Best of Suffolk 2013-14 by Tilston Phillips

the best of

Suffolk YOUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO THIS UNIQUE COUNTY

JULY 2013 – JUNE 2014

£5.00

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FOR HOMES OF DISTINCTION hopkinshomes.co.uk

Images of Hopkins Homes developments.

DESIRABLE LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT SUFFOLK, NORFOLK, CAMBRIDGESHIRE & ESSEX

Visit all of our developments at:

hopkinshomes.co.uk 01394 446860 sales@hopkinshomes.co.uk Help to Buy available across all developments, terms & conditions apply.

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

Clothes, Service,Shoes,Boots,Bags,

Beautiful

Accessories&Fragrance For

Ladies&Men

Visit our Boutique Store at 6-8 Market Hill, Woodbridge Telephone 01394 384723 • www.fannyandfrank.com

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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.

hatever your passion, whether you are a long-time resident or a first-time visitor to the county, The Best of Suffolk Guide is simply spoilt for choice when it comes to what’s on offer locally. There really is something for everyone. Even long standing Suffolk residents are sure to discover hidden treasures on their own doorstep. Suffolk is indeed a glorious place with a wealth of fascinating elements. Its flat coastal topography and undulating inland geography is ideal for exploring. Where to start? The villages and towns, the ancient woodlands, the sea? There is so much to discover and so much to enjoy. For us who live here, it’s obvious what a magical place it is, charming and timeless yet constantly evolving. There's always a newly-found location or experience awaiting. And that’s not to mention the mouthwatering 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 awardwinning 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

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the best of

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Contents Publisher Jonathan Tilston Tilston Phillips Magazines Ltd Editorial Director Deanna Tilston Sales Marina Jacobs Design Paul Newman alanbrannandesign.co.uk

Great days out in Suffolk

Gateway to the Heritage Coast

Woodbridge

Framlingham

Yoxford, Peasenhall and Sibton

Snape

Heritage Coast

Aldeburgh and Thorpeness

Editorial Contributors Angela Hagan, Ros Green, Visit Suffolk Ottilie Tilston, Jane Chittenden.

Orford

Southwold

Photographic Contributors ©VisitBritain – Rod Edwards, 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.

Walberswick, Blythburgh and Dunwich

Felixstowe

Ipswich – Suffolk’s county town

Constable Country and beyond

Waveney Valley and Beccles Photography: Roland Blunk of the Swan House.

East Bergholt, Flatford and Dedham

Hadleigh

Lavenham, Kersey and Monks Eleigh

Long Melford, Cavendish and Clare

West Suffolk

Bury St Edmunds

Newmarket

Waveney Valley

Bungay

Beccles

Halesworth

Across the Borders

The Great Outdoors

St Edmunsbury Council Ipswich Borough Council discoverlandguard.org.uk Produce images on page 130 hollisphotography.com Schools image used by kind permission of Beeston Hall.

Tilston Phillips Magazines Ltd 141 Norwich Road Ipswich IP1 2PP 01473 286155 sales@tilstonphillips.com tilstonphillips.com ©Tilston Phillips Magazines Ltd 2013 follow our blog: bestsuffolk.com Printed and bound by Printer Trento srl. Holder of the following quality, printing and environmental certifications: ISO 12647-2:2004 Fogra® PSO (ProcessStandard Offset) CERTIprint® ISO 14001:2004 FSC®(C015829) Carbon Trust Standard

Stately Homes and Gardens

106

The best of Suffolk Beaches

107

Suffolk Festivals

108

Children’s Suffolk

110

Best of Suffolk Food

112

Suffolk Pubs & Walks

132

Suffolk Craftsmen

135

The best of Suffolk schools

145

Literary Suffolk

158

Opening doors for your business

160

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Great days out in Suffolk

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Refresh and rejuvenate your body and mind by escaping to the revitalising experiences that Suffolk has to offer in abundance.

Bungay

Bury St Edmunds Newmarket

Debenham

Halesworth Blythburgh Yoxford Peasenhall Sibdon Framlingham

Stowmarket Needham Market Lavenham Long Melford Sudbury

Monks Eleigh Kersey Hadleigh

Dedham

Lowestoft Oulton Broad

Beccles

Snape Woodbridge

Southwold Walberswick

hatever 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. If you require more retail therapy than relaxation, Suffolk provides an array of charming market towns that deliver retail extravagance. In Bury St Edmunds, famous for its large open-air market, independent shops very much complement the recognised high street retail experience offered by the Arc shopping centre – it’s the perfect mix of bespoke boutiques, cafés and high streetshops. From farmers’ markets to fresh fish; designer clobber to vintage bargains; antiques to credit-crunching car boot sales, nowhere does it better than Suffolk. Once you have explored our towns and villages why not put your feet up and do nothing! Revived, you will be ready to experience our wide, open skies and landscapes which make for invigorating country or coastal strolls or cycling adventures. Our footpaths are plentiful and varied from open meadows, to forest trails to cliff-top paths. Exploring our countryside and villages by bicycle is recommended, too, but do not forget to drop by a country pub en route. Indeed, walk or cycle the landscapes and enjoy the views by eating in one of our many restaurants or pubs that serve local produce.

Dunwich

Thorpeness Aldeburgh Orford

Ipswich

Felixstowe

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8 the best of Suffolk

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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.

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Woodbridge A centuries-old tradition of boat-building continues down at the quayside where the chief visitor attraction is the picturesque Tide Mill

Delightful riverside views Plenty to discover

HiSTory It has a centuries-old tradition of boatbuilding that continues down at the quayside where the chief visitor attraction is the picturesque Tide Mill, a rare surviving example of its kind. It was brought back into use as a fully working tide mill recently. The Shire Hall building on Market Hill dates back to 1575, and 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 interesting 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 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. History of a different kind is to be found at Buttrums Windmill, in Burkitt Road, a restored six-storey tower mill which you may catch sight of as you approach the town. 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.

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 and also to 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 of them independents, selling books, foodstuffs, local provisions, fashion, shoes, gifts, china and furnishings. There is a good kitchenware shop here, too. The town can also provide some very attractive pubs and restaurants. don’T miSS Cycling or a walk in Rendlesham Forest outside the town. G An easy stroll along the estuary followed by a hearty 'all-day' breakfast at The Whistle Stop Cafe. G

WOODBRIDGE CARNIVAL 6 JULY | WOODBRIDGE REGATTA AND RIVERSIDE FAIR 14 JULY FESTIVE MARKET 7 DECEMBER 10 the best of Suffolk

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JENNYFER LONG

Ash Goat Hudson Jeans Hoss Intropia, Just Ballerinas Nougat Lily & Lionel Modalu Paul & Joe Sister Rosemunde Set

Saint James Mat de Misaine Blue Willis de la Baleine Armor-lux

28 Market Hill WOODBRIDGE 01394 548215

www.jennyferlong.net

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A fashion lover’s walk through Woodbridge 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? by Karen Wolff-Evans of Fanny & Frank They moved and I became a frequent visitor to the county, enjoying the discovery of gorgeous seaside towns like Southwold, Aldeburgh (aka Hampsteadon-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 like-minded 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 12 the best of Suffolk

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 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).

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Find our Shop in Woodbridge Wood oodbridge

Louise

Claire

Georgina

Home - Garden - Beautiful Clothes - Louiseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jewellery - Portraits - Embroidered Textiles â&#x20AC;&#x153;Find Us In Woodbridgeâ&#x20AC;?or online www.santstudio.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)1394 382346

Chic and stylish fashion at affordable prices A unique and enjoyable shopping experience

ALL COLLECTIONS FOR ALL WOMEN

BEAUTIFUL CLOTHES & ACCESSORIES

Northland, Peruzzi, Soaked in Luxury, Part Two, Lauren Vidal & Moda in Pelle shoes.

Introducing new labels: Dranella, Evil Twin, Mink Pink & Yaya.

4HOROUGHFARE s 7OODBRIDGE s 3UFFOLK s )0 !7 TEL: 01394 386686 www.laurajaneboutique.co.uk

See It... Love It... Want It... 72 Thoroughfare Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 1AL 01394 382300 sue@hollyblueboutique.com

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www.seckford.co.uk Seckfordhall Seckford Hall Hotel

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Diamond engagement and wedding ring specialists Wedfit mounts feature contempory designs combined with the unique ability to fit flush against a standard wedding ring with no gap in between. Available in all popular diamond shapes and sizes in Platinum or Gold. Prices from £750.00.

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

www.aspensjewellers.co.uk

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Framlingham Recently voted one of the best places to live in Britain, Framlingham has been described as ‘the essence of the English market town’

Ancient castle ramparts A fortification of royalty, power and status

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 you will see anywhere. 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 that greatly enhance a visit. The castle also contains a small museum of fascinating domestic and agricultural bygones amassed by local collector Harold Lanman, along with photographs and pictures and 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 ‘done’ the castle, head for the Market Square, which forms part of a conservation area at 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 is happily traditional and 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 home, pay a visit to Shawgates Vineyard on Badingham Road. 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 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 roaring fire at the 16th-century coaching inn – The Crown Hotel. G Badu’s Authentic Curry Masala Packs from Leo’s Deli – perfect for a quick dinner! G

HEVENINGHAM HALL COUNTRY FAIR | FRAMLINGHAM HORSE SHOW 6 & 7 JULY 16 the best of Suffolk

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The Lemon Tree Bistro offers a relaxed dining experience in the heart of the market town of Framlingham.

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.

Nestled between Market Hill and Framlingham’s 13th century castle, the restaurant prides itself on its excellent service, warm atmosphere and great value; offering superb food with a seasonal menu using locally sourced ingredients.

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 Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 2pm, 6pm - 9pm (Monday’s during summer holidays)

01728 621 232

MARKET HILL, FRAMLINGHAM, SUFFOLK IP13 9AP

booking@thelemontreebistro.com www.thelemontreebistro.com

01728 723521 www.framlinghamcrown.co.uk

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Located on Market Hill in Framlingham, Darcy B was established in 2004 and is a spacious elegant boutique store stocking an extensive range of designer clothes, shoes, handbags and accessories. Brands stocked include: Nicole Farhi, Escada Sport, Just Cavalli, Class, Marilyn Moore, Wolford, Sandwich, Pierre Balmain, Save The Queen, Luis Civit. Shoes by Rupert Sanderson, H by Hudson, By Larin, Audley, Riva and Darcy B own brand. The Hill House 13 Market Hill Framlingham Suffolk IP13 9AN Tel: 01728 720 052 Darcy B can also be found in Woodbridge at the flagship store: 23 Market Hill Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 4LX Tel: 01394 388 880

Join us at Suffolkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most magnificent fortress for the hands-on story of how one of Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most significant castles was reduced from riches to rags.

FRAMLINGHAM, SUFFOLK

18 the best of Suffolk

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bruiSyard HaLL

The ultimate wedding venue in the Suffolk countryside

Imagine a peaceful and unspoilt 700 acre enclosed wedding venue estate, set in Suffolkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s picturesque countryside, where you can welcome and delight your wedding guests with pride on your special day. Bruisyard Hall is that place. Our team at the Hall will work with you from beginning to end to plan this special occasion and have a number of excellent suppliers from the area and beyond on call to ensure your unique country wedding is just as you wished for. For those wanting a church ceremony, the Grade I listed church in Bruisyard village is a short walk from Bruisyard Hall. Should you wish to marry within the grounds of Bruisyard Hall Estate, for a Barn wedding you can seat up to 140 guests, while for the more intimate wedding, our drawing room at the Hall can host civil ceremonies for up to 30,

against the backdrop of an original stone fireplace and gorgeous sash windows at your very own country house wedding venue. The Hall provides the ideal accommodation for the Wedding Party, with 10 bedrooms including the bridal suite and a dining room to seat up to 20. Hiring the adjacent 17thcentury beamed Bruisyard Barn gives you access to the Medieval Hall, Minstrelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gallery and Banqueting Hall, with two additional en-suite bedrooms in a wing of their own. The Barn is fitted with a state-of-the-art sound system, large

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

windows with views out to the gardens, underfloor heating, industrial kitchens and parking for up to 180 cars. When hired together, the combination of the Hall and Barn offers wedding parties accommodation for up to 24 guests, with the run of a beautiful private estate in the heart of Suffolk countryside, additionally there are midweek packages available. Voted in the top 100 wedding venues in the UK 2013, by Conde Nast Brides Magazine, it truly is a special place www.bridesmagazine.co.uk

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yoxford, Peasenhall and Sibton Head slightly inland from Suffolk’s heritage coast and you will find yourself in an area sometimes known as the ‘Garden of Suffolk’

Two of a kind

On the London to Yarmouth route

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 and there are local shops and the King’s Head pub to enjoy. The village is surrounded by glorious 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 the even more ill-fated Lady Jane) placed under house arrest following her stretch in the Tower of London. She died soon after and is buried here.

PEASENHALL PEA FESTIVAL 14 JULY 20 the best of Suffolk

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. Yoxford’smost 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 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 in light and airy premises to suit all budgets. 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 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 19th-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 an 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, to see its medieval history.

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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. We are open 6 days a week: Monday to Saturday – 10.00am to 5. 00pm Sundays and Bank Holidays – 10.00am to 4.00pm Closed Tuesdays.

Over 60 antiques dealers under one roof selling a wide range of antiques, collectables and vintage items.

01728 668844 www.yoxfordantiques.com Find us on the A1120, between Yoxford and Peasenhall (IP17 3JW).

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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.

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

Member of the British Antiques Dealers Association

www.suffolk-house-antiques.co.uk

Yoxford Post Office and Tearoom

Adrian and Annabelle welcome you to their delightful tearoom and local village Post Office. Wifi is available at the café that serves freshly ground coffee and freshly made cakes and sandwiches; jacket potatoes; toasted sandwiches and soups. Fresh scones and cream teas are served in the secluded garden, which is open throughout the summer from April-September At the Post Office you can buy car tax, top up your mobile, use the Bureau de Change and withdraw cash for free.

22 the best of Suffolk

Opening Hours Post Office 9am – 5.30 M/T/T/F 9am – 1pm W/Sat Closed Sunday Cafe 9am – 5.30pm High Street Yoxford IP17 3EP 01728 668861 Twitter: YoxfordPost

The Granary, Darsham, Suffolk, IP17 3PL, Tel: 01728 668 700 www.smokeandfire.co.uk

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

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

A magical setting

And a meander through neighbouring villages

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

GeT your bearinGS 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 fabulous house and garden store; stylish outlets for country clothing and children’s things; a craft shop; an art gallery and a shop selling cards and books. There is a café, too.

don’T miSS A walk along the Alde Estuary following the choice of footpaths on both riverbanks from the Maltings. G Local seasonal produce at the monthly Farmers’ Market. G

THinGS To do and See The setting is perfectly lovely 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.

FLIP – BRAZIL’S FIRST AND FOREMOST LITERARY FESTIVAL 4 – 6 OCTOBER ALDEBURGH FOOD AND DRINK FRINGE FESTIVAL 27 SEPTEMBER – 13 OCTOBER 24 the best of Suffolk

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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. 3 night breaks from £1400.

The Writer’s Studio

Just a few minutes walk from Snape Maltings Concert Hall, with views over the fields towards the Alde and Ore, The Writer’s Studio sleeps 2 is “Delightfully furnished and superbly equipped, the Writer's Studio is the perfect hideaway.” Mr and Mrs Bear, March 2013. 3 night breaks from £261. Wing Cottage in the centre of Orford sleeps 4. A stunning cottage in the most perfect walled garden. It is “Lovely, perfect, wonderful. This cottage crosses the Ts. Our every need was catered for. I loved telling my colleagues I have a castle at the bottom of my wonderful garden” Mr James, June 2013. 3 night breaks from £440.

Wing Cottage

Quay View

Quay View, sleeps 4 and looks out over the river Alde and Ore, with the sea beyond “A wonderful weekend in Orford exploring old haunts; strolling around the village. Best of all was our weekend ‘home’. Fresh flowers, books, soft chairs, logs for a fire, a blissfully comfy bed, a bowl full of chocolate – and The View! Fantastic!” 3 night breaks from £432.

01394 389189 www.suffolkcottageholidays.com Follow us on Twitter @SuffolkCottHols @VisitSuffolk

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take a Suffolk breather

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28 the best of Suffolk

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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.

the best of Suffolk 29

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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.

ALDEBURGH CONTEMPORARY ARTS

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 30 the best of Suffolk

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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

Old-fashioned seaside charm For artists, writers and nature lovers

HiSTory 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 Golf Lane, which continues to house the Britten-Pears Library. In this, Britten’s centenary year, the site will reopen after a major redevelopment in June. Visitors will be able to see where Britten composed, tour the house he shared with Pears, browse a fascinating new exhibition, 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, its own cinema, and the parish church where Benjamin Britten is commemorated and where Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, Britain’s first woman doctor and first female mayor, worshipped. THinGS To do and See The internationally-acclaimed music festival happens in June, most of it based at nearby Snape Maltings, and a growing and highly successful 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 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 the 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, and 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 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. don’T miSS Fish and chips on the beach, but watch out for seagulls! G Sail a boat on the boating pond near Moot Hall and walk down to the giant scallop. G

THE ALDEBURGH LITERARY FESTIVAL EARLY MARCH 2013 SNAPE PROMS – SNAPE MALTINGS CONCERT HALL 1 – 31 AUGUST ALDEBURGH CARNIVAL AND REGATTA 17 – 19 AUGUST | THORPENESS REGATTA AND FIREWORKS AUGUST THE INTERNATIONAL POETRY FESTIVAL ALDEBURGH 8 – 10 NOVEMBER the best of Suffolk 31

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32 the best of Suffolk

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You can find Caramel in two delightful destinations in Aldeburgh and Snape Maltings Caramel – aldeburgh is well know for its impressive range of collections, from casual wear to wedding outfits. We have a selection of handmade fascinators, jewellery and scarves to complement your outfit 140 High Street, Aldeburgh, Suﬀolk IP15 5AQ

01728 452141

Caramel – Snape maltings sits within an independent retail area with no parking restrictions. Here we oﬀer a diverse range of collections you won’t find in our Caramel Aldeburgh shop. We also stock a range of gifts and accessories. Snape Maltings, Snape, Suﬀolk IP17 1SP

01728 687467

www.caramel-aldeburgh.co.uk Whichever Caramel you visit you will discover the delights of shopping in a warm and relaxed setting where a friendly welcome awaits you. Visit both shops and experience the diﬀerence.

Book a break with Best of Suffolk and choose from over 200 stylish and luxurious holiday cottages by the coast and in the countryside.

