suffolk tourist guide 2011

See What SuffolkHas To OfferPLACES TO VISIT

FOOD & DRINK

COUNTRYSIDE & COAST

ACCOMMODATION

ARTS & CRAFTS

SPECIAL EVENTS

SuffolkTOURIST GUIDE

www.suffolktouristguide.com

2011

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Project2 17/3/11 18:57 Page 34

www.suffolktouristguide.com 3�

Welcome to the Suffolk Tourist

Guide. Use this guide to take

your first steps towards a

relaxing break in this lovely

part of the UK. And to help

make your visit extra special,

visit our online guide for

current special offers at

www.suffolktouristguide.com

4 COUNTRY & COAST

Visit historic town and market

towns in the beautiful Suffolk

countryside or enjoy the charm of

its coastal towns such as

Southwold or the excitement of

the resort of Lowestoft.

32 ARTS & CRAFTS

Creativity around the county.

34 FOOD & DRINK

Suffolk is famous for its local

produce. Take your first taste here.

38 SEE & DO

Discover a whole host of

interesting attractions to visit

from farms and fairgrounds to

historic houses and theatres.

50 EVENTS

There’s no shortage of great events

throughout the year - here’s a

selction of some of he best.

56 WEDDING VENUES

Fabulous locations and settings for

your big day.

62 PLACES TO STAY

Find somewhere special to spend

your visit to Suffolk.

66 INFORMATION

Map & Information Centres

Welcome

Suffolk Tourist Guide is produced and published by www.suffolktouristguide.com in association with

Thompson Media Partners Ltd, Unit 4, Avenue Business Park, Elsworth, Cambridge CB23 4HY. If you would like to

advertise in the next edition or require more information, please contact Darren Marshall on 07826 628680

email [email protected] or Sarah Quinlan on 0845 3627855 email [email protected]

contents 21/3/11 09:19 4

Country&Coast

Just one hour from London, Suffolk has a bounty ofattractive towns and villages with great shops, beautifulbuildings and plenty to explore. The Suffolk Coast is oneof the UK’s finest landscapes with 40 miles of HeritageCoast set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.Under big East Anglia skies discover charming seasidetowns, lively resorts and beautiful coastal scenes

�4 www.suffolktouristguide.com

AldeburghAldeburgh is a beautiful town

on the river Alde. It is blessed

with breathtaking scenery, both

seawards and following the river

Alde inland.

Aldeburgh’s name comes from

Alde Burgh meaning “old fort”.

The town’s history is inextricably

linked to the changes time has

wrought to the coastal map.

It was once an important Tudor

port, its shipbuilders responsible

for Francis Drake’s ‘Golden Hind’.

Some historic buildings have

survived the centuries, such as

400-year old Moot Hall (now

home to Aldeburgh’s museum),

a Norman Church and a martello

tower.

Aldeburgh had to wait until

the 19th century when the

fashion for the beach and craze

for sea air brought back visitors

in quantity, establishing it as a

popular resort.

The town is famous for being

the home of composer Benjamin

Britten, and there are many

reminders of his life about the

town. Britten, Eric Crozier and

Peter Pears established the

classical Aldeburgh music festival

at nearby Snape Maltings in

1948, where it has taken place

ever since.

The town’s summer season of

events also includes Jill Freud’s

Aldeburgh Summer Theatre in

July and August, and the Carnival

and Regatta in August.

For weekend seadogs it has a

very active yacht club and teach-

es sailing to juniors and adults.

There are also two popular golf

courses, all-weather tennis

courts, and, of course, excellent

bathing.

Aldeburgh’s strong local

community shares activities and

knowledge with the visitor, pro-

viding poetry and arts and craft

residential courses.

The pretty high street has

craft, food and antiques shops,

reflecting local passions, as well

as a myriad of pubs and an

independent cinema.

BecclesBeccles lies in North West Suffolk

on the banks of the Waveney

river on the Norfolk-Suffolk

border.

