with tempting shops and galleries offering some very tasty retail therapy. Browse here for quality fashion brands, unusual gifts, lovely arts and crafts, good books and all sorts of attractive ‘must-haves’ for the home. Quaint and pretty houses decorate the seafront. The town offers a fine golf course, a long pebble and shingle beach, an historic Moot Hall housing a small museum, a boating lake, cosy pubs, good restaurants and its own cinema. The parish church is where Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, Britain’s first woman doctor and first female mayor, worshipped, and also commemorates Benjamin Britten.

DON’T MISS A seafront stroll in either direction comes highly recommended. Head south beyond the sailing club towards the largest of Suffolk’s Martello towers and you reach the now-vanished Slaughden, a community that time and tide eventually removed and the birthplace of poet George Crabbe. Turn in the other direction, and continue north beyond the fishing sheds and boats that testify to the small but determined number of inshore fishermen who still land their catch on the beach. Here you will see Maggi Hambling’s giant scallop shell sculpture crafted in homage to Benjamin Britten. Continue travelling in this direction and you come to Thorpeness, a magical place created in the early 1900s by barrister and playwright Glencairn Stuart Ogilvie, who turned a fishing hamlet into a model holiday village along fantasy lines that would have delighted his friend and ‘Peter Pan’ author, J. M. Barrie. You will feel you are stepping back in time as you row a boat out on to

24 the best of SUFFOLK

the man-made Meare, view the 19th century post mill (moved here bodily from a neighbouring village) or marvel at the glorious ‘House in the Clouds’, a gigantic folly built to disguise a water tower. Thorpeness also has its own 18-hole links golf course, laid out by James Braid in 1922, which incorporates a hotel and country club with bar and restaurant.

• Fish and chips on the beach, but watch out for seagulls! • Sail a small boat on the boating pond near Moot Hall and walk down to the giant scallop. • Buying fresh locally caught fish on the beach to take home

SHOWS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS LATE FEBRUARY TO EARLY MARCH The Aldeburgh Literary Festival 1 – 31 AUGUST 2014 Snape Proms – Snape Maltings Concert Hall 16 – 18 AUGUST Aldeburgh Carnival and Regatta 22 AUGUST Thorpeness Regatta and fireworks 7 – 9 NOVEMBER The International Poetry Festival 13 – 29 JUNE Aldeburgh Festival

HOTSPOTS Wentworth Hotel IP15 5BD Munchies IP15 5AN Chopping’s Hill IP15 5AW

Creative Inspiration Opened in 2002 Aldeburgh Contemporary Arts offers quality art at affordable prices in relaxed surroundings. Visit the gallery, situated prominently on the High Street and prepare to be inspired with the contemporary art by more than 60 artists.

2 Avocets by Michael Richmond

St. Pauls from the South by Derek Chambers

Powering up to the Finish by Janet Nelson

Dunwich Heath by Paul Evans

Flat Diet Coke by Graham Spice

The Gallery

From the collectable paintings of leading landscape artist Paul Evans, to the finely drawn etchings of Derek Chambers. From the iconic still life paintings & linocuts of Graham Spice to the dramatic seascapes of Scottish artist & keen sailor Janet Nelson. Compare the woodcuts of wildlife artist Robert Greenhalf SWLA with the etchings by Trevor Price RE and Mychael Barratt RE. View unique ceramics from the colourful raku of Pat Armstrong, to the hand crafted birds of Michael Richmond to the acclaimed sculptures of Peter Beard and enjoy the vibrant glassware from Cathryn Shilling. Be inspired.

Aldeburgh Contemporary Arts can be found at 187 High St, Aldeburgh. Open six days a week (closed Tuesdays) 10.00am-5.00pm. Telephone: 01728 454212 www.aldeburghcontemporaryarts.co.uk the best of SUFFOLK 25

O&C BUTCHER

Celebrates 130 years O & C Butcher ﬁrst opened its doors in Aldeburgh 130 years ago and has remained a popular destination for locals and visitors ever since. A long-established family business, the shop was originally set up as a general store in 1884 by Edward Butcher but has always offered clothing as part of its range of products. It was taken on in the 1900s by brothers Owen and Clifford Butcher. In 1962 it was bought by the Cook family who, over the years, increased the amount of clothing and footwear. The past decade has seen much change in the men’s and women’s wear sector, but the business has stayed true to its roots, offering knowledgeable customer service and classic quality clothing. In 2007 the business changed hands again and, keeping ﬁrmly with the tradition of family ownership, the shop’s present owners are father-and-son team Richard and James Stacey. They enjoy working together and are able to combine complementary skills and background knowledge – Richard, with his experience in the clothing sector (he ran WH Stacey in Harleston along with his father,) and James, who worked in corporate banking, Richard and James are extremely proud of the shop’s heritage and of how the business has grown – the company has doubled in size over the past seven years. They believe that this success has been achieved by avoiding a tooinsular approach and feel they have made such good progress by always trying to look outwards, rather than in. This includes attending industry events and monitoring the latest developments in trade magazines and keeping an eye on how other shops do things. They work hard to ensure the business continues to improve and evolve. The customer base is a mixture of local residents and visitors. A

signiﬁcant number live or work in London during the week – when they may visit the top shops in Sloane Square or Oxford Street. When they return to Aldeburgh at the weekend they really appreciate the fact that they can come in to O & C Butcher to buy the clothes they have seen. The shop’s philosophy is all about featuring desirable brands while, at the same time, staying true to its core customers – maintaining a traditional feel and providing a bespoke service and products that can stand up in terms of quality. This allows O & C Butcher to mix classic lines and contemporary ranges from the likes of Gant, Barbour, Dubarry and Timberland. New for autumn and winter 2014 is the specialist countrywear brand Schoffel. Products are available to browse in store or to order online.

In terms of the future, the O & C Butcher ambition is to still be a strong part of the Aldeburgh High Street scene, maintaining a ﬁrm focus on classic, stylish clothing, protecting a reputation for quality and a genuinely personal service, whilst continuing to move with the times to avoid becoming set in its ways.

FIVE OF PICKLE’S DOG FRIENDLY PLACES Our canine correspondent’s top tips

For the pooch about town like me, nothing is worse than being tied up outside while your owners shop. At Collen & Clare in Southwold however, we trendy canines are welcomed in to browse to our hearts content.

When it comes to pubs, the Westleton Crown is one of my top choices as the staff here really know how to look after their four-legged customers. On arrival, I got a free dog treat, bowl of water and cosy blanket. It was the perfect way to end my day snifﬁng out Southwold.

When I’m not shopping or at the pub, there’s always time for a cultural visit to East Anglia Transport Museum, which is completely dog friendly. It’s not far from Lowestoft, and has rides available on a trolley bus, two pre-war trams and a narrow gauge train. We’re allowed throughout the museum and on all the rides so prepare to feel the wind below your ears!

Hounds visiting Suffolk mustn’t miss the famous ‘Mutt’s Menu’ available at the King’s Head in Woodbridge. Forget wistfully begging beside the table, here I was too busy tucking into my own succulent Pig’s Ear, Honey Dried Snout, and more. It’s quite the place to be seen so make sure your picture is added to the pooch board.

For socialites like me, Suffolk Dog Day is the biggest event in the doggy calendar. Check it out this year at Helmingham Hall on 27th July. Packed full of activities, classes and shows, everyone will be there, big and small.

Good news! Peak seaside season is between October and April, when there are no dog restrictions in force on Suffolk’s beaches. I love a good coastal walk as much as the next pooch, and during this period it’s fantastic to roam free on any stretch of beach you like. However, be aware that some beaches are off limits from the 1st May through to 30th September.

28 the best of SUFFOLK

Ottoman Hands Earrings, 164 High Street, Aldeburgh absolute 01728 454976 gems! aldeburgh @ collenandclare.com

Anya Hindmarch Must Have!

C&C Aldeburgh

Bitte Kai Rand ~ Scandi cool dressing

Conde Nast Traveller, June 2014 "Now you can also gild your holiday wardrobe at Collen and Clare, the Southwold institution that's opened here."

DvF Heels ~ instant glamour, strangely comfortable MiH Jeans ~ British, Heritage, Denim, Fabulous

Cult Beauty Products Č&#x201A;

www.collenandclare.com ~ open 7 days a week +

H 7K LQ O SK R ' ,QQ

7KH 'ROSKLQ

DQG 9LOODJH VWRUH 6*142'0'55

ZZZ WKRUSHQHVVGROSKLQ FRP

30 the best of SUFFOLK

You can find Caramel in two delightful destinations in Aldeburgh and Snape Maltings CARAMEL – Aldeburgh You will find us on Aldeburgh High Street, at the top of the town, tucked between the delicatessen and the fine wine shop. Customer feedback is very important to us, so we listened to your comments and have now extended our size ranges from XS to plus sizes.

Stockists for MASAI, SAHARA, BRAX and YACCO MARICARD and many more labels. 140 High Street, Aldeburgh, Suffolk IP15 5AQ

01728 452141 www.caramel-aldeburgh.co.uk

Visit us in Aldeburgh where you will discover the delights of shopping in a warm and relaxed setting, where a friendly welcome awaits you. If at Snape Maltings visit our shop there, details on page 15.

THE WENTWORTH HOTEL AND RESTAURANT Aldeburgh’s only truly independent hotel – No.1 in Aldeburgh on Tr T ipadvisor Good Food, Good Va V lue Lunch in the conservatory – two courses £13.00 (Mon – Sat) Dinnerr in the restaurant – two courses £19.50 – three courses £25.00 (Mon – Sat) Sundays – three course lunch £21.50 – three course dinnerr £15.90 Booking advisable Tel T ephone 01728 452312 www.wentworth-aldeburgh.com

Scan here for our latest offers

the best of SUFFOLK 31

Photo : David Watson ARPS

Orford The scenic journey from Woodbridge or Melton to Orford shows off a contrasting Suffolk landscape of forest and heath. HISTORY Orford was once a seaport of strategic significance that, like so much of Suffolk, has an amazing history. The fortress has survived threats of demolition and continues to spur on local tourist trade and provide a landmark for shipping. The waters around the Orford Ness can be treacherous, which did not deter the smugglers of yesteryear but did cause numerous shipwrecks until the lighthouse was built. The town also features St Bartholomew’s Church, where some of Benjamin Britten’s finest works received their first public performance, and where you can find a commemorative statue for Noye’s Fludde.

by restaurants, pubs and the awardwinning hotel, Ruth Watson’s Crown and Castle. Over the past few year’s Orford has become the ‘go to’ destination for foodies, with delicious bread and patisseries from Pump Street Bakery and a not-to-be-missed general store that stocks ranges from over 40 local East Anglian suppliers. Famously, the town is home to Pinneys of Orford, who smoke perhaps the most delicious mackerel you can buy and also run the Butley Oysterage Restaurant and shop at the quay.

DON’T MISS • Taking a boat over to Orford Ness a remote stretch of coast separated from the mainland by the River Ore. • A day trip to Shingle Street where you should keep a look out for seals at the estuary entrance.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE

GET YOUR BEARINGS

The quay is always a lively place, with ferry trips across the river and longer cruises available aboard the Lady Florence. Havergate Island is a bird reserve, popular with waders and the RSPB’s emblematic avocet.

Orford is one of the most secluded parts of Suffolk, yet for such a small place it is remarkably well-served

One of the best walks around Orford is the five-mile hike north from the quay

32 the best of SUFFOLK

along the river wall returning via Ferry Road, a narrow lane that enters the village by the Kings Head pub. Also a trip to the Orford Museum in Orford Castle is worth a visit to get an insight into the area’s intriguing past.

SHOWS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS 3 AUGUST Jazz at the Pavilion

HOTSPOT Pump Street Bakery & Cafe IP12 2LZ

The Crown and Castle in Orford 21 light-filled modern bedrooms generous accommodation packages dog-friendly garden rooms highly rated lively bistro with popular Monday – Saturday smart pub lunch al fresco lunches on the terrace in summer lovely staff who like looking after customers fabulous riverside, field or forest walking CALL US ON 01394

450205 EMAIL US ON INFO@CROWNANDCASTLE.CO.UK BROWSE WWW.CROWNANDCASTLE.CO.UK

Established 1959

Our restaurant, The Butley Orford Oysterage, serves fresh ﬁsh caught off our boats, home grown oysters and smoked ﬁsh from our traditional smokehouses. Restaurant

Shop

01394 450277

01394 459183

Butley Orford Oysterage Market Hill, Orford, Suffolk IP12 2LH

Pinneys of Orford The Old Warehouse, Quay St, Orford, Suffolk IP12 2NU

www.pinneysoforford.co.uk

the best of SUFFOLK 33

Southwold With its signature lighthouse, pier and colourful beach huts, Southwold is ideal for a classic seaside trip. HISTORY Southwold was Suffolk’s busiest fishing port in the 16th-century, but in time lost most of its fishing industry to Lowestoft. Today, the town is primarily a seaside resort although a small fleet still brings in herring, spats and cod. George Orwell lived here for a time at 36 High Street with his parents, and famously commented that the town’s gentility was not to his liking! While it is true that this compact and pretty seaside town evokes nostalgia for simple pleasures and a time gone by, it has also become increasingly trendy. Simple tastes are catered for and complimented by a range of sophisticated shops, restaurants, hotels and pubs.

GET YOUR BEARINGS Traditional and long-established favourites rub shoulders with newer arrivals in the main shopping street, where you will find shoes, quality clothes, art, bric-a-brac, and interior design accessories for the home. There are good local food shops, too, including a delicatessen, a traditional sweet shop, butcher and a greengrocers who cater for the permanent residents as well as the holidaymakers who fill the town in

34 the best of SUFFOLK

summer. Adnams also has its wine cellar and kitchen store here. The Suffolk Summer Theatre season runs from July through to midSeptember, and the small but perfectlyformed Electric Picture Palace has a programme of films old and new. There are plenty of places to take coffee, tea or lunch and some fine places to dine. Down at the harbour there is even an eatery in a glorified fish shed where you can take along your own wine to dine on the latest catch!

THINGS TO DO AND SEE If you have not visited Southwold before, there are a number of must-dos: Sample a glass of Adnams beer within sight – and smell – of the famous brewery; visit the beautiful Church of St Edmund and see Southwold Jack (also on the wall outside the brewery); speculate on the going rate for one of the brightly-painted beach huts; look for amber on the beach; visit the pier; stand on Gun Hill beside the ancient cannons or walk down to the harbour. Southwold Museum is also a little gem as is the sailors reading room. There are walks or cycle rides to be taken over the marshes, along the beach (in both directions) and across the common, where you will also find

the golf course. Those wishing to wander further afield can stroll along Ferry Road to The Habour Inn and then on to Walberswick over the bridge. To complete the experience why not rent a beach hut, with rental costs from £20 per day or £100 for a week. www.beachhutsouthwold.co.uk

DON’T MISS • A circular 11 mile walk from Southwold to Covehithe along the coastal path. • A trip to the Southwold Electric Picture Palace

SHOWS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS JUNE – JULY Southwold Arts Festival 17 – 20 JULY Latitude Henham Park JULY – SEPTEMBER Suffolk Summer Theatre 6 – 10 NOVEMBER Way with Words

HOTSPOT The Clockhouse at the end of Southwold Pier IP18 6BN

Mulberry ~ craftsmanship and heritage we all want

ld C&C Southwo

Collen & Clare Vilagallo ~ English, Italian and Parisian fashion... from Spain!

Eileen Fisher ~ C&C Southwold, one of the first UK stockists of this iconic US brand.

Caudalie ~ plant based overnight detox ~ magic!

sexy % Hanro ~ cotton underwear made

h to boardroom Jiya Jewellery ~ from beac

Beshlie McKelvie silk shawl 'Dupatta' e ~ one in every colour pleas

Penny Levi ~ what we like to call "travelling diamonds"

Annick Goutal ~ French high perfumery in Suffolk, exclusively at C&C Drift Jewellery ~ made from glass washed up on the beach, so, it's recycling!

25 Market Place, So uthwold 01502 724823 shop@ collenandclare .com

Collen & Clare Everybody needs a pair of white Converse

Citizens of Humanity for laid back denim devotees Finlay & Co., London ~ Cool British Eyewear ~ wooden frames!

Sunspel Riviera If it's good en Polo ~ ough for Bond...

e Essential for any stylist. A Petit Bateau Stripe ~ Wardrob

Terre D'Hermes ~ sophisticated man.

itish Oliver Spencer ~ Modern Br Menswear... yes please

www.collenandclare.com ~ open 7 days a week +

Whatever the occasion you can be assured of a great welcome and great hospitality. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Stay

Dine

with us...

10 en-suite rooms stylishly decorated with a simple relaxed feel.

Seasonal menus and daily specials there is something to suit all palates.

David and Donna Smith

41 Wangford Road Reydon Southwold IP18 6PZ

We look forward to seeing you soon.

RATING 10 LEB YE CE

F OWNERS SO HI AR

Situated in the quiet village of Reydon, just 15 minutes walk from the heart of picturesque Southwold, The Randolph provides the perfect base for exploring the Suffolk Heritage Coast and offers a relaxed and ‘local’ atmosphere for all occasions. Whether you are looking for a short break, a celebratory meal, a venue for business meetings, or simply a pint of the local Adnams brew – whatever the occasion you can be assured of a great welcome, great hospitality, a trip to remember and a good excuse to return.

NNA & DAV DO ID

The Randolph Hotel, Reydon, Suffolk – a perfect base for exploring Southwold and the Suffolk Heritage Coast.

04 -

2014

Telephone 01502 723603 Facsimilie 01502 722194 reception@therandolph.co.uk

Visit our website for latest news and offers - www.therandolph.co.uk

38 the best of SUFFOLK

Five deliciously different yet cosy & comfortable country retreats

Upper barn

Granary

Coach House

Gate House

Stable

E-mail Jo: enquiries@belle-grove.com Phone: +44 (0) 1986 873124 Halesworth, Suffolk, United Kingdom

WELL HELLO, SUFFOLK. COULD YOU BE ANY PRETTIER? @EMMAFREUD

Suffolk’s a lovely place to explore. While you’re here, plan your days at visitsuffolk.com

the best of SUFFOLK 39

Walberswick, Blythburgh and Dunwich Sweeps of marsh and sandy heathland rich in wildlife create the backdrop to this corner of Suffolk, much of it protected and designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty. HISTORY Farther along the coast from Walberswick you will find the tiny town of Dunwich – or what’s left of it. Much of the thriving medieval township famously disappeared under the sea. The rot set in after a devastating storm in 1328, when 400 houses and a number of churches were destroyed. Dunwich lost its harbour and its trade to Walberswick, and as coastal erosion continued to set in the town was slowly reclaimed by the sea. There is a small museum where you can discover more about this lost town.

GET YOUR BEARINGS Pretty Walberswick, beloved of artists and writers, lies on the coast, across the river from Southwold. You can easily walk between the two, the only decision being whether to cross the Bailey bridge or secure a passage on the tiny foot ferry. Arriving by boat and passing the harbour huts, you can either follow a path through the sand-

40 the best of SUFFOLK

dunes to the beach, or continue up the main street to the village green, where you will find arts and crafts shops, a tea shop and visitor centre. Farther into the village, you can enjoy a drink at the Bell and some tasty lunch at the Anchor.

National Trust. There are lovely walks, and families with children can find plenty to do. Maps and further information are available from the converted coastguard cottages where there is also a licensed tea-room and shop.

Blythburgh lies a little farther inland, along the River Blyth. You cannot miss its church, sometimes known as the Cathedral of the Marshes. Vastly out of proportion to the size of its surroundings, Holy Trinity manages to distinguish itself in a county full of special churches, and is truly worth a visit. The devil himself is reputed to have called here, hotfooting it from Bungay during the awful storm of 1577 and leaving tell tale scorch-marks on the door. The village itself is bisected by the busy A12; church on one side, pub the other.

Here too is Minsmere RSPB Nature Reserve, complete with visitors centre, a shop selling everything you need for bird watching and a cafe.

DON’T MISS • Children will love crabbing off the bridge near the car park in the summer. • Having a drink at The Bell Inn, a 600 year old coastal pub with a fire in winter. • Suffolk Game and Country Fair Glenham Hall May

THINGS TO DO AND SEE Dunwich Heath coastal centre and beach is a nature reserve and conservation area owned by the

HOTSPOT The Ship at Dunwich IP17 3DT

SUFFOLK’S

best beaches

Suffolk’s picturesque coastline stretches for 39 miles, starting at Felixstowe and extending to its most eastern tip at Lowestoft. The beaches are perfectly suited to a classic bucket-and-spade day out or a variety of activities from ﬁshing, swimming, wind surﬁng and sailing to just relaxing with a book. WALBERSWICK (above)

CORTON SANDS BEACH

IP18 6TN Walberswick’s lovely dunes and coarse, orange-tinted sand are ideal for building sandcastles. Don’t miss a trip on the Walberswick-toSouthwold Foot Ferry, a traditional rowing boat that crosses the River Blyth. At just 80p a person it’s a steal, and dogs are also welcome. No lifeguards.

Lowestoft NR32 4PQ This is the only naturist beach in Suffolk, with soft sands and high winds. No Lifeguards.

NORTH FELIXSTOWE IP11 2AQ This has a two mile promenade gently sloping towards the sea in a sheltered bay. European Blue Flag. No Lifeguards.

Discover more Suffolk beaches Kessingland NR33 7RW A huge unspoilt beach with a wide stretch of sand and sand hills Covehithe (Four miles north of Southwold) is a quiet beach with a fast-eroding stretch of coastline. Shingle Street (11 miles from Orford) is an isolated beach where you can see seals basking at the estuary entrance.

SOUTHWOLD PIER BEACH CLAREMONT PIER NR33 0QN and Victoria Beach NR33 7NU, Lowestoft Here, you can take your pick from two beaches; central Claremont Pier in the north, or the ﬁne stretch of sand in the south known locally as ‘Victoria Beach’ or the ‘Sunrise Coast’. Both have award-winning golden beaches that are safe to bathe in. European Blue Flag. Lifeguards.

IP18 6BN This traditional seaside beach is home to a mix of sand and shingle, backed by wooden chalets and a genteel promenade. An amusement pier, putting greens and boating ponds make it a good option for families. European Blue Flag. Lifeguards. Or the more secluded The Denes Beach at Southwold IP18 6HQ for a quieter, more secluded beach away from the hustle and bustle of the town.

Aldeburgh Beach IP15 5BD Shingle beach with ﬁsherman huts where freshly caught ﬁsh are sold daily Dunwich Beach IP17 3DE Shingle beach located next to RSPB Minesmere Ness Point, Lowestoft NR32 1XQ The most easterly point in the UK Hopton–on-Sea NR31 9SE (across the border) A sandy beach with views of the curving coastline.

the best of SUFFOLK 41

Felixstowe Felixstowe is one of Suffolk’s larger coastal towns, enjoying a long stretch of coastline and a reputation for little rain and lots of sunshine. HISTORY A visit to the dockside is fascinating and brings you to the local museum and the historic Landguard Fort which, for centuries, has been guarding this vulnerable river entrance from would-be invaders. This area also supports an important coastal nature reserve. The town has a very different feel, on the seafront you can enjoy the pretty gardens with their sea-views. There are echoes here of a bygone Edwardian elegance, and it was at a house near here that Mrs Simpson stayed while awaiting the divorce that would rock the British Royal Family and pave the way to the abdication of a king.

GET YOUR BEARINGS Felixtowe succeeds in blending elements of traditional seaside – sandy beach, pier amusements, ice-cream, candy floss, serried rows of beach huts – with daily life and a huge modern container port on its doorstep. A look out to sea soon reminds you of the traffic that today makes Felixstowe one of Europe’s biggest and busiest container ports. Back in the town centre the mix of shops along and

42 the best of SUFFOLK

beyond the main shopping street embraces national chains as well as some enterprising independents. THINGS TO DO AND SEE There is no shortage of eating places, here or in the hamlet of Felixstowe Ferry which is located just out of town by the coast road that crosses Felixstowe’s golf course. Culinary highlights include the Cliff top Café in the spa gardens, the recently renovated Fludyers Arms and the Ferry Café – where they also serve a hearty breakfast. You can buy fresh fish to take home with you down at the boatyard. Then take a walk out across the expansive countryside, passing the jolly houseboats and mud-flats that border the river and listen out for skylarks as you go. Or, if you want to stay in sight of the sea, skirt the sailing club and get on to the path that heads back towards Felixstowe. From here you can see across the river to Bawdsey Manor, famous for its associations with the development of radar during the Second World War.

A small passenger ferry travels the short distance between Felixstowe Ferry, Harwich, Shotley and Bawdsey Quay. In summer, crabbing is a popular pastime from the jetties.