Do you own a stylish holiday property? For an informal chat contact: alex@bestofsuffolk.co.uk

the best of Suffolk 33

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Championing the avant-garde O & C Butcher may be more than 100 years old but it’s still leading the way in Aldeburgh’s fashion stakes. The multi-brand shop with its traditional feel and bespoke customer service mixes classic lines from Barbour, Hunter and Timberland with fresh contemporary designs from NYDJ, Oui and Gant. All of which are available to browse in store or order online. Director James Stacey, who has curated an outstanding blend of fashion labels, tells us more… What is the history of the shop? “It was established in 1884 and called Edward Butcher General Store changing to O & C when Edward’s sons Owen and Clifford took over after the First World War. Over the years the building was converted from two separate shops into a single unit. It’s always been a family business – owned first by the Butchers, then the Cook family and now ourselves. The business has grown and evolved into the ladies, mens and footwear mix we have today.”

What are your most popular lines? “Aldeburgh is a destination town, where people are typically on holiday or away from work so we focus on smart casual rather than work clothes. Our biggest sellers for ladies are the likes of Gerry Weber, Not Your Daughters Jeans (NYDJ) and Oui. Men’s is Gant and of course Barbour which is our biggest supplier for both men and women. In terms of footwear we supply Sebago, Timberland, Fitflop and Dubarry.” Who is your target market? “We aim to attract people who appreciate quality and are looking for something a little different and unusual to the ranges found in the high street chains. Our products have to stand up in terms of quality.”

O & C Butcher, 129 –131 High Street, Aldeburgh. 01728 452229 www.ocbutcher.co.uk

are your customers mostly residents or visitors? “It’s a mixture of both. It’s probably fair to say that without the visitors to Aldeburgh, we wouldn’t be able to offer the current range and depth of styles.” What is your vision for o & C butcher over the next ten years? “Hopefully to still be a strong part of Aldeburgh High Street, maintaining our focus on classic, stylish clothing, keeping up our reputation for quality and good customer service. And continuing to move with the times and not get set in our ways!” Tell us the secret to your success? “We work hard to continually improve and evolve.”

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available at

129-131 High Street, Aldeburgh

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orford The journey from Woodbridge or Melton to Orford is a pleasant one, and all the better for showing off a different Suffolk landscape of forest and heath Photo: David Watson ARPS

A hamlet with a heritage High towers and fabulous seafood

HiSTory It is only when you wonder why they built such a big castle keep here that you realise Orford was once a seaport of strategic significance and that, like so much of Suffolk, it has an amazing history. A couple of centuries ago someone actually wanted to knock the castle down, which would have been a disaster not only for today’s tourist trade but also for shipping which uses it as a landmark. Another fine landmark is St Bartholomew’s Church, where some of Benjamin Britten’s finest works received their first public performance. Indeed, there is a commemorative statue to Noye’s Fludde. The waters around the Orford Ness can be treacherous, which did not deter

JAZZ AT THE PAVILION 28 JULY 36 the best of Suffolk

the smugglers of yesteryear but did cause numerous shipwrecks until the lighthouse was built.

Restaurant and shop at the quay and smoke perhaps the most delicious mackerel you can buy!)

GeT your bearinGS Orford is one of the most secluded parts of Suffolk. The village itself is a delight whether you opt to stretch your legs or head for the nearest hostelry. For such a small place it is remarkably well-served by restaurants, pubs and an 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; a not-to-be-missed general store that stocks ranges from over 40 local East Anglian suppliers; and Pinneys of Orford (who run the Butley Oysterage

THinGS To do and See 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. One of the best walks around Orford is the five-mile hike north from the quay along the river wall returning via Ferry Road, a narrow lane that enters the village by the Kings Head pub. don’T miSS Taking a boat over to Orford Ness. G A riverboat trip from Orford quay. G

BoS 2013 Part 1_Layout 1 11/06/2013 15:12 Page 37

FI=FI; ><E<I8C JKFI<

COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE AWARDS

VILLAGE SHOP OF THE YEAR 2012

UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND

CHAMPION We hope to welcome you soon at our village store, deli, café, post office and butchers shop in the heart of beautiful Orford. ORFORD GENERAL STORE PUMP STREET, ORFORD WOODBRIDGE SUFFOLK IP12 2LZ Tel. 01394 450219 www.orfordgeneralstore.com

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

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the best of Suffolk 37

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Castles

Magical places of times past Suffolk is blessed with having one of the bestlooking castles it is possible to imagine outside a picture book, especially for young visitors who are still at an age to enjoy dressing up and brandishing a wooden sword.

ramlingham Castle dates from the 12th century when Robert Bigod (Earl of Norfolk) was busy making his mark on East Anglia. Its fabulous curtain wall and 13 towers look just as a castle should, even if the Tudor chimneys (added later of course, and mostly dummies) give the place an oddly homely look. They are testament to the ‘modernising’ that went on during another important period in the castle’s history. For it was from here that ‘Bloody’ Mary and her supporters rallied on hearing of the death of Edward VIII. The highlight for many visitors has to be a walk around the top of the curtain wall, where there are stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It is also fun to circumnavigate the 38 the best of Suffolk

castle from outside the walls, where a deep ditch gives a great sense of scale and will help to wear out any young knights you happen to have with you. Inside the walls there is a surprising amount of space, providing an ideal arena for the various historical events and re-enactments that take place here. The other magical place for castle aficionados of all ages is Orford. Today only its lofty keep remains, but that is impressive enough on a number of counts, including its unusual shape and design. Once you have scaled the mound it sits upon, you can climb up inside the building to the roof and admire the view from 90 feet up. You can also enjoy the legend of the 12th century merman, caught in a fishing

net, whose ghost is still said to remain. If two castles are not enough, there are at least two or three other sites in Suffolk that are worth a visit. At Bungay, you will find the remains of another Bigod legacy, mainly in ruins, but with a visitor centre alongside. And a whole country park surrounds what is left of Clare Castle and Eye Castle, offering a peaceful spot from which to contemplate a far-from-tranquil history (and yes, those Bigods were involved again.) Orford and Framlingham Castles are both in the care of English Heritage; check opening times and admission prices on the website www.english-heritage.org.uk

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Castle Estates

Since 1987 Castle Estates has specialised in sales, lettings and acquisitions of residential and commercial properties in Orford and surrounding villages on Suffolkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heritage Coast

Whether to buy or rent, a cottage, house or rural property, contact us to assist with your Suffolk Heritage Coast property requirement: -

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Southwold With its signature lighthouse, pier and colourful beach huts, Southwold is often depicted as the sort of old-fashioned seaside that everyone thought had vanished

Suffolk’s coastal jewel Sophistication with a nostalgic edge

HiSTory Southwold was Suffolk’s busiest fishing port in the 16th-century, but in time lost most of its fishing industry to Lowestoft, and today, although a small fleet still brings in herring, spats and cod, the town is primarily a seaside resort. 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. And although simple tastes are still catered for, there are a lot more sophisticated things going on – particularly when it comes to shops, restaurants, hotels and pubs. The town’s gentility wasn’t to the liking of George Orwell who lived here for a time at 36 High Street with his parents. 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 and fashion, art, souvenirs, brica-brac, gifts and interior design accessories for the home.

There are good local food shops, too, including a delicatessen, a traditional sweet shop, butcher and two greengrocers who cater for the permanent residents as well as the holidaymakers who fill the town in summer. Adnams also has its wine cellar and kitchen store here. Southwold Museum is a little gem. The Southwold 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!

don’T miSS A stroll along Ferry Road to The Habour Inn and then on to Walberswick over the bridge. G A trip to the Southwold Electric Picture Palace. G

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, situated in the very heart of the town; visit the beautiful Church of

LATITUDE HENHAM PARK 18 – 21 JULY | WAY WITH WORDS 7 – 11 NOVEMBER 40 the best of Suffolk

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 and imagine you are watching the historic battle of Sole Bay out at sea; drop into the Sailors’ Reading Room; walk down to the harbour; go shopping. 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. You could also rent a beach hut, rental costs are roughly £15-£18 a day or £100 for a week. www.beachhutsouthwold.co.uk

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Summer: open from 9.00am Winter: open from 10.00am admin@southwoldpier.co.uk www.southwoldpier.co.uk 01502 722105 Open for evening meals, please call to check availability

f you are a fan of piers (and, ideally, no seaside should be without one) allow Southwold Pier to introduce you to a different level. Lovingly renovated and restored when others of its kind were struggling or being swept away, it is an object lesson in how to put 623 feet of tradition to effective 21st-century use. Nostalgia meets new waves. From its family-oriented eateries and amusement arcade to its coastal shopping opportunities, the pier is a perfect reflection of all things Southwold. Our Boardwalk Restaurant has the delightful Sole Bay Balcony Terrace on which you can enjoy a quiet drink and our locally-sourced, home cooked food (maybe a squid and mackerel burger in homemade ciabatta) whilst dreaming of your ideal beach hut! Child-Friendly, we serve early suppers from 5.30pm along with dinner from April to October. The pier’s choice of eateries offers a similar mix of traditional fare and flair which can take you from a hearty breakfast through morning coffee to lunch, high tea and supper. Enjoy a delicious plate of oven roasted cod served on warm chorizo, tomato and butterbeans, or simply stick to good old-fashioned fish and chips (which can also be taken away). Calling all Coeliacs – don’t forget the first Saturday of every month is our Gluten-Free Batter Day. We also serve Gluten-Free cakes and ice-cream cones. Along the pier, and farther out to sea as it were, that seaside essential, a windbreak, has cleverly been built in so that The Clockhouse customers can enjoy the alfresco experience even on

more bracing days whilst enjoying a glass of something and a half pint of locally smoked prawns. Homemade stone-baked pizzas with out favourite toppings are available in the evenings throughout the summer. We have three outstanding shops filled with gifts and souvenirs. Seaweed and Salt is a lifestyle shop with a stunning collection of home ware, gifts and stationary. Curlew stocks fun activities for the children and the perfect gifts for your little ones. Also look out for their brand new local produce – Jules and Sharpie preserves, Stokes sauces, Alder Tree ice-cream and Yum Yum Tree fudge. The Lighthouse stocks everything you need for a seaside trip, with buckets and spades and seaside mementos. Our brand new Buckets and Spades Ice Cream parlour stocks Marybelle ice cream, the perfect treat to round off your day at the beach. What is there to do besides shopping and eating? As well as the arcade games there is Tim Hunkin’s ‘Under the Pier Show’ featuring famously unique handmade machines that are guaranteed to raise a smile. And a thriving fishing club ensures that the anglers casting their lines for slip sole, mackerel and bass provide their own end-of-the-pier show. It is this variety and range that makes the pier a perfect one-stop lunch and shopping destination in and out of season – important when you consider that the pier is open 364 days a year (don’t go on Christmas Day). Check our website for more details www.southwoldpier.co.uk To sign up for our e-newsletter please email admin@southwoldpier.co.uk

BoS 2013 Part 1_Layout 1 10/06/2013 14:53 Page 42

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Whate Whatever ver the occasion you can be assured of a great w welcome elcome and great hospitality hospitality.. W We e look forw forward ard to seeing you soon.

Stay with us...

Dine with us...

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

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

The Randolph Reydon, folk – a perfect base ndolph Hotel, Re eydon eydon, n Suf Suffolk se e for exploring Southwold and the Suf folk Heritage Coast. Suffolk Situated in the quiet village of Re Reydon, ydon, just 15 minutes w walk alk from the heart hear t of picturesque Southwold, The Randolph pro provides vides the perfect base for exploring the Suffolk Heritage Coast and offer offers s a relaxed and ‘local’ atmosphere for all occasions. Whether you are looking for a shor shortt break, a celebratory celebrator y meal, a venue for business meetings, or simply a pint of the local Adnams bre brew w – whatever whatever the occasion you can be assured of a great w welcome, elcome, great hospitality hospitality,, a trip to remember and a good excuse to retur return. n.

W We e look forw forward ard to seeing you soon. David and Donna Smith David

Wangford Road 41 Wangford Reydon Reydon Southwold IP18 6PZ

TTelephone elephone 01502 723603 FFacsimilie acsimilie 01502 722194 reception@therandolph.co.uk

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

44 the best of Suffolk

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durrants holiday lettings

Coast and Country Holiday Homes in and around Suffolk

01502 723292 FAST EXCITING SEATRIPS AND PEACEFUL RIVER CRUISES Coastal Voyager RIB trips offers a variety of trips leaving from the beautiful Southwold Harbour including our signature ‘high speed blast’ around Solebay to relaxing river cruises, seal watching cruises and coastal cruises. Up to 12 passengers – all equipment provided

holidays@durrants.com www.durrantsholidaycottages.co.uk

WWW.COASTALVOYAGER.CO.UK 07887 525082 THRILLS@SOUTHWOLD.WS

Be a champion with Gone Crabbing Whether it’s competing to catch the biggest crab, watching the kids digging on the beach whilst you relax in your deckchair or running to the nearest café for a hot cup of tea as rain strikes – the Suffolk coast is a great place to be (come rain or shine!). Local designer, Susie Mason, sums it all up in her imaginative giftware and clothing range – Gone Crabbing. Quality kitchenware, stationery, soaps and clothing are all ‘splashed’ with Susie’s unique Seaside-Inspired designs featuring cute and characterful sea creatures and fun slogans celebrating the great British beach holiday.

t 01328 838357 e info@gonecrabbing.co.uk Shops, stockists, online at www.gonecrabbing.co.uk

Gone Crabbing Shop 64 High Street Southwold IP18 6DN t: 01502 722400 Open 10am to 5pm daily

The brand is showcased at Gone Crabbing’s flagship shop in Southwold alongside a delightful collection of coastalthemed homeware and a range of innovative beach toys, kites and pocket money gifts, to keep everyone happy. Look out for Gone Crabbing’s latest Champion Crabber design on local quaysides and take a little bit of Suffolk home with you by choosing one of their stylish souvenirs. See gonecrabbing.co.uk for products, shops, stockists throughout Suffolk and online.

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LARGE HOLIDAY PROPERTIES IN SUFFOLK, NORFOLK, LANCASHIRE AND FRANCE own pool

by the beach

A large and beautiful prize winning barn conversion just 4 miles from the Suffolk coast, Sheppards Farm sleeps 12. With heated swimming pool, ponies in the field and large partially covered courtyard eating area. Perfect for all the family. Just one of Big House Holidays properties with pools.

Perched on the clifftop, just step through the gate and onto the Blue Flag beach; Shore Cote, Thorpeness sleeps 10. A fantastic beach house in a charming coastal village where Edwardian style and charm remains intact â&#x20AC;&#x201C; utterly delightful. Big House Holidays has a portfolio of wonderful beachside properties to enjoy.

country hideaway Stay in style. Set in over 100 acres of parkland Worlingham Hall is the perfect place for a weekend party for up to 50 guests. With drawing rooms for every time of day, dining rooms for every occasion, there is even a trophy room! Herb gardens and orchards, pool and paddocks, fishing lake and tennis court. A resident cook and housekeeper provided.

Big House Holidays offer large and lovely holiday properties in delightful coastal and countryside locations in the UK and France. Looking for the perfect venue for a family get together? Want to spend time with friends? Planning a special celebration or a corporate break? Big House Holidays' properties provide top quality holiday accommodation tailored to your requirements and desires.

01394 389188 www.bighouseholidays.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @VisitSuffolk

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Walberswick, Blythburgh and dunwich Sweeps of marsh, 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

Three coastal treasures An arts heritage village with stylish shopping HiStory Farther along the coast from Walberswick you will find the tiny town of Dunwich â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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.

tHingS to do and See Dunwich Heath coastal centre and beach is a nature reserve and conservation area owned by the 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. Here too is Minsmere RSPB Nature Resererve, complete with visitors centre, a shop selling everything you need for bird watching and a cafe. 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-dunes to the beach, or continue up the main street to the village green, where you will find lovely arts and crafts shops and galleries, 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.

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 telltale scorch-marks on the door. The village itself is bisected by the busy A12; church on one side, pub the other. donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miSS Children will love crabbing off the bridge near the car park in the summer. G Having a drink at The Bell Inn, a 600 year old coastal pub with a roaring fire in winter. G

SUFFOLK GAME AND COUNTRY FAIR GLENHAM HALL MAY the best of Suffolk 47

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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

Don’t miss the ferry A seaside town with a fort and a port 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 wouldbe 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 beyond the main shopping street embraces national chains as well as some enterprising and intriguing independents selling fashion, cookware, second-hand books and flowers. tHingS to do and See There is no shortage of eating places, here or along the front out of town by the coast road that crosses Felixstowe’s golf course (the hamlet of Felixstowe Ferry). Here you will find the Ferry Boat Inn and the Ferry Café – a wonderful institution popular with locals and visitors alike (and 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 and Bawdsey Quay and in summer crabbing is a popular pastime from the jetties. don’t miSS A visit to Landguard Fort. G A cup of tea outside the information centre near the fort where you can watch the container ships pass by. G

SUNDAY MARKET EVERY SUNDAY FROM 9AM FELIXSTOWE REGATTA 13 & 14 JULY | FELIXSTOWE CARNIVAL AND FAIR AUGUST ART ON THE PROM 1 SEPTEMBER | HERITAGE OPEN DAYS – LANDGARD 15 SEPTEMBER

www.goslingsfarm.co.uk www w.goslingsfarm.co .goslingsf .uk 01394 273361

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THE FERRY BOAT INN

Set in the beautiful hamlet of Felixstowe Ferry on the mouth of the river Deben, this 15th century inn has stunning oak beams and in the winter a large double sided log burner.

In the summer months you can walk along the picturesque coast and sit in our newly built open sided garden room.

Our facilities include wheelchair access, beer garden, free Wi-Fi, Bar area for people with dogs, private function room with menu options and private bar, kids menu, baby changing facilities, close access to the beach, Sailing club, Links golf course and beautiful nature walks.

We specialise in traditional home cooked comfort food and cask marque approved local ales. Our menu encompasses everything that is great about East Anglian produce from locally caught fresh fish to our own Suffolk reared pork and locally sourced vegetables.

For more information: info.ferryboat@gmail.com 01394 284203 www.ferryboatinn.org.uk

The !

White!

“A gastropub in Old Felixstowe – what a delightful find!”

Horse!

Old Felixstowe!

Sandwiches & Baguettes, Coffee & Cake £2.50 Buffet Sunday lunch £5.90, Cellar Stacker Burgers, plus Desserts.

12noon - 9pm Tuesday – Thursday, 12noon – 6pm Friday – Sunday. Open Bank Holidays. Up to 2 kids eat free when 2 adults order main meals Free venue hire for your corporate events Regular Events: Wine Tasting, Karaoke, Quiz Nights, DJ’s.

Fine ales and delicious wines with scrumptious homemade food in a warm and friendly atmosphere!! !

Enclosed beer garden and free customer parking! !