Its name, which means ‘mead-

ow by the stream’, still makes

sense today, with the town back-

ing onto the southern edge of

The Broads. The pretty riverfront

and quay make Beccles a popu-

lar stop for pleasure craft, and

the river offers a splendid view of

the Georgian gardens sloping

down to the water’s edge.

The Bell Tower next to St

The Aldeburgh Museum is housed in oneof the most important timber-framedpublic buildings in England. Dating fromthe first half of the 16th Century it originally contained six small shops onthe ground floor and a spacious meetingchamber on the first floor

towns & villages 21/3/11 11:02 Page 1

Aldeburgh beach


St Michael’s Church in Beccles, Suffolk is unusual in that its bell

tower is detached. The 97-feet high building was built in 1500

about 100 years after the main church was finished. A separate

tower was made necessary by the steep drop to the west of the

church where the tower would normally have been built.

Catherine Suckling and Reverend Edward Nelson were married

here in 1749. Nine years later, they had a son - Horatio. It is also

unusual in that there are three clock faces but on the fourth,

which faces Norfolk, there’s no clock. It is said it’s because the

Suffolk townsfolk didn’t want to give Norfolk the time of day!


Bungay Old Beccles milestone Bungay


Michael’s Church dominates the

skyline and climbing its hundred

or so steps offers the reward of

some commanding views.

Beccles’ streetplan dates back

to medieval times. Devastating

fires in the 16th and 17th

centuries led to the arrival of

the town’s many fine Georgian

houses.

The narrow streets are home

to an eclectic mix of boutiques

and antiques shops. Among

them too are quality food shops,

including Bailey’s Delicatessen

on Hungate.

There’s plenty to tempt the

palates of visitors; Twyford’s café

in Exchange Square serves a fine

tea, for dining there’s Bells in The

Old Market, Indiagate in

Newgate and The Swan House

wine bar and restaurant near the

bell tower comes recommended

by the Broads Quality Charter.

Beccles has its fair share of

festivities too with an annual

carnival and regatta in July, with

live music, a parade, fun fair and

fireworks; a fiercely-contested

charity rubber duck race in

September and the “Straw Race”,

a pub crawl for people

encumbered with a straw bail.

BungayBungay market town sits in the

Waveney Valley, partly encircled

by the River Waveney, with views

of picturesque water meadows.

The streets are full of historic char-

acter and offer several independ-

ent shops, restaurants, tea and

coffee shops, cafes and bars.

Thursday is market day, and

Earsham Street is where you’ll find

many of Bungay’s shops. Take a

look at the ruins of Bigod’s Castle,

built in 1170, details of which can

be found at the castle visitor cen-

tre on Cross Street. Bungay

Festival, focused around the cas-

tle, is held in July.

The town museum is in the

District Council Office in Broad

Street, and St. Mary’s Church, with

its tall tower, is the site of the

famous local Legend of Black Shuck.

The Swan House in Beccles are developing a website within a website promoting Beccles.

At www.swan-house.com you can see some fabulous photos of the town and surrounding areas (like this

one of the River Waveney, and the church, opposite), plus details about local events and activities.

�


For a bite to eat there’s the

well-loved Buttercross Tearooms

and Tea Gardens, lunch from

local produce at The Castle Inn

on Earsham Street and at the

award-winning Earsham Street

Café & Delicatessen you’ll find

excellent British and

Mediterranean food.

To enjoy the scenic route of

the Waveney walk along the

riverside pathway or hire a row-

ing boat and look out over the

heathland and golf course of

Outney Common.

Bury St

EdmundsFew places in England can

match the beauty, character and

history of Bury St Edmunds. Rich

in legend and folklore, the town

has been admired down the

years by visitors and authors

from Daniel Defoe to Charles

Dickens.

The town grew up around the

powerful Abbey of St Edmund in

early medieval times. For five

centuries it was visited by

pilgrims from all over the

world, coming to worship at the

shrine of St Edmund - the mar-

tyred King of East Anglia. St

Edmund was the patron saint of

England until the dragon-slaying

George took up the title in more

militant times.

Evidence of St Edmundsbury’s

past and present is all around.