DON’T MISS • A visit to viewing point at Landguard Fort • A visit to The Bakery on Hamilton Road

SHOWS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS EVERY SUNDAY FROM 9AM Traditional Sunday Market IP11 2DN 5 – 6 JULY Felixstowe Regatta 26 – 27 JULY Felixstowe Carnival and Fair 7 SEPTEMBER Art on the Prom 14 SEPTEMBER Heritage Open Days – Landguard

HOTSPOT Prezzo IP11 7BN

ALDEBURGH O&C Butcher 01728 452229 BILLERICAY Allweathers 01268 293712 BISHOP’S STORTFORD Nomad 01279 653694 BURNHAM MARKET The Hat Shop 01328 738267 BURY ST EDMONDS Stepping Out 01284 763150 CAMBRIDGE Open Air 01223 324666 CANVEY ISLAND Camping & General 01268 692141 FELIXSTOWE Coes 01394 282414 FRAMLINGHAM Trulock & Harris 01728 724776

Travel with Tilley Tilley offers a full range of Guaranteed for Life Hats, Clothing, Bags and Accessories, ideal throughout the year, whether you’re travelling far HÄLSK VY Z[H`PUN JSVZL [V OVTL

GLANDFORD Cleyspy 01236 740088 GREAT DUNMOW Jacks Outdoor Wear 01371 872483 HARWICH Coes 01255 502080 HOLT Morstons Country Sports 01263 713932 IPSWICH Action Outdoors Ltd 01473 211647 Coes 01473 256061 Fox’s 01473 689111 KINGS LYNN Goddards 01553 772382 Norfolk Country Clothing 01553 776617 LOWESTOFT Coes 01502 573751 MALDON Coes 01621 850540 Camping & General 01621 853108 NEWMARKET Golding 01638 664682 NORWICH Gallyons 01638 622845 Norwich Camping & Leisure 01603 717600 PETERBOROUGH Waterside Garden Centre 01778 560000 SAFFRON WALDON Jacks Outdoor Wear 01799 521197 ST IVES R C Cadge Ltd 01480 462194 SOUTHWOLD Denny of Southwold Ltd 01502 722372 STOW MARKET Outdoor People 01449 675511

For more information, a full list of UK retailers or to order our current catalogue, go to

www.tilley.com

Suffolk is a real playground for children – it’s packed with adventure to suit all ages and interests

Children’s SUFFOLK

BAWDSEY RADAR MUSEUM FELIXSTOWE This unique exhibition tells the story of the “Invention that Changed the World”. It reveals how experts came together at Bawdsey in total secrecy to prove that radio waves could locate aeroplanes, ships and other targets. The display features the lives of the people who developed the technology and the radar operators, mainly women (WAAFs), whose dedication helped to bring victory in WW2.

WEST STOW COUNTRY PARK AND ANGLO-SAXON VILLAGE

HORSE RACING MUSEUM NEWMARKET If you have an interest in horses, then this is a museum for you. The museum immerses you in the history of racing in Newmarket with galleries to take you through the early days of the sport, its royal origins and of course some classic races. You can also find out about thoroughbreds, jockeys, owners and trainers.

This is one of England’s great archaeological sites. West Stow Country Park features extensive indoor galleries and a recreation of an Anglo-Saxon village. There are 125 acres of woods, heathlands, a river and a lake, plus nature trails, walks and an adventure playground. Visitors can explore history and nature, watch a film, dress up as an Anglo-Saxon or say hello to the rare breed pigs and chickens.

IP11 9RJ www.bawdseyradar.org.uk 07821 162 879

IP33 3FD www.weststow.org 01284 728718.

CB8 8JH www.nhrm.co.uk 01638 667333

THE LONG SHOP MUSEUM This museum has a large collection of objects, ranging from full-size steam engines to touching mementoes of the lives of the working people of the town. The Richard Garrett & Sons engineering business made many hundreds of steam engines here, and this is a great throwback to those days. The Long Shop itself – at the heart of the museum – is a Grade II listed engineering workshop full of fascinating exhibits. IP16 4ES www.longshopmuseum.co.uk 01728 832189

44 the best of SUFFOLK

CLIFFORD ROAD AIR RAID SHELTER MUSEUM KENTWELL HALL SPECIAL EVENTS – TUDOR DAY Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the 16th Century. Kentwell is the pioneer of historical live Tudor events. They re-create life on a community scale, with up to 250 inhabitants of all ages, skills and wealth carrying out a huge variety of daily tasks. Available on selected days from May through to the end of September.

Exciting to see and experience, this museum gives you a real feel for what life was like during World War Two. The shelter is hidden beneath a Suffolk school playground, and was built during the first three months of the war. After the war, the shelter was sealed up and largely forgotten. It was re-discovered in 1989, when workmen excavating a small pond for the school found one of the original entrances.

CO10 9BA www.kentwell.co.uk 01787 310207

IP4 1PJ www.cliffordroadshelter.org.uk 01473 251605

GO APE

THE SUFFOLK OWL SANCTUARY A great place for youngsters to visit - over 80 beautiful owls and other birds of prey including meerkats, red squirrels, chipmunks and a discovery centre with a whole host of other fun activities. They are open all year round with three flying displays daily between Easter & September and stage a variety of special events that include a Mediaeval Weekend – for further details check the website at www.owl-help.org.uk

For a true taste of the wilderness Go Ape in Thetford Forest has it all, whether you fancy exploring the forest on a Segway or finding your inner Tarzan and swinging through these ancient woods. You’ll need to be over 10 years old and 1.4m tall, but younger ones can still enjoy the Go Ape Tree Top Junior Adventure. Prices start at £16. To check availability or book online visit: goape.co.uk/booking or phone 0845 094 8738.

Stonham Barns 08456 807897

FRAMLINGHAM CASTLE

BRESSINGHAM Bressingham has over four miles of narrow-gauge steam lines and four magnificent journeys to choose from. The long track of the Nursery Railway (2ft gauge) leaves from the museum building and passes locomotive sheds and a lake before crossing over the Waveney Valley Line, where passengers get their first sight of the 15-inch (0.38m) gauge engines waiting to begin their journey from Lakeside station. Check the website for the daily timetable.

BECCLES LIDO AND BIG DOG FERRY Nothing beats swimming outdoors so why not visit Beccles Lido, the heated open-air pool in Beccles with slide, springboard, giant inflatable, grassy areas, sunloungers, tables and chairs to relax on. By the River Waveney the café serves hot and cold snacks, drinks and ices. Perfect for a swim or a family day out. New for 2014: Canoe Hire (advance bookings only). You can also take a river trip on Big Dog Ferry to the historic Locks Inn, Geldeston. www.beccleslido.com 01502 713297 www.bigdogferry.co.uk 07532 072761

IP22 2AA www.bressingham.co.uk

PLEASUREWOOD HILLS Just ten minutes from Great Yarmouth, Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park has been refurbished making it a great place for a family day out. They now have - Marble Madness their fourth roller coaster and tenth new attraction in just four years! With great discounts of over 25% when you book online it really is a ‘Big Day Out!’. NR32 4TZ www.pleasurewoodhills.com 01502 586000

Discover Framlingham Castle’s vast and colourful past as it became home to the most powerful people in Tudor England. Delve into the troubles of Bloody Mary, meet the vagrants of the Elizabethan prison, and find out more about this sanctuary for the poor. Get hands-on with the interactive exhibition and reveal Framlingham’s stories before you embark on a journey of discovery around the magnificent wall walk; look down if you dare! IP13 9BP www.english-heritage.org.uk/ framlingham 01728 724 922

IPSWICH Ipswich is the county town of Suffolk, located on the meandering River Orwell and is the perfect place to stay, live and explore. The Waterfront is the town’s wonderful ‘jewel in the crown’ and seamlessly blends moored yachts, the iconic university building, a working port, modern apartments and the nationally renowned Jerwood Dance House – home to DanceEast – alongside a lively mix of retail bars and restaurants. The town is a vibrant gateway for visitors to the county, with an impressive range of hotels to suit all budgets.

46 the best of SUFFOLK

The Angel Hotel and Salthouse Harbour Hotel The Angel Hotel is a Georgian ivy clad 4 star boutique hotel and restaurant in Suffolk which surprises with a twist of urban chic. Our Suffolk hotel is right in the centre of Bury St Edmunds and everything is just a step from here. Explore winding, cobbled, shop filled streets and a plethora of ancient architecture on the doorstep. Once inside, the Angel Hotel is a curious contrast of comfy contemporary design with touches

of exotic grandeur. Warm leather sofas vie for your company in the lounge, which is filled with curiosities, pop art, eccentric oddities and cool vintage furniture. It is a hotel of many different aspects all artfully blended together into an exciting package and the bedrooms are no exception. The restaurant has a great reputation and dining here is a culinary treat. Just 30 minutes away from The Angel is its sister hotel the Salthouse Harbour Hotel. The Salthouse Harbour is an artfully designed boutique Hotel and Restaurant in Suffolk which reflects luxury and dazzles in the waterfront of Ipswichâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vibrant Harbour quayside at night. The Salthouse Harbour Hotel Suffolk goes beyond what you expect and

exudes its 4 star status in every curious corner, eccentric sofa and unstuffy cushion. The sea-salted brickwork exterior has been restored & rejuvenated into a ship shape contemporary warehouse of rich modern interiors and rooms adorned with vintage furniture, sculptures and eclectic art. Within its comfy chic dĂŠcor although the mood is friendly and relaxed, the staff are professionally attentive to your every need. The cuisine is exciting and its popularity fills this delightful waterfront Eaterie as soon as the tables are laid.

Visit our websites www.theangel.co.uk and www.salthouseharbour.co.uk for more information.

the best of SUFFOLK 47

out St Nicholas Street that runs between the waterfront and the town centre) and enjoy an alfresco lunch.

HISTORY • Charles Dickens stayed in the town’s Great White Horse Hotel in 1835 while covering local elections. He later used the places and people he met in Ipswich as the basis for The Pickwick Papers. • By the 16th century, Ipswich was declared a King’s Port – one of only 11 in England. • Cardinal Wolsey was born in 1475 and lived in Ipswich during his childhood. Wolsey is Ipswich’s most famous son. He was Cardinal of the Church, Archbishop of York and was the Lord Chancellor of England for Henry VIII for 14 years. Next to Henry himself, Wolsey was the most powerful man in the kingdom in Tudor times.

GET YOUR BEARINGS Why not take a journey around the town... • Visit UCS gallery and stroll along the attractive waterfront. • Head for a leisurely shop in the charming independents (check

48 the best of SUFFOLK

• Browse in the town centre – Ipswich provides the discerning shopper with an array of global brands and individual bespoke items (brands such as Vivienne Westwood, Diesel, Superdry, Ralph Lauren) with its blend of national retailers and independent boutiques. The strong core of independent retailers adds variety. • Visit Christchurch Park with the family – for a picnic or a dog walk. • Pop in for afternoon tea at one of the many town centre establishments. • Take a stadium tour at Ipswich Town Football Club – Portman Road is the home of the super blues. • Dine around the world in some of the ﬁne restaurants and eateries of Ipswich. • Take in the waterfront by night for a cocktail and to watch the sunset over the marina. • The Giles statue, near the Buttermarket, is worth a peep. It commemorates Daily Express cartoonist Carl Giles with a representation of Grandma from the popular strip, which ran in the newspaper from 1945 until the early 1990s. • Visit the outdoor market outside the Town Hall on the Cornhill (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays).

THINGS TO DO AND SEE One of England’s oldest towns, Ipswich took shape in Anglo-Saxon times (in the seventh and eighth centuries) around the dock. This area has become a key part of the fabric, past and present. But don’t just take our word for it – come and see for yourself. Book a seat at one of the theatres, visit the museums and parks, or follow the Blue Plaque trail around town and absorb the history we are so proud of and which is so evident in much of the architecture. Christchurch Park, an unexpectedly vast green space in the middle of town, comes complete with its own Tudor mansion, children’s play area, arboretum, tennis courts and even a resident tawny owl, that has made its home in one of the trees. Many events are held here, including a Music in the Park day, part of Ip-art, the town’s lively and expanding annual arts festival fortnight in June and July.

SHOWS, FESTIVALS, EVENTS

Christchurch Mansion is run by the local museum service and has period-room settings and a gallery displaying the town’s renowned collection of paintings by Gainsborough and Constable. Ipswich Museum, in the High Street, also has much to see, including a life-size recreation of a woolly mammoth and a Victorian natural history collection complete with a

(real) 17ft giraffe in a towering glass case. On the edge of town is the volunteer-run transport museum.

MAY Food & Drink Forknight MAY Suffolk Show MAY – JUNE Pulse Fringe Festival JUNE – JULY Ip Art JULY Jimmy’s Sausage and Beer Festival 11 – 17 AUGUST Celebrate Ipswich culminating in the Maritime weekend 22 – 26 AUGUST Ipswich Beer Festival Ipswich 30 – 31 AUGUST Cycling weekend 8TH – 21ST SEPTEMBER Heritage Forknight (incl Heritage open days on weekend of 13th & 14th Sept) 21ST SEPTEMBER Ipswich Half Marathon 16TH NOVEMBER Christmas Switch-On

HOTSPOTS DON’T MISS • A stroll around Christchurch Mansion • A trip on the river cruise restaurant Allen Gardiner 07831 698 298

Saints Cafe IP1 1XF Baker & Barista IP1 1XF Kesgrave Hall IP5 2PU

Riley & Riley

the best of SUFFOLK 49

G I FBTASI S&S C&R AC FOT S

ECLECTIC S HA IONMTESW CA AR FEE

RROE SL AE XLI AN NG E RETREAT

HMEYRRI T LA EG E& HOT-SPOT

WORLD OF FL LOAVVEO OU NR ES

MV AI NR TI AA NG NE A MARKETS

D EM SA IUGDN' ES R BRANDS

The Saints is one of the main linkages between the county town’s retail heart and the stunning waterfront boasting an eclectic mix of established, independent restaurants, bars and retailers. tarting with the independent boutiques of the street, the Saints stocks a range of fashion and accessories for both men and women. From Penelope Chilvers shoes to Diesel clothing and Italian shirts, the street is the place to go for unique and internationally renowned brands.

The Saints is awash with history with buildings dating back to Tudor times, and provides visitors with a real taste of Ipswich’s heritage.

On top of the fashion and accessories, home-ware, interiors and vintage items are a must to discover in the charming area. Shops stocking Little Greene Paint interiors, Betty Blue Hat retro furniture and House Doctor Furnishings offer shoppers an exciting and intriguing experience when visiting the quirky boutiques. Additional boutiques in the area include a sports shop, a novelist’s paradise bookstore, gift shop, knitting and yarn store, a beautiful ﬂorist and a collection of beauty and hair salons for a relaxing retreat. During your leisurely shopping trip in The Saints, it is a must to try out some of

St Peters Street

the fantastic eateries, restaurants, bars and pubs in the area. The streets boast cuisine from around the world with popular Indian restaurants, ﬁne Thai eateries and traditional British cafes serving delicious afternoon teas and alfresco lunches. But, if you are just after a quick snack or some local produce on the street make

The Saints is awash with history with buildings dating back to Tudor time,s and provides visitors with a real taste of Ipswich’s heritage.

sure you pop to the artisan butcher or the brilliant ice cream shop on a hot summer’s day.

50 the best of SUFFOLK

A new life-sized memorial to Cardinal Wolsey by sculptor David Annand was recently erected on Curson Plain at the corner of Silent Street opposite where Wolsey was born in 1475 and lived in his childhood. Wolsey is Ipswich’s most famous son. He was Cardinal of the Church, Archbishop of York and was the Lord Chancellor of England for Henry VIII for 14 years. Next to Henry himself, Wolsey was the most powerful man in the kingdom in Tudor times. Additional places of historic interest at the Saints include two churches and one which boasts a whole host of live musical entertainment throughout the year – an events calendar not to miss. The charismatic area organises an array of fabulous street markets throughout the year from vintage and craft, to a local farmers market. The markets showcase

St Nicholas Street

WORLD OF FL LOAVVEO OU NR ES

P HMEYRRI T LA EG E& HOT-SPOT

RROE SL AE XLI AN NG E RETREAT

ECLECTIC S HA IONMTESW CA AR FEE MV AI NR TI AA NG NE A MARKETS G I FBTASI S&S C&R AC FOT S

D EM SA IUGDN' ES R BRANDS

SHUTTLE S ABIUNST SS TCOA PF E

the producers and businesses of the street whilst bringing some of the County’s wellknown and fantastic local traders into East Anglia’s waterfront town. The Saints is a quality and quirky shopping destination located in a beautiful, historic setting and is the perfect spot for a bite to eat with friends or a family day out. With free bay parking and a number of reasonably priced car parks, it has to be one of the most accessible and appealing streets to spend your day in the County town of Suffolk.

& !$ & 22ND JUNE

Saints Summer Craft & Vintage Market 17TH AUGUST

Saints Farmers Market 16TH NOVEMBER

Saints Christmas Market

Saints Summer Market

CCC allabout ipswic h /;9/ t he saint s

the best of SUFFOLK 51

Retail outlet, Coes, has become a brand synonymous with quality, service and choice. Located in the heart of Ipswich, it prides itself on providing customers with the best retail theatre possible – creating a very real, engaging and exciting experience that you simply cannot get online. “This idea of retail theatre takes into account the aesthetics of the store and how it can make a customer feel comfortable and encourage browsing. All of our staff are highly trained and personable to ensure that we can ﬁnd exactly what the customer requires.”

Customers can now not only make purchases online but read about the story behind the brand via the new blog, with insightful pieces and commentary about the fashion world.

As a true department store, Coes offers something for all the family. From skiwear to school uniforms, suits to Stetsons, shoes to sportswear, and a wide selection of sizes in all departments, it also stocks brands exclusive to Coes.

However, the team at Coes and particularly Managing Director, William Coe, ﬁrmly feels that nothing will ever replace the feeling of walking into a store: “We are continually working hard to create an experience for our customers. And it is an experience that simply can’t be replicated online. Touching fabrics, interacting with our knowledgeable team, matching colours; none of this has the same impact when you are browsing on your computer.

The menswear range available features shoes, suits, sports jackets, coats, formal shirts, hats (over 30 different styles) and ties. Brands available include Gant, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Henri Lloyd and Barbour. Located on the first floor, the ladieswear department plays host to brands such as, Almost Famous, Ted Baker, Gant, Orla Kiely, Gerry Weber and Michelle ,with a range of jewellery and handbags to perfectly accessorize a new outfit.

The formal hirewear shop is situated on the second ﬂoor of the store and houses a broad range of styles, sizes and colours in everything from top hat and tails, to Highland wear and evening attire. Open from Tuesday – Saturday, 9am – 6pm, Coes will always keep their emphasis placed ﬁrmly on service and customer care.

“

We are continually working hard to create an experience for our customers. And it is an experience that simply can’t be replicated online.

“

As technology has advanced, retailers have to move with the times and Coes has signiﬁcantly developed their online presence with their social media channels (check out their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram presence) but also their online shop window – the website.

the best of SUFFOLK 53

Constable Country AND BEYOND

HISTORY The artist John Constable was born in East Bergholt in June 1776 and went to school in nearby Dedham. His love for his native countryside, so manifest in his paintings, still defines what many people see in their mind’s eye when they think of a quintessentially English landscape. Even if you have never knowingly seen a single copy of ‘The Hay Wain’ (and it is hard to imagine how you have avoided it) you will not regret getting better acquainted with Constable Country. You can see Constable’s celebrated river scene, complete with Willy Lott’s Cottage, when you visit Flatford Mill, the area’s biggest tourist attraction. Today it is part of a complex in the

care of the National Trust which accommodates a visitor centre and a field studies education centre as well as a teashop and a restored dry dock.

the artist went to school. It has some excellent local shops and is well-known for the Art and Craft Centre, housed in a converted Victorian church, where local artists are given a showcase and there is also a tearoom.

Nayland and Stoke-by-Nayland, you will definitely be spoilt for choice. Visitors who stray a little farther over the border into neighbouring Essex will find plenty more to enjoy at Manningtree and Mistley.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE A longer walk along the River Stour will reward those with the time to take it. Before moving on from East Bergholt, make a point of seeing St Mary’s Church, where Constable is said to have fallen in love with the rector’s granddaughter, Maria Bicknell. East Bergholt Place garden and arboretum also come highly recommended, with the gardens especially beautiful in spring and early summer. Follow Constable’s path to Dedham, another of the area’s ancient towns built on the wool trade, which is where

It would be a shame to miss a look inside Dedham’s glorious church, another St Mary’s also with Constable connections. And check to see whether your visit will coincide with opening times of Castle House, a museum and memorial to another famous artist who once lived here – Sir Alfred Munnings. There is an abundance of pubs and tearooms here, with hotels and restaurants also offering some wonderful food. If you cast your net to include other nearby villages, like

DON’T MISS • Hiring a boat at Flatford and rowing along the River Stour or just relaxing on the riverbank with a picnic (watch out for the cows) • A visit to the artist Sir Alfred Munning’s Art Museum at Castle House, Dedham

HOTSPOT Milsoms CO7 6HW

Hadleigh An East Anglian town that made it’s name during the golden age of the wool and cloth trade, Hadleigh boasts a 15th-century timber-framed Guildhall among many other listed buildings. HISTORY To get a sense of its historic heyday you need look no farther than the main street, where timber-framed houses and decorative plasterwork soon establish that this was a town grown rich on the proceeds of wool and cloth, much like nearby Lavenham and Long Melford. Seek out St Mary’s Church, which understandably attracted the artistic attentions of Gainsborough, Constable and Turner. You will also find the town’s picturesque timber-framed Guildhall and Tudor redbrick tower that was intended to be Archdeacon Pykenham’s grandiose deanery, but was never completed. Agriculture also underpinned the local economy and regular livestock sales were once held in the marketplace. You will find the restored Corn Exchange nearby, now used as council offices.

books and there is even a shop with everything a doll-lover could need. Look out for the delicious tiny delicatessen, and the independent hardware store where you can buy everything from a sit-on mower to a saucepan. On Friday mornings you will find a market in the Market Place with everything from fresh fish to olives, and the town is usually bustling on a Saturday. A choice of pubs, restaurants and cafés cater for everyones tastes, while those looking for a more involved culinary experience can check out an innovative local business that offers cookery courses. A stroll around some of the back streets will give you a better idea of the size and scope of what is clearly a community-focused town with much to offer the tourist (rather than the other way around).

way from the north edge of the town and goes on to eventually join the River Stour in Constable Country. Between Hadleigh and Sudbury lies Boxford, a pretty village with a stream running through it and an attractive seventeenth-century church nestling beside the village school. Its timberframed pub, the Fleece, is famous for hosting jazz gigs that have turned this medieval village into a lively spot for music-lovers.

DON’T MISS • A visit to Sudbury water meadow • The 4.5 mile walk along the the old railway line (an invigorating two hour stroll)

SHOWS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS MAY The Hadleigh Show

THINGS TO DO AND SEE GET YOUR BEARINGS The town’s long High Street presents an intriguing mix. Literary types can idle over new and second-hand

56 the best of SUFFOLK

On a fine day, a stroll should definitely take in Toppesfield Bridge (one of Suffolk’s oldest) and the town’s pleasant Riverside Walk, which is ideal for a picnic. The River Brett winds its

HOTSPOT The Hadleigh Ram IP7 5DL

THE BEST OF BRITISH DESIGN, RIGHT ON YOUR DOORSTEP

LIGHTING

C U RTA I N P O L E S

SOFT FURNISHINGS

FURNITURE

I RO N W O R K

Our Hadleigh showroom is the only place in the UK where you can view our unique range of over 3000 products. With ample parking, expert advice and good coffee, browsing our beautiful products is a pleasure not to be missed.

Showroom at The Ironworks, Lady Lane, Hadleigh, Suffolk IP7 6BQ

Tel: 01473 826923 Email: sales@jim-lawrence.co.uk Web: www.jim-lawrence.co.uk

Contemporary and Traditional Radiators Towel Rails Bathroom Accessories Dartington Glass John Beswick Vases Smedbo Accessories Taps

12 High Street Hadleigh Suffolk IP7 5AP Tel: 01473 828914 Email: nevelli@outlook.com www.nevellidesignerradiators.co.uk

BOOK

O NLINE

V ISIT O UR W EB SITE F O R THE LATEST NE WS , EV ENTS & M ENUS www.thehadleighram.co.uk T: 01473 822880 5 MARKET PLACE, HADLEIGH, SUFFOLK, IP7 5DL

58 the best of SUFFOLK

A VILLAGE GARAGE WITH

Pedigree and Prestige Not only is it a traditional village garage that services the local community, but it is also unique in the fact they offer specialist sales and servicing for Porsche, Ferrari, Maserati and Bentley – all under one roof. Proprietor Howard Watts – who is also an avid collector of classic cars and whose collection is known worldwide - bought the business in 2001 and together with his highlyexperienced team specialise in a range of quality vehicles. With all the necessary diagnostics, parts and product knowledge to cater for all make or model of vehicle.

The garage contains on site the showroom, body shop, workshop, ofﬁces to ensure a customerfocused, bespoke service. We welcome visitors on-site and pride ourselves on reputation, trust and discretion.

“

We have a wealth of experience in sourcing and supplying all makes and models, having built long-standing relationships key trade contacts

“

Riddelsdell Brothers Ltd is situated in the heart of the quintessential Suffolk village of Boxford, near Sudbury.

Howard being in the motor trade for over 20 years has built up a wide range of contacts that can help source particular vehicles to suit the customers requirements. The team is built up of like-minded people with a passion for cars. Come and visit the team or call for a competitive quote for any servicing or body shop work your vehicle may require – the kettle is always on!

SHIRE TRACTORS Distributor of Shire Tractors, the UK’s leading manufacture of compact tractors, quad bikes, UTV’s, agricultural implements and garden accessories. Affordable and professional, ideal for stables, small holdings, home and logging.

HOWARD WATTS Howard ensures the smooth running of the classic and super cars that take part in the Redman Whitley Dixon Auto Tour as their dedicated trouble-shooter and mobile technician. The tour leaves from Beaulieu in the New Forest and the travel over 850 miles through some of the most stunning regions of France, arriving in Monte Carlo for the Monaco Super Yacht Show.

To learn more, Google Howard Watts or scan here

Riddlesdell Brothers Ltd Ellis Street, Boxford, Suffolk CO10 5HH www.howardwatts.co.uk 01787 210318 info@howardwatts.co.uk

the best of SUFFOLK 59

Lavenham, Kersey and Monks Eleigh Lavenham claims to be England’s finest medieval town. With most of the buildings dating from the fifteenth century, it’s a scene straight out of the prosperous Middle Ages. HISTORY Lavenham is one of the most visited villages in Suffolk, thanks to its unrivalled ensemble of perfectly preserved half- timbered houses. The older buildings are to be found around the marketplace where they once held bear-baiting contests. Lavenham’s sixteenth-century Guildhall is now owned by the National Trust, and on your travels you should also find The Great House (now a restaurant and hotel) and historic Little Hall. The Wool Hall is another half-timbered treasure and it does not take long to see how the Crooked House Art Gallery got its name. The magnificent Church of St Peter and St Paul has the tallest tower in the county, and as you might expect, is one of the best ‘wool churches’ in Suffolk. Guided walks are regularly available and will introduce you to all this and more. Audio tours are also provided.

and hotels to prevent you from going hungry or thirsty. On a sunny day it is difficult to think of a more idyllic spot to people-watch than from a pavement table. Despite its tourist appeal, do not imagine that Lavenham is preserved in aspic. The local community is very much alive.

a small village, Monks Eleigh has two main destinations to visit: The Swan Inn, renowned for its award-winning cuisine, and Bridge Farm Barns, where you can stop for a traditional cream tea or light lunch and browse the array of unusual crafts on show in the barns.