Tel. 01394 277496 Email. bookings@thewhitehorse-felixstowe.co.uk Undercliff Road West, Felixstowe, IP11 2AQ. Tel: 01394 286608

www.thewhitehorse-felixstowe.co.uk Church Road, Old Felixstowe, Suffolk IP11 9NF

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IPSWICH

The county town’s waterfront is home to a lively mix of bars, restaurants and hotels all overlooking an impressive collection of yachts and boats. Add to this working port the architectural brilliance of Suffolk’s iconic university building, a dance school and boutique shops, it’s a perfect blend of old and new. One of England’s oldest towns, Ipswich is also home to Christchurch Mansion with its fine collections of work by famous residents Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable. Ipswich School of Arts, with its impressive alumni including Maggi Hambling and Brian Eno, has hosted two internationally renowned Saatchi Exhibitions.

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History Ipswich is rich in history – not all of it immediately obvious. A guided tour is your best bet, and you can pick up details from the Tourist Information Centre, housed in St Stephen’s Church, one of five redundant medieval churches that are gradually finding new and interesting uses. Nearby, in the Buttermarket, is the lovely timber-framed Ancient House with its elaborate exterior plaster carvings. It is worth taking a look inside – it is an outlet for Lakeland. The port of Ipswich has been an important one since Anglo Saxon times and the ships that sail up river under the massive span of the Orwell Bridge still include commercial traffic as well as pleasure craft and the increasing number of private yachts that moor up here. Thomas Gainsborough lived and worked in Ipswich and Tolly Cobbold established their brewery dynasty here.

Situated just yards from, Ipswich High Street, Arlingtons is a buzzing brasserie style restaurant and cafe bar.

Get your bearinGs The Waterfront is the place to be in Ipswich, redevelopment here has gone on apace. With the attractive Victorian custom house surviving as a centrepiece, there are tempting bistros, bars and an art gallery to explore alongside the smart apartments, a classy hotel and busy marina. In addition, to a prestigious dance-house for the region and university. Check out St Nicholas Street that runs between the Waterfront and the town centre for small independent shops, restaurants and bars. The Buttermarket and Tower Ramparts shopping centres flank the main street in the town centre, and it is here you will find most of the usual high street names, plus pubs, coffee shops and wine bars. Not far from the railway station is Ipswich Town Football Club, home of the Blues.

Innovative French bistro cooking, traditional English catering, quick bites and daily specials – we cater for everyone in our eye-catching central Ipswich restaurant. With seating for 140 upstairs in our Frenchthemed brasserie, an English cafe bar downstairs, as well as the well stocked deli for your take home treats. Arlingtons Brasserie is Ipswich's most interesting restaurant by far. Come and find out more about our unique historic building. We even have free car parking after 6pm! Open Monday to Sunday 8am – 11pm.

01473 230293

enquiries@arlingtonsbrasserie.co.uk Arlingtons brasserie restaurant and café bar 13 Museum Street, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 1HE www.arlingtonsbrasserie.co.uk /arlingtons

@arlingtons

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tHingS to do and See Do call in at the grand Victorian-built Town Hall and the contemporary Ipswich Art School Gallery in High Street where you will find exhibitions of contemporary visual and decorative arts, crafts and community history. Entry is free to both. An outdoor market is held outside the Town Hall on the Cornhill on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The Giles statue, is worth a peep near the Buttermarket, it remembers 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. A short walk from the centre brings you to Christchurch Park, an unexpectedly vast green space right in the middle of town, it comes complete with its own Tudor mansion, children’s play area, arboretum, tennis courts, bowling green and even a croquet lawn. Lots of events are held here including a Music in the Park day, which is part of Ip-art, the town’s lively and expanding annual arts festival fortnight in June and July. Christchurch Mansion is run by the local museum service and has periodroom settings and a gallery displaying the town’s renowned collection of paintings by Gainsborough and Constable. Ipswich Museum, sited 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 (real) 17ft giraffe in a towering glass case. On the edge of town is the volunteerrun Transport Museum. don’t miSS A stroll around Christchurch Mansion and the park. G A river trip with Orwell River cruises to Pin Mill (2 hours and 30 minutes). G

SUFFOLK SHOW MAY | PULSE FRINGE FESTIVAL MAY / JUNE GREAT EAST SWIM – ALTON WATER JUNE | IP ART JUNE / JULY JIMMY’S SAUSAGE AND BEER FESTIVAL JULY | MARITIME IPSWICH FESTIVAL 24 – 25 AUGUST IPSWICH BEER FESTIVAL 22 – 26 AUGUST 52 the best of Suffolk

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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 website www.arousingcuriosity.co.uk for more information.

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Celebrating their 85th anniversary this year, Coes of Ipswich has become the mainstay of quality, service, choice and value within the town.

A family-run business, and now in its third generation of leadership, the shop is spacious and light, with more than 36,000 sq. feet over three floors for customers to browse the many departments housed in this Norwich Road store. Following on from its recent refurbishment, the shop has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere designed to put the customer at ease and ensure that their shopping experience is an enjoyable one. A large customer car park located at the rear of the shop and an in-house tailoring service only adds to this customer service commitment made by the family.

54 the best of Suffolk

The moment you walk in the door at Coes, the customer can immediately see the emphasis that is placed on employing friendly, professional and knowledgeable staff. This, coupled with a wide selection of products, has ensured that Coes has remained a destination shopping experience for the past 85 years. 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. William Coe, Director, explains: “Across all of our Coes stores, we will only stock the highest quality brands, ensuring that we’re providing the best value for money for our customers. Our stock ranges from classic to contemporary and everything in between, but we also like to offer a point of difference to those that shop with us. “This comes in the form of brands such as Ralph Lauren, Henri Lloyd and

Ted Baker who are exclusive to Coes and cannot be found anywhere else in Ipswich.” The menswear range available features shoes, suits, sports jackets, coats, formal shirts, hats (over 30 different styles) and ties. Additional brands available also include Gant, Tommy Hilfiger, FCUK and Barbour. Located on the first floor, the ladieswear department plays host to brands such as Gerry Weber, Michelle, Almost Famous, Ted Baker, Gant and Orla Kiely, 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, which is why any visitor to the store cannot fail to be charmed.

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seasons

20-28 N NO O R WICH WIC H R O A D IPS WIC H IP1 2NH OPEN T U E SD S D AY- S ATU R D AY 9 A M- 6PM T EL: 01473 256061

FREE CUSTOMER CUSTOM ER CAR PAR K

coes.co.uk

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Head to the small market town of Hadleigh to discover an area steeped in historical significance with a treasure trove of artefacts from Saxon times and the Stone and Bronze Ages, Buy some artisan bread and cheese at the market in Hadleigh whose handsome buildings represent a staggering seven centuries of architecture. From the flint and freestone of the Parish Church of St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s whose tower dates from the 13th century to the Victorian splendour of the New Town Hall with its grand ballroom. Enjoy a relaxing stroll around Flatford, Constableâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home on the pretty River Stour which borders Suffolk and Essex and is the backdrop for his world famous Hay Wain. Then soak up the atmosphere of medieval Lavenham with its crooked old buildings immortalised in two of the Harry Potter films. Enjoy a mouthwatering meal, complete with locally produced foods, in one of the highly acclaimed restaurants here. An unique experience in one of the most well preserved and ancient settings to be found in Britain today.

Constable Country and beyond

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east Bergholt, Flatford and dedham There is no doubt at all who this beautiful bit of Suffolk belongs to

A close-up of Constable country Stop off at Dedham Vale and Stour Valley 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.

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 lovely 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 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 where shoppers will delight in three floors’ worth of interesting and attractive browsing, plus a vegetarian restaurant and tearoom.

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. (1878-1959). There is an abundance of pubs and tearooms hereabouts, with some very lovely hotels and restaurants offering some wonderful food. If you cast your net to include other nearby villages, like 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 more of interest to enjoy at Manningtree and Mistley. don’t miSS Hiring a boat at Flatford and rowing along the River Stour. G A visit to Dedham Art + Craft Centre. G

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Hall Brothers’ Conservatories Making light work of increasing your living space Are you looking for additional living space but don’t want to move house or manage a major extension? Maybe you need a room for entertaining family and friends? Or a light and airy dining room with views of the garden? Whatever your requirements, why not consider a handcrafted conservatory from Hall Brothers?

Not only can it be designed to meet your specific family needs, it can also blend with the style of your home, provide an attractive space all–year round and add value to your property. At Hall Brothers, Builders & Joiners, we’re traditional craftsmen who take an oldfashioned pride in our work. Our three-generation family business was started by Reginald Hall and then Roy Hall and is now run by two brothers, Philip and Richard, who share a love for wood and an eye for detail. With customers throughout East Anglia, we have built up an outstanding reputation for exceptional standards of design, executed with meticulous attention to detail and the highest quality construction. When it comes to conservatories, we’ll work with you to make the most of the space available and find a style to suit your home.

Inside story Let’s step inside a Hall Brothers’ conservatory so you can see at first hand the exceptional quality that comes as standard. Starting with the raw material, we use only FAS grade hardwood timber - the highest possible – throughout the construction and that includes every single component which is handmade in our workshop. Our conservatory doors are also top quality. Made using traditional mortise and tenon construction, they are over 25% thicker and stronger than the average door so they not only look but feel stronger and more solid. We use exceptional quality hardware too, available in a choice of materials including superbly durable brass, stainless steel, chrome and cast iron finish.

Safe and warm Quality extends to insulation. As with the doors, the timber used for the vents and casements allows for a toughened safety glass unit with airspace to ensure superior insulation, draught proofing and strength. For added insulation the roofs are toughened double-glazed sealed units and for the rest of the conservatory we offer the option of high performance, low energy insulating glass units. For maximum security – and excellent draught-proofing – we fit multi-point locking systems on all our doors, vents and casements. These work by bolting the door closed at multiple positions along the frame, not just in one place like conventional locks.

Contemporary features That’s not all. Even in the most traditional designs we can incorporate a wide range of innovative contemporary features from selfcleaning glass to automatically controlled electric roof vents to underfloor heating. And last but not least, we can manage the whole process for you from design to completion, including dealing with obtaining planning approvals, listed building consents and building regulations.

For more information on our conservatories – or any of our products including windows and doors, kitchens or staircases – please visit our website www.hall-brothers.co.uk or telephone 01473 365167 / 01206 298746 to request our brochure.

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Quality Design and Craftsmanship

We've never really considered our fastidious attention to detail as anything other than normal practice â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it's only our customers who've convinced us otherwise over the years. Our insistence on using only the finest hardwoods from managed forests to our 'over and above' specification on all levels have become hallmarks of our work. For example, every hardwood component is individually hand made, our door frame sections are much heavier and more substantial and our windows and doors use multi-locking systems for increased security as standard.

Call for a brochure on

01206 298746 or 01473 365167 craftsman@hall-brothers.co.uk www.hall-brothers.co.uk

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Hadleigh One of the East Anglian towns that derived its prosperity from its wool and cloth industries. It has a 15th-century timber-framed Guildhall and many fine examples of timber and brick listed buildings

A perfect little town Make a date with history in Hadleigh

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 often conveniently dated soon establish that this was once a town grown rich, like nearby Lavenham and Long Melford, on the proceeds of wool and cloth. Seek out St Mary’s Church, which understandably attracted the artistic attentions of both Gainsborough and Constable (Turner, too) and you will also find the town’s picturesque timberframed Guildhall and Tudor redbrick tower which was to have been Archdeacon Pykenham’s grandiose deanery (the rest never got built). 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. Get your bearinGs The town’s long High Street presents an intriguing mix. Literary types can idle over books new and second-hand, there is a shop with everything a doll-lover could need, and others to tempt those with a weakness for shoes – or sweets! There is a deliciously tiny delicatessen, and one of the bigger premises belongs to that rare bird an independent hardware store, where you can buy everything from a sit-on mower to a saucepan. Market day is Friday and the town is usually bustling on a Saturday. A choice of pubs, restaurants and cafés cater for most of the casual visitor’s needs. And if it is a bigger culinary experience you are looking for, then that is here, too, in the shape of an innovative local business offering cookery courses.

THE HADLEIGH SHOW 18 MAY 60 the best of suffolk

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).

tHinGs to do and see 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, which winds its way from the north edge of the town, goes on eventually to join the River Stour in Constable Country. Between Hadleigh and Sudbury lies Boxford, a pretty village with a stream running through and an attractive 17th-century church nestling beside the village school. Its timber-framed pub, the Fleece, is famous for hosting jazz gigs that have turned this medieval village into a Mecca for music-lovers. don’t miss A visit to the newly refurbished Hadleigh Ram. G The 4 1/2 mile walk along the the old railway line (an invigorating two hour walk.) G

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THE BEST OF BRITISH DESIGN FROM THE HEART OF SUFFOLK LIGHTING

CURTAIN POLES

SOFT FURNISHINGS

FURNITURE

IRONWORK

Please come and visit our Hadleigh showroom and workshop to view our entire range of unique, handcrafted products. Call 01473 826923, email sales@jim-lawrence.co.uk or visit www.jim-lawrence.co.uk Showroom at The Ironworks, Lady Lane, Hadleigh, Suffolk IP7 6BQ

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Lavenham, Kersey and monks eleigh Lavenham claims to be England’s finest medieval town. It is easy to see how it must have looked in the prosperous Middle Ages, with most of the buildings dating from between 1400 – 1500

Picture perfect!

Tudor timbers and a medieval wool trade 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. Inquire also about audio tours.

the chances are that you will instantly recognise the scenery from a hundred calendars, photographs or 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.

get your BearingS In among the streets of half-timbered cottages and fine town houses lie a variety of interesting and 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 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.

monks eleigh – Between Lavenham and Kersey lies the beautiful village of Monks Eleigh. The 14th-century flintstone church looks down over the picturesque village green, which is boarded by a collection of fine, typical Suffolk thatched cottages. For a small village, Monks Eleigh has two 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 products, gifts and crafts on show in the barns.

Kersey – The picturesque and perennially-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,

LAVENHAM LITERARY FESTIVAL NOVEMBER 62 the best of Suffolk

don’t miSS Taking the Lavenham Audio Tour available from the Greyhound Pub in the High Street. G A visit to the Guildhall, and finish with a scone in the tea-room. G

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Bridge Farm Barns !

ONLINE TOY & GIFT STORE www.bridgefarmtoysandgifts.com

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

The Wildlife Art

Gallery

The Lion House Gallery '* $ (

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Opening hours: Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat & Sun 10.30 - 5.00pm 12 High Street, Lavenham Suffolk CO10 9PR Tel. 01787 249616

www.lionhousegallery.co.uk

the best of Suffolk 63

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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

A charming trio

Long on charm and historic interest

tHingS to do and See Long Melford is a case in point. Not only does its parish church dominate the village in spectacular style, it still has not one, but two great Tudor Halls to choose from. 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 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 architecture across the ages – Tudor, Georgian and Victorian. All display a mix of dwellings, shops, inns and restaurants. 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. Cavendish is not preserved in the past, however, and the lovely church and charmingly-grouped 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. get your BearingS Long Melford shopping is distinctly upmarket and ranges from antiques, interior design and books to art.

Renowned for its eating out, Long Melford has some fine places to lunch or dine and foodies will have a field day. 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 in use as a religious retreat, but the grounds and Priory ruins are open to the public. There is also the wonderful Clare Castle Country Park where you can see what is left of the old stone keep, stretch your legs, or follow the history trail. don’t miSS Visit Ruse & Son butchers – run by the same family for five generations. G A visit to the Heritage Centre to discover the history of the villages. G

LONG MELFORD STREET FAIR 14 JULY | CLARE PRIORY CRAFT FAIR 13 & 14 JULY OPEN DAY AT MELFORD HALL 14 SEPTEMBER CLARE SUMMER HORTICULTURAL AND PRODUCE SHOW 20 JULY 64 the best of Suffolk

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extensive range of stylish home accessories and unusual gifts

STYLISH AND AFFORDABLE LADIES FASHIONS IN LONG MELFORD AND HALSTEAD Telephone: 01787 372832 or 01787 478730

glass Ware – lamps – mirrors – soft furnishings – JeWelry – room fragrance next to the cock and Bell pub, hall street long melford free parking – on line shop

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 9.30am – 5.00pm

01787378872

Cocoa-Nut House Hall Street Long Melford Suffolk CO10 9JQ 19 High Street Halstead Essex CO9 2AA

www.evansgiftsandinteriors.co.uk

www.anoukfashion.co.uk

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66 the best of Suffolk

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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, homereared 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 closely-guarded recipes dating from Victorian times. the best of Suffolk 67

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East Anglia We offer our clients unrivalled local access to the international auction market. For more information about our services and range of specialist sales, please contact: 01284 716 190 bury@bonhams.com Bonhams 21 Churchgate Street Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP33 1RG

Lucy Elizabeth Kemp-Welch (British, 1869-1958) The Approaching Storm signed ‘L. Kemp-Welch’ (lower left) oil on canvas 88.9 x 154.4 cm. (35 x 60 3/4 in.) £20,000 - 30,000 68 the best of Suffolk

International Auctioneers and Valuers - bonhams.com/bury

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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.

Medieval history

An Abbey, an Angel and a local Ale 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 a pleasing public park, renowned for its bedding displays. The grounds 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. get your BearingS Bury (as it is known locally) is a great place to explore by foot, with delights and surprises around every corner. Among other gems, it can boast one of the oldest working theatres in the country and the smallest pub. Moyse’s Hall, now a museum, also happens to be among the most ancient of the region’s town houses.

the best of Suffolk 69

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tHingS to do and See Shopping is good, and offers a broad mix of well-known high street names and smaller independents. Wednesdays and Saturdays are 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 and alluring shop above. 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 regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-known and best-loved ales are brewed in Bury and beer lovers will

WHITSUN FAYRE MAY | BURY ST EDMUNDS FESTIVAL 16 MAY FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL 25 & 26 AUGUST 70 the best of Suffolk

want to make a beeline for the Greene King Brewery Visitor Centre. Nearby is to be found the wonderful Theatre Royal, one of the few surviving Georgian playhouses in England. It reopened in 2007 after undergoing extensive development and renovation. The Bury St Edmunds Festival always offers a rich and varied feast of cultural activity and takes place in May. There are 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. donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miSS A trip around St Edmundsbury Cathedral and Abbey Gardens. G A visit to the Suffolk Regiment Museum G

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stunning designer shoes, Handbags and accessories

33 abbeygate street, bury st edmunds, suffolk iP33 1LW 01284 760011 | www.nicolasexton.co.uk monday to Friday: 9.00am – 5.00pm saturday: 9.30am – 5.30pm sunday: 11.00am – 3.00pm follow us on

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the a-Z for men What the owner of Six Whiting Street doesn’t know about fashion could probably be printed on a cufflink. Giles Henderson’s infectious passion and eye for tailoring has seeped into the very fabric of his cavernous shop in Bury St Edmunds.

