10 reasons why you should NOT Come to Suffolk!

Of course, we want you to come… in fact, we can’t wait to welcome you. But, you know, we may not be for everyone. So here are our top ten reasons why you shouldn’t visit Suffolk…

1 IF YOU DON’T LIKE… BEING OUTDOORS

Being outdoors is one of the key reasons you come to Suffolk – to cycle, walk or just enjoy being in wonderful countryside. We’ve got an enchanting part of the Broads National Park to enjoy a day boat, and there’s rambling for all in the Dunwich Heath AONB.

2 IF YOU DON’T LIKE… WILDLIFE

We’ve mentioned the Broads National Park – they’re great for birdwatching. Likewise RSPB Minsmere, a star of BBC’s Naturewatch, and Carlton Marshes near Oulton Broad. Jimmy’s Farm outside Ipswich has a great range of animals and you can see some really big wild beasts at Africa Alive! near Kessingland. And while they’re not wild, far from it, you can see some of the world’s best thoroughbred racing horses at Newmarket.

4 IF YOU DON’T LIKE… GOOD WEATHER

Of course, it is sometimes inclement in Suffolk, when Scotland, Wales or Cornwall send their rain clouds our way. Otherwise, Suffolk has one of the best overall climates in the country, with more sun than most destinations and more drier days. In fact, Thetford Forest and Brandon, set in a bowl to the west of the county, has the warmest Summers.

3 IF YOU DON’T LIKE… CULTURE AND ARTS

Oh oh, you might be in trouble here because we’ve got loads of that, not least the Aldeburgh Festival at Snape Maltings where in late Summer you’ll also find the region’s best food and drink festival. There’s First Light Festival at Lowestoft, the most easterly point in the UK, Latitude at Henham near Southwold, and Gainsborough’s House in Sudbury is now the largest exhibition space in Suffolk.

5 IF YOU DON’T LIKE… HORIZONS

You won’t need carabiners and crampons when you visit Suffolk. That said, bring a bicycle or walking shoes and you’ll be rewarded with gently undulating coast and countryside and enormous skies. In Suffolk it’s easier to see the horizon. See if you can find where you can’t spot a church tower.

6 IF YOU DON’T LIKE… COAST AND SEASIDE

We’ve got 50 miles of it, including lovely sandy beaches at Lowestoft, Kessingland, Southwold and Walberswick. There’s shingle beaches but fine swimming at Dunwich, Thorpeness, Felixstowe and Aldeburgh. And there are estuaries to explore on the Rivers Blyth, Alde, Deben, Orwell and Stour.

7 IF YOU LIKE… MOTORWAYS

We don’t have any. In fact we’re one of the largest counties in England without one. But we do have two or three lane roads from pretty much anywhere all the way to Ipswich, Suffolk’s county town. After that you’re on thousands of miles of quieter roads which reflect the pace of life here… slower, more relaxing, more mindful.

8 IF YOU LIKE… SERVICE STATIONS

Stands to reason doesn’t it, if we haven’t got motorways. But who needs a BLT with limp lettuce or something delivered with the ping of a microwave when you can enjoy quality local produce at roadside pubs, restaurants and farm shops? Get fresh asparagus, samphire and strawberries from layby shacks. Much better than a Ginsters! Oh, and head to Orford, Aldeburgh and Southwold and enjoy fabulous fresh fish and shellfood.

9 IF YOU DON’T LIKE… HISTORY AND HERITAGE

We’re steeped in it, not least the ancient Anglo Saxon burial site at Sutton Hoo, and the Anglo Saxon Village at West Stow. There’s a Norman castle at Framlingham, stately homes like Ickworth and Kentwell Hall, Flatford Mill will show you the landscapes of John Constable, and you can discover the story of England’s first patron saint in Bury St Edmunds.

10 IF YOU DON’T LIKE… FERRIES

No, we’re not talking about big ferries that go across seas, we’re talking little rowing boat ferries across our many estuaries. There’s Walberswick to Southwold, Butley and Orford, Felixstowe to Bawdsey and Harwich-ShotleyFelixstowe. Have a go, it’s the gentlest way to travel!

WOLSEY’S IPSWICH

14 July - 29 October 2023 10am - 12.30pm or 1pm - 4pm Free entry www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/whatson @suffolkarchives

As part of the Wolsey 550 project our summer exhibition explores the life and legacy of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey during the 550th anniversary of his birth.

Ipswich born and raised,Wolsey rose from humble beginnings to become England’s most powerful man, working alongside King Henry VIII.

We unearth a story of ambition, aspiration, and the ability for anyone to succeed. Featuring treasures from our own collection as well as spectacular loaned exhibits including Wolsey’s original Cardinal hat on loan from Christ Church College, Oxford.

Suitable for all ages, come and explore the complex and inspiring story of Ipswich’s most famous son.

TUDORS

Every Tuesday from 25 July to 29 August.

10.30am - 12.30pm.

Ages 5 - 11, Free.

WHO DO I WANT TO BE WHEN I GROW UP?

Every Wednesday from 26 July to 30 August.

10.30am - 12.30pm.

Ages 5 - 11, Free.

Breathe in the fresh sea air of the tranquil Suffolk coast, walk on unspoiled sand where the kids can build sandcastles, play cricket, have a picnic, walk the dog, look for bird life and paddle in the shallow surf. You’ll find expanses of honeyed beaches backed by marram and dunes. Or lay back and relax and watch the scanty clouds skipping across the big blue sky. Pass the suncream!