Kersey – The picturesque and eternally appealing village of Kersey is always worth a detour, whether you combine it with a trip to Lavenham or set out to reach it from nearby Hadleigh or Boxford. However you come across it, the chances are that you will instantly recognise the scenery from countless calendars, photographs and paintings. Lined with thatched cottages and tiled, half-timbered houses, its steep main street leads down from the church at the top to the ford at the bottom, which is seemingly always attended by requisite ducks waiting to have their pictures taken.

DON’T MISS

GET YOUR BEARINGS In among the streets of half-timbered cottages and fine town houses lie a variety of attractive jewellery and china shops. There are booksellers and a whole collection of lively art galleries in which to browse and buy. And enough tearooms, restaurants

60 the best of SUFFOLK

Monks Eleigh – Between Lavenham and Kersey lies the beautiful village of Monks Eleigh. The fourteenth-century flintstone church looks down over the picturesque village green, which is boarded by a collection of fine, typically Suffolk thatched cottages. As

• Taking the Lavenham Audio Tour available from the Lavenham Pharmacy at 3, High Street. • A visit to the Guildhall, topped off with a scone in the tea-room.

SHOWS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS JUNE Taste of Sudbury Food & Drink Festival NOVEMBER Lavenham Literary Festival MAY Lavenham Arts Festival

HOTSPOTS Bridge Farm Barns IP7 7AY Lavenham parish council have free wifi available in the town (the telephone box in the High street displays the code)

Discover the real art of swanning around at WEAVERS’ HOUSE SPA The Swan at Lavenham Hotel, situated in the quintessentially English village of Lavenham in Suffolk, is gearing up for the launch in December 2014 of a truly beautiful and unique new spa experience. Iconic, traditional Suffolk delights will be woven into the most divine and unique Temple Spa treatments that will leave you feeling restored, revived and totally amazing. There will be over 30 Skin, Body & Soul treatments to choose from, plus bespoke full day packages, each one results-oriented, seriously beneﬁt-driven and of course totally feel-good.

Weavers’ House Spa will be an enchanting retreat for the senses that will focus on total relaxation, enjoyment and wellbeing, a complete vacation for a few hours or a few days.

Vouchers are available to purchase now, so why not treat someone special to a Weavers’ House Spa experience and we guarantee you will arrive feeling welcomed, swan around feeling totally at ease and leave feeling like you’ve have had a huge hug! Register your interest online and be the ﬁrst to receive a VIP invitation to one of our Spa Master Classes which will be taking place prior to the opening of Weavers’ House Spa.

To ﬁnd out more, please visit www.theswanatlavenham.co.uk/weavers

the best of SUFFOLK 61

Bridge Farm Barns

#& " " &!' $' ' & %$

#%& &$ $ ' %$' ' #%& ' %&$

# " &!' ' &#" %' & " $

%& " !' ! %#$' ' !& $

&# %' %!% " ' ' " $' ' &# $ " & %' !!% & !%$'& ' # " #%

' %#"% %$ &! # ' "$ !& $'

P SHO TOY W NO E IN ONL

62 the best of SUFFOLK

Monks Eleigh, Nr Lavenham, Suffolk IP7 7AY T: 01449 740456 www.bridgefarmbarns.co.uk

PAUL EVANS AT LAVENHAM CONTEMPORARY

Suffolk painter Paul Evans is widely known for his highly individual watercolours, acrylics and etchings inspired by East Anglia’s landscape and coast. His paintings come from places very familiar to him, to which he returns on a regular basis – there are always subtle differences, giving him an ever-changing inspiration for his painting, making notes and studies in every season and at all and at all times of the day until he feels he knows somewhere well enough to paint it. Paul’s aim with his work is to convey a true sense of place. He finds himself drawn to quiet places off the beaten track, sometimes spending the whole of each day just recording the changes in light and weather, and the progress of farming during the seasons – painting as much as

possible on the spot, together with quick colour notes and drawings for further work in his studio. Paul studied illustration and printmaking for four years between 1972 and 1976 at Eastbourne College of Art and Design, and has been fortunate to make his living solely from his painting since graduating. Following a move to Suffolk in 1991 he opened his own gallery in Lavenham, and a constantly changing selection of his work – together with limited edition prints, cards and books – can be found at Lavenham Contemporary.

Lavenham Contemporary 70-71 High Street, Lavenham Suffolk CO10 9PR Tel. 01787 249451 www.paulevans-artist.co.uk

Top: Magic of Winter – Seren’s Hall, Milden Above: Poppies

Nestling in the centre of the medieval village of Lavenham is the warm and welcoming Lion House Gallery. Established now for almost four years, this artist-led gallery is fast gaining a reputation for showcasing the very best in professional British arts and crafts from East Anglia and beyond. Carefully chosen by owner Lizzi Stevens, a stable of artists has been gathered together making original, unique and highly desirable work in a wide variety of media – paintings, original prints, ceramics, glass, wood and silver. The emphasis is on quirky and unusual, and the gallery is proud to exhibit work by both established and up and coming artists.

12 High Street, Lavenham, Suffolk CO10 9PT Telephone. 01787 249616

www.lionhousegallery.co.uk

the best of SUFFOLK 63

Long Melford, Cavendish and Clare

Many of Suffolk’s historic good looks – fine churches and beautiful old buildings – date back to the days when its villages and towns grew rich on the cloth and wool trade. HISTORY Pretty as a picture, nearby Cavendish has long enjoyed popularity with the photographers who scour the country for idyllic scenes of English country life. Hard though it is today to imagine either of these genteel villages in turmoil, Long Melford and Cavendish were in the thick of the Peasants’ Revolt in 1381, led by neighbouring Sudbury. Chief Justice of the day was Sir John Cavendish, a local man who lost considerable popularity through the affair and who is said to have hung onto the door handle of Cavendish church in a (vain) bid to avoid his own dose of justice. You can still see the very handle. Today the village of Cavendish has adapted to modern life, as the lovely church and pink, thatched cottages on the green are part of a village community that still has a small primary school, and can offer a choice of welcoming hostelries.

While you are in this part of Suffolk, be sure to call in on nearby Clare. It packs in a lot of history for such a small town, and has some excellent local shops and watering holes. A town trail will take you around the popular sights. Look out for the Ancient House, which houses a tiny museum. Clare Priory, founded in 1248, is the mother house of Britain’s Augustinian Friars and currently in use as a religious retreat, but the grounds and Priory ruins are open to the public. There is also the Clare Castle Country Park where you can see what is left of the 13th Century stone castle keep, stretch your legs, or follow the town trail.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE

GET YOUR BEARINGS

The parish church that dominates Long Melford is worth a visit as is the two great Tudor Halls. Both are open to the public. Melford Hall belongs to the National Trust, and Kentwell Hall is privately-owned and has made a specialism of ‘living history’ recreations.

Long Melford shopping is distinctly upmarket and ranges from antiques, interior design and books to art. The area is also renowned for good restaurants.

Long Melford certainly lives up to its name. There are nearly three miles of it and its broad main street is edged with façades that allow you to trace

64 the best of SUFFOLK

architecture across the ages – Tudor, Georgian and Victorian. All display a mix of dwellings, shops, inns and restaurants.

DON’T MISS • Visit Ruse & Son butchers – run by the same family for five generations. • A visit to the Heritage Centre to discover the history of the villages.

SHOWS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS 13 JULY Long Melford Street Fair 12 – 13 JULY Clare Priory craft fair SEPTEMBER Open Day at Melford Hall 19 JULY Clare Summer Horticultural and Produce show

HOTSPOT The Swan CO10 9JQ

STYLISH AND AFFORDABLE LADIES FASHIONS IN LONG MELFORD AND HALSTEAD “Field of Poppies, Poldhu” by Judith I Bridgeland.

Telephone: 01787 372832 or 01787 478730

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 9.30am – 5.00pm 9 Hall Street Long Melford Suffolk CO10 9JF 19 High Street Halstead Essex CO9 2AA

www.anoukfashion.co.uk

Hall Street, Long Melford, Suffolk CO10 9JF

T: 01787 319046

www.limetreegallery.com

BOOK

THE

O NLINE

PERSIAN CARP ET STUDIO

OPEN FROM 10AM EVERY DAY FOR COFFEE, LUNCH & DINNER.

Passionate About

food

everything we do

Specialists in handmade rugs and carpets Restoration & cleaning workshop

HALL ST, LONG MELFORD SUFFOLK, CO10 9JQ

Open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 5.30pm

01787 464545

The Old White Hart, Long Melford, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 9HX 01787 882214 | www.persiancarpetstudio.co.uk

www.longmelfordswan.co.uk

the best of SUFFOLK 65

Hall Street (of) Hall Street, Long Melford, Suffolk CO10 9JL | 01787 464828 | hall-street.co.uk

HALL STREET LONG MELFORD

Set in the heart of Long Melford, Hall Street (formerly Nutmeg for Men) has established itself as the ‘go-to’ retailer for GANT men’s clothing in the county of Suffolk. Additionally, clothing and footwear from Timberland, collections from rugby legends Eden Park and Scotch & Soda, tailored occasion shirts from Sand and Duchamp all found in the rustic grade II listed building. Founded on values of quality, simplicity and trust with free and unrestricted parking right outside, Hall Street is the convenient brand for the contemporary Suffolk man. Open Sunday and Monday 11am – 3pm Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am – 5pm

Gainsboroughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House showcases the life and work of the artist Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788), one of the greatest painters in the history of British Art. The 2014 summer exhibitions feature: Rembrandt the Printmaker, Karl Friedrich Abel (1723-1787) Composer and Concert Impresario and William Woollettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s engraving of The Death of General Wolfe. Forthcoming exhibitions will include the theme of satire. The work on permanent display allows you to explore Gainsboroughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s whole career, from early portraits and landscapes to later works from his London period. The Print Workshop at Gainsboroughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House is recognised as one of the best facilities of its kind in the country. It offers a programme of classes, summer courses and tailor-made workshops. Opening times: Monday to Saturday 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5pm Sunday 11am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5pm Closed: Good Friday and between Christmas and New Year ÂŠ British Museum

Gainsboroughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House, 46 Gainsborough Street, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2EU Telephone: 01787 372958 Email: mail@gainsborough.org www.gainsborough.org

â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the largest antique warehouses in Suffolkâ&#x20AC;? GHDOHUV RQ Ă&#x20AC;RRUV SURYLGLQJ DQWLTXH DQG PRGHUQ IXUQLWXUH SLFWXUHV PLUURUV DQWLTXH MHZHOOHU\ UXJV ERRNV DQG FROOHFWDEOHV HWF 2SHQ 0RQ Âą 6DW DP WR SP 6XQ DP WR SP $PSOH SDUNLQJ RSSRVLWH The Mill, Malting Lane, Clare, Suffolk CO10 8NW Beside Clare Castle Country Park car park Telephone: 01787 278449 68 the best of SUFFOLK

www.clareantiques.co.uk

FIVE BEST CULTURAL VISITS Sutton Hoo

Alfred Munnings

Think Suffolk’s past is just centuries of little England? Sutton Hoo will prove you wrong. This spectacular undisturbed ship burial site dates back to a time when East Anglia was a vital link in the Scandinavian network of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Located in Woodbridge, it is a great family day out with a variety of hand’s-on kid’s activities with a Nordic theme.

As the leading equestrian artist of his day, collected by the Royal family and high society, Munnings was the epitome of respectability in the 20thcentury establishment. Castle House in Dedham now houses a charming museum containing over 600 of his paintings, around 100 of which are usually on display. Rather incredibly, the vast majority of his pictures were created after he lost sight in one eye at the age of twenty.

IP12 3DJ nationaltrust.org.uk/sutton-hoo 01394 389700

CO7 6AZ www.siralfredmunnings.co.uk 01206 322127

Gainsborough House Thomas Gainsborough was astonishingly successful in his time, contributing to the rise in middle class domestic portraiture by replacing stiff, formal poses with scenes of affection and intimacy. The birthplace of this great artist on Gainsborough Street in Sudbury is now open to the public, and displays the largest collection of his work in Britain. A fascinating array of paintings that beautifully illustrate bourgeois society. CO10 2EU gainsborough.org 01787 372958

Discover More Benjamin Britten’s House It is hard to think of a figure more central to Suffolk’s cultural life than Benjamin Britten: outstanding composer, creator of the Aldeburgh Festival and founder of Snape Maltings. Today, the house he shared for nearly two decades with his lifetime partner Peter Pears has been lovingly re-created as it was during his career. Arranged according to a 1965 room inventory, you get the feeling that they’ve just popped out! IP15 5PZ brittenpears.org 01728 451700

Landguard Fort Felixtowe IP11 3TW landguard.com Woodbridge Tide Mill Woodbridge IP12 1BY woodbridgetidemill.org.uk The Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QR theatreroyal.org Christchurch Park & Mansion Ipswich IP4 2BE ipswich.gov.uk

Constable Bridge Cottage Few artists have been as married to their subject matter as the iconic Romantic painter John Constable. His best-known works are his landscapes of Dedham Vale, an area so synonymous with his style that it is now known as ‘Constable Country’. A walk along the River Stour is like strolling through his canvas, still the spitting image of when he rendered it in 1821. This is the place for unbeatable dog walks and picnics. CO7 6UL nationaltrust.org.uk 01206 298260

the best of SUFFOLK 69

WEST SUFFOLK Bury St Edmunds is quite simply a shoppers paradise where its chic, independent outlets selling everything from clothes to kitchenware rub shoulders with the bigger high street names. A colourful market on Wednesdays and Saturdays sells an abundance of fresh fruit, cheeses, breads and flowers. Along with the chic coffee shops and fine restaurants on what seems like every street corner itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a real treat for foodies. A lively music and arts scene, a world famous brewery, old-fashioned pubs and the only surviving regency theatre in Britain also put Bury St Edmunds on the cultural map. For excitement head to Newmarket, the home of royal horse racing with its world famous racecourses, the Rowley Mile and the July Course. And also the world famous sausage. Suffolk has long been a major producer of great, home-reared pork. And several of the butchers in and around the town have proudly upheld this tradition producing some of the finest quality sausages, many using closelyguarded recipes dating from Victorian times.

70 the best of SUFFOLK

)65/(4: ,(:; (5.30( (Z VUL VM [OL ^VYSKÂ»Z SLHKPUN H\J[PVU OV\ZLZ ^L WYV]PKL MYLL HUK JVUÃ&#x201E;KLU[PHS ]HS\H[PVUZ VM P[LTZ `V\ TH` IL JVUZPKLYPUN ZLSSPUN H[ H\J[PVU [VNL[OLY ^P[O MVYTHS ]HS\H[PVUZ MVY WYVIH[L HUK PUZ\YHUJL KPYLJ[ MYVT V\Y )\Y` :[ ,KT\UKZ VMÃ&#x201E;JL

3<*@ ,30A(),;/ 2,47 >,3*/ )YP[PZO ;OL (WWYVHJOPUN :[VYT VPS VU JHU]HZ 6ROG IRU Ã¦

(77605;4,5;: (5+ ,58<090,: I\Y`'IVUOHTZ JVT )65/(4: *O\YJONH[L :[YLL[ )\Y` :[ ,KT\UKZ :\MMVSR 07 9.

ERQKDPV FRP EXU\

International Auctioneers and Valuers - bonhams.com/bury

7YPJLZ ZOV^U PUJS\KL I\`LYÂ»Z WYLTP\T +L[HPSZ JHU IL MV\UK H[ IVUOHTZ JVT

Values stated include buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premium. Details can be found at bonhams.com

Bury St. Edmunds Historic Bury St Edmunds, in the heart of west Suffolk, is one of the region’s biggest and best-loved market towns.

HISTORY The town’s namesake, St Edmund, martyred King of East Anglia, died in the 9th century but his shrine became the focal point for the development of one of the largest and most powerful abbeys in all the land. You can wander round its ruins in the lovely Abbey Gardens, where the Abbey Gate and Norman Tower are the most complete surviving parts of the original vast complex. The gardens

are now an attractive public park, renowned for its bedding displays and include a children’s play area. Hard to miss is the neighbouring St Edmundsbury Cathedral, the county’s only Anglican cathedral, lately crowned with a magnificent 140ft-tower, which now dominates the skyline as if it has somehow always been there. A little farther along the street – and worth the walk – is another of the town’s fine churches, St Mary’s, where Henry VIII’s sister, Mary Rose Tudor, is buried.

Charles Dickens famously gave public readings in the beautiful Athenaeum on Angel Hill, staying at the neighbouring Angel Hotel, which gets a mention in ‘Pickwick Papers’. Throughout the Middle Ages, Angel Hill was the site of the Bury Fair, attended by traders and entertainers from all over Europe. Today it still attracts visitors from home and abroad, but mostly serves as a car park.

market days when lots of colourful stalls fill the Buttermarket. The Market Cross building in the Cornhill originally had an open marketplace below. Now it houses shops and a tearoom, with a vibrant art gallery above.

DON’T MISS • A back stage tour of the Theatre Royal • A visit to the Suffolk Regiment Museum. IP33 3RN • A visit to Wyken Vineyard IP31 2DW

GET YOUR BEARINGS Bury (as it is known locally) is a great place to explore by foot, with surprises around every corner. Among other gems, it can boast one of the oldest working theatres in the country and the smallest pub. Once you’ve fully explored the town centre, visit one of several attractions worth a detour from Bury, the pick of which are: Ickworth House, a neoclassical building set in parkland, Wyken Estate, Pakenham Mill, and the recreated Anglo Saxon village at West Stow.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE The shopping is good, as Bury offers a broad mix of well-known high street names and smaller independents. Wednesdays and Saturdays are

There are plenty of restaurants, pubs, hotels, wine and coffee bars dotted in and around the town centre where you can find refreshment and take the weight off your feet. Squeeze into the nearby Nutshell if you want to say you have visited the pub that the Guinness Book of Records lists as the smallest in Britain. Some of the region’s bestknown and best-loved ales are brewed in Bury and beer lovers will want to make a beeline for the Greene King Brewery Visitor Centre. Those searching for cultural highlights should check out the wonderful Theatre Royal, one of the few surviving Georgian playhouses in England. It reopened in 2007 after undergoing extensive development and renovation. Moyse’s Hall is also among the most ancient of the region’s town houses, first serving the local community as a tavern, then a ‘gaol’ and finally as the museum that it is today. The Bury St Edmunds Festival always offers a rich and varied feast of cultural activity and takes place in May

ON TRAIN HOME NOW AND SAD AS SUFFOLK SLIPS AWAY BEHIND ME. THERE IS NO LOVELIER COUNTY. @ANTHONYHOROWITZ So while you’re here, ﬁnd a wealth of places to go and things to do visitsuffolk.com

74 the best of SUFFOLK

• Whitsun Fayre 25 – 26 May

SHOWS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS 25 – 26 MAY Whitsun Fayre 16 – 25 MAY Bury St Edmunds Festival 24 – 25 AUGUST Food and Drink Festival 27 – 30 NOVEMBER Christmas Fayre

HOTSPOT The Angel Hotel IP33 1LT The Dog and Partridge IP33 1QU

CREATIVE FASHION FOR WOMEN WITH STYLE

4 Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1LS

01284 754317

BEST OF SUFFOLK’S

FIVE ECCLESIASTICAL TREASURES ‘A new book featuring 100 treasures in Suffolk churches is now available. We have chosen five of our favourites’ Garland for a Tragic Maiden

A True Suffolk Saint – St Edmund The bronze statue of St Edmund at the Cathedral church of St James and St Edmund is by Suffolk-born Dame Elisabeth Frink RA (1930-93) and was completed in 1976. The statue is based on brasses of 12th century crusaders.

The unusual wooden medallion in the nave of Walsham le Willows in St Mary records the death of Mary Boyce aged 20 in 1685. Below the name is a heart pierced by an arrow as it is said that, tragically, Mary died of a broken heart. The ancient custom was to hang a garland in the church as a funerary memento for a chaste young women cheated by death of her marriage. The practice occurs in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Ophelia is denied the full funeral rites ‘…yet here she is allow’d her virgin crants, her maiden strewments’ (strewn flowers)

Jack who strikes the Bell

Cathedral church of St James and St Edmund IP33 1LS

The Merry Widow

Bramfield St Andrew IP19 9HT

Huntingfield St Mary the Virgin IP19 0PR

Walsham le Willows St Mary IP31 3AB

The cathedral added the dedication of St Edmund to its title in 2009 and there are numerous references to the saint, in stained glass, statues, paintings and needlework

Among the shiny black marble ledger slabs at Bramfield St Andrew you’ll discover a fascinating example near the sanctuary step on your approach to the altar. It dramatically describes the demise of Bridgitt Applewhaite, nee Nelson, in 1737, aged 44. If you read the inscription aloud, you can get a real feeling for the attitudes of the time.

In 1863 she started on the nave roof, featuring the 12 apostles, a labour of love that took a full three years. She worked alone, apparently lying on her back on scaffolding, and this in spite of the style of the tight corsets and many petticoats favoured by Victorian women.

A Labour of Love In 1859, Mildred Holland, wife of rector William Holland, recreated the splendour of a medieval roof in the chancel to awe and inspire the congregation. The church was closed for eight months from September 1859 to April 1860 while she completed her task.

You will need to walk up the aisle of this vast and beautiful church on the Blyth estuary to encounter this fascinating little fellow in his sentry –box. He wears armour of the mid 1500s, although some date him as late as the 1680s. His axe used to strike the bell on the hour but now simply announces the beginning of services. Blythburgh Holy Trinity IP19 9LP ‘100 Years, 100 Treasures: A Celebration of Suffolk Churches’ published by the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich in celebration of their centenary year. The book is available from the Cathedral Shop, Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds; the St Nicholas Centre, Cutler Street, Ipswich and local book shops Pictures and book extracts by permission of the Editor of ‘100 years, 100 Treasures’

www.angelsandpinnacles.org

76 the best of SUFFOLK

Stunning Designer Shoes, Handbags and Accessories from Bury St Edmunds’ Award-Winning Shoe Boutique

33 Abbeygate Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 1LW 01284 760011 | www.nicolasexton.co.uk Monday to Friday: 9.00am – 5.30pm Saturday: 9.30am – 5.30pm Sunday: Closed

Find your perfect diamond ring from ÂŁ750

EXCLUSIVELY AT

ThurlowChampness.com

78 the best of SUFFOLK

Sparkling PORTFOLIO

Portfolio of Fine Diamonds boasts a range of award-winning diamond rings, and the entire collection is available to view online via Thurlow Champness’s website. The range was created to offer customers the very best proposition when buying diamond rings. Some may say it is a direct response to the rise of the Internet.

Trevor Salt, Managing Director of Thurlow Champness, says: “Our business is focused completely on our customers; they are at the heart of everything we do. We wouldn’t be here without them! If we have the opportunity to offer something that no one else can, that we truly believe is the best thing to happen in the retailing of diamonds, then we will grab it with both hands. Not only are the prices very competitive but the range features the best quality diamonds in classic styles and contemporary settings – there is something there to suit everyone.” The concept appears to be a winning one – offering all the advantages of the Internet as well as the reassurance and knowledgeable service that one would expect from a local business that has been providing the very best in luxury goods for over 100 years.

“

All of the diamonds DUH FHUWLÀ HG by the world’s best and most reputable independent laboratories

“

Something special has been happening at Thurlow Champness. Bury St Edmunds’ leading jeweller is a long established and respected name in the East of England, carrying many of the ﬁnest brands in the watch and jewellery industry. One of the latest to be introduced is Portfolio of Fine Diamonds.

The online global marketplace has become second nature to many of us, offering a plethora of information and dazzling deals. The very same marketplace though can be bewildering, where doubt creeps, warning bells ring and whispers of “buyer beware” lurk in the corners of our minds. While we might take a chance on buying an item on ebay, investing in a diamond is not such a casual transaction. Portfolio of Fine Diamonds allows customers to browse the Thurlow Champness range in the comfort of their own home. Items can be reserved so that they can be viewed in store, removing the fear from making a big purchase. All of the diamonds are certiﬁed by the world’s best and most reputable independent laboratories, including the GIA. Quality is ingrained; all the pieces are either set in platinum or 18ct yellow gold. Last of all, but by no means least, is value for money; the range typically retails at up to 20-50% cheaper than some high street competitors.

the best of SUFFOLK 79

ELIZABETH GASH Sitting on Lavenham’s picturesque market place in a pretty timber framed building, is knitwear designer Elizabeth Gash’s eponymous first shop. Her second opened only two years ago in Bury St Edmunds and is down St. John’s St, one of the longest runs of independent retailers in Britain. Step inside either shop and you enter an Aladdin’s cave of colour, texture and pattern. Both shops have traditional oak beam interiors with shelves stacked with knitwear and clothes in jewel-like colours, the urge to forage is irresistible. Most of Elizabeth’s knitwear is inspired by the beautiful designs of eastern nomadic textiles and rugs. Her distinctive graphic patterns and deep rich colours owe much to traditional kilim designs. The range, which can be made to measure, includes jackets, waistcoats, hats, bags, scarves and cushions, and each piece, no matter how small, is imbued with Elizabeth’s trademark flair for colour and pattern. The success of the shops in Lavenham and Bury St Edmunds is the culmination of more than20 years’ hard work. Elizabeth started her knitting career with a stall in Covent Garden, and as her following grew, she took on more knitters and sold her

knitwear to other select shops and a knitwear catalogue ‘Penny Plain’. It was ten years ago, after encouragement from a friend, that the first shop was opened in idyllic Lavenham, a short drive from her home in Rattlesden. All of Elizabeth’s work is undertaken here in Suffolk: Elizabeth designs and makes the swatches on her knitting machine, and then the garments are hand framed locally in beautiful Scottish silk and lamb’s wool yarn This veritable treasure trove of gorgeous knitwear has become a showcase for leading British textile designers. Having sold from a stall for so many years, Elizabeth’s aim in opening a shop was to create a thriving outlet for unusual, beautiful garments made by talented designers living in the UK. Stocking a carefully-chosen selection by Lorry Marshall, Bill Baber, Sophie’s Wild Woollens, Mary Davis and the Quernstone. It has become an absolute must visit for wool lovers. As well as a fantastic array of knitted designs, Elizabeth has included clothes by Flax, SeaSalt, Noa Noa, Cut Loose, Backstage, Natural Wave and Adini, all hand-picked to complement her own range perfectly. And even accessories are catered for: she has got a great range of bags, scarves and gloves, and a beautiful display of semi-precious and silver jewellery, including pieces by jewellery designers Annie Mundy, Travels Afar and Sara Withers, Bags by Monica Boxley and Tamara Fogle and Scarves by Margo Selby.