72 the best of Suffolk

Like a fine wine this is going to be a great year for Six Whiting Street. Its tastes have matured to house a classic and thoughtful collection for men looking for style, quality and a uniquely personal service. In September the shop, which dates back to the 16th century, will undergo an exciting refurbishment and relaunch complete with new season brands including Ralph Lauren, Hackett and Paul Smith. Giles says: “It’s our sixth birthday and we want to be able to say for the next six years this is our focus and reopen with a bang. We’re taking our lines up a notch. I know Ralph Lauren is American but it’s quite English-looking; classic and tailored.” Six Whiting Street has come a long way in these last six years. Giles’ vision has steered it into a smarter outfit entirely. “I wanted it to be a kind of A to Z for men.” Personal tailoring is something which the shop is particularly focussed on. “We offer a full service for weddings and special occasions. Our Gibson suits start at £150 for a two-piece and come in black, navy, grey, lots of different colours which fit nicely. For a budget of say £300 per person you could be kitted out in a suit, shirt, tie and shoes. Or if you went to the next level, you could spend more like £500 and get a Paul Smith suit. And then there’s a higher level which is our made to measure service. Our current ‘suit room’ will become an appointment room where

customers have a bit more privacy and can be measured and talk about what they like over a coffee. All the staff will be fully trained in measuring. A wedding is such a big day – we can help customers with colours, ties, pocket squares and flowers. The whole process should be enjoyable.” That’s not to mention his own brand of suits Giles Emily (named after him and his wife). These will be made to measure plus off the peg fully tailored, half canvassed, and great quality suits. Their design a tribute to Giles’ experience and creativity. Six Whiting Street also promises a strong mix of casual lines for the over thirties. “We still have some very directional brands like Folk, Nudie and Edwin. They’re not extortionate and they make great jeans. Scotch & Soda is a key brand too - they’re trendy and right on fashion but remain accessible for most people.” In footwear classic ranges include Jeffery West, Trickers and Hudson. Frankly, all their shoes exude the elegance of a work of art – it takes a certain (strong) person to be able to walk away from them. The shop will also branch into grooming with moisturisers and fragrances from Murdoch which has barber shops in London. “We’re offering a level of service which won’t be matched elsewhere,“ adds Giles.

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DON’T EVEN THINK THINK OF BUYING A DIAMOND... DIAMOND... BUYING

until y you ou visit FIND YOUR YOUR DREAM REAM FIND DREAM DIAMOND DIAMOND AT AT A D DREAM PRICE, WITH WITH T HE G UARANTEE O F… PRICE, THE GUARANTEE OF… Best quality quality with with every every diamond diamond independently independently Best certified at at the the best best international international laboratories laboratories certified Best choice choice with with an an unrivalled unrivalled collection collection of of Best one off off diamond diamond rings, rings, earrings earrings and and pendants pendants one Best service service letting letting you you reserve reserve your your piece piece for for Best up to to 5 working working days days before before viewing viewing it it in in store store up Best value value up up to to 50% 50% less less than than high high street street prices. prices. Best

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SPARKLING S PARKLING P PORTFOLIO ORTFOLIO Something special has been happening at Thurlow Champness. The upmarket jeweller based in Bury St Edmonds is a long established and respected name in the east of England, carrying many of the finest brands in the watch and jewellery industry industry.. The business has just introduced Portfolio of Fine Diamonds to their showroom. Portfolio of Fine Diamonds boasts a range of award winning diamond rings, and the entire collection is available to view online via Thurlow Champness’ Champness’ss website. Portfolio of Fine Diamonds 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. T he oonline nline gglobal lobal m arketplace The marketplace hhas as bbecome ecome ssecond econd nnature ature ttoo lethora many of of us, us, offering offering a pplethora many ooff iinformation nformation aand nd ddazzling azzling ddeals. eals. T he vvery erryy ssame ame m arketplace The marketplace hough ccan an bbee bbewildering, ewildering, w here though where bt ccreeps, reeps, w arning bbells ells rring ing aand nd doubt warning eware” llurk urk iin n tthe he ccorners orners ooff whispers of “buyer bbeware” ake a cchance hance oon n bbuying uying While oour ur minds. minds. W hile we we might might ttake aD VD, iinvesting nvesting iin n a ddiamond iamond iiss nnot ot ssuch uch a ccasual asual DVD, transaction. Portfolio Portfolio of transaction. of Fine Fine Diamonds Diamonds allows allows ange iin n ccustomers ustomers ttoo bbrowse rowse the the Thurlow Thurlow Champness Champness rrange of their their own eserved tthe he ccomfort omfort of own home. home. Items Items can can be be rreserved so that that they they can can be he ffear ear so be viewed viewed in in store, store, removing removing tthe making ffrom rom m purchase. All All of of the the diamonds diamonds aking a bbig ig purchase. most world’s bbest aare re ccertified ertified bbyy tthe he world’s est aand nd m ost rreputable eputable GIA. Quality iindependent ndependent llaboratories, aboratories, iincluding ncluding tthe he G IA. Quality iiss iingrained; ngrained; aall ll tthe he ppieces ieces aare re eeither ither sset et iin n pplatinum latinum oorr 118ct 8ct yyellow ellow ggold. old. Last means L ast ooff aall, ll, bbut ut bbyy nnoo m eans lleast, east, money; iiss vvalue alue ffor or m oney; tthe he rrange ange ttypically ypically rretails etails aatt 220-50% 0-50% ccheaper heaper tthan han hhigh igh sstreet treet ccompetitors. ompetitors.

Trevor Managing Director of Thurlow Champness, Trevor Salt, Ma says: “Our business is focused completely on our customers; they are are at the heart of everything we do. We wouldn’t’tt be her heree without them! If we have the We wouldn’ offer fer something that no one else can, opportunity to of ffer that we truly believe is the best thing to happen in the rretailing etailing of diamonds, then we will grab it with both hands. ands. Not only are arree the prices very competitive but the range features featurres the bes best quality diamonds in classic styles and contemporary settings - there there there is something ther ree to suit everyone.” The concept appears ppears to be a winning one - offering the advantages of the Internet as well as the things it would cannot: the reassurance and service that one w ould expect Thurlow Champness. expect ffrom rom a bbusiness usiness llike ike T hurlow C hampness.

Prices range from £750. A vailable exclusively from Available Thurlow Champness at 14 Abbeygate Street, Bury St Edmonds. www .thurlowchampness.com www.thurlowchampness.com

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Kate Barclay's award-winning images can be viewed or purchased online at: www.katebarclay.co.uk Her work can be viewed at Black Sheep Ltd, 9 Penfold St, Aylsham, Norfolk NR11 6ET where she has a permanent and changing exhibition. Kate also runs one day photography workshops â&#x20AC;&#x201C; visit: www.landscapephotographyworkshops.co.uk Kate can be contacted on: 01603 920538 or 07939 937914 email: kate@katebarclay.co.uk www.katebarclay.co.uk

76 the best of Suffolk

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the best of Suffolk 77

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E liz a b e th G a sh

itting 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.

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ELIZABETH GASH KNITWEAR Elizabeth Gash Lorry Marshall The Quernstone Ellamoda Sophieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wild Wollens Mary Davis Knitwear Noa Noa Flax Backstage Cut Loose Adini Natural Wave Sea Salt Margo Selby Capri 86 St Johns Street, Bury St Edmunds 01284 766045 36 Market Place, Lavenham Tel: 01787 248561 Open 10.00am-5.00pm daily (Bury St Edmunds, closed Sundays) www.elizabethgash.com www.discoverlavenham.co.uk

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newmarket There is no getting away from the fact that the thing that brings most visitors to Newmarket is horse racing. But if your only visit here is made on a busy race day you will not see the town as the locals see it

Plenty to bet on

An historic equine legacy and the sport of kings History You cannot really come to Newmarket and ignore its unique history and 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 carefully-restored 17th-century Palace House, which was King Charles II’s royal residence when he paid his notinfrequent 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. Shopping starts at the pretty little 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 most people interested. Fashion shops cater across the board, and while you can certainly find a racegoing outfit, fancy footwear or a frilly brolly (as insurance against the weather on ladies’ day perhaps) it is not only the racing fraternity who come here to shop. tHinGs to see and do Newmarket sausages, made to historic and closely-guarded recipes, are a local delicacy and something to take home with you (although you can also find them on sale on the internet these days).

NEWMARKET FESTIVAL 6 JULY CINEMA UNDER THE STARS 17 AUGUST 80 the best of suffolk

There are restaurants, pubs and hotels catering to different pockets, tastes and clientele – whether they have just won a fortune or spent one! Eating out can meet a choice of tastes, ranging from an upmarket pizza to a celebration curry. Coffee and teashops plug the gap. 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. G Watching the horses exercise on the heath between 6.30am – 9.30 am. G

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The National

Horseracing

Museum

Discover the stories of racing – the people, the horses and the history. From the early royal origins of the Sport of King’s at Newmarket to its modern-day heroes, explore the collections and take a look behind the scenes of the dynamic and colourful world of horseracing. Practical Gallery Ride the horse simulator and experience the excitement and energy of a race. Talk to our Practical Gallery staff and hear what life is like as stable lad, jockey or trainer.

Shop & Café Open all year, our shop stocks fun and imaginative horse racing and horse related gifts. The licensed café serves a fantastic selection of hot and cold dishes freshly prepared onsite. Admission to the café, garden and shop is free.

Equine Tours Equine classic tours are available for individuals, groups and coach parties.

To find out about the museum opening times visit our website or telephone 01638 667333 The National Horseracing Museum & Tours 99 High Street Newmarket Suffolk CB8 8JH Email: admin@nhrm.co.uk

www.nhrm.co.uk the best of Suffolk 81

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DRESSED FOR THE SEASON www.goldingofnewmarket.co.uk

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golding newmarket Golding of Newmarket is a quality retail purveyor, offering exemplary customer service. Having been in operation for over 150 years, this quietly distinguished company has a long and expansive heritage, which only serves to add to its charm.

Founded by Samuel Golding in 1856 and initially known as Cheapside, the Golding brand would quickly become synonymous with the horseracing world and has maintained such a profile ever since. During the 1890’s, Golding’s handmade white silk racing and wool training breeches for jockeys were the stalwart of the outlet – each one took a tailor two days to make. Bespoke suits for jockeys proved very popular in the early 1900’s. An invoice dated 1907 shows that a handmade bespoke suit for Fred Butters, a wellrespected jockey, cost a handsome sum of £4. The equivalent in today’s market would set the customer back a slightly higher cost of £1,500! In the early 1960’s, under the watchful eye of Peter Golding; a redesigned shop, inviting shop windows and a ladieswear department further boosted the Golding’s profile within Newmarket. By now a thriving business, Golding’s continued to cater for the horseracing and country pursuits market across the

decades. Following Peter Golding’s retirement in 1998 and with no successor, a decision was made to sell the business to the independent Coes of Ipswich, another family run retail company. Keen to keep with the tradition and ethos behind the company, Coes has retained the Golding name and continues to offer an excellent shopping experience. Investing significantly in the store, Golding has recently undergone an expansive refurbishment with expanded menswear and womenswear departments. David Hopper, Store Manager, expands: “As always, we are dedicated to creating the best possible shopping experience. With our improved store now complete, we can offer a much wider range of brands in a welcoming setting, making the choice for our customers even broader and the experience even more enjoyable.” Female brands such as Gerry Weber, Olsen, Gant, Oui, Michelle, NYDJ, Barbour, Schoeffel and Dubarry are all

carried in-store, as well as a wide selection of shoes and boots to suit all tastes. For the males, brands include Gant, Tommy Hilfiger, Fred Perry, Meyer, Baileys, Barbour and RM Williams – as well as an expansive collection of accessories (such as hats and caps), with a strong selection of shoes and boots. The horseracing links remain as strong as when the shop was founded, with a good range of clothes to suit this sport, as well as traditional country pursuits such as shooting. 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 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 also. the best of Suffolk 83

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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.

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bungay The little town of Bungay is a browser’s delight, whether it is history and legend you are looking for or antiques shopping

Black dog days

A browser’s delight of a village HiStory Bungay’s Norman Castle, much ruined over the centuries, is now administered by a trust and happily brought to life by its own visitor centre, shop and welcoming café. Another uniquely local feature is the Bungay Town Reeve – which turns out to be not a place but a person – and is an ancient civic office that has survived from Saxon times! In 1688 the Great Fire of Bungay devastated 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. Another beautiful church, now redundant, is famous for an enduring piece of folklore concerning the infamous Black Dog of Bungay, which is supposed to have rushed into St Mary’s during a storm in

1577 and killed a number of the congregation. Today, among other things, the Black Dog lends its name to the annual local marathon, run in April. Get your bearinGS As well as antiques, the town has a range of individual independent outlets and galleries selling everything from wholefoods, wedding tiaras and wood carvings to pottery and luxury gifts for the home. The town has some historic hostelries: try The Castle Inn for good food and a pint all walked off by a satisfying walk on the 400-acre Outney Common.

The town holds a number of special street markets during the year, including a big antiques market, which stretches the length of Earsham Street. There is a film club (non-members £5) and Bungay Museum is to be found in the council office, and local amenities include a golf course, sports hall, bowling green and indoor swimming pool. don’t miSS Just a few miles out of town, St Peter’s Hall and Brewery makes an interesting and tasty spot to visit. G There is also fantastic canoeing and wild swimming at Outney Meadow along the River Waveney. G

tHinGS to do and See Bungay Country Market takes place every Thursday morning at the Honeypot Centre, Upper Olland Street.

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As approved by Trotters Independent Nestled in the quaint market town of Bungay is an award-winning sheepskin company whose work is known to millions thanks to Peckham’s finest – Del Boy Trotter. His coat, lovingly sported by acclaimed actor David Jason in the long-running sitcom Only Fools And Horses, was hand made by Nursey & Son, a result of centuries of experience and craftsmanship. Jason himself had Nurseys make him a coat for his own private use.

Established in 1846 by James Nursey the company has been the pioneer of sheepskin clothing using skills which have been passed from father to son. Current Managing Director Tim, the fifth generation of Nursey now at the helm, says the company never rests on its laurels and is always evolving.

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His Bungay factory makes boots, slippers and hats as well as coats and jackets. “We are all proud of our work and enjoy our place in the community,” he says. Tim runs the company, based in Bungay’s Upper Olland Street, using methods from the past with one eye always on the future. The company’s website attracts buyers from across the globe looking for the enduring luxury of a Nursey sheepskin. The company uses only the finest, softest materials. Toscana Lambskins, for instance, which are selected for their unique softness and the way they drape, come from

Spain and Portugal. They have been known to buy skins from Iceland and Australia. Wherever they’re from, all their skins are a meat industry by-product.

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It’s as if time has stood still in this charming workshop, a hub of intense activity. There’s no cutting corners at Nurseys – they pride themselves on having a higher material wastage than other manufacturers as they refuse to use anything which might adversely affect their consistently high standards. The colour, weight and texture of their skins is always meticulously graded and rather than being machine cut, undoubtedly the quicker and cheaper option, they always hand cut their garments. This ensures an even tone across their garments. Only one machinist will ever be responsible for making a complete garment. This refreshingly obsessive and precise attention to detail combined with centuries old craftsmanship is the trademark of their extensive range which also includes sumptuously soft gilets, coats, mittens, gloves, boots and hats. All their garments, as Del Boy has proved, will withstand the test of time. Buying a Nursey’s Sheepskin is like acquiring a family heirloom – often customers will bring back a coat they’ve inherited down the generations to have it adjusted to fit them. Why not pop in to Nursey’s factory shop in Bungay or browse their collection online. It’s not often you will get to see this level of craftsmanship from a company whose skills, incredibly, survived the Industrial Revolution.

Nursey & Son Ltd 12 Upper Olland Street Bungay, Suffolk NR35 1BQ Order hotline: 01986 892821 sales@nurseysheepskin.co.uk Brochure on request – quote ref: BOS13 The Bungay shop hours in summer are Monday to Thursday 10:00 – 12:30 and 1:30 – 5:00 November to January the shop is open six days a week (closed Sundays) Visit our website to view the full range www.nurseysheepskin.co.uk the best of Suffolk 87

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

Bustling Beccles

A thriving community, past and present 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 is 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, and the tower is sometimes open for very fit people to climb to the top and admire the 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, café, shop and children’s play area. For today’s visitors Beccles has a good mix of retail outlets, including well-known national names and attractive local independents selling everything from antiques, gifts and cookware, books, rugs and furniture to model boats. 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, to 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 wellknown people have attended Sir John Leman High including Nobel Prizewinner Professor Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin, and the actor Sir John Mills. 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 200-acre common, complete with nine-hole golf course, where owners of grazing cattle still have ancient access rights. don’t miSS A dip in the Beccles Lido. G A walk on the common. G

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The Swan House...Suffolkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest and snuggest â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Boutique Innâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; THE SWAN HOUSE, BECCLES, SUFFOLK NR34 9HE | WWW.SWAN-HOUSE.COM | 01502 713474

Our self-catering 2,4, or 6 berth lodges are fully equipped & located around a lake, perfect for relaxing and fishing. Our New â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Waters Edgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lodges offer a private hot tub and contemporary living whilst our â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lakeviewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lodges are more traditional in style!

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

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Halesworth While it is easy to see why visitors focus on the coast when they get this close to Southwold, the little town of Halesworth is worth making a short detour inland to visit

A heavenly haven

With a thoroughfare to inspire all tastes

HiStory Halesworth packs a lot of history dating from Saxon times. The town’s population doubled in the 17th century, by which time it could boast various coaching inns and taverns like the Angel and White Hart, which are still very much in evidence. In the 19th century it became a major centre for brewing and malting, and wherries would have sailed up to Halesworth’s quay from Blythburgh and Southwold. The last such trip was in 1882. You can still locate the house where local maltster and keen botanist Sir William Hooker lived, and where his son Joseph was born. If you are wondering where you have heard the name before, the plant-hunting father and son eventually became consecutive directors of Kew Gardens in London during Queen Victoria’s reign. Rather more somberly it was in Halesworth in 1862

that Victorian policeman, Ebenezer Tye, was murdered. 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 and individual shops and businesses focused on everything from fashion and food to furniture. Visitors often remark on the wonderful selection of shops, saying they were not aware such places still existed, thus making their visit even more memorable.

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. As well as its park, Halesworth has the Millennium Green, created from 44 acres of grazing marsh close to the town centre. Here, if they are lucky, nature lovers may catch a glimpse of a kingfisher, an otter or a water vole. don’t miSS Around the town circular signs, featuring a duck, are sunk into the ground. These 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.

HIGHTIDE FESTIVAL MAY | LIONS CARNIVAL JUNE ANTIQUES STREET MARKET AUGUST | HALESWORTH ARTS FESTIVAL 12 – 27 OCTOBER 90 the best of Suffolk

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THE T HE NATURAL NA NA AT TURA RAL W WORLD ORLD WILDLIFE ART WILDLIFE & LANDSCAPE LANDSCAPE A RT RT 3 Bridge Street, Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8AB www.worldlandtrust.org/gallery gallery@worldlandtrust.org (01986) 874422 Monday to Friday: 10am - 4pm Featured artists have included Bruce Pearson, Andrew Haslen, JJason ason G Gathorne-Hardy, athorne-Hardy, Andrew Andrew Squire, Squire, Steve Steve Cale; Cale; sculpture by Roger Hardy, David Cemmick; photographs by David Tipling.

