Suffolk springs into words

Novelists Erica James and Isabelle Broom who appear via zoom for the Deeping Literary Festival Valentines & Mothers Day events both live in the county - learn more about the allure of Suffolk with Natasha Copland

Famed for its big skies, Suffolk boasts 50 miles of heritage coastline dotted with wonderful seaside towns offering opportunities to spot and photograph wildlife. Home of horse racing, Constable country, medieval towns and many historic sites, inland Suffolk also has much to offer. Foodies will adore Suffolk’s excellent produce, gourmet restaurants and pubs.

See/Do:

• Giggle at the naughty water clock on the pier in the otherwise classy seaside town of Southwold. Beer and gin fans will enjoy touring Southwold’s world-famous

Adnams brewery and distillery. Visit the lighthouse and stroll along the pretty beach-hut lined promenade. • Hope for a bite at the self-appointed capital of crabbing at Walberswick and enjoy the village’s peaceful beaches, nature reserve and views of nearby Southwold. • Spot some of the UK’s rarest wildlife at RSPB Minsmere. • Browse the independent shops and art galleries of the traditional seaside town of

Aldeburgh. • Wander around Snape Maltings, a collection of redeveloped Victorian industrial buildings housing independent shops, eateries, galleries, music venues and surrounded by an Area of Outstanding Natural

Beauty. • Dare to look down from the wall walk of Ed

Sheeran’s ‘Castle on the

Hill’ at Framlingham, a 12th-century fortress conserved by English

Heritage. • Marvel at the archaeological finds of Sutton Hoo, recently the subject of a

Netflix film. • Delve into 15th-century history when wool made Suffolk one of the richest

Image: Jamie Overland

places in the country. Explore the wool town of Lavenham, named ‘England’s

Best-Preserved Medieval Village’. • Admire the scenery at National Trust Flatford Mill, where sites depicted in The

Hay Wain by John Constable are unchanged to this day. Hire a boat to enjoy the stunning views.

Eat/ Drink:

Pop into the wee beachside fish huts to pick up a pot of fresh seafood. Hot salted fish and chips taste excellent enjoyed straight from the wrapper on one of Suffolk’s many lovely beaches. Treat yourself to an indulgent afternoon tea at the Swan Southwold, with a glass of Adnams fizz.

For a local fish supper head to Pinney’s of Orford where the oysters come from their own beds and they smoke their own fish, a restaurant simple in décor but big in fresh flavour. Watch the sun go down over the river whilst enjoying pub classics and fresh seafood at the Michelin guide-recommended Ramsholt Arms.

Stay:

Lavenham

Just a few minutes from the beach, The Swan at Southwold offers beautifully styled historic accommodation and fabulous food plus a free bottle of Adnams gin for every guest! Rooms from £190. https://theswansouthwold.co.uk. For an inland stay, The Swan Hotel and Spa at Lavenham showcases the town’s medieval charms with wood-beamed bedrooms combined with contemporary comforts and a modern British restaurant. Rooms from £125. https://theswanatlavenham.co.uk. Can’t decide on an inland or a coastal stay? Rent a cottage in Woodbridge and make the most of both.

Note:

Please do check Covid restrictions in advance of your visit.

To speak to Natasha about a trip pop an email to natasha@yourtrip. world and for more information about Your Trip Travel Concierge go to www.yourtrip.world

Hot food from the kitchen of the Bluebell at Helpston

Each Saturday 5-7pm & Sunday 12-2pm VALENTINE’S DINNER Looking for a show-stopping meal this Valentine’s Day?

We all need a treat so take a look at what our Chef, Dan’s has put together just for you: A complete and delicious, easy to cook meal for two

Celebrate Mothers Day This recipe (with instructions) will take 30 minutes to cook, giving you enough time to set the table and open a bottle �������� !

Sunday 14th March with In your bag: our special Menu Main course - Individual Beef Wellington or Vegetarian Roasted Beetroot Wellington Dauphinoise potatoes, cooked and chilled Tenderstem broccoli, cooked and chilled Baby carrots, cooked and chilled

TO START: Cafe de Paris butter MAIN COURSE: ROAST CHICKEN TART TATIN

PRAWN COCKTAIL Red wine gravy SALMON RISOTTO Chicken breast with roast potatoes, Goats cheese and vegetables tart Prawns with romaine lettuce Sweet chilli salmon fillet on a bed of selection of vegetables, Yorkshire tatin with roasted root vegetables and Marie Rose sauce lemon and fennel risotto with sun Then to finish on a sweet note - choose from pudding and rich gravy

SOUP Dan’s home-cooked pea and ham soup kissed tomatoes ROAST BEEF Roast potatoes, selection of vegetables, Yorkshire pudding Rich chocolate torte with orange creme fraiche, or Mango tart tatin with coconut and lime Chantilly cream £45 for 2 Extras: Bottle of Prosecco £9.95 LAMB ROAST Slow cooked shoulder of lamb with roast potatoes, selection of vegetables, Yorkshire pudding DESSERT: Vanilla Cheesecake with fresh fruit Rich Chocolate Torte with orange sauce and rich gravy Hand tied posy of seasonal flowers £15 and rich gravy Sticky Toffee pudding, fudge sauce

(makes a lovely centre piece for the dining table) Two courses for £16.50 Three courses £18.50Book early to avoid disappointment email hello@bluebellhelpston.co.uk for booking form

The Bluebell Inn Helpston PE6 7ED The Bluebell Inn, Helpston PE6 7ED 01733 252394 01733 252394 07766 616961 bluebellhelpston.co.uk 07766 616961 bluebellhelpston.co.uk