Photo copyright of Marcus Harper

Famous Grade 1 Listed gardens set within a 400 acre deer park, surrounding the magniﬁcent moated Helmingham Hall. Be enchanted by the walled kitchen garden, herb, knot, rose and wild gardens. Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea in The Coach House Tearooms and explore the exciting Stable Shops! Open May – September Tues, Wed, Thurs & Sun 12:00 – 17:00 Many special events throughout the season including Plant Fairs, Festival of Classic & Sports Cars and Suffolk Dog Day. See website for details on weddings and Cookery Experience Days with Suffolk Chef Emma Crowhurst w: www.helmingham.com e: events@helmingham.com t: 01473 890799 Helmingham Hall Gardens, Helmingham, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 6EF

82 the best of SUFFOLK

DISCOVER

suffolk Your online guide to exploring Suffolk’s countryside

www.discoversuffolk.org.uk

SUFFOLK’S BEST

HOMES AND GARDENS There’s a lot to take in at Haughley Park and it’s 200 acres of sumptuous parkland and woods. It’s best seen in spring if you want to catch the carpet of bluebells, azaleas and rhododendrons in all their glory. The best way to view this Grade I Jacobean manor built in 1620 is from afar, preferably on a checked blanket with a wicker picnic basket stuffed to the brim with goodies. Likewise for Helmingham Hall Gardens which has been in Suffolk’s long established Tollemache family for centuries, visitors ﬂock every year to the Park’s 400 acres to catch a glimpse of the large herds of red and fallow deer. If the weather’s not so good and you like hearing stories, Melford Hall is the place for you. With tales of a devastating ﬁre in 1942 and how the house was rebuilt by the current owners the Hyde Parker family, you’ll be entranced by anecdotes like when their eccentric relative Beatrix Potter came to stay with her menagerie of animals and how children would gleefully slide down the enormous grand staircase on trays. It’s still

jolly good fun there today with a renowned collection of paintings and portraits and other treasures. Or why not pack the children and their bikes into the car and enjoy a day at Ickworth. Here they can than learn about what ‘upstairs downstairs’ life was really like at this grand country estate in Bury St Edmunds with its innovative display of servants quarters in the Rotunda basement. Garden aficionados can stroll around one of England’s finest, and possibly earliest, examples of an Italianate garden or explore the intriguing Victorian Stumpery. Finish off with a beautiful ride on your bikes around the miles of breathtaking woodland. For an unforgettable day out and a chance to explore one of the country’s best examples of an archetypal Tudor-Jacobean mansion visit Somerleyton. It has something for everyone on its fun-filled estate. There are plenty of picnic areas and chances to play croquet, football, rounders, nine-hole golf course, fishing, horse-riding, rowing and guided boat trips on the exquisite Fritton lake. The more adventurous

OPENING TIMES Haughley Park Gardens and Woods Open 2.00 – 5.30pm every Tuesday from the beginning of May till the end of September. Helmingham Hall Gardens Opening Times – beginning of May to mid September – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 12.00 – 5.00pm. Open Bank Holiday Mondays. Somerleyton Garden and Maze Open from late March until late September – Tuesday – Thursday 10am – 5pm and between mid July to mid September – Wednesdays and Sundays too. National Trust Melford Hall and Ickworth Please check website for opening hours.

can plumb for hot air-ballooning and river boating out to sea via the River Waveney. There’s oodles of fun for children with an adventure playground, a maze and gardens, a Viking fort, a child’s farmyard, pony treks and a cycle trail. On the way out try to call in to the local Duke’s Head pub in the inappropriate sounding Slug’s Lane to enjoy a mouth watering home-cooked meal. DISCOVER MORE GARDENS Fullers Mill Garden IP28 6HD Langham Hall Walled Garden IP31 3EE Wyken Hall Gardens IP31 2DW. Abbey Gardens IP33 1XL

Helmingham Hall Gardens

Newmarket Horse racing is certainly Newmarket’s greatest attraction, but visit outside of busy race days to see the town from a local perspective. HISTORY You cannot really come to Newmarket and ignore its unique historical connections with racing. To find out more about Newmarket’s raison d’être visit the National Horseracing Museum, which is easy to find and also has its own shop and café. Take time, too, to walk along Palace Street and see the carefullyrestored 17th-century Palace House, which was King Charles II’s royal residence when he paid his frequent visits here to indulge his passion for racing.

GET YOUR BEARINGS If you happen to drive in from the right direction and at the right time of day, it is not unusual to pass a string of horses being ridden to or from exercise on the gallops. You may even have to stop to let them cross the road. On a fine and slightly misty morning it is like watching a painting by Degas come to life.

84 the best of SUFFOLK

Shopping starts at the pretty clock tower and stretches all the way down the main street. Here you can take your pick from bargain outlets to traditional stores– with enough in between to keep everyone interested. Fashion shops cater across the board, and while you can certainly find a race-going outfit and some fancy footwear it is not only the racing fraternity who come here to shop.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE Newmarket sausages, made to historic and closely-guarded recipes, are a local delicacy and something to take home with you. There are restaurants, pubs and hotels catering to different pockets, tastes and clientele - whether they’ve just won a fortune or spent one! We recommend eating out at The Packhorse Inn just outside the town and The Pantry, a local favourite for foodies. Be aware, too, that Newmarket racecourse is now the venue for some very big rock and pop concerts during the summer racing season.

DON’T MISS • A visit to The National Horseracing Museum. • Watching the horses exercise on the heath between 6.30am and 9.30am.

SHOWS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS 6 JULY Newmarket Festival 17 AUGUST Cinema under the Stars AUGUST Garlic is Great Festival

HOTSPOT The Pantry CB8 8EQ Nancy’s Vintage Teashop CB8 8DN

the best of SUFFOLK 85

Welcome, to Nancy’s Vintage Teashop. Why ‘Vintage’? Well, we are in a building that is one hundred and twenty ﬁve years old but it’s about much more than that. When you step through the door you enter an oasis of tranquillity, comfort, old world charm and service. Tea, the most refreshing drink, is at the heart of our offer and I am delighted to serve a selection of different teas which have been specially blended for Nancy’s Vintage Teashop. But it does not stop there! Whether you come in for breakfast, a mid-morning break, lunch or afternoon tea, you will be served with mouth-watering delicacies either created on the premises or sourced locally. My desire is to recapture traditional standards of service and quality in a unique setting where you will enjoy everything from an individual teapot to distinctive artisan bread. Opening Times: Tues - Sat 8.30am - 5pm, Sun 10am - 4pm

Our self-catering 2,4, or 6 berth lodges are fully equipped & located around a lake, perfect for relaxing and fishing. Our New ‘Waters Edge’ lodges offer a private hot tub and contemporary living whilst our ‘Lakeview’ lodges are more traditional in style!

18 Old Station Road, Newmarket CB8 8DN 01638 667064 | enquiries@nancysteashop.co.uk

www.nancysteashop.co.uk

86 the best of SUFFOLK

High Lodge Leisure Ltd Haw Wood Hinton Nr Darsham IP17 3QT Tel: 01986 784347 www.highlodge.co.uk

Festival

PEOPLE

Suffolk’s pedigree shines through with a feast of festivals. A second-to-none, year-round programme that boasts an eclectic smorgasbord – everything from theatre to dance, classical music to community arts through to contemporary poetry and medieval archery. The imaginative Suffolk Herring Festival celebrates the importance of herring to the East Anglian coast. The tasty fish may seem an unlikely champion, but it has been crucial to local commercial success, making fortunes for skippers and merchants in the area. The two-day event brings you a taste of this maritime history, with cooking lessons followed by herring barbecues and brunches. Once you’ve polished up your filleting skills, there are net-making and knitting workshops, with children’s shows to keep the kids occupied. The next festival will take place in Middleton during October 2013. www.suffolkherringfestival.net

HighTide Festival, the world’s first ‘producing festival’ of new plays, is the perfect place to get started. It provides an exciting platform of new writing, films, panel debates, adult and children workshops, with many of the plays transferring to the National Theatre and the West End. Then, of course, there’s the International Aldeburgh Festival and Proms located on the beautiful Suffolk coast. A world-renowned meeting place for classical music lovers, the festival offers a cornucopia of delights, including superb concerts, masterclasses and free performances on Aldeburgh beach. While everyone has Latitude Festival, near Southwold, on their radar, with its international bands and comedians jostling for the ‘top spot’, there are still plenty other smaller festivals to enjoy.

The Aldeburgh Documentary Festival, directed by actress Diana Quick, is an absolute gem in the Suffolk arts calendar that has been luring inspiring filmmakers to the Suffolk seaside town for more than 16 years; Maritime Ipswich Festival, a salty feasting that celebrates the Waterfront’s remarkable nautical heritage with live traditional bands and dancing, historic visiting vessels and fireworks, and the delectable impressive Aldeburgh Poetry Festival, Europe’s leading contemporary poetry festival, which reaches the places other literary festival dare not tread! The Suffolk Walking Festival takes advantage of the beautiful countryside, stretching from Sudbury to Eye. It features walks for a variety of abilities, meandering from village to village, with varied themes, including photography, poetry and local heritage.

Farther inland, Bury Festival takes place in May, brightening the historic town centre with buskers and street theatre. A wide range of cultural events are dotted throughout the month, including exhibitions showcasing the vibrant local arts scene. The famous Bury brewery, Greene King, hosts an outdoor Real Beer and Food Festival, while on rainy days compelling films are shown across the town’s picture houses. It is also an ideal festival for music-lovers, as a diverse range of classical to world music will take centre stage. www.buryfestival.co.uk To find out more about all the wonderful festivals and events taking place across the county, have a look at visiteastanglia.com SHOWS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS 10TH MAY – 1ST JUNE Suffolk Walking Festival 28TH JUNE – 5TH JULY Southwold Arts Festival 4TH – 6TH JULY Maverick Festival 15TH – 17TH AUGUST FolkEast OCTOBER The Woodbridge Shuck OCTOBER – NOVEMBER SPILL Festival of Performance

the best of SUFFOLK 87

GOLDING NEWMARKET Golding, Newmarket has long been at the heart of the traditional racing town. Based on High Street, in the hub of Newmarket, Golding has recently undergone a £500,000 transformation to further cement their position as one of Newmarket’s leading retailers. Having been in operation for over 150 years, originally as part of the Samuel Golding dynasty, Golding was taken over by Coes of Ipswich, an independent family-run retailer in 1998. To preserve the history of the business, Coes retained the Golding name and has continued to provide an excellent shopping experience for customers. Seizing an expansion opportunity in 2013, the purchase of a property next door to Golding allowed for the refurbishment to expand across two properties and create a more luxurious shop for customers to enjoy.

David Hopper, Store Manager, explains: “The decision was made to invest in Golding (and ultimately Newmarket as a town) and it is paying dividends already. Our existing customers are delighted with the revamped store and it’s attracting a new breed of consumers who didn’t know the sheer range of brands and products that we’re able to carry as well as a wide selection of shoes and boots.”

shop was founded, with a good range of clothes to suit this sport, as well as traditional country pursuits such as shooting.

Menswear brands include Gant, Tommy Hilﬁger, Schoffel, Meyer, Barbour and RM Williams – as well as a large selection of accessories, gifts and footwear. The horseracing links remain as strong as when the

Customer service remains at the heart of Golding’s – with expert sales assistants to offer advice, a car park for easy access and a personal tailoring service available in-store and for home visits by appointment.

There is also an extensive hire department within the store, stocking 28 styles of wedding suits, eight styles of evening jackets and an inventory of over 2,000 items that are available for hire at any given time

“

Our existing customers are delighted with the revamped store and it’s attracting a new breed of consumers

“

A new womenswear department has been created upstairs with the arrival of brands such as Gant, NYDJ, Michele, Oui and Gerry Weber (exclusive to Golding), downstairs has received a revamp, with new storage areas and a relocation of the tailoring workshop also being created.

the best of SUFFOLK 89

BRESSINGHAM A unique day out for all the family

For where else would you be able to ride on a Victorian roundabout, indulge a passion for all things steamdriven, wallow in nostalgia for one of television’s best-loved comedies and glory in gardens that offer a glimpse of horticultural heaven? Add a couple of railways running around and across the site, a genuine old signal box, a museum, restaurant and picnic place, and the mix soon promises something for everyone, young and old alike. Privately owned by the Bloom family. Adrian Bloom and his father Alan each created a six acre garden, the Dell and Foggy Bottom. Together with the

other linking gardens, there are now over 8,000 species and varieties on display. Alan Blooms’s other passion – for steam led to Bressingham becoming home to a fine collection of traction engines and locomotives. The Dad’s Army Collection is another piece of serendipity. Some of Bressingham’s vehicles were used in the much-loved sitcom when it was filmed around Thetford. Bressingham has extended the wartime spirit by recreating Walmington-on-Sea in its museum. Situated close to the town of Diss, Bressingham’s main season runs from Easter to the end of October, with steam and non-steam days throughout.

There is also a special events programme running throughout the summer. Visitors can ride through the glorious gardens on one of the four working railways or step back in time on the working Victorian steam carousel ‘the Gallopers’, the beautiful painted horses that eternally travel ‘ up and down’ and three-abreast around Bressingham’s restored steam carousel. There is always something for all the family at Bressingham. You can even stay as a bed-and-breakfast guest in Alan Bloom’s old home of Bressingham Hall. Or failing that, take home a Bloom’s bloom from the adjacent garden centre.

Bressingham Steam Museum & Gardens, Low Road, Bressingham, Diss IP22 2AA. Telephone: 01379 686900 For more details visit www.bressingham.co.uk or www.bressinghamgardens.com

90 the best of SUFFOLK

WAVENEY VALLEY

Take advantage of a well-positioned Beccles for great access to destinations like Lowestoft, Oulton Broad and Kessingland. With its independent shops and a wealth of delightful restaurants Beccles also promises a diverse range of family accommodation. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also home to the world-famous Latitude Festival and the lesser known yet equally enjoyable Beccles Carnival. The nearby town of Bungay nestling on the River Waveney and surrounded by willow-strewn meadows boasts a Roman well, the remains of a Norman castle and a Benedictine priory. Take a stroll through Halesworths pedestrianised Thoroughfare and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be bowled over by the rich array of shops selling everything from locally produced food to hardware. Customer service here is delightfully reminiscent of a bygone age.

The River Waveney Trust’s aims are to ensure the river and its surroundings are maintained and made as accessible as possible. The Trust recently signed a lease with the Otter Trust to establish the River Waveney Study Centre at its former headquarters in Earsham. Educational and entertainment events and a variety of courses on environmental and habitat issues will be held there. The centre was officially opened by Griff Rhys Jones in October 2013. Join as a member online at www. riverwaveneytrust.org

The river has been much modified by man over the centuries. Significant market towns have grown up along or close to the waterway and industry, mainly farming based or dependent, has prospered by claiming power and food from the water.

Discover the River Waveney The Waveney forms the county boundary between Norfolk and Suffolk and flows 59 miles (95km) from its source at Redgrave to the sea at Great Yarmouth. It is a classic lowland river, slow flowing and meandering until it becomes tidal whence it changes character and becomes part of the Southern Broads. Joining the River Yare, the Waveney becomes Breydon Water and forms a magnificent esturine landscape before flowing the final length to the North Sea.

The river is at the heart of a valley which offers an enticing area for recreational activities. Some involve the river itself; some are focused on the structures and heritage built over many centuries. Travel slowly and tarry awhile. Visitors are entranced by the quiet stillness and see the natural beauty as a reason for exploring.

A47

NORWICH 7 A4

Great Yarmouth ve Ri

are

A1 46

A12

A140

Oulton Broad

A11

ve n

Harleston A106 6

Diss

14 3

Ri v e r

a W

Halesworth

Riv er Do ve

A 14 0

Thetford

Southwold

Eye

A1 2

Bury St. Edmunds A1

Saxmundham 4

Stowmarket

34 River Waveney Catchment Area

92 the best of SUFFOLK

Lowestoft

Beccles Bungay

Aldeburgh

10 km 10 miles

Map illustration by Splice Creative www.splicecreative.co.uk © River Waveney Trust

Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2013

Bungay The little town of Bungay is full of quirky features, from its legendary history to its antique shopping. HISTORY Bungay’s past is layered with intriguing and colourful myths, most famously that of the Black Dog. During a thunderstorm in 1577 the terrifying beast is said to have rushed into St Mary’s Church and mauled the congregation, leaving scorch marks on the door. It was widely believed to be an apparition of the devil, and although this church is now redundant, the creature’s name and symbolism superstitiously live on in the village. Among other things, the annual local marathon is named after it, which takes place in April. Yet this wasn’t the only devastating local event, as in 1688 the Great Fire of Bungay desolated the town. The oldest complete building to survive was the round-towered Church of Holy Trinity, which narrowly escaped the blaze and has the plaque to prove it. Bungay is also the only village in the United Kingdom to still be governed by a Town Reeve - an ancient civic office that has survived from Saxon times! It is certainly a village in touch with it’s past, and for a taste of this local history

you can visit Norman Castle. Much ruined over the centuries, it is now administered by a trust and happily brought to life by its own visitor centre, shop and welcoming café.

is worth a visit and Bungay Museum is to be found in the council office. Other local amenities include a golf course, sports hall, bowling green and indoor swimming pool.

GET YOUR BEARINGS

DON’T MISS

As well as antiques, the town has a range of individual independent outlets and galleries selling everything from wholefoods, old fashioned sweets, and wood carvings to pottery and luxury gifts. The town has some historic hostelries: try the Earlham Street Café for good food, all walked off by a satisfying walk on the 400acre Outney Common.

• A visit to Flixton Aviation Museum NR35 1NZ

THINGS TO DO AND SEE Bungay Country Market takes place every Thursday morning at the Honeypot Centre on Upper Olland Street. The town also holds a number of special street markets during the year, including a big antiques market which stretches the length of Earsham Street. Built in 1828, The Fisher Theatre

• There is also fantastic canoeing and wild swimming at Outney Meadow along the River Waveney.

SHOWS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS OCTOBER Waveney Valley Food & Drink Festival 7 JULY Bungay Antiques Street Market 3 – 25 JULY Bungay Festivel

HOTSPOT Earsham Street Café NR35 1AE

the best of SUFFOLK 93

Right up at the top of the county, Beccles lies on the River Waveney at the southernmost tip of the Broads.

HISTORY Beccles stands on the River Waveney, part of the Suffolk Broads but on the border with Norfolk. It was a thriving settlement well before the Norman invasion, and has a colourful history going back more than a thousand years. It has been a port for most of its existence and was able to receive ships large as well as small, making it an important trading centre. In the town the imposing tower of St Michael’s church has clocks on three faces, but a blank north wall facing the river. Local legend has it that this is because Beccles folk would not give their Norfolk neighbours anything – not even the time of day! The church of St Michael’s is a striking landmark, it has a peel of ten bells that are rung weekly and the tower is open during the summer with stunning views. Horatio Nelson’s parents were married here, and his father was rector. Unusually, the tower is separate from the church itself, because it would otherwise have slid down the cliff into the river!

GET YOUR BEARINGS The quay is a lively spot, especially in summer, with daily boat trips and its own visitor and information centre,

94 the best of SUFFOLK

café, shop and children’s play area. For today’s visitors Beccles has a good mix of retail outlets, including wellknown national names and attractive local independents selling everything from cookware to model boats.

Walkers can access the marshes on land granted to the town by Elizabeth I in 1584, an act commemorated on the town sign. The town also has a 200acre common, complete with nine-hole golf course, where owners of grazing cattle still have ancient access rights.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE The Big Dog ferry is worth a visit. It runs through unspoilt stretches of the River Waveney, starting at The Beccles Lido, and continuing until the riverside pub at Geldeston. The boat trip takes 45 minutes each way and runs from June to September. Leman House, in Ballygate, is home to Beccles & District Museum, and well worth a visit for its mix of displays about local life. It is a Grade 1-listed building and was endowed by Sir John Leman as a school back in 1632. Sir John, scion of a well-known local family, made his fortune trading in butter and cheese and went on to become Lord Mayor of London. The local high school still bears his name, although it is now sited elsewhere and caters for rather more than the original 48 boys. A number of well-known people have attended Sir John Leman High including Nobel Prizewinner Professor Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin, and the actor Sir John Mills.

DON’T MISS • A walk on the common. • A dip in the Lido • Authentic Spanish tapas at Baileys Delicatessen

SHOWS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS MAY AND BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND IN AUGUST Beccles Antiques Street Market NR34 9HA MAY, JUNE, JULY AND AUGUST Powerboat racing at Oulton Broad THIRD WEEK OF AUGUST Beccles Carnival at the Quay AUGUST Beccles Harvest Moon Festival THREE THEMED WEEKENDS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR The Beccles Festival

HOTSPOT Swan House Hotel NR34 9HE

Photo by Roland Blunk of the Swan House Boutique Inn

Beccles

R ESTAUR ANT & B OUTIQUE I NN

the swan house

...oodles of snugness... THE SWAN HOUSE, BECCLES | WWW.SWAN-HOUSE.COM | INFO@SWAN-HOUSE.COM | 01502 713474

Baileys

Delicatessen Restaurant

;]XMZJ [MTMK\QWV WN Ă&#x2026; VM -VOTQ[P +WV\QVMV\IT NWWL[ QVKT]LQVO I []XMZJ ZIVOM WN ;XIVQ[P _QVM[

Ç Ç Ç Í&#x2DC;Ä?Ä&#x17E;Ä?Ä?ĹŻÄ&#x17E;Ć?ĹŻĹ?Ä&#x161;Ĺ˝Í&#x2DC;Ä?Ĺ˝Ĺľ S ĎŹĎĎąĎŹĎŽ ĎłĎĎŻĎŽĎľĎł

.ZM[P [IVL_QKPM[ Y]QKPM[ [ITIL[ [MZ^ML QV W]Z KINu .WZ IV IT\WOM\PMZ LQâ&#x20AC;Ť Ůşâ&#x20AC;ŹMZMV\ MI\QVO M`XMZQMVKM MVRWa W]Z *Q[\ZW T]VKPM[ QV \PM =X[\IQZ[ ZM[\I]ZIV\ JM\_MMV WZ Ă&#x2026; VM LQVQVO M^MZa .ZQLIa ;I\]ZLIa M^MVQVO &Ĺ˝Ć&#x152; Ä?Ĺ˝Ĺ˝ĹŹĹ?ĹśĹ?Ć? Î&#x2DC; Ĺ?ĹśÄ¨Ĺ˝Ć&#x152;ĹľÄ&#x201A;Ć&#x;Ĺ˝Ĺś Ä?Ĺ˝ĹśĆ&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ä?Ć&#x161; Ĺ?Ĺ? Ĺ˝Ĺ? Ĺ˝ĹśÍ&#x2014; ĎŹĎłĎąĎŻĎŽ ĎŹĎłĎŽĎłĎ˛Ď Ĺ˝Ć&#x152; Ç&#x20AC;Ĺ?Ć?Ĺ?Ć&#x161; Ĺ?Ĺ? Ĺ˝Ĺ? Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x161;Í&#x2014; Ç Ç Ç Í&#x2DC;Ä?Ĺ?Ĺ?Ä&#x161;Ĺ˝Ĺ?Ä¨Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ć&#x152;Ç&#x2021;Í&#x2DC;Ä?Ĺ˝Í&#x2DC;ĆľĹŹ

0]VOI\M *MKKTM[ <MT" ! ___ ]X[\IQZ[I\JIQTMa[ KW ]S

in association with

WILDLIFE & LANDSCAPE ART World Land Trust and the Wildlife Art Gallery have joined forces to open a gallery dedicated to the art of wildlife and the countryside. On sale will be works of art in oils, watercolour, original prints and sculptures. Regular exhibitions are planned by leading artists both past and present. Online shop: diverse selection of original paintings and prints. Monday to Saturday, 10am - 4pm 3 Bridge Street, Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8AB 01986 874422 www.worldlandtrust.org/gallery gallery@worldlandtrust.org Commission from art sales go to the World Land Trust, an international conservation charity saving rainforest and wildlife habitat 96 the best of SUFFOLK

Halesworth Once you’ve scouted out the coast at Southwold, it’s worth making a short detour inland to visit the little town of Halesworth. HISTORY This town boomed in the 17th century, by which time it could boast various coaching inns and taverns like the Angel and White Hart, both of which are still in business today. In the 19th century it became a major centre for brewing and malting, and wherries sailed up to Halesworth’s quay from Blythburgh and Southwold. Curiously, Halesworth was also the scene of the murder of the Victorian policeman Ebenezer Tye in 1862. The man convicted of the crime was the last person to be publicly hanged in Suffolk.