Also on sale: decorative 19th century hand painted prints, books, cards and gifts gifts.. C Call all in in at at the the gallery gallery for for information information on on World World Land Land Trust Trust

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across the borders Suffolk has much to offer, but there is much to be said for venturing farther afield

North, south and west Journey to the edge, for the best of the rest With its lovely long coastline taking care of the eastern extremities, there is a three-way choice of cross-border terrain as Suffolk meets Essex to the south, Cambridgeshire to the west and Norfolk to the north. In the south west of the county, where Suffolk rubs shoulders with Essex, you can weave your way through beautiful countryside that has links both to Constable and to Gainsborough. Any one of a number of pretty villages will justify a detour. Stoke-by-Nayland, for example, offers appealing pubs and eateries, a lovely church and challenging golf courses. And the historic village of Bures actually straddles the county boundary with children living on the Essex side of the River Stour crossing a footbridge to reach their school in Suffolk. Just over the border into Essex lies the small (some say England’s smallest) town of Manningtree. It enjoys a dubious claim to fame as the place where, in the middle of the 17th century,

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Witchfinder General Matthew Hopkins began to cast his long shadow. With its Georgian façades hiding even older architecture, there are some interesting shops, good pubs and places for tea. Its rail links with London mean this is where many workers start or finish their daily commute. From the train there are attractive views over the river estuary and if you alight at the station here you may be pleased to discover a rather quaint pub-like bar on the platform. Follow the waterside (and the swans) a short distance and you will come to the neighbouring village of Mistley. This area was once at the heart of the brewing industry and evidence of the old maltings and quay can still be seen. Mistley also once had (unrealised) ambitions to turn itself into a spa. The incongruous Mistley Towers (designed by Robert Adam) and Swan Basin in the High Street are pretty much all that remain of this venture. You will find places to eat and drink here, too.

Heading out west in Suffolk it pays to get a little lost and to meander off the beaten track through some of the delightful villages around and beyond Clare and Bury St Edmunds. Many have excellent pubs. Carry on to Newmarket and you will find yourself criss-crossing the border with Cambridgeshire. The county border cuts right across the town and its famous racecourses. Aiming north, the market town of Diss just tips into Norfolk and has its own mere (another name for a lake). Nearby, Scole offers inns and antiques and if you travel a little farther over the border you will find Bressingham Gardens and Steam Museum – a nostalgic delight for train-lovers of any age. The River Waveney provides a natural border with Norfolk and over in the north east, Suffolk encompasses the southern tip of the Broads, a unique stretch of inland waterway eagerly beloved by those who love messing about in boats.

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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 steam-driven, 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 the best of Suffolk 93

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The Great Outdoors

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Shooting in Suffolk PROFILE OF A GUNSMITH

Photography by kind permission of IPC Media

Jason Harris has been a gunsmith all his working life. It is a unique and unusual trade which involves all manner of skills – engineering, machining, woodwork and an eye for detail. He started his own business 15 years ago and has a premises in Framlingham where there is a shop selling guns and all things shooting and workshop premises alongside for gun repairs and alterations.

WHat doeS a GunSmitH do?

HoW did you become a GunSmitH?

Basically I repair and restore guns; shotguns, rifles and air-rifles. Modern guns need servicing during use, like motor cars and older guns often need repair when parts break or wear. Some of the guns I work on can be a hundred years old and they are getting worn out – parts for these guns often have to be made as there are no spares available to buy which adds to the challenge. Shotgun shooting is a dynamic thing where the shooter has to move in harmony with their gun to shoot at their best. Much of my work can involve altering guns to ‘fit’ the shooter better. This can involve changing the length of the gun stock or even ‘bending’ the woodwork and this work is all undertaken.

I did a week’s work experience at my local gunshop whilst still at school which led onto a Saturday job. When I left school, I did a part-time mechanical engineering course to achieve an HNC, whilst also working in the gun trade. I did a time-served apprenticeship, learning hands on in a shop. I am often asked how long a gunsmithing apprenticeship is; I have been a gunsmith for a little over 30 years, which means I am about half way through. You learn something every day; if you have your eyes open! I have been fortunate to make friends with people who work for some of the best gunmakers in the world. I have been able to learn a great deal from some of these guys.

MORE THAN JUST A GUNSHOP! A wide range of quality clothing, boots and accessories plus a well-stocked gun room 96 the best of Suffolk

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WHat are your toolS of tHe trade?

WHat do you do in a typical day?

I have machine tools such as a lathe and a milling machine, a selection of power tools, but it is countless hand tools that I use most of all; files, turnscrews, spring clamps and pin punches â&#x20AC;&#x201C; many of which I have made myself for specific tasks. I have some specialist tools which can measure the thickness of gun barrels and their bore diameters, which can ensure they are safe to use and sell. Some of the work I do can involve powers of deduction and a good imagination, as it is not always immediately apparent what the fault is.

There is a huge variety to the work I do, from machining and hand fitting parts, repairing and re-blacking barrels to oil finishing or chequering a stock. The age of the guns I work on can vary tremendously so the jobs can be very different. With many guns becoming older, sometimes a great deal of time may be spent; you can cure one problem and find two others that werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t instantly obvious. Because we also have a shop, I often spend time discussing alterations or assessing guns for customers. I also write technical pieces and gun reviews for a national shooting magazine. I am fortunate that I always have plenty to do and that I really enjoy my work.

Clothing brands including:

CHRYSALIS MUSTO LE CHAMEAU AIGLE BARBOUR SPORTING HUNTER SEELAND ALAN PAINE HOGGS Gun brands including:

BROWNING BERETTA MIROKU AYA

Trulock & Harris Ore Trading Estate Framlingham Suffolk IP13 9LL Telephone: 01728 724 776 www.trulockandharris.com the best of Suffolk 97

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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.

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PG Wodehouse once wrote “the fascination of shooting as a sport depends almost wholly on whether you are at the right or wrong end of the gun.” At High Lodge there will be no doubt which end of the gun you’re looking down, as you will be in the capable hands of professional instructors here. Owned by Clay Shooting World Champion John Bidwell and his family; the fabulous clay shooting ground boasts one of the best in the country, offering superb facilities including up to twenty sporting stands, Skeet ranges and a 120ft high tower. It provides a variety of practice clays for the experienced shot as well as exciting instructional packages (and equipment) for the complete novice including family, friends, organised corporate groups and even hen and stag groups. For those looking for the ultimate break from it all, High Lodge, which is open seven days a week, also offers golf, fishing, air rifle shooting, awardwinning luxury lodges, a fabulous beauty salon. Additionally, perhaps you want to entertain and thank your dedicated staff or are looking to plan your unique wedding? The friendly staff at High Lodge can deal with all your requirements.

The 9-hole golf course is set in 50 undulating acres and covers 2,500 yards, with a par 33 challenge consisting of six par 4 holes and three par 3 holes. All levels of golfers are welcomed, whether regular and requiring a membership or one-off golfers on a pay and play basis. The air rifle shooting range is set under cover in the natural surrounds of their wood, offering a variety of targets at various distances making it ideal for groups or individuals. A well-stocked fishing lake provides some excellent sport for the keen angler throughout the year. The on site selfcatering lodges are set in grassland and with scenic views sweeping across the lake and woodland area offering a peaceful retreat whilst remaining within easy reach of the clubhouse and other facilities at High Lodge. The exquisitely designed lodges themselves, which sleep up to six people, are available for short breaks and full weeks. The Champion Suite, a unique and 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.

For all celebrations High Lodge can offer a choice of facilities to suit the occasion – from the most intimate gathering to the grandest of events. 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 quell a healthy appetite at the Clubhouse offering café, restaurant and bar facilities, open seven days a week with a tantalising selection of mouth-watering breakfast, lunches, snacks and refreshments. A delicious new Sunday Carvery will be coming soon. For further information visit www.highlodge.co.uk

High Lodge, Haw Wood, Hinton, Nr Darsham, Suffolk IP17 3QT. 01986 784347 the best of Suffolk 99

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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.

Golf 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 18-hole championship course and the River course, which is nine holes and more suitable for beginners and highhandicap 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.

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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. 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.

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 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.

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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.

The more hardened cycling enthusiasts may like to follow the route of the Tour of Britain, which began its Suffolk leg in the magnificent four-storey 14th Century Abbey Gate in Bury St Edmunds, definitely one of Suffolk’s jewels in the crown. The route continued through the Medieval Wool Towns taking in Lavenham and Long Melford before passing through County Town, Ipswich, en route to 15th Century Helmingham Hall, family home of the Tollemache family and famous for its five hundred year old deer park and Grade 1 listed Gardens. Moving swiftly on, it then continued through some of Suffolk’s most delectable chocolate box villages including historic Debenham 102 the best of Suffolk

and Eye, before slipping over the border into Norfolk at Diss. Those who favour a less arduous ride should head towards the glorious Suffolk coast. Take the time to explore the Deben Valley with its ancient AngloSaxon 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 at your own pace. 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! Visit www.sustrans.co.uk to plan your route.

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DISCOVER Constable’s River 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, e Granary at Sudbury, CO10 2AN Tea Room open on Sundays, Easter – October.

e 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. e River Stour Trust is dedicated to preserving the river, and maintaining the right of navigation for all to enjoy. Our trip boats run throughout the summer and are the perfect way to experience the river and its surroundings.

e Granary can also be privately booked for your wedding, reception or party for up to 100 people. Wedding packages start from as little as £300 and the bride can arrive by boat.

01787 313199 www.riverstourtrust.org

A world apart from the everyday

Spend quality time with your clients, staff, friends or family over a good meal, after enjoying some relaxing and exciting sport. It’s a great way to entertain, motivate, or celebrate a special occasion and the perfect opportunity to

simply discover something new in great company.

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Located near Ipswich, our clay-pigeon shooting, fly-fishing and dining packages are designed for parties of adults or families. Find out more about • Shoot & Dine • Fish & Feast • Family Fun

Your online guide to exploring Suffolk’s countryside Bringing a new dimension to country pursuits

www.discoversuffolk.org.uk

t: 01449 760493 e: info@cooperscountry.co.uk w: cooperscountry.com

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Discovering Suffolk

Magic moments magic moments... They happen all the time in Suffolk. Standing on a path staring through binoculars at a Little Owl, blinking in unison, until it decides to silently fly off into the distance. The crack of twigs signaling the presence of a muntjac deer, stopped in its tracks before bounding out of sight. A barn owl floating past, its head turned, watching me curiously as I watch it. Magic moments, they are all there to be experienced; seals basking on the beach, terns diving into shallows, marsh harriers hunting for prey, the boom of the bittern, the dart of a kingfisher, the scurry of a badger. Capturing these magic moments is easier than you may think: Suffolk is a county that can be easily accessed. No major mountains here just for the diehard, no desolate moorlands for the hard-core, no cliff-edged coastline just for the faint-hearted. Suffolk’s the

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county for everyone, with magic moments just a few steps from any town or village. In the wild west of the county lies the Brecks; the name literally means ‘broken landscape’, an exciting blend of big skies, tall pine trees, and loose sandy soil. This is the land of open heathlands that comes into its very own each autumn when everything is coloured in purple and mauve. Watching the sun slowly set over Cavenham Heath, strolling to the top of the hill of Deadman’s Grave, or just picnicking beside the gently flowing Little Ouse River are favourite pastimes. Central Suffolk is a landscape of undulating countryside indented by gently flowing rivers: the Stour, the Brett, the Box. The natural rise and fall of the land meant it was well suited for water mills, essential for the wool industry. And the legacy of that are the

truly stunning ancient villages scattered across the heart of the county. In the east lies the coast, an obvious destination, full of hidden secrets just waiting to be discovered. Long estuaries offer a haven for wading birds, such as avocet, marsh harriers, and those silent barn owls. A short ferry trip to Orford Ness on a summer’s day with the family is to travel into another world. Wide shingle beaches under massive skies and easy to follow trails makes for a perfect day out. With so much on offer Suffolk will surprise and delight you. You can discover all this and much, much more at Suffolk County Council’s countryside website www.discoversuffolk.org.uk. The website is packed full of free to download walking, cycling and horse riding guides. And it has loads of great ideas for bird watching, wildlife adventures and seasonal outings.

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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

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Stately 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 TudorJacobean mansion visit Somerleyton. It has something for everyone on its funfilled 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 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.

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.

Helmingham Hall Gardens

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The best Suffolk 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 variety of activities, from fishing, swimming, wind surfing and sailing to just relaxing with a book. There really is something for everyone at the Suffolk seashore, whether you are looking for a classic bucket-and-spade day out or an invigorating walk with the dog. For families, the best sandy beaches to keep the kids entertained are Lowestoft, Walberswick and Southwold. A number of our beaches have been awarded the European Blue Flag so you can be confident of clean bathing-water.

Southwold pier beach ip18 6b 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. the denes beach at Southwold ip18 6HQ This is a quieter, more secluded, sand and shingle beach away from the hustle and bustle of the town. It is located next to the River Blyth, with spacious dunes and great views across the estuary that make it perfectly suited to long walks. European Blue Flag. No lifeguards.

Walberswick ip18 6tn Walberswick's lovely dunes and coarse, orange-tinted sand are ideal for building sandcastles. Don’t miss a trip on the Walberswick-to-Southwold 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. 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 awardwinning golden beaches that are safe to bathe in. European Blue Flag. Lifeguards.

dunwich ip17 3de Dunwich is a shingle beach which is excellent for walks, and is located next to the national trust site at Dunwich Heath. The heath is home to a birdnesting site, and forms a wild habitat that is alive with colour. No Lifeguards. aldeburgh ip15 5bd Aldeburgh is a popular traditional beach resort with much to see and do. Whether it’s watching the few remaining fishermen pull up their boats onto the shingle and sell their catch from nearby huts, or a walk on the beach to the Maggi Hambling's sculpture The Scallop. There is also a boating lake situated just near the Moot Hall. No Lifeguards.

corton Sands beach, 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. the best of Suffolk 107

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FESTIVALS 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.

ighTide 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

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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 South Heart 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. 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 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 musiclovers, 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

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U F F O R D PA R K H E A LT H & S PA W H E R E I T I S A L L A B O U T YO U Luxury Thermal Suite with Hydro Pool, Mineral Grotto, Foot Spas, Aroma Steam Room, Soft Sauna, Feature Showers, Relaxation Zone & Ice Fountain. Day Spa Experiences from £20pp. Residential Spa Breaks from £89pp. Open to non members, 7 days a week.

For more information please call 0844 477 6498 or visit

www.uffordpark.co.uk/spa Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1QW.

UFFORD PARK HEALTH & SPA

Ufford Park Hotel, Golf & Spa Looking for somewhere to relax, revitalise or restore? Then look no further than the Ufford Park Spa near Woodbridge in Suffolk. Set in 120 acres of parkland this 90 bedroom hotel with golf course and luxury spa is everything you would expect and the reason why it is the ‘gateway to Suffolk’s heritage coast’ and within easy access of Norfolk just off the A12. Come for the day with friends or your partner or make a weekend of it. With spa experiences starting from as little as £20 per person for our twilight experiences – the ideal escape after a busy day with the children or at the office! And 1 night Spa Breaks from only £89pp – how soon can you get here. The purpose built thermal suite offers a series of heating and cooling experiences based on the ancient ritual of bathing. The suite includes a hydropool, aroma steam room, soft sauna,

mineral grotto, feature showers, foot spas and relaxation area with complimentary cool filtered water and selection of herbal teas. Your experience does also include access to the 15M deck level swimming pool and gymnasium – for those looking for a little work out perhaps before they enter the spa. The spa is also the perfect solution for a special birthday party, your hen celebrations, a romantic anniversary or a corporate informal meeting – it can also be hired for exclusive use* if you want something really special (*Min. numbers apply).

Ufford Park Spa is open 7 days a week and open to non members. Call 0844 847 9409 to book or visit www.uffordpark.co.uk/spa

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Children’s Suffolk Bird Ringing demonstration

Crabbing at Walberswick Taking the children crabbing on the Suffolk coast adds some good fun to a family day out and is a truly British seaside activity. All you need is a piece of string, bait such as scraps of bacon or chicken, and a weight heavy enough to keep the bait on the bottom. To let you in on a local tip, frozen sand eels from any fishing shop are irresistible caviar to crabs. Just throw it off the foot bridge and wait for all the pincers to grab on. A great pastime for adults and children alike.

Get up close and personal with some familiar types of birds and discover how and why they are caught to have tiny rings put on their legs. Specially trained ringers from the Waveney bird club (www.waveneybirdclub.com) will explain what vital information we learn about their lifestyles through ringing. Event every Thursday in August from 10 am – 4 pm. Free, but usual reserve entry fees apply. RSPB Minsmere nature reserve IP17 3BY www.rspb.org.uk/events/

Snakes and Ladders If you are stuck on a rainy day and need a break from keeping the kids busy, pop into Snakes and Ladders in Ipswich. This huge indoor playground opened last year and is ﬁlled to the brim with climbing frames, ball ponds, cargo nets and slides. There's also a mini play street and separate safe play area for toddlers. 9 Cavendish St Ipswich IP3 8AX

Walberswick IP18 6TN www.explorewalberswick.co.uk

Foraging Kentwell Hall

Take to the water in a boat When the sun is out there is nothing better than rowing about on a boat. You will ﬁnd boats to hire all over the county from the start of the broads at Beccles to Thorpeness Mere. The Beccles canoe centre 01502 677343 www.becclescanoecentre.co.uk

Step back in time at Kentwell Hall where you can immerse yourself in re-enactments of Victorian and Tudor life. The re-enactments involve up to 350 fully costumed volunteers on any given day and span a three-week period in June and July, with smaller events during the rest of the year. Look in on what everyone's doing, from the cook to the blacksmith. Check website for further information on events and dates. Long Melford CO10 9BA www.kentwell.co.uk

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The Meare at Thorpeness bookings are not essential for more information please call Glen Ogilvie, 01728 832523

If you are in Suffolk late Summer early autumn, why not go foraging to find something tasty for dinner? By exploring the pathways alongside woodland you will find elderberries, blackberries, sloes, rosehips, crab apples and fungi all for the taking.

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Suffolk is a real playground for children – not only for spending time at the beach. Here’s our pick of the best places to let off steam:

Go lake swimming fritton lake on the Somerleyton estate oﬀers a ﬂawless setting for a natural dip. It is one of the loveliest stretches of water in East Anglia, which can be enjoyed for a charge of £6 per session. If the weather is too chilly for a swim, bike hire is also available so you can explore the estate on land. frittonlake.info

A Journey on a steam train

Fishing at Topcroft Lake

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.

Pleaurewood Hills Set within 50 acres of enclosed coastal parkland, pleasurewood Hills theme park has been refurbished making it an even more vibrant place for a day out for all the family. Guests will have the opportunity to ride ‘Wipeout’, the most extreme rollercoaster in region and brand new for 2013 – HoBs PiT – One of the scariest rides in the UK – Now rated 12A by the BBFC. Plus enjoy fantastic shows with Britain’s Got Talent Star – Illusionist Sean Alexander, The Sea Lions and our Enchanted Parrots.

topcroft lake is a three-acre lake which guarantees plenty of ﬁsh and a fantastic day out. Your catch could range from Carp, Tench or Bream to Roach and Rudd. Help is available for beginners – they even have a rod or two to lend! Situated four miles outside Bungay, the lake is open daily from 6am until 9pm. An adult must accompany children under 18 and no bookings are required.

www.bressingham.co.uk

Beccles Lido & Big Dog Ferry

www.topcroftlakes.net

Southwold Pier Southwold pier – try out the traditional amusement arcade and the collection of hand-built, unique machines on the pier. There is also a gift shop and places to have a snack and watch the sun as it hits the sea.

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 our café serves hot and cold snacks, drinks and ices, perfect for a swim or a family day out. 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

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the best of

Suffolk Food

Strawberry Bavarois The British Larder, see page 119

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Heaven on a Plate Heartfelt passion is in abundance at three Suffolk restaurants where good food, carefully chosen wines and faultless service are always on the menu.

Regis Crepy owns three celebrated restaurants in Suffolk that offer delicious, contemporary French food and over the past 30 years, his passion, expertise and attention to details has ensured that dining at his table is never a disappointment. Regis who trained at the most eminent catering college in the world, fell in love with Suffolk when he arrived in 1985 from France with his wife Martine to learn English. They were planning to move onto America but seized the opportunity to buy the historic 15th century Great House in Lavenham and create their own unique destination. Nearly three decades later it is one of the finest in the country offering elegant fine dining and

professional, friendly service, as well as luxurious accommodation in the gorgeous setting of England’s finest medieval village. Regis’ two other restaurants, are also renowned for their exceptional contemporary cuisine. Mariners, which he has owned for 19 years, is a delightful Brasserie onboard an old gunboat moored at the bustling Ipswich Waterfront and offers tasty provincial French food. Whilst Maison Bleue, where he is celebrating 15 years of ownership, is a sophisticated destination in the heart of the Georgian town of Bury St Edmunds and specialises in outstanding fish and seafood dishes. The head chefs at all three restaurants are highly trained in the art of classical

French cooking and with their knowledge and understanding of good food and vibrant flavours create mouth watering menus that appeal to modern tastes. Seasonal quality produce is carefully sourced and the chefs add their own innovative and simple twist so each ingredient is allowed to shine and give that je ne sais quoi to the dish. The dedicated team of loyal staff, most of them French and many of whom have been with Regis for over 20 years, all share his vision of excellence to provide the very best for their customers. Equal importance is given to every aspect of the restaurant experience, from the décor, the crockery, the furniture, the wine, the service, the smile, good management as well as the food. It is this commitment, stability and cohesion that creates the unique atmosphere that in turn generates tremendous loyalty from customers – many who are brought as children to eat with their parents in turn bring their own children years later. Over the years the three restaurants have received numerous prestigious awards, testament to the high esteem in which they are held by both the industry and the customer. These include three Michelin red forks; Good Food Guide East England Restaurant of the Year 2013, 2010, 2009; Hardens A** Top UK Restaurant Guides and Hardens Guides 2000 – 2011 as well as Certificates of Excellence from Tripadvisor.

www.greathouse.co.uk 01787 247431

www.maisonbleue.co.uk 01284 760623

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the best of eating out Tuddenham Mill Tuddenham, Newmarket

The Westleton Crown Westleton, Nr Southwold

Combining years of history with a chic yet sympathetic refurbishment, Tuddenham Mill is an intimate boutique hotel set in 12 acres of rural Suffolk countryside near Newmarket and Cambridge. This traditional watermill brings together an exceptional environment, a genuine passion for great food and wine, the ultimate in bedroom comforts and discrete yet attentive service. From its exposed beams and water wheel to the contemporary elegance of the bedroom furnishings, Tuddenham Mill offers a unique mix of influences to excite the senses.

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

In the restaurant, Head Chef Paul Foster and his team have created exciting, contemporary menus reflecting their passion for fresh food and local produce. Paul’s cutting-edge culinary skills - including a fondness for foraged ingredients, some from Tuddenham Mill’s own meadow - have been wowing food critics such as Jay Rayner and have recently resulted in him being awarded 3 rosettes by the AA.

• 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.

Enjoy lunch by the river at Tuddenham Mill 2 courses £20 • 3 courses £25 Tuddenham Mill High Street Tuddenham Nr. Newmarket Suffolk IP28 6SQ 01638 713552 info@tuddenhammill.co.uk www.tuddenhammill.co.uk

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

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the best of eating out Milsom Hotels and Restaurants the finest places to eat, drink and stay… Le Talbooth in Dedham, the flagship of the group started 2013 with a new look. The challenge was to strike the balance between the call of the modern and that of the past with an obvious need to be sympathetic to this fabulous listed building. Coupled with the exciting cooking by head chef Zack Deakins, Le Talbooth is the first choice for fine dining in East Anglia. 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

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

Gun Hill, Dedham

Hall Road, Kesgrave

01206 323150

01473 333741

Stratford Rd, Dedham

The Quay, Harwich

Stratford Rd, Dedham

01206 322795

01255 241212

01206 322367

find us on Facebook | www.milsomhotels.com

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the best of eating out The Ickworth Hotel Bury St Edmunds

Wentworth Hotel Aldeburgh

The Ickworth Hotel, part of the Luxury Family Hotel Group, is nestled in 1,800 acres of National Trust Parkland.

Overlooking the shingle beach, the Wentworth provides a wonderful setting for morning coffee, an informal lunch or a candlelit dinner.

Fredericks, our award-winning restaurant, is situated in the original Hervey Family dining rooms and is the perfect setting in which to enjoy superb food and wines. Candlelit dinner is a sophisticated adult-only affair â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the menu is available from 7.00pm till 9.30pm and offers modern European cuisine, with a leaning towards the traditional, while the room itself affords splendid views over the immaculately tended lawns, hedges and vistas of the Italian gardens. A less formal brassiere-style experience awaits you in the Grand Conservatory, offering light lunches and delicious afternoon teas by day and a relaxed family restaurant by night. With a wide selection of dishes to choose from and a strong emphasis on local produce, what better place to spend your day than relaxing like Lords and Ladies in the splendor of Ickworth.

In addition to the restaurant, there are comfortable lounges, a sun terrace and a newly-designed garden, all with sea-views. The cooking style is a combination of classical-modern English with Mediterranean influences. All dishes are freshly prepared from local produce, including seafood from Aldeburgh beach, poultry, lamb from the Alde Valley, game and beef from farms in Norfolk and Suffolk. Owned and managed by the Pritt family since 1920, the hotel has a relaxed and informal ambience, attracting frequent visits by local residents and guests from farther afield.

A fine seaside Hotel & Restaurant where you can relax and enjoy great hospitality

The Ickworth Hotel Horringer, Bury St Edmunds tel: 01284 735350 email: info@ickworthhotel.co.uk www.ickworthhotel.co.uk

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The Wentworth Hotel, Aldeburgh, Suffolk Tel: 01728 452312 Fax: 01728 454343 Email: stay@wentworth-aldeburgh.co.uk www.wentworth-aldeburgh.com

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the best of eating out The Park Woodbridge

Bistro on the Quay Ipswich

The Park Restaurant & Bar at Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel, Golf & Spa overlooks the spectacular 120 acre historic parkland golf course & gardens. It is easily accessible off the A12 between Woodbridge and Ufford and has over 200 free onsite parking spaces, making it convenient for all visitors. Head Chef Paul Flowerdew regularly refreshes the restaurant menu so that it is able to offer locally sourced, seasonal ingredients whilst ensuring all guests have a wide selection of choice, including any special dietary requirements.

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.

The restaurant is open every evening and available for private lunch time bookings. Its bar snack menu is also available all day long and offers a wide variety of freshly prepared and locally sourced produce in a relaxing, non-intimidating environment. Afternoon Tea is also available in the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lounges. Owned and run by the Aldous Family both the restaurant and bar are open to Non-Residents and Non-Members 7 days a week and offers an informal ambience attracting frequent visitors as well as guests from farther afield.

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 Ă 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)

the park Restaurant

at Ufford Park Woodbridge Looking for something refreshingly tasty in a relaxing environment - then book a table in 'The Park' Restaurant at Ufford Park Woodbridge. Ideal for everyone. On site parking and fabulous views provided free of charge!

Special Light Lunch Menu Situated on the historic waterfront of Ipswich

Breathtaking views over the 120 acre golf course Freshly prepared & cooked food Regularly changing seasonal menu Open evenings or for private lunchtime functions Extensive Bar Menu also available all day every day Open to everyone

To Book Your Table Call 0844 477 6498 or visit

www.uffordpark.co.uk Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1QW.

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

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the best of eating out The Plough and Sail Snape Maltings, Snape, Suffolk

The Trinity Restaurant The Crown and 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!

Snape Maltings, Snape Suffolk, IP17 1SR Tel: 01728688413 www.theploughandsailsnape.com

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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).

Orford Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 2LJ info@crownandcastle.co.uk 01394 450205

the best of eating out The Galley Woodbridge

The British Larder Suffolk Bromeswell, 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.

Described by Michelin as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;Śa beacon for Suffolk produce, courtesy of its owners who have a passion for all things localâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the award-winning British Larder offers a range of reasonably priced, tempting dishes.

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 menu is a la carte with the addition of set lunch menu available Monday to Saturday and a six course seasonal tasting menu available every evening. The wine list is extensive and boasts a fine wines section. The list offers a choice of over 30 white, red and rose wines by the glass, bottle and carafe. A 50ml tasting wine measure is introduced to provide the perfect wine and food pairing opportunities. It is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, is children-friendly and has disability access.

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.

2013 sees a newly refurbished patio and restaurant and whilst you are there why not pick up a copy of the award winning cookbook, The British Larder A Cookbook for all Seasons.

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.

According to Jay Rayner, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the British Larder is a treat in store for the greedy eater.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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The British Larder Suffolk Orford Road, Bromeswell nr Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 2PU. Tel: 01394 460 310

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www.britishlardersuffolk.co.uk

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the best of eating out The Framlingham Crown Framlingham

Lemon Tree Bistro Framlingham

Having taken over The Crown in 2012 India and David Clarke have been applying their style as well as their ethos of quality in everything they do, to this wonderful former coaching inn in the heart of Framlingham.

The award-winning Lemon Tree Bistro offers fresh and carefully prepared classic bistro fare with delicious specials that change daily. Together with well-sourced wines and particularly good Suffolk coffee, the menu is a winning ticket for discerning foodies.

The Crown is a beautiful 16th century timber framed building which overlooks the Market Square. The historic interior has been stylishly refurbished to provide an interesting and comfortable environment in which to enjoy fabulous food, morning coffee, afternoon tea or a drink from the well stocked bar serving local ales. There is also a lovely sheltered courtyard for al fresco eating and drinking. There are imaginative breakfast, lunch and dinner menus available seven days a week making the most of the abundant produce available locally, with menus offering traditional dishes with imaginative twists. For those from further afield The Crown has 14 en suite bedrooms with some of the feature rooms enjoying wonderful views over the Market Square.

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

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The restaurant serves everything from light lunches to a full a la carte menu and our talented chefs are happy to alter their dishes to cater for any allergies or intolerances. Children are always welcome and an extensive children's menu is available. The restaurant is spacious, yet intimate and exhibits local artists in changing exhibitions throughout the year. Do make sure to look out for the ever-popular jazz evenings, when the bistro really swings. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am - 2pm and 6pm - 9pm (During the summer holidays we are also open on Monday).

The Lemon Tree Bistro Framlingham Suffolk IP13 9BE 01728 621232 booking@thelemontreebistro.com www.thelemontreebistro.com

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the best of eating out The Bildeston Crown Bildeston

Hintlesham Hall Hotel Ipswich

The Bildeston Crown set in a Suffolk village just 6 miles from Lavenham, has 12 luxury en suite double/twin bedrooms. In Spring 2012 the Suffolk inn introduced “Ingrams” – its refurbished 30-seater dining room which showcases the creativity and talents of Head Chef Chris Lee and the reason behind why the Suffolk inn has held AA 3 rosettes since 2007.

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

Ingrams features the seasonally changing “Select” menu and the very popular 8 course Crown Tasting menu. The new dining room complements the more relaxed “Classics” menu dining available in the restaurant/Bar, with favourites such as the Red Poll burger, Fish & Chips and the midweek 3 course Set menu. Chris uses locally sourced produce whenever possible including Red Poll beef (an indigenous Suffolk breed) and lamb from the owners’ neighbouring farm, game in season and home-grown vegetables.

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.

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 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)

AA Restaurant

THE BILDESTON CROWN 104 High Street, Bildeston Ipswich, Suffolk IP7 7EB Telephone: 01449 740510 www.thebildestoncrown.com

Lounge menu Available from 7am until 10.30pm, seven days a week. For reservations please telephone 01473 652334 reservations@hintleshamhall.com www.hintleshamhall.com w reservations@hintleshamhall.com email:

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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. At The Angel, expect a few surprises, with Head Chef Jay Scrimshaw’s flair for ‘nose to tail’ dining while at the Salthouse, sample some of the freshest fish around, cooked to perfection by Head Chef Arron Jackson.

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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. Both Eateries are open daily from 12pm until 9.45pm with lunch being served until 5.45pm and dinner from 6pm. Also, new to both hotels is the stunning Afternoon Tea menu. Available daily from 2.30pm, 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 our website www.arousingcuriosity.co.uk for more information.

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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

THE WATERFRONT CAFE The Waterfront Cafe is one of “East Anglia’s Most Hidden Secrets” serving the finest food and wine in a superb tranquil setting overlooking the River Deben. Occupying the ground floor of the 300 year old Granary adjacent to Woodbridge's most famous landmark The Tide Mill.

“A must for any serious foodie” Open 7 Days a Week, 10am (ish) – 5pm (ish) For reservations call: 01394 610333

THE GRANARY, TIDE MILL WOODRIDGE, SUFFOLK IP12 1BY 01394 610333

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Fine dining and the creative use of local produce is a passion shared by all five head chefs in the stylish TA Hotel Collection of distinctive hotels located around Suffolk’s stunning coast and countryside.

Fine dining in Suffolk at ﬁve distinctive hotels

Justin Kett at the Swan at Lavenham

James Barber at the Brudenell, Aldeburgh

Ronnie Hayes at the Thorpeness Hotel & Golf Club

With three tempting dining options all overseen by Head Chef Justin Kett, you really are spoilt for choice at The Swan.

Head Chef James Barber comes with a wealth of experience working alongside such master chefs as John Burton Race and Mitch Tonks at Dartmouth. His British cuisine focuses on fresh fish and seafood as well as freerange meats; simple dishes that ooze unadulterated flavours.

Beautifully situated at the edge of the Meare, dining options at the Thorpeness Hotel & Golf Club range from the more formal to relaxed. Whichever you choose, the menus are brimming with fresh local produce prepared by Head Chef Ronnie Hayes and his team.

Enjoy a light lunch, afternoon tea or supper in the informal Brasserie overlooking the flower-filled courtyard garden; it’s a perfect fusion of contemporary furnishings and medieval features. On warmer days sip a glass of bubbly or share a jug of Pimms in the garden, while bar-bites are on offer in the historic Airmen’s Bar, which is full of WW11 memorabilia. For guests seeking fine dining, The Swan’s elegant AA two Rosette Gallery restaurant offers a sense of occasion with its high timbered ceiling and minstrels’ gallery. Signature dishes include trio of Dingley Dell pork, wild sea bass with crab risotto and a rich chocolate fondant. Working with Justin, The Swan’s Head Sommelier, François Belin, is always pleased to assist with wine selection.

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Just a few steps from the beach, the relaxed and informal AA two rosette Seaview restaurant is open throughout the day from breakfast through lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Watch the sun rise over the sea in the morning, or relax on the terrace with a pot of freshly brewed Jing tea or glass of wine; patio heaters allow you to dine al fresco even after the sun has set. The uninterrupted sea views, cosmopolitan atmosphere and buzz of guests combine to make this a unique setting.

Start your day with a traditional Suffolk breakfast; the modern restaurant overlooks the golf course, which makes it a favourite spot to watch the players, while the evening menu changes daily with a selection of a la carte dishes. The covered Patio Bar offers a variety of refreshments throughout the day, or sit on the terrace and watch the rowing boats and wildlife on the Meare. This is also the perfect place to relax over a chilled glass of champagne or G&T; let your mind drift away, enjoy the scenery and the unique atmosphere that the Thorpeness Hotel has to offer.

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While each of the hotels has its own unique charm, you can be assured of excellent dining whichever you visit. Choose from the iconic 15th century Swan at Lavenham; the Thorpeness, which overlooks the Meare boating lake and golf course; the boutique townhouse Crown at Woodbridge, or the Brudenell and White Lion, both set on the heritage coast in Aldeburgh.

Jason Shaw at the White Lion, Aldeburgh

Stephen David at the Crown at Woodbridge

The White Lionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Bar and Brasserie has been inspired by a modern desire to return to simple, back to basics, food with freshly prepared dishes in contemporary, informal surroundings and impeccable service.

Enter the Crown at Woodbridge from the bustling high street into a lavish glass-roofed bar for a stylish drink then choose from four intimate and distinctive eating spaces, all serving the same menu. For a more formal meal there are brasserie-style dining rooms or you can join others on a communal table, relax on a comfy sofa in front of the fire or perch on a bar stool.

From fresh fish bought from Dean's Shed, situated on the beach opposite the hotel, to smoked kippers sourced from Pinney's of Orford, every ingredient used in the exciting dishes has been hand-picked to guarantee an abundance of flavours. The Head Chef responsible for the innovative dishes is Jason Shaw, whose love of good food is firmly demonstrated in his menu. Using local produce, he differentiates his cooking from other local restaurants in Aldeburgh by adding a subtle French twist.

Chef-patron Stephen David has created a stylishly different venue, which avoids pretension and offers flexibility to suit all people and occasions from a romantic table for two or family Sunday lunch to a simple midweek supper. His menus feature a long carte of reworked classic favourites, comfort food and modern inventive dishes, combining real earthy flavour and arty refinement complemented by a simple bistro style fixed price menu. The extensive wine list includes some 80 bins with over 20 wines by the glass.