GET YOUR BEARINGS The town can be reached by rail as well as by road, and if you arrive by train your very first port of call should be the town’s museum, housed at the station. Not far from here is The Cut, a vibrant local arts centre providing space for dance, drama, film, exhibitions and music, all housed in a

converted Maltings with its own café. There is a thoroughfare with interesting shops and businesses focused on everything from fashion and food to furniture.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE Market Day is every Wednesday with stalls in the Market Place and a Country Market (home produced goods) is held on Friday mornings in St Mary’s Church Hall.

are waymarks for the route of the Town Trail, which, together with the information boards along the way, prove an informative walk and an excellent way of getting to know Halesworth. • Alternatively, take a cycle trip through the picturesque Halesworth Millennium Green that stretches for acres.

SHOWS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS As well as its park, Halesworth has the Millennium Green, located close to the town centre and created from 32 acres of grazing marsh. Here, if they are lucky, nature lovers may catch a glimpse of a kingfisher, an otter or a water vole.

APRIL Hightide Festival JUNE Lions Carnival AUGUST Antiques Street Market 11 – 26 OCTOBER Halesworth Arts Festival

DON’T MISS • You’ll notice that circular signs featuring a duck are sunk into the ground throughout the town. These

HOTSPOT The Angel IP19 8AH

the best of SUFFOLK 97

THE GREAT

Outdoors

DISCOVER Constable’s River Katie Drouet Photography

TAKE a trip back in time on an original Stour barge, like those painted by the artist John Constable. ENJOY a river trip in one of our silent electric launches at Flatford, Dedham & Sudbury. VISIT our unique riverside venue, The Granary at Sudbury, CO10 2AN Tea Room open on Sundays, Easter – October.

The River Stour remains largely unchanged from the 1800s and the scenes depicted in the paintings of John Constable. All the locations of his most famous works still remain – Flatford Dry Dock, Willy Lott’s Cottage, the Mill his father owned and Flatford Lock.

Book the John Constable Lighter for a unique corporate day out.

The River Stour Trust is dedicated to preserving the river, and maintaining the right of navigation for all to enjoy.

Wedding packages start from as little as £325 and our boats make a wonderful addition to any celebration.

Our trip boats run throughout the spring and summer months. They are the perfect way to experience the river and its surroundings.

The Granary can also be privately hired for up to 100 guests for a variety of functions including weddings.

01787 313199 www.riverstourtrust.org

In an idyllic location beside the River Stour the quiet hamlet of Flatford sits surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the Dedham Vale. A short walk will lead you to the sights that inspired John Constable to paint his most famous works, including the Haywain. Why not explore the countryside, you can follow one of our circular paths, stroll through the ﬁelds to the nearby village of Dedham, or hire a rowing boat. While you are here, take some time to enjoy a home made cake or light lunch while you relax in our riverside tea room, before browsing for something special in our shop.

To ﬁnd out more about Flatford, why not call 01206 298260, or email ﬂatfordbridgecottage@natioanltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/Flatford-Bridge-Cottage Bridge cottage is free to visit and open;

DISCOVER BEAUTIFUL FLATFORD

April to October every day November to December from Wednesday to Sunday January to February Saturday and Sunday March Wednesday to Sunday Car parking Free to National Trust members

the best of SUFFOLK 99

HIGH LODGE

A unique Suffolk venue for sporting activities and celebrations Nestling in 100 acres of charming Suffolk countryside with a range of exciting outdoor pursuits and high level relaxation High Lodge simply has something for everyone.

100 the best of SUFFOLK

If you are looking for a stylish destination for an activity break, a place to escape and unwind or somewhere special for a celebratory or corporate event, then look no farther than High Lodge. Created 25 years ago by shooting’s seven times FITASC Sporting World Champion, John Bidwell, and run with his family, High Lodge nestles among 120 acres of tranquil countryside and woodland on the Suffolk coast. It is home to an array of first-class facilities, including luxury lodges with private hot tubs, world-class shooting, golf, fishing, an inviting restaurant and clubhouse and state-of-the-art function suite to name a few. The clay shooting boasts one of the best facilities in the country, with a large variety of sporting stands, skeet ranges and a 120fthigh tower, offering practice clays for the experienced shot as well as instructional packages for shooters to improve their technique or for the complete novice to be introduced to the sport – whether for a family day out, group of friends, corporate event or even hen and stag packages, the shooting is available to all.

For those looking for the ultimate break away from it all, High Lodge offers award-winning luxury holiday lodges (some with private hot tubs) and onsite self-catering accommodation – sleeping two, four or up to six people with scenic views over a lake and open countryside. They create a peaceful retreat within easy access of the clubhouse and other facilities and are available for short breaks and full weeks. 2014 sees a new development as work is under way on a 32-lodge ‘Clay Wood Retreat’. Twenty-one lodges will be available to purchase as holiday homes at a unique location, with the show lodge arriving in June. A well-stocked fishing lake provides excellent sport for the keen angler throughout the year and there is a nine-hole golf course set in 50 undulating acres. This covers 2,500yards, with a par-33 challenge consisting of six par-four holes and three par-threes. It welcomes all levels of golfer, whether regular and requiring a season ticket or one-off visitors on a pay-and-play basis.

facilities to suit the occasion – from the most intimate gathering to the grandest of events. The Champion Suite, an elegant function room, can be booked exclusive to your requirements, offering complete privacy for weddings and other memorable events. The venue has a licence for civil ceremonies and every detail of the planned event will be taken care of by the caring, professional team at High Lodge. High Lodge has full disabled access and parking spaces for up to 400 cars, including off-roaders. After a day in the fresh air, customers can satisfy a healthy appetite at the clubhouse, which provides café, restaurant and bar facilities, with a tantalising selection of mouth-watering breakfasts, lunches, snacks and refreshments – or enjoy a delicious carvery, now serving every Sunday as well as being open to the public seven days a week. For further information visit www.highlodge.co.uk

High Lodge is a unique venue for all celebrations, with a choice of

High Lodge, Haw Wood, Hinton, Nr Darsham, Suffolk IP17 3QT. 01986 784347 the best of SUFFOLK 101

At Minsmere in spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. In summer, look out for young birds making their first venture into the outside world. Autumn brings large movements of migrating birds and in winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed.

MINSMERE

Seasonal Highlights

Avocets

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

Ducks begin to leave in March and the first wading birds move through on their way north. Avocets and Mediterranean gulls return to breed, followed in mid April by the first common terns. Look for the dramatic switchback display flights of marsh harriers above the reedbeds and listen for deep booming call of the elusive male bittern.

Look for young avocets, common terns and gulls on the Scrape. The first spotted redshanks, ruffs and other wading birds begin to return from the Arctic from late June. Bitterns are often easiest to see on their feeding flights The heaths turn a stunning purple as the heather begins to flower, while nightjars churr at dusk, when you may spot a glowworm too.

Migration is in full swing with a continuous stream of birds passing through. Wading birds on the Scrape may include curlew sandpipers, little stints or ruffs, and perhaps a rare visitor from North America. Calm mornings are a great time to spot bearded tits in the reedbed. Kingfishers are most easily seen. The red deer rut is the star attraction on the heath during October.

Large flocks of ducks gather on the Scrape and grazing marshes, with teals and wigeons most numerous. Look for Bewick’s swans, smews and goldeneyes among them. Birds of prey may include marsh and hen harriers, peregrines, barn or short-eared owlsLarge flocks of red-throated divers and great crested grebes can be seen offshore.

Bearded tit

Goldeneye duck (m)

Great spotted Woodpecker

Berwick’s Swan

Little Tern Bittern

Goldeneye duck (f)

Little Stink

Starling

Marsh Harrier

Red-throated Diver

6X̆ RON 2ZO 6DQFWXDU\ Regd. Charity no. 1086565

$W 6WRQKDP %DUQV RQ WKH $

Open daily 10am-5pm Great Family fun!

2SHQ GDLO\ DOO \HDU URXQG ZLWK À \LQJ GLVSOD\V IHDWXULQJ VRPH RI WKH ZRUOG¶V PRVW EHDXWLIXO RZOV DQG ELUGV RI SUH\ LQ VXPPHU • New Discovery Centre • Red Squirrels • Chipmunks • Meerkat Encounters • Mini-Maze • Picnic Areas • Adventure Play Area • S.O.S Owl Safari • Falconry Courses • Gift Shops and Café

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, Stonham Aspal IP14 6AT Tel 08456 807897 www.owl-help.org.uk

102 the best of SUFFOLK

Saving real acres in real places

WORLD LAND TRUST

celebrates 25 years of conservation. A few miles inland from Southwold, the charming Suffolk town of Halesworth is home to World Land Trust (WLT), one of the country’s leading conservation charities. For a quarter century WLT has been saving tropical forests and other biodiverse habitats throughout the world. The Trust has the backing of three patrons - leading naturalists Sir David Attenborough and Chris Packham, and the former England cricket captain David Gower – and a growing number of other supporters. The Trust has a wildlife art gallery in its Suffolk headquarters, Blyth House, a beautiful 17th century building in Bridge Street. In the gallery visitors enjoy a changing programme of exhibitions and have the opportunity to ﬁnd out more about WLT and its conservation work.

for Belize, with a small headquarters in Belize City, protects 254,000 acres as nature reserve. As a result, populations of endangered species are increasing and it is not unusual for visitors to see extremely rare species such as Jaguar, Baird’s Tapir and Howler Monkeys. In 1994 the Trust followed up success in Belize with a campaign to save forest on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Attention then moved to the Philippines where the pristine island of Danjugan was threatened with development. Danjugan and its original forest cover and surrounding coral reefs are now safely protected thanks to WLT. In 2013 WLT launched an ambitious fundraising campaign: to raise one million pounds to save forest for Orang-utans in Malaysian Borneo. The response was astonishing and the million pound target was reached on 6 May 2014, the date of the charity’s 25th birthday celebration.

WLT was formed in 1989 because of the urgent need to save 110,000 acres of tropical forest in Belize that was about to be logged and turned into agricultural land. The Trust’s signature appeal ‘Buy an Acre’ was a huge success and today Programme

The Trust works in 20 countries, with 29 overseas project partner organisations. As well as ensuring the survival of threatened species such as the Jaguar, Orang-utan and Spectacled Bear, the habitats that WLT saves play an essential role in life on earth. They stabilise and purify water supplies, regulate weather systems and provide shelter for insects and other species that pollinate food crops. Forests also help cool the planet: the carbon

stored in forests counteracts global warming, which occurs when fossil fuels are burned to create energy. Raising funds for land purchase is still central to WLT’s mission but other, complementary projects have been introduced in recent years. The Plant a Tree programme, for instance, reforests areas inside nature reserves where trees have been felled prior to purchase. Another programme, Keepers of the Wild, funds reserve rangers to help protect nature reserves created with support from WLT. World Land Trust wildlife art gallery is open to the public MondaySaturday. Details of exhibitions are available at www.worldlandtrust.org/ gallery. See advert on page 94 for details. You can ﬁnd out more about the work of World Land Trust and make a donation, either by phone (01986 874 422) or via the WLT website: www.worldlandtrust.org

“The money that is given to the World Land Trust, in my estimation, has more effect on the wild world than almost anything I can think of. Their policy of buying and protecting land working with the local people is the most direct and certain road to conservation. WLT deserves the support of all who care about the survival of the wild places of the world.” Sir David Attenborough, a patron of the WLT speaking at a WLT lecture entitled Biodiversity and Business: The Cost of Life on Earth.

www.worldlandtrust.org Registered charity: 1001291

the best of SUFFOLK 103

FIVE BEST THINGS TO DO

IN AUTUMN & WINTER

Foraging The streets of Suffolk may not be paved with gold but they are lined with fruit trees. Combined with a long country walk or cycle ride, gathering ingredients for a seasonal dinner is the perfect way to spend an autumn day. You’ll be sure to come across wild fennel, walnuts and ceps on woodland pathways. Fantastic jams and jellies can also be made from damsons or blackberries, but nothing beats homemade sloe gin!

Getting up close to Constable A new permanent exhibition of Constable’s work has opened its doors at Christchurch Mansion following a much anticipated £500,000 museum refit. It’s the only public place in Constable Country to show the artist’s work for free. The curators have pulled together a rich collection, gathering fragments of the artist’s life from everywhere including the Victoria and Albert Museum and Constable’s own family.

Enjoy the stage The weather outside might be cold and barren, but during Autumn and Winter Suffolk’s creative arts scene is anything but. In Ipswich, check out the New Wolsey Theatre and classes at Dance East, while at Snape, Aldeburgh Music’s Britten Week as well as the Flipside Brazilian literary festival take place. Those near Bury should be sure to drop into Abbeygate Picture House - the perfect antidote to a drizzly day.

Discover More 1. Assington Mill run a number of short one day courses on rural and traditional crafts. CO10 5LZ assingtonmill.com 01787 229 955 2. Visit the National Trust’s Ickworth House in February to see snowdrops and aconites at their peak. IP29 5QE nationaltrust.org.uk 01284 735270 3. Explore Snape Maltings, its marshes independent shops and galleries.

Breakfast at Emmett’s To let you in on a well-kept Suffolk secret, this high-end cafe slashes the price of it’s breakfast during winter. Instead of paying over £5, they charge only £2.15 until March 2015. Located in picturesque Peasenhall, near Halesworth, this place is locally and nationally renowned for its luxury ham. Emmett’s has been trading from its original site since 1820 and They even have a royal warrant for supplying her majesty! (01728 660250)

104 the best of SUFFOLK

Red Deer Rut Every October Suffolk’s ancient woods resound with deep-throated roars and the clashing of antlers as the annual red deer rut commences. During this elaborate seasonal spectacle, stags fight other males in order to keep their large female harems. Taking place at the RSPB Minismere nature reserve, the viewpoint is free. You’ll see most battling action at dawn or dusk, so keep your distance and remember your binoculars!

IP17 1SR snapemaltings.co.uk 01728 688303 4. Orford Ness – A nature reserve well worth a visit with its mysterious history. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/orfordness/things-to-see-and-do/events/ 5. Discover the maritime history of the area by visiting the Sailors’ Reading Room museum, Eat Cliff Southwold IP18 6EL southwoldsailorsreadingroom.co.uk

STUART CLAY TRAPS Country sports, fishing and clothing specialists We stock most makes of: • Shotgun, rifles and air rifles • Mens, ladies, children’s clothing and boots • Sporting guns • Fishing tackle and equipment • Full range of fishing accessories and fresh bait

Stockists of:

• LE CHAMEAU • • • • • •

LAKSEN HOGGS AIGLE DEER HUNTER MUSTO HUCKLECOTE

Stuart Clay Traps Ltd 3a & 3b Wilford Bridge Road Melton, Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 1RB 01394 385567 sales@stuartsgunsandtackle.com www.stuartsgunandtackle.com

GOLF Golf might not be the first thing you associate with Suffolk but it is the ideal location for the game’s enthusiasts to explore the English countryside and, more importantly, to discover some superb courses.

ALDEBURGH GOLF CLUB One of the oldest in Suffolk – a heathland course that lies within a mile of the coastline. Established in 1884, it has two courses, the 18hole championship course and the River course, which is nine holes and more suitable for beginners and high-handicap golfers. Green fee for championship course £75, River course £12.50. Aldeburgh Golf Club Saxmundham Road, Aldeburgh, IP15 5PE. Tel: 01728 452890. FELIXSTOWE FERRY GOLF CLUB One of the oldest courses in England, established in 1880. It was recently voted by Golf World as one of the top 100 courses in England and has great coastal views. There is also a nine-hole, pay-and-play course. Green fee £52 a day, nine-hole course £12. Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club Ferry Road Felixstowe, IP11 9RY. Tel: 01394 286834. GOG MAGOG GOLF CLUB Established in 1901. Just over the Cambridgeshire border, the club has two excellent courses, situated on the free-draining chalk of the Gog Magog Hills, just south of Cambridge. Green fees from £50. Shelford Bottom, Cambridge, CB22 3AB. Tel: 01223 247626.

106 the best of SUFFOLK

IPSWICH GOLF CLUB (PURDIS HEATH) Described as a heathland haven for purists and enthusiasts alike. Its quickdraining terrain means there is no need for temporary tees or greens in the winter. There is a nine-hole course adjacent. Green fee for main course £70 a day, nine-hole course £12 a day. Purdis Heath, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich, IP3 8UQ. Tel: 01473 728941. NEWTON GREEN GOLF CLUB An 18-hole course, combining heath and parkland golf on the edge of Constable Country and near the villages of Long Melford, Lavenham and Clare. Green fees from £24. Newton Green, Sudbury, CO10 0QN. Tel: 01787 377217.

STOKE BY NAYLAND GOLF CLUB Set in 300 acres of picturesque countryside. Established in 1972, it has a 20-bay covered driving range and two 18-hole championship courses. Green fees from £45. Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf and Spa, Keepers Lane, Leavenheath, CO6 4PZ. Tel: 01206 262836. THORPENESS GOLF CLUB A picturesque course set among the Suffolk coastal heathland. The course offers a tough challenge for players of all levels. Designed by James Braid in 1922. Green fees from £28 after 3pm. Thorpeness Hotel & Golf Club, Thorpeness, Aldeburgh, IP16 4NH. Tel: 01728 454926. UFFORD PARK HOTEL, GOLF & SPA

Halesworth Golf Club Situated just a few miles from the beautiful Suffolk heritage coast and in 190 acres of stunning undulating countryside. Golfers of all abilities are welcomed and facilities include an 18-hole championship golf course and nine-hole pay-and-play course. Green fee £24 a day, nine-hole course £9.00. Bramfield Road, Halesworth, IP19 9XA. Tel: 01986 875567 ROYAL WORLINGTON & NEWMARKET GOLF CLUB Founded in 1893, it has been described as the best nine-hole course in England. While this may be debatable, it is a fact that it regularly appears in the top 100 golf course lists of various magazines. Green fees £60. Golf Links Road, Worlington Bury St Edmunds, IP28 8SD. Tel: 01638 712216.

An 18-hole, parkland course spread across 120 acres of unspoilt Suffolk countryside. Facilities include a floodlit, two-tier driving range and 18-hole putting green. Green fee £20-£25. Ufford Park Hotel, Golf & Spa, Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge, IP12 1QW. Tel: 01394 383555. WOODBRIDGE GOLF CLUB Two classic heathland courses. The Heath course is a serious golfer’s challenge all year round, while the full-length nine-hole forest course, is suitable for all standards. Green fee for Heath course £60 a day, Forest £10. Woodbridge Golf Club Bromeswell Heath, Woodbridge, IP12 2PF. Tel: 01394 382038.

Non -members Welcome

Breakfast & Lunch Available

Halesworth Golf Club, Bramfield Road, Halesworth, Suffolk, IP19 9XA 01986 875567 info@halesworthgc.co.uk www.halesworthgc.co.uk

RIVER CRUISE RESTAURANTS...

in Suffolk

What could be more delightful than a leisurely few hours viewing beautiful parts of Suffolk from its rivers while dining aboard the former Admiralty MFV supply boat, the Lady Florence, or the ex-South African Air Force rescue launch, the Allen Gardiner?

The Lady Florence River Cruise Restaurant has been operating on the rivers Alde and Ore from Orford for the past 30 years, with up to 12 passengers aboard. She has provided tourists and local residents with something to celebrate with a la carte dining for lunch, dinner and brunch. She cruises in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, passing the National Trust’s Orford Ness property, circumnavigating RSPB’s Havergate Island (famous for its avocet) and river-banks owned by Suffolk Wildlife Trust. There are unusual views of Orford itself, Orford Castle and Aldeburgh from the river. Lady Florence has long been a ‘must do’ experience and the business has now consolidated in Suffolk, moving 108 the best of SUFFOLK

its Allen Gardiner boat from South Africa to Ipswich. Operating from the Haven Marina, in the town’s historic waterfront, she cruises down the River Orwell to the Port of Felixstowe, serving fine food on the way. Cruises for 12 passengers pass under the impressive Orwell bridge as dockland gives way to one of the prettiest river shorelines in eastern England – with marinas at Woolverstone and Levington, the Royal Harwich Yacht Club and picturesque Pin Mill to savour before turning for home at Felixstowe, the largest container terminal in Britain.

On a Brunch Cruise, the threecourse American-style meal includes hash brown potatoes, hot muffins and apple pie and cream. The cost

for this two-and-a-half hour cruise (including brunch) is £22.95. On the three-and-a-half hour `a-la-carte Lunch and Candlelit Dinner cruises, main courses are from £7.95 and others from £3.95. Desserts, tea and coffee are often served on deck. There is a fully stocked bar and a wine list, with drinks available throughout the cruise. The cost (excluding meals) is £15 a head midweek and £17.50 at weekends and public holidays. For more information about cruises or to book a place, telephone 07831 698 298 or 01473 558 712. www.lady-florence.co.uk www.allen-gardiner.co.uk

CYCLING A county of gentle hills and leafy country lanes, Suffolk has just about the perfect terrain for cycling. Add to that the numerous excellent cycle paths and routes that weave through its bustling market towns and picturesque villages, complimented by a fabulous array of excellent pubs and cafés serving local foods en route, and it’s an enchanting proposition for everyone regardless of age or endurance.

Riding at your own pace, there is no better way to experience the real beauty and diversity of Suffolk than cycling. Cyclists of all abilities shouldn’t hesitate to head towards the glorious Suffolk coast. Take the time to explore the Deben Valley with its ancient Anglo-Saxon Burial Ground at Sutton Hoo. Perhaps cycle down to Orford Quay for a pint at The Kings Head or pop into Aldeburgh for some delicious fish and chips. Alternatively, take a trip to Constable County where you can savour the delights of the Dedham Valley. There are also ample opportunities to get off the road: the popular option for families with young children. Thetford Forest on the Suffolk /Norfolk border has some of the best mountain bike

facilities in the eastern region with miles and miles of way-marked single track and red and black courses. Meanwhile, the Rendlesham Forest Centre, located towards the east of the county, has two excellent off road family cycle trails on sand, gravel and grass. And if you’ve left the bikes at home, don’t despair there are loads of places to hire bikes. Alton Cycle Hire for one is ideally situated on Alton Water near Ipswich, while for the romantics out there Byway Bikes near Darsham on the Suffolk Coast has a fleet of tandems for hire!

Discover more cycle routes The Hadleigh Railway – 7.5 miles Alton Water – 8.5 miles Newmarket Moulton, Gazeley and Barrow – 8 Miles South Suffolk Bures – 12.5 miles The Saints Tour (starting at Bungay) 16 miles circular route South Suffolk – Lavenham Woodlands and Valleys – 21 Miles Jockey’s Trail (starts in Newmarket and covers the Brecks) – 28 miles

Visit www.sustrans.co.uk to plan your route.

the best of SUFFOLK 109

sensory SUFFOLK A place isn’t just deﬁned by its famous sights, but also by the distinctive local sounds and smells, and Suffolk is no exception. Here’s our guide to the ﬁve most memorable to aid you on your sensory experience of the county. The Dawn Chorus Every day at sunrise nature reserves across Suffolk ring with the collective sound of thousands of birds singing their loudest, most complex songs. This musical ensemble is at it’s most rich and spectacular in late April and May - a unique opportunity to hear the English countryside at it’s most uplifting. Guided walks during the dawn chorus are offered at Minesmere near Saxmundham.

Silence at the Priory Increasingly, there seems to be no part of modern life free from the interruption of a ringtone or a message alert. Here in Suffolk, however, a visit to Clare Priory feels like stepping into the balmy stillness of a bygone age. Set up by Augustinian Friars in 1248, it’s one of the oldest religious houses in England, where you can experience the rare sensation of total silence - nothing feels further away from your inbox!

Malt on the coast In Suffolk, ale has long been the local inebriant of choice, so it is no surprise to come across the scent of a brewery permeating the air here. The county is home to a variety of famous ale companies, all emitting their own unique yeasty smell. One of the most famous is Adnams in Southwold, which spreads the toasty scent of malted barley and hops over the Sole Bay Pub at the back of the Swan Hotel.

The Essence of the Races The trackside hustle and bustle at the Newmarket races is an unforgettable experience, characterised by an even more exceptional scent. If you are not visiting on a race day, watch the horses exercising at the Newmarket Gallops for free. Peak time is from 8 to 10am, and the best location is Warren Hill. Simply drive up and enjoy the sights and sounds, but most of all the accompanying earthy, equine smell.

110 the best of SUFFOLK

Wild Garlic Suffolk stands out for its abundance of ancient woodland areas, all of them laden with a range of archaic fragrances. One of the most conspicuous is wild garlic, easily foraged by following your nose in Freston Woods, especially during the Spring. By pure organic coincidence, it tends to be found near large swathes of bluebells, adding a ﬂoral background note that captivates the senses.

the best of SUFFOLK FOOD

Salmon Roulade Regis Crepy, see page 112

a feast for

ALL SENSES Regis Crepy, has established not one but three such restaurants in Suffolk; The Great House Lavenham, Mariners at Ipswich Waterfront and Maison Bleue in Bury St Edmunds, where customers know they’ll enjoy a truly memorable dining experience whatever their occasion.

There’s an art to creating a local restaurant that appeals to those looking for a delicious mid-week meal as well as attracting clientele who travel miles to celebrate a special occasion.

Regis has been cooking fantastic food in Suffolk for the last 30 years and it is testament to him and his staff’s ability to embrace tradition and innovation that these exceptional restaurants continue to receive prestigious awards and accolades from the industry and their customers alike. The dedicated staff, many who have worked with Regis for over 20 years and are now partners, all share the passion, drive and vision of excellence to ensure they provide the very best for the customer. The service is exemplary, menus carefully planned and the head chefs treat the seasonal ingredients as king, skilled at adding their own twist to create exciting contemporary dishes that arrive pretty as a picture. The wine lists with plenty from lesserknown winemakers are interesting and fairly priced.

the perfect final touch. There is a relaxed yet buzzing atmosphere and guests are greeted with welcoming open fires during the winter and a pretty paved courtyard is popular for alfresco eating in the summer. Upstairs, five stylish bedrooms offer luxurious accommodation. The Great House is the only restaurant in Suffolk listed in the Sunday Times Top 100 UK Restaurants, it has 3 Michelin Red Forks and awarded The Good Food Guide East England Restaurant of the Year 2009. Mariners, is the delightful Brasserie that offers tasty imaginative food onboard an old gunboat which, quirky in character is full of charm and bonhomie with the striking ship’s bell, gleaming brass and wooden trim. Moored at the Ipswich Waterfront customers can enjoy enviable views of the bustling river life particularly when eating out on deck in fine weather.

Maison Bleue, is a sophisticated destination in the heart of the Georgian town of Bury St Edmunds. Modern but comfortable and relaxed, it specialises in outstanding contemporary fresh ﬁsh and seafood dishes as well as inspiring meat dishes attracting acclaimed awards such as The Good Food Guide’s East England Restaurant of the Year for 2010 and 2012 and listed 9th in the UK in TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Restaurant Awards for ﬁne dining.

The historic 15th century Great House is in the centre of the medieval town of Lavenham. It offers elegant ﬁne dining with inspirational modern cooking, superbly judged ﬂavours and textures and the legendary cheeseboard creates

All three restaurants are delighted to have been presented with TripAdvisor’s Certiﬁcates of Excellence 2013 and 2014, the valuable recognition from their customers.

The Great House, Lavenham

Maison Bleue, Bury St Edmunds

Mariners, Ipswich Waterfront

www.greathouse.co.uk 01787 247431

www.maisonbleue.co.uk 01284 760623

www.marinersipswich.co.uk 01473 289748

112 the best of SUFFOLK

the best of EATING OUT Plough & Sail Snape

Crown & Castle Orford

Enjoy delicious food and drink in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.

Good food is at the heart of the Crown and Castle. Part of the reason is that co-proprietor and executive chef, Ruth Watson, is also an erstwhile food writer (two Glenfiddich awards) and the author of The Really Helpful Cookbook, Fat Girl Slim and Something for the Weekend.

Whether you choose a light, casual meal or a formal dinner in our restaurant, the menus feature traditional favourites, the best of modern British cuisine and dishes influenced from around the world. Every dish is cooked and presented with flair and imagination and is accompanied by a superb wine list, emphasising our passion for quality, seasonal food, using produce from local suppliers wherever possible. We also offer a range of draught lagers and ales, soft drinks and a fantastic wine list. The Plough and Sail comprises of a spacious restaurant, a cosy bar and an intimate balcony area, perfect for private parties. There is also seating at the front of the pub and a courtyard area at the back where warm summer evenings and lazy Sundays can be enjoyed. We hope to see you soon!

Our restaurant, the Trinity, has a relaxed but lively ambience. Most importantly, it neither looks nor feels like a typical hotel restaurant. With 2 AA rosettes and good write-ups in all the major guides, guests often cite the food as a major reason for staying with us. Our wine list has also won many plaudits in the guides, not least for the reasonable pricing structure. Lunch is served from 12.15 to 2.00pm (last orders); a la carte dinner is served from 6.45 to 9.00pm (last orders).

Snape Maltings, Snape Suffolk, IP17 1SR Tel: 01728 688413 www.theploughandsailsnape.com

the best of SUFFOLK 113

the best of EATING OUT The Angel Eaterie and Salthouse Harbour Eaterie Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich The Angel Hotel, Bury St Edmunds and Salthouse Harbour Hotel, Ipswich both feature delightful Eateries in stunning locations. The Angel Eaterie is situated amongst cobbled, shop filled streets with a view of the magnificent Cathedral, and the Salthouse Eaterie dazzles in the waterfront of Ipswich’s vibrant Harbour quayside. Our Eaterie Restaurants have many admirers and are a popular destination for many Suffolk locals. Both the Angel and Salthouse Eateries are art filled dining rooms and provide a gallery for the creative talents of the kitchens. The dishes are modern and predominantly British but, our two Head Chef’s continually surprise with a curious twist of something deliciously different. We are passionate about using fresh local produce and support Suffolk’s small holders and independent producers sourced from surrounding market gardeners. Our menus change daily to ensure only the freshest, seasonal produce is used.

114 the best of SUFFOLK

Both Eateries are open daily from 12pm until 10pm with lunch being served until 5.45pm and dinner starting at 6pm. Afternoon Tea menu is served from 2.30pm – 5.30pm daily. Take a seat in our Eateries and sample some of the delightful treats on offer. Relax in front of the Abbey or enjoy the view of the waterfront, chill in the artful surroundings and pick one of the 30 fine wines all served by the glass. Then soak up the atmosphere and wait to be tempted. Visit www.theangel.co.uk or www.salthouseharbour.co.uk for more information.

the best of EATING OUT Aqua Eight Ipswich

Bistro on the Quay Ipswich

Aqua Eight re-defines destination fine dining. This family owned Pan Asian restaurant has won multiple awards, including Open Table Diners’ Choice Award 2014, Runner-up in the Observer Food & Drink Monthly Awards, 2011 (in both “Best Place to Eat” and “Best Place to Drink” categories) and Archant Suffolk Restaurant of the Year in its opening year.

The Bistro on the Quay is situated on the historic waterfront of Ipswich. It is housed in a former salt warehouse overlooking the marina and is easily accessible by foot, car or boat. It is ideally placed in the heart of Ipswich near to its galleries, cafes, shops, hotels and the new East of England Dance Studio as well as the prestigious University Campus Suffolk.

Tucked away at 8 Lion Street, Ipswich, Aqua Eight occupies a stylish and versatile space which includes the ground floor Aqua Bar and Aqua Garden, for informal al fresco dining, private parties and Special Events including monthly live music nights. Guests relax over drinks and cocktails with the “Small Eats” tapas-style menu. Others enjoy full restaurant service and the extensive A La Carte menu, with a fusion of flavours and spices from across East Asia. Aqua Eight has always served the best quality organic meat, with fish and produce sourced locally. Passionate about fine wine too, the wine list is updated annually and over 20 fine wines and Champagnes are served by the glass.

At the Bistro we aim to serve excellent food and wine at sensible prices in a relaxed and friendly dining room. We specialize in fresh local produce, which changes with the seasons. We offer both à la carte and fixed price menus at lunch and dinner, a light lunch menu is also available each day. Our wine list has around 35 bins chosen from around the world. Whether you enjoy a simple robust wine or you prefer a more refined complex wine you should find something to suit your taste. With at least 10 wines by the glass, our wines are an essential part of your restaurant dining experience. Lunch 12 - 2 daily, 12 - 2.30 Sunday Dinner 6.30 - 9.30 (closed Sunday evenings)

Special Light Lunch Menu Situated on the historic waterfront of Ipswich

Bistro on the Quay Wherry Quay, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1AS Tel: 01473 286677 www.bistroonthequay.co.uk

the best of SUFFOLK 115

the best of EATING OUT Milsom Hotels and Restaurants great places to eat, drink and stay... Le Talbooth in Dedham is justifiably the flagship of the group, and sits in an enviable position on the banks of the river Stour on the Essex/Suffolk. A visit to this fabulous listed building is a treat any time of the year. So too, is the cooking of head chef Andrew Hirst with his skill and passion for great food. Maison Talbooth serves lunch and a delicious afternoon tea every day in the Garden Room. This room spills out onto the terrace during the warmer months and has wide views over the Dedham Vale and is a perfect place to relax after a visit to the spa. Also in Dedham is milsoms, a contemporary bar/brasserie with one rosette, where you can dine outside for most of the year under a huge architectural sail. The full menu is available throughout the day from 12 noon at milsoms, with no need to book so there’s no rush… The Pier at Harwich is situated on the quay in the heart of Harwich old town. The Pier has two restaurants, the Harbourside on the first floor with two rosettes

specialising in locally caught seafood, much of which is landed in the harbour opposite. As well as fabulous food the restaurant also has fine views over the twin estuaries of the Stour and Orwell estuaries and the sunsets in the summer are not to be missed! On the ground floor the Ha’penny Bistro has a relaxed, contemporary feel, serving brasserie food and open all day – perfect if you’re planning to arrive by sea! milsoms Kesgrave Hall, is a magnificent Georgian mansion set in acres of lawn and woodland. The open plan restaurant has plenty of theatre with guests getting a good view of the ‘engine room’ while they dine! The kitchen champions all that is great about local Suffolk produce and the restaurant is open all day from noon with the full menu. In the summer guests can dine on the terrace under the sail overlooking the lawn. Six fabulous restaurants all with individual style and character with real synergy of food, atmosphere, service and true hospitality – where you can also stay! For more information visit www.milsomhotels.com

LE TALBOOTH

MAISON TALBOOTH

MILSOMS

KESGRAVE HALL

THE PIER

Gun Hill, Dedham Tel: 01206 323150

Stratford Road, Dedham Tel: 01206 322367

Stratford Road, Dedham Tel: 01206 322795

Hall Road, Kesgrave Tel: 01473 333741

The Quay, Harwich Tel: 01255 241212

We also fuel the best parties with our outside catering team… MILSOM CATERING Gun Hill, Dedham Tel: 01206 323150

116 the best of SUFFOLK

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit: www.milsomhotels.com ﬁnd us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube

the best of EATING OUT The Galley Woodbridge

The Crown Woodbridge

The Galley is run by people who are passionate about food and who come from a long tradition of offering hospitality in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.

When we talk about our food here at The Crown, we think of all the great local suppliers we have fantastic relationships with. Over the past five years, we have discovered and engaged with many local businesses of all sizes, be they farmers, fishermen or artisans in Suffolk and the surrounds of Woodbridge in particular. Suffolk is a special county and we are blessed with some of the best producers to call upon when we are creating our menus.

The restaurant is set in one of the most enviable locations in Woodbridge, on historic Market Hill overlooking the Elizabethan Shire Hall and market square. The menus for lunch and dinner are created by the owner and chef Ugur Vata, daily specials and light lunches are on offer and lobster is now available every day! The selection of ingredients is guided by the availability of local produce and the combination of flavours never fails to delight. European and Modern British cooking styles influence the choices available that are always perfectly cooked, and beautifully presented. Six-dish Mezze and Turkish Delight ice cream are just two of the unique dishes on offer.

Flavour is the most important aspect of each and every plate we produce, which means finding the right ingredients that are in season and work best with the main element of the dish. Our food is served informally, but with professionalism and knowledge. Our aim is to delight our customers with bold flavours and textures which work together, resulting in a memorable dining experience.

A private dining area is available at no additional cost for celebratory meals and all the family is made welcome with a special healthy childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s menu. Live jazz evenings, wine samplings and special menu nights are all part of the excitement of dining at The Galley.

01394 384242 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1AD. www.thecrownatwoodbridge.co.uk

the best of SUFFOLK 117

the best of EATING OUT The Park Woodbridge

Hintlesham Hall Hintlesham

The Park Restaurant & Bar at Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel, Golf & Spa overlooks the spectacular 120 acre historic parkland golf course and gardens. It is easily accessible from the A12 and has over 200 free onsite parking spaces, making it convenient for all visitors.

Hintlesham Hall’s award-winning cuisine is not just for formal dining or celebrations.

Owned and run by the Aldous family for over 20 years both the restaurant and bar are open to members and non-members 7 days a week. Head Chef Paul Flowerdew regularly refreshes the restaurant menu to offer fresh, locally sourced, seasonal ingredients giving guests a wide selection of choice, and catering for special dietary requirements.

The hall is a stunning venue in which to savour a lighter bite from the lounge menu, our informal dining menu. The eclectic, mouth-watering selection of dishes can be enjoyed in any of our sumptuous public lounges. Depending on the season, you can choose to eat by a roaring log fire or, in summer, dine alfresco on our extensive terraces and enjoy our magnificent gardens. Either way, you will be served by our professional, friendly team.

The restaurant is open every evening, and for our popular Sunday Lunch between 12 noon and 2pm. It is also available for private lunchtime bookings. Bar snacks are available all day long in a relaxing and friendly environment. Why not try the Afternoon Tea?

Food for thought...

DINING AT HINTLESHAM HALL Two course lunch and coffee @ £18.00 per person Three course lunch and coffee @ £23.50 per person Available Monday – Saturday

at Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel | Golf | Spa Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1QW t 0844 477 6498 w www.uffordpark.co.uk

118 the best of SUFFOLK

Sunday Lunch Two course lunch, coffee and chocolate truffles @ £19.50 per person Three course lunch, coffee and chocolate truffles @ £25.50 per person A La Carte A La Carte menu available for lunch and dinner seven days a week (excluding Sunday lunch time) Lounge menu Available from 7am until 10.30pm, seven days a week. For reservations please telephone 01473 652334 www.hintleshamhall.com email: reservations@hintleshamhall.com

the best of EATING OUT The Bildeston Crown Bildeston

The Westleton Crown Westleton

The Bildeston Crown is located in an historic village in the heart of Suffolk just six miles from Lavenham, and has 12 individually styled luxury en-suite bedrooms. The feel is relaxed and guests can choose to dine in either Ingram’s, the brasserie style restaurant or the bar. In the summer months our terraces are perfect for dining alfresco. The 15th century building has been refurbished sympathetically and is warm and inviting with friendly service.

Enjoy one of Suffolk’s finest 17th Century Inns set in the delightful village of Westleton on the Suffolk Heritage Coast.

Head chef Zack Deakins uses locally sourced produce whenever possible including Red Poll beef and lamb from the owner’s farm. The “ Brasserie Menu “ provides a varied selection of favourites such as Red Poll burger and fish and chips, whilst the “ Select “ and seven course Tasting Menu experience provide for those wishing to take the fine dining option.

• Award winning restaurant • Imaginative menus and wine list • Selection of real ales • Crackling log fires • Charming terraced gardens • 34 stylish bedrooms At The Westleton Crown we are passionate about the quality of our food. If there are two words to describe the food, they would be ‘hearty’ yet sophisticated. All of our meals, from The Westleton Crown’s own fish and chips through to the finest of our à la carte dishes, are prepared on the premises, using the finest, freshest ingredients and local suppliers wherever possible.

The restaurant and bar are open seven days a week. We are happy to cater for group bookings and private parties.

THE BILDESTON CROWN HOTEL

RESTAURANT

BAR

I N G R A M S FINE

DINING

THE BILDESTON CROWN 104 HIGH STREET, BILDESTON IPSWICH, SUFFOLK IP7 7EB.

01449 740510 www.thebildestoncrown.com

The Westleton Crown The Street Westleton Nr Southwold Suffolk IP17 3AD 01728 648777 info@westletoncrown.co.uk www.westletoncrown.co.uk

the best of SUFFOLK 119

the best of EATING OUT Upstairs at Baileys Beccles

The Crown Framlingham

At Upstairs at Baileys we offer our guests a taste of real modern Spanish cuisine. For many, Spanish food consists of tapas and very little else. However, there is a whole wealth of food experiences from all corners of Spain that will not only surprise you but also delight you! We specialise in delicious Catalan cuisine, perfectly executed by our talented and experienced Catalonian chefs. Dishes are created with the best of local and imported ingredients and can be complimented with a selection of the finest of Spanish wines.

The Crown is a wonderful former coaching inn overlooking the historic market square in the centre of Framlingham.

For our latest menus and current dishes check our website. Lunch time, from Monday to Saturday, we offer a light, beautifully crafted and affordable ‘Menu of the Day’. On Friday and Saturday evenings we offer à la carte dining with a menu designed to give you a choice of the best of Catalan cuisine, from starters to mains, fish or meat, and desserts.

The stunning 16th century interior has been stylishly refurbished to create a comfortable and relaxed environment in which to enjoy fabulous food at breakfast, lunch and dinner, morning coffee, afternoon tea or a drink from the bar, which offers a wide selection of drinks including a number of local and guest ales. As well as the stunning interiors there is a lovely sheltered courtyard for al fresco eating and drinking, as well as tables overlooking the market square. For those wishing to extend their stay The Crown has 14 en-suite bedrooms including feature rooms enjoying wonderful views of the market square and beyond.

Spend an enjoyable and relaxed evening with us, whilst savouring our superb cuisine.

upstairs

Baileys

Restaurant

Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner Market Hill Framlingham IP13 9AP 01728 723521 www.framlinghamcrown.co.uk

120 the best of SUFFOLK

the best of EATING OUT Tuddenham Mill Tuddenham, Nr. Newmarket

The Packhorse Inn Moulton, Newmarket

Tuddenham Mill has been awarded 2 AA rosettes for culinary excellence. The Mill has recently welcomed new Head Chef, Lee Bye, who has re-launched the food offering to draw in a wider customer base and is delighted to receive the prestigious accolade only two months after the new appointment.

You’ll find fabulous food and beautiful bedrooms at this cool little country inn in Moulton just three miles from Newmarket.

The AA Inspector has described the Mill’s food as “the highlight of the stay, well-presented and sexy,” service at the Mill was also described as “attentive, well-placed and balanced with a genuinely friendly approach.” Tuddenham Mill offers a new à la carte menu featuring seasonally inspired, wholesome British dishes that complement the Mill’s contemporary surroundings as well as lunch menu priced at £15.50 for two courses and £19.50 for three courses, early dining menu priced at £19.50 for three courses and fabulous five course tasting menu priced at £38.50. Additionally a very popular afternoon tea is now available Monday to Saturday.

Revitalised and reopened in October 2013, the inn was also renamed to reflect the ancient medieval bridge which nestles alongside. The en-suite bedrooms in the main house, named after the four hills surrounding and protecting Moulton – Folly, Plantation, Primrose and Warren - feature huge mirrors, indulgent king or emperor sized beds and other generous and luxurious touches to ensure a memorable stay. Four further rooms in the Coach House will be available from the summer of 2014. Food is an integral part of The Packhorse Inn experience with the emphasis on surprise with the team’scustomary attention to detail and the use of great local produce. Open seven days a week for great food and drink, The Packhorse Inn also offers the Club Room as both the place to party and to do business whilst the terrace is ready for summer and al fresco drinks and dining.

Enjoy lunch by the river at Tuddenham Mill 2 courses £15.50 • 3 courses £19.50

Inn Business: The Packhorse Inn is open for great food, drink and stylish accommodation – every day

Tuddenham Mill High Street Tuddenham Nr. Newmarket Suffolk IP28 6SQ 01638 713552 info@tuddenhammill.co.uk www.tuddenhammill.co.uk

from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m.

The Packhorse Inn

Bridge Street

Moulton

Newmarket

Suffolk

CB8 8SP

01638 751818 info@thepackhorseinn.com www.thepackhorseinn.com

the best of SUFFOLK 121

THE WOODBRIDGE FINE FOOD COMPANY Suffolk’s most stylish purveyors of fine food from fish to shellfish, pies to tarts, Champagne to Chablis, there are endless gastronomic delights in this foodie Aladdin’s cave.

“One of the top delis in the Country” Open Monday to Saturday, 9am – 5.30pm

www.woodbridgefinefoodcompany.co.uk

2A NEW STREET, WOODRIDGE, SUFFOLK IP12 1DT 01394 610000

Suffolk’s

FARMERS’ MARKETS Farmers’ markets in Suffolk are some of the best in the UK, thanks to their long agricultural history. Food production remains a critical part of the local economy today and at Suffolk’s various markets you will often meet the farmers or producers themselves. This locally-based, eco-friendly way to shop enables you to ﬁnd out where your produce comes from at source. The markets are well worth a visit as not only do they offer fresh, healthy produce, but the food is much tastier than the long-hauled supermarket alternative. What’s more, the prices are usually competitive.

122 the best of SUFFOLK

Aldeburgh – Church Hall 3rd Saturday, 9am - 12.30pm

Lavenham – Village Hall 4th Sunday, 10am -1.30pm

Assington Assington Barn, The Street 2nd Sunday, 10am - 2pm

Long Melford – Village Hall 3rd Saturday, 10am-1pm

Beccles – Beccles Heliport 1st & 3rd Saturday, 9am - 1pm Easton – Easton Farm Park 4th Saturday, 9am-1pm Felixstowe Manning’s Amusements 2nd Saturday, 10am -2pm Halesworth – Town Centre 2nd Saturday, 9am - 1pm Jimmy’s Farm Pannington Hall Farm, Wherstead 1st Saturday, 9am - 1pm

Risby – Village Hall 1st Saturday, 9am - 1pm Snape Maltings 1st Saturday, 9.30am-1pm Southwold Adnams Cellar and Kitchen Store Every Friday, 9am - 12:30pm Stanton – Wyken Farm Every Saturday, 9am - 1pm Sudbury – St Peter’s Church Last Friday, 9.30am-1pm Woodbridge – Community Centre 2nd & 4th Saturday, 9am-1pm

THE DOLPHIN

AND VILLAGE STORE

an indispensable part of village life A family-run business situated in the unique seaside village of Thorpeness holds a special place in the heart of the local community. Resurrected after a devastating ﬁre in 1995 and rebuilt in 1998, The Dolphin Inn, together with the Village Store, have become an indispensable part of village life. After being carefully refurbished with old pine furniture and a traditional bar, this pub has a friendly, bustling atmosphere with a good mix of locals and visitors. Decorated with old photographs of Thorpeness, wooden tables and chairs, a large log ﬁreplace and subtle lighting, it is easy to understand why this is a popular meeting place with the locals.

VILLAGE STORE You can ﬁnd the shop just behind The Dolphin where Carole supplies the village with all its daily needs, from fresh local produce to newspapers, home-cooked meals straight from the Dolphin kitchen, or her abundance of local knowledge. The aim of the shop is to provide a much-needed service to the community, local and tourist alike, and that it is a place where you always feel welcome.

The Dolphin is an ideal resting base to explore Thorpeness and neighbouring towns Aldeburgh and Southwold, or for just a peaceful walk around Snape Maltings and RSPB Minsmere reserve, plus many more local ‘must sees’. David James and his daughter Kerry have been running this handy little hideaway for five years and now boast an eventful calendar for locals and tourists. Along with the head chef, Chris Theobald, they have created one of the top restaurant dining destinations in the area. With a style of food that reflects traditional and modern influences –the focus is on using locally sourced or home-grown produce. This is truly a great British pub where you can expect really good food and excellent beer served in a warm, friendly environment.

FROM THE PUMPS As a free house The Dolphin bar dispenses award-winning real ales, sourced locally from independent producers and micro-breweries, including Adnams, Brandon Brewery, Crouch Vale and Woodfordes. An excellent wine list has been developed from some of the best cellars around the world. This features alongside a large selection of bourbons, single malts and port.

THE DOLPHIN and Village Store Old Homes Road Thorpeness IP6 4FE 01728 454994 www.thorpenessdolphin.com

the best of SUFFOLK 123

MAXIMUS SUSTAINABLE FISHING

at Friday Street Farm

If you are looking for some of the best fresh locally caught and sustainably sourced fish look no further. Maximus Sustainable Fishing provide fresh fish, caught locally just off the coast of Lowestoft using only sustainable fishing methods, such as longline techniques and fish traps.

Fishing has been their family’s business, for over 100 years ago starting with the current owner, Chris Whiteman’s great, great grandfather. Chris himself, has over twenty years’ experience in catching and selling fresh fish, using either his familyowned and skippered 10 metre boat – Maximus – or outsourcing from other environmentally friendly fishing vessels. Fish that you see in the supermarkets can be as much as a fortnight old. The fish that they sell at their shop is caught either the day before or that very same day, ensuring the freshest fish are at the lowest impact to the environment. Whether you’re looking for cod or sea bass, flatfish or shellfish, as soon as either the family-run Maximus or our outsourced fishing vessels dock, only the freshest fish makes its way to our shop in Saxmundham. Ring beforehand to check what fish we have in stock or what we can get in for you, call today on 01728 603 854

• COD, SKATES, SEA BASS, DOVER SOLE, FLOUNDERS AND MORE!

“

• LOCALLY SOURCED

Using Maximus gives us the peace of mind that these guys care for the environment and sea. &KULV GHOLYHUV IUHVK À VK LPPHGLDWHO\ RQFH KLV ERDWV ODQG DVKRUH ZKLFK PHDQV RXU À VK LV VXSHU fresh. Chris also delivers other seasonal delicacies such as Morston Wild Mussels when in season.

“

The British Larder Restaurant, Suffolk

• SUSTAINABLY CAUGHT • ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

• SEAFOOD PLATTERS FOR CATERED EVENTS

• SMOKED FISH FROM OUR IN-HOUSE SMOKER

• EXPERT, FRIENDLY ADVICE

Maximus Sustainable Fishing Unit 1 Friday St. Farm Shop Farnham Saxmundham Suffolk IP17 1JX T: 01728 603 854 | M: 07980 000284 | maximussustainable@gmail.com | www.maximusfish.co.uk Business/opening Hours: April to October: 9.30am – 5.00pm, 7 days a week. November to March: 9.30am – 4.00pm, Monday to Friday

124 the best of SUFFOLK

Pinney’s Mackerel This wonderful whole-smoked fish has a soft creamy texture that melts in your mouth. It is a world away from its competitors as the flesh has a very subtle, delicate flavour that can’t be found anywhere else. Tastes like heaven with the accompanying sweet mustard sauce. Available at selected outlets and farm shops and of course from their shop in Orford. IP12 2NU pinneysoforford.co.uk 01394 459183

Pump Street Bread Orford is also home to the outstanding Pump Street Bakery. Our hands-down favourite is the Black Sour Cherry and Walnut Bread, as the slightly tart flavour brings out any topping. Their bread selection is available in a number of delis so is easily accessible around the county with no need to drive to Orford. Also check the website for Cedric the Citroen van’s route – a charming mobile shop laden with loaves. IP12 2LZ pumpstreetbakery.com 01394 459829

Simper’s Oysters and Mussels Fresh, local and sustainable, Simper’s of Suffolk have been farming on the same part of the Deben estuary for 200 years. Located in Ramsholt near Woodbridge, this area of the river Deben is ideal as it has clean water and is small enough to be virtually emptied at low tide, with no major town upstream to cause pollution. You can’t help but notice the plump freshness of their award-winning oysters and mussels. Check the website for retail outlets debenshellfish.co.uk 01394 411025

DISCOVER MORE 1. Sea vegetables are plentiful along the Suffolk coast in Summer, you can find Samphire, Sea Purslane, Sea Kalle and Sea Aster.