Swan Hotel High Street Lavenham CO10 9QA Tel: 01787 247477 www.theswanatlavenham.co.uk Brudenell Hotel The Parade Aldeburgh IP15 5BU Tel: 01728 452071 www.brudenellhotel.co.uk Thorpeness Hotel & Golf Club Thorpeness IP16 4NH Tel: 01728 452176 www.thorpeness.co.uk White Lion Hotel Market Cross Place Aldeburgh IP15 5BJ Tel: 01728 452720 www.whitelion.co.uk Crown at Woodbridge Thoroughfare Woodbridge IP12 1AD Tel: 01394 384242 www.thecrownatwoodbridge.co.uk the best of Suffolk 125

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The Dolphin Inn & Village Store An indispensible 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. The Dolphin is an ideal resting base to explore Thorpeness and our neighbouring towns Aldeburgh and Southwold, or 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 the locals and tourists. Along with the Head Chef Chris Theobald they have created one of the top dining restaurants destinations in the area. With a style of food that

reflects both traditional and modern influences with the focus being on using locally sourced or home grown produce. This is truly a great British pub where you can expect real good food and great beer served in a warm friendly environment. FROM THE PUMPS As a free house The Dolphin bar dispenses award winning real ales, all sourced locally from independent producers and micro breweries including Adnams, Brandon Brewery, Crouch Vale and Woodfordes. An excellent wine list has been developed with wines sourced from some of the best cellars around the world, this features alongside a large selection of bourbons, single malts and port. VILLAGE STORE You can find the shop just behind the Dolphin where Carole supplies the village with all their daily needs from fresh local produce, to newspapers, home cooked meals straight from the Dolphin kitchen or an abundance of local knowledge. The aim of the Shop is to provide a much needed service to the community both local and tourist alike and is a place that you always feel welcome.

The Dolphin Inn & Village Store | 01728 454994 | www.thorpenessdolphin.com 126 the best of Suffolk

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Pick-your-own summer berries You know when summer is here in this region when the pick-your-own boards start appearing at the roadside, but if you are put off by those childhood memories of backbreaking ‘fun’ with Ma and Pa, look out for the table top strawberries at Friday Street Farm and Goslings Farm on the East Suffolk coast. Sitting about three foot off the ground, the strawberry plants grow in troughs that increase the fun of picking and make the experience much more enjoyable for children and adults alike. Goslings Farm at Trimley near Felixstowe and Friday Street are run in partnership. As well as both having great pick-your-own farms, the farm shops at

both offer some similar product ranges. Raspberries come in two main crops the summer varieties and the dark red autumnal berries, which are available until late September. Goslings Farm also has an abundance of redcurrants and gooseberries, excellent for jellies and jams. The Café Restaurant at Friday Street and the Garden Café at Goslings both use the summer fruits in their roulades, cream teas and jams. In fact the excess and mis-shapen fruit from both farms is also used in the production of jam that is made in Suffolk and sold in both of the farm shops exclusively.

So when the sun is shining come out and help yourself to some great Suffolk fruits. There really is nothing like picking your own!

Goslings Farm High Road, Trimley St.Martin Felixstowe IP11 0SG 01394-273361 www.goslingsfarm.co.uk Friday Street Farm Farnham Saxmundham IP17 1JX 01728 602783 www.farmshopsuffolk.co.uk the best of Suffolk 127

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Suffolk food producers

Suffolk farmers produce some of the ﬁnest food in the country. Jane Chittenden talks to three of the best local producers from the Deben Valley.

James Foskett James Foskett Farms

Fresh vegetables and salads

We’ve been growing crops in the Deben Valley for more than 50 years. My father bought the farm in 1955; it was a traditional mixed farm, growing malting barley, sugarbeet and vegetables for Covent Garden’s wholesale market. We’re on very light land here, and the climate in East Suffolk is exceptionally dry, which creates difficult growing conditions. But we also have mild winters in this coastal region, so we’re ideally suited for growing early vegetable crops. Irrigation was installed in 1964 and that enabled us to transform the business. We were able to turn poor grade land into something that’s highly productive. We’ve concentrated on potatoes and onions, selling to the supermarkets through packers. And five years ago we started growing organic vegetables too. Most of our production is for early vegetables that are harvested in June and July, so we’ve still got time to put in fertility-building crops to put some goodness back into the soil for the following year.

Like all farming, it’s a gamble with the weather – you’re in the lap of the gods. We can control irrigation, but we can’t control excess rainfall or the lack of sunshine. Across the farm we use about 250 acres of crop covers to make the crop earlier and to give the crops some protection. We’ve recently diversified into hydroponics, producing trios of ‘living lettuce’ that are popular with the supermarkets. We’re adding new varieties of vegetables to our organic range: butternut squash, green beans, mangetout peas, sweetcorn, beetroot and carrot. And we have a specialist line in seed potato production. Our plan is to expand on this base, producing top quality vegetables early in the season.

Leo’s Deli, Framlingham fine food discoveries, refreshingly friendly advice and exceptional service Open Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.00pm Saturday 8.00am - 5.00pm Leo's Deli & Catering 17 Market Hill, Framlingham, Suffolk IP13 9AN

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leosdeli.co.uk 01728 724 059

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William Buchanan Gressingham Foods

The Gressingham Duck

Jonathan Simper Simper’s Shellfish

Oysters and mussels

We have a unique breed of duck, the Gressingham Duck. It’s a family business; my father started it in 1971 when he came here from Northern Ireland, and now my brother and I run it. Dad was a chicken farmer; we’d been through the Edwina Currie egg-scare in the late 1980s and he wanted to diversify the business by processing the birds on the farm and also by selling and marketing directly, so duck ticked both of those boxes. But the problem with traditional breeds of duck was that you got half a duck on a plate, typically with orange sauce, and rather a lot of fat and bones but not much meat. The Gressingham Duck solves that problem. It’s a cross between the Aylesbury Pekin (the white farmyard duck) and wild mallard, which is much smaller but has a very high breast meat yield. It’s meat with character, a delicate gamey flavour and succulent; and it’s easy to cook. It was first bred by the late

Peter Dodd in Lancashire in the 1980s and now we own the brand: we are the only people worldwide who can breed and sell Gressingham Duck. We guarantee the quality and provenance of our birds because we handle every stage of the process ourselves from the egg to the endproduct. Provenance is very important for consumers nowadays, whether it’s something you order in a restaurant or something you buy to cook for supper. We’ve got plans to just keep growing. Even in the recession we’ve managed to grow a little each year. We’re focusing on new products and recipes, anything that helps to make our Gressingham Duck a special-occasion product.

We’ve been farming in this part of the Deben estuary for 200 years; our farm is on the banks of the River Deben, with about half a mile of river frontage. On a small farm like ours it’s important to diversify. We’ve always had our old wooden boats and some fishing; we also have the largest area of asparagus in Suffolk. Then we’ve got some Red Poll cattle; and we farm the shellfish – the oysters and the mussels – in the river. We set up our shellfish farm when my son joined the business. By the summer of 2011 we had everything in place to allow us to sell Deben oysters and mussels to the public. We’re very lucky with the Deben; it’s got very clean water compared to most other local shellfish waters, which have much bigger and wider rivers. The Deben is small enough to be virtually emptied at low tide, so there’s clean water flushing in from the sea at every tide; and there’s no major town upstream to cause pollution.

We work quite closely with the Colchester Oyster Company. They have vans going regularly to London with their oysters; once you’ve got vans going into London you might as well sell other things. They’re good customers for our mussels and at this time of year they’re good customers for our asparagus too. Most of the oysters we produce at the moment are the Pacific oysters (also known as rock oysters). Our long-term plan is to reintroduce the native oyster into the Deben estuary. We have put a few thousand native oysters in and we’re currently working with a partner in the industry to make this happen commercially in a big way.

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Suffolk food producers

Farm shops and farmers’ markets The farm shops and 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 longhauled supermarket alternative. What’s more, the prices are usually competitive.

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Friday Street Farm Friday Street Farm is a thriving arable farm situated just inland from Aldeburgh. 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. Friday Street, Farnham Saxmundham IP17 1JX 01728 602783 farmshopsuffolk.co.uk

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Hall Farm SHOP

DELICATESSEN

CAFÉ

Hall Farm

Hollow Trees

Goslings Farm

Hall Farm Shop – Awarded ‘Best Farm Shop In Suffolk 2011’– has a reputation for supplying high-quality local produce. Their own lamb and beef can be found in the well-stocked butchery counter and the delicatessen offers a variety of fine cheeses and cooked meats.

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.

A friendly farm and garden nursery situated in the Suffolk countryside. We specialise in pick-your-own strawberries and other soft fruit including raspberries.

Try the handmade pasties, filled rolls and mouth-watering cakes, all created by their own chefs. They also have a range of giftware and will make up hampers to your own requirements. Hall Farm, Stratford St Mary Colchester CO7 6LS 01206 322572 hallfarmshop.co.uk

Hollow Trees Farm Semer, nr Hadleigh Ipswich IP76HX 01449 741247 www.hollowtrees.co.uk

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. Goslings Farm, High Road, Trimley St.Martin, Felixstowe Suffolk IP11 0SG 01394-273361 www.goslingsfarm.co.uk

Get a taste of the real Suffolk and visit one of the county’s many farmers’ markets during your visit. Aldeburgh – Church Hall 3rd Saturday, 9am - 12.30pm

Halesworth – Town Centre 2nd Saturday, 9am - 1pm

Snape Maltings 1st Saturday, 9.30am-1pm

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

Jimmy's Farm Pannington Hall Farm, Wherstead 1st Saturday, 9am - 1pm

Southwold Adnams Cellar and Kitchen Store Every Friday, 9am - 12:30pm

Beccles – Beccles Heliport 1st & 3rd Saturday, 9am - 1pm

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

Stanton – Wyken Farm Every Saturday, 9am - 1pm

Easton – Easton Farm Park 4th Saturday, 9am-1pm

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

Sudbury – St Peter's Church Last Friday, 9.30am-1pm

Felixstowe – Manning’s Amusements 2nd Saturday, 10am -2pm

Risby – Village Hall 1st Saturday, 9am - 1pm

Woodbridge – Community Centre 2nd & 4th Saturday, 9am-1pm

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Suffolk Pubs & Walks DUNWICH The FOREST Ship

Bridge Farm

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

Scotts Hall

Minsmere RSPB Nature Reserve

Download the full version of this AONB pub walk here

The inspirational appeal of Suffolk was officially recognised in 1970 when a 155 square miles mosaic of wildlife-rich wetlands, ancient heaths, windswept shingle beaches and historic towns and villages was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The two circular walks featured here start from either the White Horse pub in Westleton or The Ship in Dunwich. A third is a route from the Bell Inn, Middleton, to Westleton and back. All three 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.

As one of 46 such designated sites in Britain, the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB is of national importance, protected to ensure that its character and qualities are retained for all to enjoy.

Alternatively, park at Dunwich for the ‘long walk’ (7 miles), visiting Westleton en route. Long walk is mainly heathland, on path or track, with short stretches of road, and some road crossings and the short walks are mainly through farmland.

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The beautiful and wildlife-rich 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. 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. Visit www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org for a great range of cycling and walking guides to help you get out and about in a sustainable way!

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The Ship at Dunwich Once a haunt of smugglers, The Ship at Dunwich is the perfect base from which to explore this wild and wonderful coastline, partake of some of the best fish and chips on the Suffolk coast or simply enjoy pint or two of Adnams. You will find: real ales, real food and real fires, comfortable, traditionally furnished bedrooms, an enormous garden, and a beach that really is just a short stroll away. Ideally situated on the Suffolk Heritage Coast in between Aldeburgh and Southwold, just a few minutes off the A12. The Ship at Dunwich, 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 stonefloored dining room we always aim to make your stay a memorable one. For 2013 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! Adnams Community Pub of the Year 2012 The White Horse Inn, Darsham Road, Westleton, Saxmundham, IP17 3AH 01728 648222 www.westleton-whitehorse.co.uk

The Tuddenham Fountain The Fountain is an informal bistro style restaurant set in an ‘oldie-worldy’ 16th century country pub, located in the lovely village of Tuddenham St Martin, only three miles north of Ipswich. The pub serves excellent food and wines in a warm and friendly atmosphere with individually priced and fixed price two or three course menus. There is also a blackboard featuring fish and other specials of the day. Both menus are available seven days and six nights a week. For those sunny summer days The Fountain has a lovely covered and heated patio area for 60 people and a wonderful lawned garden, seating 80 people. We are open Monday to Friday 12-2pm, 6-9pm; Saturday 12-2pm, 6-9.30pm; Sunday 12 to 7pm, closed evening and Bank Holiday Mondays 12 to 7pm. For our latest menu see our website. The Street, Tuddenham, Ipswich IP6 9BT 01473 785377 www.tuddenhamfountain.co.uk Traverse some of the most picturesque countryside in East Anglia along the Fynn Valley Walk, map and route available here:

Brewers Arms, Rattlesden A freshened up boozer in the heart of the beautiful mid-Suffolk countryside – the Brewers Arms is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. An ever changing menu of fresh, seasonal dishes uses the abundance of local produce on our doorstep to achieve our simple aim - to bring good food to good people. The fresh interior and cosy snug bar with log fire are warm and inviting and the beautiful walled garden is a perfect place to enjoy the amazing food, bbq's and a cold glass of wine on a summer’s day. With vegetables grown and meat reared on-site, this really is fresh seasonal food at it's best. Highly commended winners in the Suffolk Food Awards 2012. Brewers Arms, Lower Road, Rattlesden, IP30 0RJ 01449 736377 www.brewersarms-rattlesden.com This circular walk takes you through undulating and unspoiled mid-Suffolk countryside, route available here: the best of Suffolk 133

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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 family-owned 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

“Using Maximus gives us the peace of mind that these guys care for the environment and sea. Chris delivers fresh fish immediately once his boats land ashore which means our fish is super fresh. Chris also delivers other seasonal delicacies such as Morston Wild Mussels when in season.”

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

LOCALLy SOURCED

SUSTAINABLy CAUGHT

ENVIRONMENTALLy FRIENDLy

SEAFOOD PLATTERS FOR CATERED EVENTS

SMOKED FISH FROM OUR IN-HOUSE SMOKER

The British Larder Restaurant, Suffolk

ExPERT, FRIENDLy ADVICE

Maximus Sustainable Fishing Unit 1 Friday St. Farm Shop Farnham Saxmundham Suffolk IP17 1JX T: 01728 603 854 | M: 07980000284 | maximussustainable@gmail.com | www.sustainable-fishing.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 134 the best of Suffolk

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Suffolk Craftsman For centuries Suffolk has been home to traditional craftsmen using local materials and a knowledge which has been passed through the generations to produce highly skilled pieces of furniture. Family-run businesses like Jim Lawrence and Jayrest Interiors, both located in Hadleigh; Ashbocking Joinery; and Gerald Weir based in Woodbridge, still maintain those high standards and skills with their hand-crafted, bespoke products all delivered at reasonable prices.

Andy on the Forge at Jim Lawrence

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Quality and craftsmanship provide the benchmark for success at Ashbocking Joinery

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. 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 homeowner Ashbocking Joinery Ltd produces handmade windows that are not only affordable but made to last.

High quality, well designed, precision built products will have an excellent life span and maintain an economical service. The nature of our products ensure that experience and craftsmanship are fully utilized to suit all of our clients requirements.

Manufacturing and fitting quality staircases is another of their specialisms and the company can also supply a variety of purpose-made internal furnishings, ranging from wine racks to reception desks.

Experts in: DOORS WINDOWS STAIRCASES CONSERVATION PROJECTS MOULDINGS AND INTERIORS DOMESTIC FITTINGS COMERCIAL FITTINGS CHURCH INTERIORS

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

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Persian passion The Persian Carpet Studio Restoration Workshops Travellers to Turkey, the Middle East and beyond have for centuries returned to the UK with exquisite rugs that have been handcrafted by tribes people using traditional methods that have been passed down from one generation to the next. Today these carpets are still very much sought after by everyone from interior designers to stately homes and home-owners who are looking for something unique and very special. It is therefore no surprise that the Persian Carpet Studio East Angliaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest specialist retailer in oriental rugs and one of the few places in the UK with the traditional skills to repair rugs, is in demand for people wanting to purchase a new or antique rug and for expert conservation and restoration work. The team of expert conservators, who have been trained in art and textiles,

patiently undertake the restoration and conservation by carefully replicating and preserving the colours, materials and patterns of all types of handmade rugs. The wool carefully chosen under daylight conditions from a large inhouse stock of unlimited colours and textures ensures an excellent result. The workshops also have many contacts with craftsmen and women throughout Europe and the Middle East who will spin, dye or find any fibre, wool or hair for a specific repair. The work undertaken ranges from securing fraying ends, to extensive rebuilding work where a carpet has been badly damaged. The workshops carry out conservation work to preserve antique rugs and woven textiles that are too delicate to be restored and used as functional pieces. Their clients include

museums, galleries, grand country homes and exasperated householders whose puppy has chewed the edge of their favourite rug. The workshops are open to the public and visitors are welcome to meet the restorers and view the work in progress.

Specialists in handmade rugs and carpets Visit our stunning 18th century showroom with its beautiful collection of traditional and contemporary rugs Our restoration and conservation workshops, one of the largest in the UK, are always open to the public Open Monday to Saturday 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5.30pm

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

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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 40 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

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Gerald Weir

Suffolk’s original furniture makers

Expect an exceptional service where you can browse the showroom and take a tour of the workshops.

The quality of the craftsmanship and the flexibility of the production is what sets Gerald Weir Furniture apart from others. Every piece requires a variety of traditional skills combined with modern technology to make unique furniture that is a pleasure to use every day. Using timbers such as oak, walnut, cherry, mahogany, ash and a variety of painted finishes, each individual piece is made by a single craftsmen and good oldfashioned pride in their workmanship is shared by all. French polished by hand,

much more engaging and often people will come to see their pieces through the various stages of production and they can talk to the polishers themselves about their finish requirements. This gives them real satisfaction in ordering something that is not only made locally by people they can meet and talk to, but also something they know is of such quality that it will last a lifetime – and at surprisingly reasonable prices. Buying directly from the manufacturer has many advantages.

whether you are looking for traditional style or simple clean lines, you will find a diverse offering of designs and finishes to suit many different settings. Working with real wood is a joy and everyone who visits the showroom can’t seem to resist running their hands over the timber. We currently have a “pippy” oak table on display and it is so tactile and lovely to touch. Clients also tell us how nice it is to see the workshops and watch the guys at work. It makes the ordering process

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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. 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. 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.

140 the best of Suffolk

Lynda puts the ongoing success down to passion and reputation. She says: “Being well-known for quality and value is a huge advantage. 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.”