Blythburgh Free Range Pork Suffolk Asparagus Suffolk’s coastal micro-climate and light sandy soil mean the area is perfectly suited to growing asparagus. The delicious green and purple spears are in season for a very short period, lasting eight weeks from late April to mid-June. However, you’ll find it’s well worth the wait as its flavour and freshness is unbeatable. You can’t beat local, and it’s no coincidence that Suffolk exports little, if any, asparagus. Available all over the county

By growing at a much slower, more natural rate, Blythburgh Free Range Pork acquires a traditional flavour and succulence that has been largely forgotten in today’s mass produced pork. The fresh sea air provides ideal conditions for free range pigs, who are able to roam their whole lives and have around 80 times the amount of room that an indoor pig has. Their website lists the full range of suppliers. freerangepork.co.uk 01986 873298

2. Organic Kelsale Eggs from Maple Farm. The hens have access to meadowland and woodland – and they taste all the better for it 3. Try wild Venison, Pheasant, grouse or wild grey Squirrel meat which are available from the Wild Meat Company IP17 2BU www.wildmeat.co.uk 01728 663211 4.Recently introduced and one of their most successful beers Ghost Ship bottled by Adnams Brewery, Southwold 5. Rose House Butchery – The Artisan butcher runs short courses in knife skills poultry, game and beef 01473 228014 artisanbutcher.co.uk IP1 1XF

the best of SUFFOLK 125

the best of FRESH PRODUCE

Hall Farm

Lux Farm

Hollow Trees

Hall Farm Shop and Café Restaurant offers stunning views, wonderful food and great shopping. It’s an experience that you’ll want to come back to again and again.

Lux Farm Shop is at the heart of a family run mixed farm producing pasture fed beef and lamb from their herd of Belted Galloway cattle and flock of Balwen Welsh Mountain sheep, also stocking locally produced Old Spot pork and Sutton Hoo chicken. The butchery is complimented by a range of home cooked hams, pastries and prepared meals found on the superbly stocked deli and available in the café.

Hollow Trees is small mixed farm that offers a big experience. On site is a Farm Shop, Butchery, Coffee Shop, Plant Centre and Farm Trail. The farm’s emphasis is on home-grown produce with vegetables, beef, pork and lamb all produced and sold on site. They are complimented by a wide range of local and regional fare. This wealth of quality foods changes with the seasons as does the Hollow Trees experience.

The Café Restaurant serves fabulous coffee, cakes, breakfasts and lunches. Our Farm Shop and Butchery stocks a wide range of local high-quality produce, as well as beautiful homeware, gifts and plants. We will also be opening our farm trail in June - please visit our website for details. Hall Farm Shop & Café Restaurant, Church Road, Stratford St Mary, Essex, CO7 6LS

Lux Farm Playford Road Rushmere St Andrew Ipswich IP5 1DA

Shop – 01206 322572 Café Restaurant - 01206 323600

farmshop@luxfarm.co.uk 01473 624920

Hollow Trees Farm Semer, nr Hadleigh Ipswich IP76HX 01449 741247

www.hallfarmshop.com

www.luxfarm.co.uk

www.hollowtrees.co.uk

MIDDLETON FARM SHOP & CAFÉ

Friday Street

Gosling Farm

Middleton Farm Shop

Friday Street Farm is a thriving arable farm situated just inland from Aldeburgh.

A friendly farm and garden nursery situated in the Suffolk countryside.

Middleton Farm Shop & Cafe is situated in the quaint village of Middleton along the Suffolk Heritage Coast. We offer home-grown fruit and vegetables, fish from the North Sea, meat from local farms, plus a whole range of fine Suffolk foods. Each product offered in the Farm Shop is carefully sourced from a wide array of unique and specialty goods operators in Suffolk.

Friday Street Farm prides itself on supplying foods of the highest quality to their customers. A genuine farm shop that stocks their own home-grown potatoes, asparagus, strawberries and raspberries. The jewel in their crown is The Cafe Restaurant, where nearly all of the food is made on site and the few dishes that aren’t are sourced locally.

We specialise in pick-your-own strawberries and other soft fruit including raspberries. The shop has a plentiful range of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as cheeses, cakes, apple juices, raw and cooked meats, pastries and fish and more. All our products are sourced from local independent suppliers as much as possible.

The Café offers teas, coffee, homemade breads, and light lunch options. The menu is always seasonable and fresh.

Friday Street Farnham Saxmundham IP17 1JX 01728 602783

Goslings Farm, High Road Trimley St.Martin Felixstowe Suffolk IP11 0SG 01394 273361

Middleton Farm Shop & Cafe Reckford Farm, Leiston Rd, Middleton, Suffolk IP17 3NS 01728 648936

farmshopsuffolk.co.uk

www.goslingsfarm.co.uk

www.middletonfarmshop.co.uk

126 the best of SUFFOLK

D r f s SuďŹ&#x20AC; k h Espresso Bar with speciality tea and coffee all day brunch & freshly made meals with local ingredients

U d Outdoor play area for youngsters Free wi-fi

lly d

Delicious products and all your store cupboard

essentials

Visit us just off the A12, Darsham, Suffolk IP17 3QR Opening hours: 7am - 7pm daily including Sunday

eastofengland.coop/stores

/eastofenglandcoop

@eoecoop

Suffolk

PUBS & WALKS Bridge Farm

DUNWICH The FOREST Ship at

Sandy Dunwich Lane Farm

The Lambpits

The White Horse Inn

The Grange

DUNWICH WIC CH CH

Cutten’s Hill

Old Hall

Broom Hill

Westleton Heath Mount Pleasant

WESTLETON

B1125

Dunwich Heath

Westleton Walks

Coastguard Cottages

MIDDLETON Vault Hill

B1127

WRENTHAM Holly Grove

Beach Walk

Visit www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org 128 the best of SUFFOLK

Public House Place of worship Woods

Green La ne

North Common Wood

Walk Route

Extraordinary variety can also be found on the coast and estuaries – look out for little terns nesting on the shingle beaches, but take great care as they are incredibly vulnerable to disturbance by people and dogs. You will find plenty to explore and enjoy in the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB… and what better way to do so than on foot or bike.

Minsmere RSPB Nature Reserve Holly Hang

A12

Southwold Road

The beautiful and wildliferich nature of the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB includes the rare and distinctive Sandlings heath, home to birds such as the woodlark, nightjar and Dartford warbler.

Scotts Hall

B1127

COVEHITHE Ausgates NO ACCESS TO CLIFFS OR BEACH Church Farm

The Five Bells Inn

Covehithe Cliffs

RSPB site A/B/C Roads Path, track or other road Footpath/ bridleway

Covehithe Broad

The circular walks featured here are downloadable and include a fully illustrated guide map of the walk(s), together with a description of the route and information about things of interest along the way. They also provide information about the pubs on the route, including full details of the facilities they offer. All three pubs we feature have car parks, but out of courtesy, check before you leave your car there unattended, especially if you plan to walk first and visit the pub later.

The Ship at Dunwich There’s plenty to enjoy on The Ship’s menu from: pie of the day, slow-cooked pork belly, or classic fish and chips through to traditional English puddings like sticky toffee, apple crumble and much more, accompanied by good wines at sensible prices, or proper beers and ales - including Adnams and a range of guest ales. The Ship at Dunwich stands for - good, honest, top quality fare. Choose to eat in the bar, the conservatory, or in the evening, the dining room with its scrubbed pine tables and sisal matting. St James Street, Nr Southwold, Dunwich, IP17 3DT 01728 648219 www.shipatdunwich.co.uk

The White Horse Inn, Westleton A warm and friendly welcome waits you in this delightful inn set at the heart of the quintessential village of Westleton. With its large beer garden, beautiful stone-floored dining room we always aim to make your stay a memorable one. For 2014 we are offering an upgraded hearty and wholesome menu, fresh and comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation – and some of the kept beer in Suffolk. Centrally placed for exploring the Heritage coast – walkers, campers, birdwatchers, bikers, kids – in fact everybody is welcome! Darsham Road, Westleton, Saxmundham, IP17 3AH 01728 648222 www.westleton-whitehorse.co.uk

The Five Bells Inn The Five Bells Inn is a traditional country pub four miles from the popular seaside town of Southwold and situated in a very popular area for bird watching, walking and cycling. There is a large car park, large beer garden to the front and a more private south facing enclosed patio area. They serve a wide range of Adnams beers, wines and spirits and the pub prides itself on its homemade traditional cooking, which uses seasonal local produce and always has fresh fish and a range of specials. Prices for main courses start from £10.00. Accommodation includes three en-suite B&B rooms and they have eight pitch touring caravan site with electric hook ups and toilet facilities. In the winter there’s a lovely log burning stove. Opening hours 11.30am to 11.00pm, open all day and every day for drinks. Food served 12-2pm and 6-9pm. Regrettably dogs are not allowed in the pub during food service times.

Southwold Road, South Cove, Wrentham, NR31 7JF 01502 675249 www.adnams.co.uk/five-bells-wrentham

The Easton White Horse The Easton White Horse is a traditional yet stylish country pub that serves delicious food superb wines, local real ales and craft beers. With beamed ceilings, flagstone floors, fireplaces and a secluded garden you’re always guaranteed a warm welcome. Serving food, lunch and dinner Monday-Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday. The White Horse is a real destination pub. Especially if you are planning a trip to the Suffolk coast, Easton Farm Park, passing on the cycle route or quiet simply taking the dog for a walk. Why not try “The Brunch Club” on Saturday mornings from 10.30-12.00 fuel up with friends and family, with eggs benedict among other mid-morning favourites. Download the White Horse app for offers and events.

The Street, Easton, Suffolk IP13 0ED 01728 746456 www.eastonwhitehorse.co.uk the best of SUFFOLK 129

MADE IN

Suffolk

Here in Suffolk there is a passion for British craftsmanship and the artisanal tradition is still very much alive, with an active hub of local craftsmen from boatbuilders to silk weavers still doing a roaring trade.

Historically, Suffolk made a name for itself by manufacturing high quality soft-paste porcelain at the Lowestoft Porcelain Factory. The pottery was unique in that no other factory produced so many dated and inscribed pieces, linking them to significant people and places in East Anglia. Today, Lowestoft porcelain remains distinctive and sought-after for this very reason. Suffolk also has a distinctive chair making tradition that continues today. One of the most famous designs being the Mendlesham chair and the Ball Back chair. Both are still being made locally by several contemporary chairmakers whose work is featured annually at the Suffolk Chair Collection. Today in Suffolk, family run manufacturing businesses continue to have a very strong presence in interiors. One of these is Jim Lawrence, who has expanded his business from his own farm forge to a workshop housing a skilled team of over a hundred local craftspeople. Now located in Hadleigh, Jim and his team produce a wide range of handcrafted products including bespoke lighting, wrought ironwork and home furnishings.

been employing a dedicated team of cabinet - makers and french polishers for decades. This passion for authentic British goods also extends into the area of silk production. Sudbury has two renowned silk weavers; David Walters established in 1720, and Vanners established in 1740. Founded by the descendents of French Huguenots, Vanners has a unique archive of their long heritage that is comprised of over 250,000 woven designs. Both companies produce quality silk that is woven inhouse, so are well worth a visit if you are passing by. So donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss your chance to discover everything that artisanal Suffolk has to offer, and help keep those valuable skills alive in the county.

In Hadleigh you will also find Jayrest Interiors who have been designing and manufacturing bespoke sofas and upholstered armchairs for over 40 years. For solid wood furniture, Gerald Weir in Woodbridge has

the best of SUFFOLK 131

The business has come on leaps and bounds, with new designs and fabulous fabrics being created all the time. Inspired upholsters, machinists and sales staff at Jayrest take pride in every single job that they do, from start to finish.” A huge advantage for customers coming to Jayrest is the fact that the factory is right next door to the showroom. Never again will you have to worry about unpredictable delivery times. Another asset to the business is that Jayrest takes pride in being one of the few remaining British manufacturers still in existence. Lynda comments: The British furniture trade is still going through a difficult time with many British businesses forced out by cheaper, imported furniture.

JAYREST INTERIORS

THE BEST OF BRITISH Jayrest Interiors in Hadleigh prides itself on local manufacture, local staff and traditional values. Lynda Keeble talks about her family business that has been trading for nearly fifty years.

From humble beginnings in Ipswich the much-loved family venture has been nurtured into larger premises and now has a factory and adjoining showroom at Lady Lane Industrial Estate in Hadleigh. Lynda puts the ongoing success down to passion and reputation. She says: “Being well-known for quality and value is a huge advantage.

132 the best of SUFFOLK

It is the bespoke service and attention to detail that really sets Jayrest apart from some other furniture manufacturers and retailers. Lynda explains: “I love what I do. I understand that the whole thing can be daunting for customers and an expensive mistake if they get it wrong. “I try to make the experience in our showroom an enjoyable one where customers feel comfortable. I get great pleasure in seeing a customer who really doesn’t know how to go about refurbishing a room, then giving then a little guidance to help them walk away with something that they are thrilled with.”

“

I try to make the experience in our showroom an enjoyable one where customers feel comfortable.

“

Jayrest Interiors in Hadleigh is renowned for quality handmade furniture and upholstery. It is nearly fifty years of successful family business and passion that has built up a local reputation that is second to none. Started by Alan James, it is now his children, Lynda Keeble and Tony James, who run the show, creating quality furniture and fabrics at reasonable prices.

We are proud that we have found the niche in the market for the people who want the quality and the service that we can offer, as well as keeping the local economy strong and local people in jobs. Also, there are no high street overheads, and our customers are often surprised by the reasonable prices for wonderful products.”

Situated just north of Ipswich, Ashbocking Joinery is a family-run company which aims to combine traditional workmanship with todays precision computer-aided drawing systems.

Quality and craftsmanship PROVIDE THE BENCHMARK FOR SUCCESS

Employing qualified and skilled workmen and using environmentally friendly methods in our 2,500sq ft joinery workshop, the company maintains the highest standards. They cater for domestic orders as well as commercial and their experience and traditional woodworking skills mean they undertake specialist jobs including work on listed buildings and churches. A friendly and welcoming company, their door is always open to people who want to discuss their joinery needs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whether they are an architect or someone who just wants a replacement window. Nothing complements a home more that a hand-crafted door and while replacement windows are a considerable expense to any

134 the best of SUFFOLK

homeowner Ashbocking Joinery Ltd produces handmade windows that are not only affordable but made to last. Manufacturing and fitting quality staircases is another of their specialisms and the company can also supply a variety of purposemade internal furnishings, ranging from wine racks to reception desks.

Ashbocking Joinery Ltd, Commercial Barns, Helmingham Road, Askbocking Telephone: 01473 890018 www.ashbockingjoinery.co.uk

Celebrating 20 years at

JIM LAWRENCE LIGHTING AND HOME 2014 is a big year for Suffolk based lighting and home furnishings company Jim Lawrence, as this September they celebrate 20 years since the company was first founded. complementing pieces for your home easier than ever. September will also see the release of their most comprehensive brochure to date, with over 230 pages of lighting and home furnishing inspiration. Later this year they are launching a new design centre, where customers will be able to place orders and design their own bespoke lighting and home furnishings in store, on specially fitted ipads.

From Jim’s early days on the forge at his family farm in Nayland, to today at their Suffolk workshop in Hadleigh, his designs have always epitomised the quintessential English country home look. It certainly looks to be a busy time at their Suffolk showroom and workshop. By this September they will have doubled the size of their workshop, to keep up with the growing demand for handcrafted elegant lighting and home furnishings. This autumn will also see the launch of their new website, where you will be able to create bespoke lampshades and ironwork online with their new bespoke builders, and filter products by finish to make choosing

The company has grown significantly since those early days with Jim now employing a team of over 100 craftspeople hand finishing wide range of products from lighting and curtain poles to switches and sockets, fireside products, furniture, and a huge range of handmade soft furnishings. They now supply customers all over the world, sending products as far away as Australia. Even so, their Hadleigh showroom is still the only place in the UK where you can view their entire range of lighting and home furnishings, making a trip to this company a must if you are visiting Suffolk and looking for inspiration for your home.

Although the company has constantly evolved incorporating the latest technologies in their designs and in their customer experience, the heart of the business is as simple as it ever was… Jim’s passion for beautiful handcrafted pieces made by British craftsmen. As Jim says, “The authenticity of our designs is something I’ve always believed in. Our ethos is to create elegant, high quality British made lighting and home furnishings that will last the test of time in your home.”

For more information about Jim Lawrence Lighting and Home visit their website www.jim-lawrence.co.uk, request a brochure by calling the sales team on 01473 826923 or why not pop into their beautiful showroom at Lady Lane, Hadleigh, Suffolk, IP7 6BQ and experience the range for yourself.

the best of SUFFOLK 135

Tucked away, down by the River Deben in Woodbridge, you will find the workshops and showroom of the family-run company Gerald Weir Furniture who, for more than 60 years, have been making exceptional solid wood furniture. Brother and sister, Mark and Louise Weir, and their team of cabinet-makers would welcome you to visit and see the quality for yourself.

GERALD WEIR Quality British Made Furniture For a brochure call 01394 610900 or email info@geraldweir.com Unit 1 Sun Wharf Deben Road Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 1AZ

www.geraldweir.com

Gerald Weir Furniture THE BEST OF BRITISH FURNITURE MADE RIGHT HERE IN SUFFOLK

Having something made especially for you is easily achieved at Gerald Weir Furniture where the flexibility in production and the skill of their craftsmen honed over decades is something quite unique. At this idyllic riverside location in Woodbridge, tour the extensive workshops and browse the showroom where you can touch, feel and see the quality of the workmanship and the dedication that this family business has to offer. You can meet the cabinet makers, see them at work and discuss your ideas; you will find much advice on creating the perfect pieces for your home. Classic or contemporary style with numerous hardwoods to choose from and a whole array of exciting finishes are on offer. Hundreds of archived images of furniture

previously made are available to see and give you inspiration. Gerald Weir furniture have been working with interior decorators, architects and designers, as well as independent retail shops nationwide, on varied projects from an individual console table to fully fitted bookcases and wardrobes and anything in between. You too can benefit from this service and opportunity, by buying directly from the makers – and at surprisingly reasonable prices. Expect reliable delivery times and an exceptional service. We look forward to meeting with you…

“

For more than 60 years this Woodbridge family have been carving out a name for itself.

“

Have you been searching for your perfect table, sideboard or bookcase, the exact size and proportion for your room, a finish which complements your existing pieces, or a design you have pictured in your mind, but just can’t find it?

the best of SUFFOLK 137

We make no apologies for the infectious HQWKXVLDVP \RX·OO ÀQG KHUH 7R ÀQG RXW PRUH visit www.stjos.co.uk or call us on 01473 690281

be your best

St Joseph’s College

St Joseph’s feels different. And that’s the way we like it.

the best of INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS Education for life is about more than passing exams. Through adventure, community service and selfimprovement, children become well-equipped to take responsibility for their own lives, show initiative, think dynamically and approach life with an open mind. East Anglian independent schools offer todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s students a huge range of extra-curricular activities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and some persuasive reasons for signing up to them.

the best of SUFFOLK 139

Mike Kwasniak

As the oldest school in Suffolk, Ipswich School has been providing a first class education for over 600 years. We pride ourselves on a passion for learning, and on the care and attention we give to our pupils. Through these we help them to unlock their potential and develop their talents.

Sport, music, drama and more! Learning in the classroom is complemented by a wide range of co-curricular activities which help to build confidence and team spirit – world class music, drama productions and sports coaching from ex-Olympians, plus an activities programme which includes community service, Combined Cadet Force and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. These make the most of facilities including a concert hall with a Steinway grand piano, an indoor swimming pool and sports hall and 30-acre playing fields within walking distance, plus new sports facilities at Rushmere Sports Centre, with a purpose built all-weather Olympic blue hockey pitch.

IPSWICH SCHOOL

education first

www.ipswich.suffolk.sch.uk

140 the best of SUFFOLK

In the classroom

Our younger pupils

Class sizes are small, which means there is a focus on hard work and achievement, with support to make sure that pupils thrive in a positive environment. Over half of Ipswich School’s A level students received A* or A grades in the summer 2013 exams and at GCSE level the results were similarly impressive, with over 68% of exams awarded A* or A grades.

The purpose-built Preparatory School provides a supportive, happy environment for younger pupils, whilst they also make use of the senior school facilities. The recent Independent Schools Inspectorate report said the school is “…a secure and caring environment where each pupil is valued and nurtured to become balanced, confident, considerate and fulfilled people.”

James Fletcher

Where’s Wally? He’s hiding for World Book Day

Howzat! Girls’ cricket a great success first time out Girls at Ipswich School have been bowled over by the fastest growing team sport in the country – women’s cricket. For the first time in the school’s history, two teams of girls reached the Suffolk finals of the Lady Taverner’s tournament, just weeks after they first got together. The U15 team achieved second place in the county, with the U13 girls going one better and winning the county title for their age group. Many of the girls are pictured here, recreating a 1916 portrait of boys at Ipswich School, publicising cricket and the school’s virtual exhibition to commemorate the start of World War One: www. ipswich.suffolk.sch.uk/worldwarone

Each year the Prep children celebrate World Book Day by dressing up, and taking part in themed activities to promote a love of reading. The chosen theme this year was ‘Where’s Wally?’ and the school was a sea of red and white stripes, with pupils and staff dressing up in the style of the different characters from the classic book.

Sports Relief challenge raises thousands for charity The school supports a number of local, national and international charities each year. As part of Sport Relief 2014, Ipswich School set the challenge to run, swim, cycle and walk to Tamale in northern Ghana, which is 4000 miles from Ipswich, and one of the areas chosen for support from Sport Relief. A number of events to raise money took place during the week including a sports-themed non-uniform day, and a Rainbow Relay. The main focus was the push to reach the 4000 mile total with PE, swimming lessons, games and tutor group events all playing their part. Excellent team and personal efforts across the whole school from Reception to the Sixth Form helped us to achieve a total of 6000 miles, raising over £3000 for charity at the same time.

Need to stay overnight? Ipswich School has a boarding house, Westwood, set in wooded grounds near the main school campus. As well as full time boarding, we offer weekly boarding and other flexible options, which help students and families to make the most of the opportunities available at Ipswich School. We also run a number of bus clubs from towns and villages in Suffolk and Essex to take pupils to and from school. More information is available on the school website: www.ipswich.suffolk.sch.uk/buses Come and see us

Visitors fire the imagination Visitors to Ipswich Prep regularly share their specialist knowledge, helping to fire the children’s imaginations literally! Girls and boys in Year 4 made clay dragons with local craftsman Rob Rutterford, whilst Year 2 pupils worked with artist Juliet Lockhart to make fiery masks and a Great Fire of London fabric map, following on from their history topic. An interactive workshop for Year 5 featured former Ipswich School pupil Sam Wilson and fellow Guildhall School of Music students, performing a piece called ‘Palmas Rojas’ or ‘Red Palms’ with sounds made simply by clapping.

Parents are encouraged to come and see Ipswich School and Ipswich Preparatory School in action, to see how the wide variety of activities on offer will help their sons and daughters to fulfil their potential. Visit the website: www.ipswich. suffolk.sch.uk or come along to one of the school’s open days; or contact us by phone or email to arrange a personal visit: Senior School: 01473 408300; registrar@ipswich.suffolk.sch.uk Prep School: 01473 282800; prepregistrar@ipswich.suffolk.sch.uk

www.ipswich.suffolk.sch.uk

the best of SUFFOLK 141

WOODBRIDGE SCHOOL Encouraging a love of learning from an early age is the focus of Queen’s House which takes pupils from 4 to 7 years. These crucial years are when high quality understanding of numeracy and literacy is achieved. However, they also need to be immersed in a broad curriculum taught in small classes so that every stage of a child’s development can be monitored.

All pupils are encouraged to develop their talents in areas such as music, art, drama and many other exciting activities to stimulate young minds and develop skills. Queen’s House also offers a broad range of extracurricular activities and there are many after school clubs for Year 2 children. The Abbey, set in 30 acres of spectacular grounds on the site of a former monastery, builds on the foundation gained in the early years and helps its pupils reach the next stage of their school life in a happy yet challenging environment. Strong academic results are matched by sporting, music and artistic achievements to find success for every child. An innovative language scheme provides taster years in four European languages which cement the confidence to learn a wider range in later life.

142 the best of SUFFOLK

Queen’s House and The Abbey provide the perfect foundation for your child’s education and the perfect environment to move into the senior section, Woodbridge School. Everything the School does is underpinned by a firm objective – to build confidence in pupils. The aim is for each child to leave the School with a belief in themselves. A belief which comes from their successes and achievements at school. Academic success is at the heart of the School’s life, with an enviable record for quality in the recent DfE performance tables. Recently, Woodbridge was by a long way one of the most successful schools in the Royal Society of Chemistry Olympiad. In parallel it boasts a marvellous international

programme taking students to countries including Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Oman, South Africa and Spain. Woodbridge School has a clear vision – to produce well-educated, secure and confident young people who will become the happy and balanced adults of the future. While most pupils travel daily to school there is a small boarding house at the Senior School. There is also a comprehensive bus service across Suffolk and beyond the county boundaries. There are Open Days and there is always the facility to book a visit on another occasion to see all aspects of the School at first hand.

01394 615041 """ " ! ! A part of THE SECKFORD FOUNDATION Registered Charity No 1110964

Eton College, founded by Henry VI, may have half the Cabinet and Windsor Castle, but the Albert Memorial College in Framlingham has more recent royal connections, alumni who play a significant role in East Anglia and beyond, along with a simple unpretentious castle that reflects the character of the College on the far side of the Mere.

Since 1864 the great mock-Gothic building has dominated the landscape west of the Bigods’ fortress, though people might dispute whether the view from Albert to the castle or vice versa is the finest view in Suffolk! Next year the college will celebrate its 150th anniversary, a time perhaps to pause and remember the local gentlemen who had the vision and determination to ensure a memorial worthy of the Prince Consort. Albert, ‘the Good’ it was who conceived the Great Exhibition of 1851, often compared favourably with later less satisfactory domes; a practical memorial providing education in a

country area was exactly the sort of project he would have wished to promote, and his death in 1861 gave occasion for the Earl of Stradbroke and Sir Edward Kerrison, invaluably aided by the formidable Richard Garrett, to exploit Sir Robert Hitcham’s 17th-century charitable bequest to Pembroke College, Cambridge, to find land for a college on the formerdeer park. Money for the building was raised by local subscription, a royal charter granted, and on April 10, 1865, the college opened its doors. There were more than 200 boy boarders, with 12 assistant masters, and the maximum 300 pupils was soon approached. It has remained an important part of the town’s life ever since. Behind the façade, of course, there have been many changes, and one of the fascinating aspects for visitors is to see how the old building has been endlessly adapted to modern use. The dining hall has survived to remain an impressive venue, not only for college meals, but for social activities of many kinds and the college does not close in holiday times – the glass roofing of Paul’s Court and further developments planned for 2015 should further enhance this facility. Other parts of the college have been divided again and again for the study bedrooms and smaller

classrooms of modern times, while the Berners library and chapel have both been sympathetically extended and modernised. Outside the grounds are beautifully kept, ‘the Back’ being one of the most loved cricket pitches in Suffolk – by batsmen! It is also the site of the second oldest tennis tournament in the country, and many local people enjoy a contest at their own level in August – Christine Janes, nee Truman, recently recalled her early games here. An AstroTurf named Borrett’s recalls another sporting great, and it has recently been joined by a second. This along with modern gymnasium and swimming facilities are enjoyed by students and many others alike, while Lord’s remains a delightful ground a short walk from the college. After 150 years, the college remains confident about its future. Essentially a boarding school, it welcomes students from far and wide, and it is certainly no provincial backwater; however, it continues to serve the local community, and boys and girls travel from surrounding villages to join students from eastern Europe, the Far East and many other countries. German students make a particular contribution – and how proud Victoria and Albert would have been of that!

the best of SUFFOLK 145

The Royal Hospital School continues to build upon its unique heritage and strong foundations as it provides life changing opportunities and an environment in which academic excellence is promoted through learning and shared experiences.

An Inspiring PLACE TO LEARN

The School was founded more than 300 years ago in Greenwich, London, and moved to its current site in 200 acres of stunning Suffolk countryside overlooking the River Stour, in 1933. It is a well-respected co-educational boarding and day school for 11 to 18 year olds set apart by its unique history that infuses the ethos and daily life of the School.

FOCUS ON LEARNING The dynamic new Headmaster, James Lockwood, has clear aims and vision for the School which are defined by his belief that ‘education should be a liberating force’. The focus is on learning – stretching the most able, supporting those that need extra help and recognising that children learn in so many different ways. The School’s Mobile Learning Project was launched last year and, with full Wif-Fi access across the whole site, teachers and pupils are able to embrace new technologies and benefit from a truly mobile learning environment in which children become engaged and inspired. Other developments include NACE (National Association for Able Children in Education) accreditation with the aim of furthering children who are gifted and talented in a particular area, the introduction of Thinking Skills lessons for lower school pupils to teach and develop independent learning, critical thinking, habits of mind and study skills and the introduction of the Extended Project Qualification (EQP) for Sixth Formers who wish to expand their learning and enhance their University application and future prospects.

146 the best of SUFFOLK

As Headmaster, it is my aim to unlock the potential of each individual by offering them a whole new world of life-changing opportunities and an environment in which academic excellence is promoted through learning and shared experiences. A place that encourages boys and girls to discover themselves; quite simply, to develop a passion that will endure for the rest of their lives. Through passion comes purpose, and from purpose the journey ahead becomes clear. James Lockwood Headmaster

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM The Royal Hospital School is extremely proud of its extensive range of cocurricular activities and opportunities. Whether creative, sporty, musical or scholastic, pupils are encouraged to try something new, develop their interests and challenge themselves. RYA ACCREDITED SAILING ACADEMY

On joining the School, all 11 year olds take part in a week-long sailing course on Alton Water Reservoir, while those on the Elite Sailing Programme can sail up to four times a week with a programme specifically designed to develop talent to National and International fleet levels. Team fixtures against other schools have seen some outstanding successes including winning the prestigious BSDRA Hoad Shield. As well as RYA stages, pupils can gain qualifications in power boating, windsurfing and dinghy sailing instruction and those that prefer coastal cruising can meander the Suffolk waterways in the School’s own fleet of traditional Cornish Shrimpers. EQUESTRIAN OPPORTUNITIES

The School is a ‘Centre of Excellence for Sailing’ and the new Academy is the only one of its type in the country. It is a dedicated RYA training centre and with a fleet of more than 60 dinghies caters for every level of sailing; from beginner boats like RS Teras to team racing Fireflies and Olympic pathway craft such as the Laser 1 and 29ers.

This is an exclusive new partnership with neighbouring Bylam Stables to provide a first-class programme of riding lessons, equine care training, a GCSE qualification in Equestrianism and BHS stage exams. Livery is available for those pupils wishing to bring their own horse or pony to School during the term time and facilities include a floodlit outdoor

school, lunge pen, grassed show jumping area and miles of beautiful bridleway across the picturesque Shotley Peninsula. The Equestrian Team are trained and prepared for National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) events and their annual involvement in the Windsor Horse Show.

Prospective parents and pupils are encouraged to come and visit the School to experience the atmosphere and discover for themselves the opportunities available.

BLUE SKY

THINKING DAY, WEEKLY & FULL BOARDING OPTIONS FOR 11+, 13+ AND 16+ ENTRY

the best of SUFFOLK 147

Space to THRIVE Gresham’s is a coeducational day and boarding school set in over 200 acres of beautiful countryside and just 4 miles from the breathtaking North Norfolk coast.

A wealth of activities, trips and expeditions play a central role in enriching our pupils’ lives at the school. The Combined Cadet Force (CCF), The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and Community Action and Service (CAS) offer opportunities for pupils to develop leadership skills, team building and help them to take responsibility. We want our students to enjoy their education and to learn in a happy and supportive environment emerging as competent, adaptable young people who are self-assured but not arrogant. We focus on educating the whole child by providing a broad yet rigorous curriculum combined with an extensive range of sporting, social and cultural opportunities. We aim to discover what motivates a student and nurture their abilities whatever they may be. All successes are celebrated and students learn to respect and acknowledge others interests and opinions. Our exam results reﬂect our academic excellence. In 2013, we achieved a 100% pass rate at A level, an average point score of 35 in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and 92% of students achieved A*- C at GCSE.

We are proud of our alumni, some of whom have gone on to make signiﬁcant contributions in the arts, sport and science. They include international rugby players Tom and Ben Youngs, inventor Sir James Dyson, ﬁlm director Stephen Frears, composer Benjamin Britten and actress Olivia Colman. Key entry points for joining the school are Year 4, Year 7 and Year 9 and we encourage interested families to visit the school several years before entry to experience for themselves what makes a Gresham’s education so special. To arrange your visit contact us at 01263 714614.

OLD BUCKENHAM HALL Independent day and boarding school for boys & girls

Ipswich High School

Educating

for Girls aged 3-18

your children

for their tomorrows Open Mornings Please see website for details. Parents are very welcome for individual visits

Baby & Toddler Group Every Tuesday from 10.00 – 11.30 am. (Term time only)

Above and Beyond Expectation Ipswich High School is at the forefront of innovative teaching and learning, tailored to a girl’s needs at every stage of her education from 3 to 18.

Now Accepting Entries for September 2015 T. 01449 740 252

www.obh.co.uk Old Buckenham Hall Brettenham Park Ipswich, Suffolk IP7 7PH

148 the best of SUFFOLK

For further information please contact our Registrar on 01473 201034 admissions@ihs.gdst.net | www.ipswichhighschool.co.uk Woolverstone, Suffolk IP9 1AZ Comprehensive coach service across Essex and Suffolk

Suffolk

In our ever-changing world, technology offers couples new ways to plan their wedding from augmentedreality-enhanced invitations to 3D printed hats and rings. You can even purchase a wearable technology wedding dress that incorporates micro electronics. Amidst all this digital madness, it is reassuring that you can rely on a timeless Suffolk wedding. Comfortingly grounded in tradition, the county provides a range of romantic venues, from country-cool barns to chic and classic hotels.

nickilottphotography.co.uk

WEDDINGS

Bruisyard Hall Historic Bruisyard Hall has been home to many visitors as a holiday let since the early 1990s. Dating back to the Domesday Book, it has existed in a recognisable form since 1354 and has been a beloved member of the Rous family since 1611. The hall is now the heart of a quintessentially English country estate for hire, just a few miles east of Framlingham.

the Maud of Lancaster suite). After that it was a friendly, family holiday let for a number of years until 2011 when there was a full renovation project (during which more fireplaces were revealed) and the interior of the house was transformed from a practical but plain building into a beautifully decorated, lovingly restored home, striking the perfect balance between glamour and comfort. Alongside this, a tumbledown barn in the grounds was converted into a fabulous event venue, which has since hosted tremendous weddings, dinners and balls. The best thing about Bruisyard Hall?

History of the hall It was originally a manor house, which became Bruisyard Abbey, home to the Poor Clares, in the early 1350s. After a turbulent time during the reformation, the hall came into the ownership of Sir John Rous, an ancestor of the present owners, in 1611. He made it a private home again and the master suite is named after him. During the next 400 years, the hall was used for many purposes – from country house to working farm, with a variety of characters in residence. By the late 1980s most of the house was in disrepair and it underwent renovation, focusing on structural repairs. Many features were uncovered, such as hidden fireplaces bearing graffiti that was hundreds of years old and a concealed room on the first floor (now

Selecting just one feature of the Bruisyard Estate as the prime attraction is not easy. The stunning location is perhaps the most obvious but is not quite enough to distract from the beauty of the hall itself. The character and history of the place is plenty to entice visitors but, in truth, it is probably made by the fantastic team who run it, allowing the hall to become a unique venue for each group of guests to make it their own. It may be an imposing building architecturally, but it is among the most welcoming, thanks to the fabulous staff, fondly referred to by the resident ‘blogging barn owl’, Oswald, as ‘the Humans at the Hall’.

lists and the fondness with which wedding couples speak of it. Despite this popularity, it still manages to retain a chameleon-like element, with no two events quite the same. Whether for a stately home wedding or a quiet country tea party, the hall’s front door has something of the Narnia-esque about it, allowing the character of each event to lead the way. Any secrets to the estate? One of the bedrooms contains a priest-hole, said to have been used in earnest on one or two occasions, not least by Michael Hare, a noted recusant who owned the house in the late 1500s. It has also been recorded that, as an abbey, Bruisyard Hall was home to Lionel, Duke of Clarence, son of King Edward III, and a number of aristocrats of the time, including both the Duchess of Suffolk.

To what kind of event is Bruisyard Hall most suited? Versatility is the hall’s middle name and the events in the space of one year can range from foraging walks to charity balls with stag parties and teambuilding days in between. Without doubt, however, it is a fantastic location for a wedding, as seen by its regular appearance at the top of venue

For details of how to book, or to discuss your wedding requirements, please contact our events team. Bruisyard Hall Saxmundham Suffolk IP17 2EJ. Telephone: 01728 639 000 Email: info@bruisyardhall.co.uk

the best of SUFFOLK 151

From the moment the engagement ring is placed on your ﬁnger, the excitement of planning the perfect wedding day begins. The daunting prospect of choosing the right venue and considering the myriad of associated details means it is so easy to become overwhelmed by how much needs to be done. Getting married in Suffolk has many advantages. Whether you are aiming for a swanky ceremony or prefer to keep your special day low-key, classic or traditional - the local countryside and it’s stunning heritage coastal areas have everything you need to create a wedding with personality. There is something to suit everyone - from locations right beside the sea to idyllic settings deep in the heart of the countryside. Choose from the wealth of traditional halls steeped in history, or opt for a new contemporary venue. Suffolk has it all. In some approved venues, registrars are now able to offer ‘duo’ ceremonies where the legal elements of the marriage are carried out in the

152 the best of SUFFOLK

nickilottphotography.co.uk

licensed room, followed (or preceded) by a ceremony outside in the grounds. Making your ceremony ‘duo’ needs to be discussed with the venue and local registrar, as there are obvious logistical issues. For those drawn to the picturesque and romantic style, Suffolk is also rich in artistry, and its photographers can

give images breadth and subtlety, knowing the locations and unique Suffolk light so well. Marriages at hotels and stately homes are becoming increasingly popular so, if you have set your heart on a Suffolk wedding, bookings should be made as soon as possible.

Diamond engagement and wedding ring specialists Engagement rings – a wide range of new and vintage diamond rings in Platinum or Gold. Prices from £500 – £25,000. Wedding rings – hundreds of sample bands to try in store, available in all widths in Platinum, Gold or Palladium. Visit our website and browse our products.

5 Church Street Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 1DH Tel: 01394 389666

www.aspensjewellers.co.uk

Whether you are thinking of relocating your family or setting up a business, this county is the perfect place. With property prices in the south east soaring, there is no better time to consider moving here, especially as the average house price in Suffolk is ÂŁ210,000, 35% lower than in London. So you get more for your money â&#x20AC;&#x201C; more space, more garden, more choice, and yet can still be within easy reach of London. In addition, Suffolkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s housing market is buoyant and homes are changing hands at a much higher rate, according to estate agents. In Suffolk you will discover a county that has all of the beneďŹ ts of cosmopolitan living, without any of the negative drawbacks found in more urbanised areas. Crime rates in Suffolk are some of the lowest in England, while the cost of living is around 13% lower than the rest of the UK and an impressive 30% less than London. Of interest to families is the fact that Suffolkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s private schools consistently perform above the national average â&#x20AC;&#x201C; see our section on pages 138-149. And in further education we are developing centres of academic excellence. We have room to breathe in the wide open spaces of our countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s countryside and coastline, while an enticing mix of traditional market towns and timeless villages are complemented by bustling town centres with great shopping, places to relax and the best entertainment. Suffolkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s food and drink has an enviable reputation, made by passionate producers, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s packed with ďŹ eld-to-fork ďŹ&#x201A;avour and freshness. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also very well connected. The entire UK and mainland Europe are highly and quickly accessible via convenient links by road, rail, sea

RELOCATION and air. These excellent transport links make the county an unrivalled business location. London and the South East are within easy reach on the A12, A11 and M11 - so your family, friends or business partners are never far away. The A14 creates a high-tech corridor connecting Suffolk to Cambridge and onwards. By rail, London is just an hour away and the cross-county network links to the Midlands and

the North. The countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s key ports at Felixstowe, Ipswich and Lowestoft service international trading routes, along with nearby Harwich International, all seamlessly linking into the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rail and road freight network. So why choose Suffolk? Just an hour from London, it really is a county of endless opportunities where both your professional and personal life will be a pleasure.

Established family business Friendly and helpful advice Exclusive imports :TP[OĂ&#x201E; LSK 4LS[VU >VVKIYPKNL 07 5/ Telephone

154 the best of SUFFOLK

justtileswoodbridge.co.uk

Suffolk Carpet Weavers From the sublime to the most unusual they can create it

With over 60 years of professionalism and expertise in carpet making and ﬁtting, Suffolk Carpet Weavers can transform your home using quality carpets and ﬂooring.

Open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm, Saturdays 9am – 1pm Visit their showrooms Find them on Facebook Bespoke Carpets and Floorings

With old fashioned personal service and an eye on your budgets and timescales it’s no wonder that work continues to flow in from personal recommendation. Suffolk Carpet Weavers are situated at Martlesham, just past the Red Lion heading towards Woodbridge, if you go under the bridge you’ll see signs for their showroom on the right hand side of the road. With two floors of well laid out carpets and floorings in 100’s of different colours, weights and patterns they pride themselves on offering a bespoke service. Whether you need a carpet for your home, your office,

your boat or even your caravan they have the professionalism and expertise to help you make the right ﬂooring choice. They also offer a rug binding and whipping service matching rugs of any shape and size to your existing carpets. If you’d like a speciﬁc pile or pattern these are the people you can trust to create it for you. With years of carpet weaving under their belts they can advise you on the very best care for your carpets too ensuring they remain looking and feeling like new.

Suffolk Carpet Weavers, Unit 5, Bridge Business Park, Top Street, Martlesham, IP12 4RB Telephone: 01394 610202 www.suffolkcarpetweavers.com

the best of SUFFOLK 155

Foxwood is an established local family business offering an extensive range of ceramic, porcelain, glass and natural stone wall and floor tiles. Our showroom has a comprehensive display with the majority of products being exclusive in our region with both contemporary and traditional ranges to suit all budgets. As well as our quality tiles we have wonderful bathroom products on display including baths, basins, fitted furniture, showers, taps and designer radiators. SHOWROOM: 36â&#x20AC;&#x201C;38 Woodbridge Road (A1214) Rushmere St Andrew, Ipswich, IP5 1BH T: 01473 617050 E: info@foxwoodceramics.co.uk

www.foxwoodceramics.co.uk

quality

service experience

style

value

FOXWOOD, A WELL-ESTABLISHED FAMILY FIRM IN RUSHMERE ST. ANDREW, IPSWICH The key to the success of local stone, tile and bathroom product suppliers, Foxwood, is their focus on quality products, knowledgeable customer service and value for money. Their experience, gained over many years, means that the 400sq metre showroom displays an unmatched selection of stone and tiles in some of the best-quality materials available including Porcelanosa and Classical Flagstones. The showroom is spacious and light, offering a great place to display the

extensive range of Foxwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s products. The inspirational room sets and tiled areas demonstrate how the products can be adapted to individual requirements. Indeed, it is possible to use tiling throughout your home or business and knowledgeable staff are on hand to talk you through its creative usage as Foxwood have tiles and stone to suit all locations. There are a wide range of bathroom products on display from leading manufacturers, including Roca and Laufen, along with their stylish radiator and hand towel range.

The showroom also benefits from ample parking, enabling customers to visit easily. The open nature of the showroom means customers have an opportunity to really appreciate the top-quality products. Foxwood are keen to stress that they cater for all budgets and carry traditional and contemporary ranges and as part of their customer service package, they can now offer a complete bathroom fitting service.

36-38 Woodbridge Road (A1214) Rushmere St Andrew, Ipswich IP5 1BH T: 01473 617050 | E: info@foxwoodceramics.co.uk

www.foxwoodceramics.co.uk

DEFINING

your style

Mulberry Kitchen Studios have over 35 years experience in crafting bespoke kitchens in every conceivable material and style. Cabinets or dressers, granite or oak, glossy or matt; islands, window seats and range cookers - we’ve created stunning kitchens that feature them all. With a portfolio as eclectic and diverse as ours, the common thread that unites every Mulberry kitchen is that each is designed, crafted and installed with the utmost care and attention to detail. So whether you dream of entertaining in the luxurious splendour of Italian minimalist chic, or rediscovering the simple pleasures of home baking in your cosy farmhouse kitchen, Mulberry can create exactly the look and feel you seek.

Our highly skilled team of designers and installers will work closely with you to ensure that your kitchen is as beautiful as it is practical, respecting your own tastes and budget as well as reflecting the character of your home. We can take care of everything: restructuring the space by removing or adding walls, carrying out all electrical, gas and plumbing work, painting and decorating, and even supplying soft furnishings. We don’t believe that our clients should have to compromise on quality or pay top prices for a bespoke kitchen. So if you haven’t got your dream kitchen, you haven’t been to see us. Mulberry Kitchen Studios – designed with love, built to last.

Established for over

35 years

www.mulberrykitchens.com

Beautifully Designed Reassuringly Exclusive Surprisingly Affordable At Mulberry Kitchen Studios we have the understanding and experience required to transform a vision into stunning reality. Your kitchen is so much more than a room to cook in, it’s a stylish and practical place at the heart of your home. Together we can create an amazing space that reﬂects your personality and your lifestyle.

Visit our website for a taste of how we can transform your home, or contact us to arrange a consultation. 212 Mile Cross Lane, Norwich, NR6 6SE T: 01603 404644 | 31 Newgate, Beccles, Suffolk, NR34 9QB T: 01502 711210

LIST OF ADVERTISERS Antiques Clare Antiques Suffolk House Antiques Woodbridge Antiques Centre Yoxford Antiques Centre

68 17 12 17

Attractions Aldeburgh Music 15 Bressingham Steam Museum 45, 90 Bridge Farm Barns 62 Discover Suffolk 82 Flatford Bridge Cottage 99 Framlingham Castle 45 Gainsborough House 68 Owl Sanctuary 45, 102 Pleasurewood Hills 45 River Stour Trust 99 The Saints 50 Southwold Pier 35 Visit Suffolk 39, 74 World Land Trust 103

Bistro, Café & Bakeries Café 46 Lemon Tree Bistro Nancy’s Vintage Teashop Pump St Bakery & Café

21 21 86 33

Fashion Anouk Caramel Coes Collen & Clare Elizabeth Gash Fanny & Frank Fleur Golding Hall Street Holly Blue Martha V Nicola Sexton O&C Butcher Olivia Benn Ruby Tyger

65 15,31 52 29, 36 80 2, 11 30 88 66 10 85 77 26 75 21

Food Baileys Delicatessen Darsham Hamper and Café Friday Street Farm Goslings Farm Hall Farm Hollow Trees Farm Lux Farm Maximus Sustainable Fishing Middleston Farm Shop Pinney’s of Orford Woodbridge Fine Food Company

96 127 126 126 126 126 126 124 126 33 122

Galleries & Auction Houses

Outdoors

Aldeburgh Contemporary Arts Bonhams Lavenham Contemporary Lettering Arts Centre The Lime Tree Gallery The Lion House Gallery World Land Trust Art Gallery

Beccles Lido Big Dog Ferry Halesworth Golf High Lodge Lady Florence & Allen Gardiner River Cruise Restaurants Stuart Clay Traps Tilley Hats

25 72 63 15 65 63 96

96 96 107 100 108 105 43

Holidays Belle Grove High Lodge Suffolk Cottage Holidays

39 86 19

Property Bedfords

IBC

Pubs & Inns Homes & Interiors 10 Church Street Ashbocking Joinery Foxwood Gerald Weir Furniture Hopkins Homes Jayrest Interiors Jim Lawrence Just Tiles Mulberry Kitchens Nevelli Orwells Furniture The Persian Carpet Studio Suffolk Carpet Weavers Vanil

9 134 156 136 1 132 57, 135 154 158 58 IFC 65 155 9

Hotels The Angel Hotel 47, 114 Bedford Lodge, Hotel & Spa 86 Hintlesham Hall 118 The Crown & Castle 33, 113 The Crown, Framlingham 21, 120 The Crown at Woodbridge 13, 117 Milsoms Hotels and Restaurants 116 The Randolph 38 Salthouse Harbour Hotel 47, 114 The Swan at Lavenham 61 The Swan House 95 Tuddenham Mill 121 Ufford Park, Woodbridge 12, 118 Wentworth Hotel and Restaurant 31 Westleton Crown 119

Jewellery Aspens Chenevix Riley & Riley Romark Thurlow Champness

153 10 30, 49 74 78, BC

30, 123 129 129 58 65 121 113 129 129

Restaurants Aqua Eight Bildeston Crown Bistro on the Quay The Galley Great House, Lavenham Maison Bleue Mariners, Ipswich Upstairs at Baileys

115 119 115 10, 117 112 112 112 120

Schools Framlingham School Greshams Ipswich High School for Girls Ipswich School Old Buckenham Hall St Joseph’s College The Royal Hospital School Woodbridge School

144 149 148 140 148 138 146 142

Spa Bathseba Bedford Lodge, Hotel & Spa Ufford Park, Woodbridge Weavers’ House Spa

13 86 12, 118 61

Weddings Bruisyard Hall Heathcote & Hare

Motoring Howard Watts

The Dolphin The Easton White Horse Five Bells Inn The Hadleigh Ram Long Melford Swan The Packhorse Inn The Plough & Sail The Ship at Dunwich The White Horse, Westleton

151 152

the best of SUFFOLK 159

OPENING DOORS FOR YOUR BUSINESS the best of

the best of

SUFFOLK

YOUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO THIS UNIQUE COUNTY

with the compliments of Bruisyard Hall

JULY 2014 – JUNE 2015

Bruisyard Hall

with the compliments of Hintlesham Hall

Hintlesham Hall

the best of

£5.00

JULY 2014 – JUNE 2015

The Swan House

the best of

SUFFOLK

YOUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO THIS UNIQUE COUNTY

Donna and David Celebrating Ten Years

with the compliments of The Randolph

JULY 2014 – JUNE 2015

The Randolph

with the compliments of The Wentworth Hotel & Restaurant

JULY 2014 – JUNE 2015

the best of

The Best of Suffolk is an annual guide personalised for the leading hotels, galleries and retailers across Suffolk.

the best of

SUFFOLK

YOUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO THIS UNIQUE COUNTY

JULY 2014 – JUNE 2015

Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel, Golf & Spa

The Wentworth Hotel

SUFFOLK

with the compliments of Ufford Park Hotel, Golf & Spa

Each hotel and venue receives their own edition, hotel copies are positioned in bedrooms and lounge areas and available to hotel guests. The guide is also on sale across the region and distributed to numerous boutique hotels, B&Bs and holiday lets.

twitter.com/BestSuffolk facebook.com/TheBestOfSuffolk with the compliments of Milsom Hotels & Restaurants

JULY 2014 – JUNE 2015

Milsom Hotels & Restaurants

160 the best of SUFFOLK

with the compliments of The Dolphin Inn

The Dolphin Inn

JULY 2014 – JUNE 2015

be part of our conversation at bestsuffolk.com

Have your circumstances changed?

Bedfords est.1966

For professional marketing advice on individual properties call 01728 454505 or 01284 769999