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.” It is the bespoke service and attention to detail that really sets Jayrest apart from some other furniture manufacturers

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. We are proud that we have found the niche in the market for the people who

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.”

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DeďŹ ning your lifestyle 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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; designed with love, built to last.

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From candlesticks to designer home furnishings Just 15 years ago Suffolk farmer Jim Lawrence began making candlesticks for his friends. From their reactions, he realised there was a demand for stylish, designer quality lighting and home furnishings made with natural materials… and Jim Lawrence Ironworks was born. Since those early days, the company has gone from strength to strength and now employs a team of 100 craftspeople in its Suffolk workshop including welders, seamstresses, painters and lampshade makers, producing over 3000 different products including lighting ,lamp shades, switches & sockets , curtains & poles, home furnishings and door & window furniture. Jim is still very much at the heart of the company and he and his wife Sheena design everything themselves. Jim says, ‘ It’s a great joy to design something enhances people homes and becomes part of their lives in this way. Sheena and I have always used our Suffolk farmhouse as a sounding board for ideas and are continually inspired by our customers too’. In fact the Heart Door Knocker started life as a special commission for a customer and Jim thought it was such a good idea they put it into production - it is now one of their most popular designs. Five years ago they outgrew the family farm and moved down the road to the pretty market town of Hadleigh in Suffolk. They now have a beautiful 5000 sq ft showroom which is the only place in the UK where you can view their complete range of lighting and home furnishings. So proud are they of their workshop that Jim Lawrence happily

offer all their customers the chance to go ‘behind the scenes’ and see all the craftspeople in action, simply ask for a tour when you are next in the showroom. They also offer complimentary tea and coffee, and have ample parking at the showroom - so it couldn’t be easier to enjoy a visit to this internationally renowned interiors company. Customers no longer have to bump down a farm track to find them. However, the heart of Jim’s business remains the same – individual, handmade products and the highest possible levels of customer service. Perfect for period homes, the company’s classic look resonates with British style and charm. The beeswax finish offered on many of their products is a great example of their belief in craftsmanship and skill. The technique of dipping forged iron in beeswax, to create a beautiful natural seal for the metal, is something only a handful of firms in the country still use. Amazingly this technique can be traced back to Tudor times. Old fashioned manufacturing values certainly don’t equate to old fashion designs however; take, for example, the company’s latest state-of-the-art integrated LED lighting range. Designed with built-in LED bulbs that give 50,000

hours of life expectancy, changing a bulb is now a thing of the past. It’s not all about the ironwork either – their team of seamstresses and lamp shade makers create a huge variety of beautifully handmade soft furnishings from their range of over 200 fabrics, everything from interlined curtains to cushions and even door stops. This year saw the launch of the lampshade builder ‘www.jimlawrence.co.uk/lampshade builder’ where customers can choose their perfect lamp shade from over 20,000 possible shapes, styles and designs – all handmade at the Suffolk workshop. Jim Lawrence works hard to keep pace with current trends in interior design and they recently released several new designs which showcase their flair for combing traditional craftsmanship with modern country styling, including the new LED Boathouse Outdoor Wall Light, their first ever Rise and Fall Pendant and a fantastic range of new fabrics with this seasons key trend of botanically inspired styling. With all they have to offer you can see why they are proud to be a rather rare thing, a Suffolk based company keeping manufacturing in the UK, all thanks to their hugely supportive customers.

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CO-EDUCATIONAL, BOARDING AND DAY 2 ½TO 13 YEARS

LEADING INDEPENDENT PREP SCHOOL

“Orwell Park provides an excellent, academically challenging, stimulating, happy and fulfilling, all-round educational experience in which happy pupils grow in confidence and self-esteem.” ISI

SCHOLARSHIPS & BURSARIES AVAILABLE NEW PRE-PREP OPENED JANUARY 2013 2013-14 OPEN MORNINGS Saturday 5 October 2013, 10 am-12 noon Saturday 8 February 2014, 10 am-12 noon

FOR MORE INFORMATION or to arrange a visit t: 01473 659225 e: admissions@orwellpark.co.uk www.orwellpark.co.uk Registered Charity Number: 310482

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the best of

Suffolk Schools the best of Suffolk 145

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Our passion is your child’s potential A

t Ipswich School we’re passionate about learning – both in and out of the classroom – because we know it’s the key to your child’s future. We want to provide your child with the skills and determination to achieve their whole potential. Ipswich School’s Headmaster, Nicholas Weaver, said: “I have experienced so many ways in which young people have overcome challenges and gone on to exceed expectations. Who are we to impose limits on our children?

At Ipswich School we are focused on providing pupils with the right aspiration and the right support – and by developing their growth mindset, we ensure our young people will fly.” Recent exam results certainly show that this focus pays off, with almost half of Ipswich School’s A level students receiving A* or A grades in the summer 2012 exams. At GCSE level the results are similarly impressive, with almost a third of all exams graded A* and 65% of exams awarded A* or A grades.

MUSIC... MATHS... CHALLENGE... SCIENCE... SPORT... SUCCESS... FRENCH... FUN... LUNCH... LAUGHTER... LEARNING... 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, sports coaching from ex-Olympians, and 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 with a purpose built all-weather hockey pitch. The school also has a boarding house, where weekly boarding is encouraged alongside full boarding, and for younger pupils, the purpose built Preparatory School in Ivry Street provides a supportive environment for learning and benefits from close proximity to the facilities of the senior school. There’s no substitute for coming to see the school in action, and we’d be delighted to show you what Ipswich School has to offer your child. We offer tours of the school on a normal school day - please contact us to make an appointment, and we look forward to meeting you! 01473 408300 registrar@ipswich.suffolk.sch.uk www.ipswich.suffolk.sch.uk

AN AFRICAN ExPERIENCE! Ipswich Prep School pupils experienced a day of African themed activities to coincide with a visit from the African Children’s Choir, including drumming workshops, African art, cultural activities and an African themed menu for lunch. The 17-strong Choir, made up of young people the same age as those at the Prep, gave two performances at the school, inspiring everyone with their enthusiasm for singing – and with their

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football skills during a lunchtime game with the Prep pupils! Amanda Childs, Head of Ipswich Prep, said: “The whole day was a phenomenal experience for everyone. There was such a diverse range of activities on offer, giving our pupils the chance to see that Africa isn’t just about poverty, and it was great to welcome the African Children’s Choir to the school and to support the charity so that children can enjoy an education which they wouldn’t otherwise have.”

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Education first For over six hundred years Ipswich School has been providing students with an education that encourages them to become balanced, confident and fulfilled young people. PROMOTING ACADEMIC ExCELLENCE What do the tsetse fly, Debussy, eels and the House of Lords have in common? They have all been the subjects of lectures given by experts as part of the Academic Excellence programme, which is designed to provide challenging topics and university style lectures for pupils, and is just one way in which our young people are encouraged to extend their knowledge and develop their independent learning.

Academic and sporting success High standards in music and drama Scholarships and bursaries available for entry at 11+, 13+ and 16+ Strong commitment to personal development Full, weekly and occasional boarding Extensive network of bus clubs Personal tours of the school available throughout the year Open Morning Saturday 21st September 2013

These evening lectures are complemented by a day-long Academic Excellence conference for almost 200 pupils from Years 9 to 11, and by opportunities such as science lectures at the University of Cambridge and art and music masterclasses with professional artists and musicians.

I PSWICH S CHOOL Co-Educational Day and Boarding School Circa 1399

Ipswich School, Henley Road, Ipswich, IP1 3SG Tel: 01473 408300 (Senior School) Tel: 01473 281302 (Preparatory School)

www.ipswich.suffolk.sch.uk

Photos by Mike Kwasniak and James Fletcher

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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.

ince 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 seventeenth-century charitable bequest to Pembroke College,Cambridge, to find land for a college on the former deerpark. Money for the building was raised by local subscription, a royal charter granted, and on April 10th 1865 the College opened its doors. There were over 200 boy boarders, with 12 assistant masters, and the maximum 300 pupils was soon approached. It has remained an important part of the towns’ life ever since. Behind the façade, of course there have been many changes, and one of the fascinating aspects forvisitors 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 up 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 tennistournament 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 andgirls travel in 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!

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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.

ll 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 extra-curricular 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 150 the best of Suffolk

languages which cement the confidence to learn a wider range in later life. 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.

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This year the Royal Hospital School celebrated 300 years since its foundation in Greenwich, London, and to mark this important milestone a number of exciting new developments are planned for 2014 and beyond.

celebrating

300 years...

he School moved from London in 1933 and is now situated in 200 acres of stunning Suffolk countryside overlooking the River Stour. 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 this 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.

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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

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Beyond the Classroom The Royal Hospital School is extremely proud of the 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. new 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. new equestrian Centre

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 40 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, GCSE qualification in Equestrianism and BHS stage exams. Livery for those pupils wishing to bring their own horse or pony to School during the term time are available 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

For Open Morning dates or to arrange a private visit please contact the admissions office on 01473 326210 or admissions@royalhosptialschool.org The Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, Suffolk, IP9 2RX

www.royalhospitalschool.org

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New Head for Ipswich High School In September 2013, Ipswich High School for Girls will enter a new and dynamic phase as Ms Oona Carlin takes up the mantle as the new Head of Suffolk’s leading independent school. Oona Carlin will join Ipswich High from her position as Deputy Head Academic at the GDST’s Putney High School, where she has been a key member of the senior leadership team for six years. Prior to Putney High, she was Head of Chemistry at The Royal Masonic School. Ms Carlin studied biochemistry at Imperial College and has taught in a number of schools, including two years at The English School in Bogota, Colombia. For the past twelve years she has worked in independent girls’ schools. Ms Carlin has played hockey since she was at school where she participated at county level.

She still plays hockey regularly, recently captaining Windsor Ladies, and she is looking forward to joining a new team in Ipswich. On being appointed, Ms Carlin said, “I have been extremely impressed by the warmth and sense of purpose among girls and staff at Ipswich High. The magnificent school grounds are home to a school community which is equally remarkable. I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to work with pupils, parents, staff and governors to build on the school’s success and I look forward to getting to know them in the months ahead.”

Ipswich High School for Girls aged 3-18

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01473 780201 Woolverstone, Suffolk IP9 1AZ Top A level results in Suffolk 2012 - 55% A* and A Grades ‘Outstanding School’ across all categories, ISI Inspection 2011

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A place of energy and inspiration for music and the arts Aldeburgh Music is a world-class centre for musical performance and artist development, with events taking place throughout the year.

Highlights of the coming year include: August 2013 November 2013 January 2014 March 2014 June 2014 August 2014

Snape Proms Death in Venice & Britten Centenary Weekend Place Weekend: Occupation Easter Weekend Aldeburgh Festival Snape Proms

www.aldeburgh.co.uk

Gosfield School ESTA ABLISHED 1929

Independent co-educational day and boarding school for ages 4-18.

QUALITY, QUALITY Y, AFFORDABLE INDEPENDENT INDEPENDENT EPENDENT EDUCATION EDUCA AT TION Scholarships and Bursaries for September 2013 entry

Prep Prep School fees - lowest in the area area

• Outstanding results for a non-selective school

• 100% A*- C in Maths in 2012 and 94% 5+ A*- C GCSE

• Reception Class to 6th Form Gosfield School Cut Park C ut Hedge P ark Road Halstead R oad Gosfield Essex E ssex CO9 1PF CO 91 PF

• Small class sizes • Superb facilities • Family based boarding houses • Acre Wood Pre-School in the grounds OFSTED “outstanding”

Call: 01787 474040 Visit: Visit: www www.gosfieldschool.org.uk .gosfieldschool.org.uk A not for profit charity charity.. 100% of income is invested for the benefit of the pupils of the school.

A place for discovery and adventure www.obh.co.uk Co-educational Boarding & Day Preparatory School for children aged 3-13 years Old Buckenham Hall, Brettenham Park, Ipswich, Suffolk. IP7 7PH e: admissions@obh.co.uk t: 01449 740252

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Gainsborough’s House Gainsborough’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. At the heart of the community in the bustling market town of Sudbury, Gainsborough’s House runs a series of vibrant temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year. The House dates from around 1500 and retains many original architectural features. Inside you will journey through the Exhibition Gallery to five other rooms displaying the work of Gainsborough and his contemporaries alongside period furniture and memorabilia. The work on permanent display allows you to explore Gainsborough’s whole career, from early portraits and landscapes painted in Suffolk in the 1750s to later works from his London period. The Study Gallery houses a large collection of significant Gainsborough drawings, prints and rare books. Rivalling the interior of the House for beauty and interest is the splendid walled garden. With its centrepiece of an ancient mulberry tree, the planting in the garden reflects the shrubs, perennials, bulbs and annuals that would have been available in Gainsborough’s lifetime. The Print Workshop at Gainsborough’s House was established over 30 years ago and 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 to help both experienced artists and newcomers to printmaking develop a wide range of skills. Mrs Mary Cobbold with her daughter Anne in a Landscape with a Lamb and Ewe, ca. 1752 by Thomas Gainsborough

Opening times: Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm Gainsborough's House, 46 Gainsborough Street, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2EU Telephone: 01787 372958 www.gainsborough.org

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How a Suffolk charity is saving the world’s tropical forests, forever On the eve of its 25th anniversary, international conservation charity World Land Trust (WLT) is proud to look back on a quarter of a century of saving and protecting rainforest and other critically threatened habitats. The charity is based in Bridge Street, Halesworth, in north east Suffolk. Here in Blyth House, a historic building dating back to the 15th century, the Trust’s small team of dedicated staff raise funds and work with partner organisations all over the world. WLT was founded in 1989 on what at the time was a novel concept, that £25 would buy and protect an acre of rainforest. This simple idea was used to great effect in Belize when this pioneering campaign saved 110,000 acres of tropical forest that was about to be cleared and turned into agricultural land. The land is now owned and managed by Programme for Belize, the local non-governmental organisation set up to protect this ecosystem in perpetuity. The success of this initiative gave the Trustees the confidence to look beyond

Belize to other areas of the world where forests were at risk from logging, mining, agriculture and construction. Since then WLT has raised funds to save more than half a million acres of land in some 20 countries. Land purchase is always in association with local conservation organisations, and title to the land rests with the Trust’s overseas partners. These are real acres in real places and most of the reserves that have been created can be visited. As well as ensuring the survival of threatened species such as the Jaguar, Orang-utan, Spectacled Bear and a wealth of other charismatic wildlife, the forests play an essential role in life on earth. They stabilise and purify water supplies, regulate weather systems and provide shelter for insect populations 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 example, the Keepers of the Wild programme, funds reserve rangers to help protect the nature reserves. The Trust was also one of the first charities to offer carbon offsetting, back in 2005. In 2011, a gallery was opened in Blyth House which puts on changing exhibitions of wildlife and landscape art that reflect the Trust’s commitment to nature conservation and the preservation of rare and endangered species.

“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 and working with 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 World Land Trust, speaking at a lecture entitled Biodiversity and Business: The Cost of Life on Earth.

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Literary Suffolk Among the many authors who find inspiration in the region is Anthony Horowitz, creator of the popular Alex Rider series for young adults. For him, the turn-off from the A14 and drive through Rendlesham Forest marks the point where “somehow the real world gets left behind.” Living in central London during the week, he retreats to his Suffolk house every weekend to soak up the view of Orford Ness. He thinks that “there is a magnificence about Suffolk that you don’t find anywhere else in the country; a certain vastness of scope to the sky, plus a greyness and hostility about the North Sea.” He is not the first writer to be captivated by East Anglia. Countless famous authors have drawn inspiration from Suffolk’s haunting landscape, including Dodie Smith, Enid Blyton and Charles Dickens. The county’s coastal towns have been particularly prominent in Suffolk’s literary tradition. The most famous of these artistic representations Anthony Horowitz

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was Benjamin Britten’s dark opera Peter Grimes, based on George Crabbe’s 1810 poem The Borough. Crabbe was a distinguished poet, capturing the colourful yet sinister lives of those who made their living from the sea in Aldeburgh. His protagonist, Grimes, was transformed from a villain to a tragic hero by Britten, who found Suffolk’s tempestuous beaches the ideal setting for a complex psychological drama. Further up the atmospheric shore, George Orwell was inspired by 1930s Southwold, choosing it as the setting for his experimental novel A Clergyman’s Daughter. Based on an attack of amnesia, Orwell also chose to write this early book in vivid theatrical style. American thriller writer Patricia Highsmith settled inland in Earl Soham during the 1960s, whilst she worked on her Tom Ripley series, adding to the region’s collection of literary melancholia.

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Just an hour’s drive from the hectic smog of the capital, Suffolk provides an oasis for the creative mind. It is a county with a distinctive sense of character and rich history, whose unique landscape has intimately shaped its literature.

However, Suffolk’s natural habitat is not always turbulent and disquieting. It also has a peaceful, restorative power, most profoundly put across by prominent nature writer Richard Mabey. Having penned Flora Britannica in 1996, Mabey was aware of how acutely our environments affect the way we express ourselves. He pointed out that the English have as many words for woodland as the Inuit have for snow. After suffering a bout of depression he moved to Reydon, near the Norfolk border, and gradually recovered, reconnecting with the natural world. Mabey eloquently recorded this experience in the critically acclaimed Nature Cure, published in 2005.

Richard Mabey

Also noteworthy for his love of Suffolk’s wilds was Roger Deakin, author of Waterlog: A Swimmer’s Journey Through Britain. The concept of this book occurred to him while he was swimming in the moat of his Elizabethan house in Mellis. He pioneered the hobby of wild swimming, which still has a large following today. This enthusiasm for putting nature into words still thrives today as part of East Anglia’s artistic community. Framlingham-based company Full Circle Editions is currently publishing some of the best books in Suffolk, inspired by the area’s heritage. Maggi Hambling's The Aldeburgh Scallop and Jennifer Potter’s The Angel Cantata.

Suffolk hosts three literary festivals a year THIRTEENTH ALDEBURGH LITERARy FESTIVAL This annual festival of literature is organised by the Aldeburgh Book Shop on a weekend at the beginning of March. 01728 452587 www.aldeburghbookshop.co.uk THE ALDEBURGH POETRy FESTIVAL An annual festival of contempoary poetry is held at the beginning of November and is held around various locations in Aldeburgh town centre. Organised by The Poetry Trust. 01986 835950 www.thepoetrytrust.org WAy WITH WORDS Whilst a number of national literary festivals are organised by Way with Words, they hold a five day literary festival in Southwold every November. 01803 867373 www.waywithwords.co.uk

LONG MELFORD BOOK FAIRS Regular monthly book fairs in Long Melford with twenty seven independent book retailers exhibiting. 01284 723512 www.missingbookfairs.co.uk

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Opening doors for your business

Bruisyard Hall

Hintlesham Hall

The T A Hotel Collection

The Ickworth Hotel

The Randolph

Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel, Golf & Spa

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

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Milsom Hotels & Restaurants

Seckford Hall

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