Town and village streets, magnif-

icent parish churches, and

unspoiled landscapes throw

light on an England that else-

where has long been lost.

Take the Abbey Trail through

the town and visit the old Abbey

Ruins; the remains of the great

Benedictine Abbey, destroyed in

the dissolution of 1539.

It’s a wonderful town to visit,

with almost 1,000 preserved

buildings and a network of

streets that still follow the grid

pattern devised by the abbots in

the 11th century. The town has

excellent leisure and shopping

facilities and is at its busiest on

Wednesdays and Saturdays

when people flock to the

Buttermarket and Cornhill to

visit one of the best provision

markets in East Anglia. The town

is a shoppers’ delight, where

every sort of store from the large

High Street names to family-run

businesses and fascinating small

gift shops sit comfortably side-

by-side.

The Abbey Gardens are well-

known for their stunning floral

displays. St Edmundsbury

Cathedral was mostly built in the

16th century and has been a

cathedral since 1914. There has

never been a better time to visit

this medieval building, once part

of the great abbey of St

Edmund, as it has recently been

completed with the addition

of a new Gothic style lantern

Tower.

Other buildings to admire

include the Victorian Corn

Exchange, with its imposing

colonnade; the Athenaeum, hub

of social life since Regency

times; Cupola House, where

Daniel Defoe once stayed; the

Angel Hotel, where Charles

Dickens and his creation Mr

Pickwick stayed; and The

Nutshell, owned by Greene King,

and probably the smallest pub

in the country. The town is home

to Greene King and any visit

must include a visit to the brew-

ery, where you can take a tour

and a tasting.

Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre The Abbey Gate, Bury St Edmunds Market Place, Bury St Edmunds

�



Bury St EdmundsCathedral and Abbey Gardens


CavendishCavendish is the perfect ‘picture

postcard’ English village with a

14th-15th century church, a

number of thatched cottages,

and the Sue Ryder Foundation

Museum, which tells the life

story of Sue Ryder and the

history of the Foundation. In

1381 during the Peasants Revolt,

Sir John Cavendish hung on to

the handle of the church door to

plead for sanctuary from his

pursuers after his son had put to

death Wat Tyler, the peasants’

leader. What is even more

amazing is that the same handle

still hangs on the door some

620 years later.


The small but enormously significant Theatre

Royal, built by National Gallery architect William

Wilkins in 1819, is the sole surviving Regency

Theatre left in the country and even

after nearly 200 years remains a vital part of the

town’s cultural identity.

Don’t miss the annual Christmas Fayre in

November. This wonderful three-day event won

‘Best Tourism Event’ in the Enjoy England Regional

awards.

ClareA delightful little wool town on the River Stour; in

fact, its name is said to derive from the “clear”

nature of the river Stour as it flows through the

town. Visit the remains of a13th Century

Augustinian Priory and the quaint Ancient House

Museum. The open space of Clare Castle Country

Park is a wonderful place to relax, while there is a

lovely nature trail along the pretty River Stour and

summer events including open air garden theatre

and treasure trails for children.

DunwichIt’s hard to believe that the sleepy village of

Dunwich was once a bustling port city with a pop-

ulation of 4,000. It might have been still if the sea

hadn’t eaten away at it, leading to its almost com-

plete abandonment by the 19th century. There are

fabulous reminders of its heyday, including the

ruins of a Franciscan priory, while the natural splen-

dour of Dunwich Heath is still intact.

Cavendish Parish Church of St Peter & St Paul, Clare Clare

Dunwich beach



Beautiful Constable Country


Constable

CountryConstable Country is located on

the Suffolk and Essex border.

This enchanting part of England

was the birthplace of renowned

artist John Constable and the

subject matter of many of his

most famous paintings, most

notably The Hay Wain, a scene

depicting a horse-drawn cart in

the water, haymakers at work in

the distance and a charming lit-

tle cottage rented by a farmer

called Willy Lott.

Known the world over for its

atmospheric skies and captivat-

ing natural beauty, this is an

inspirational place to spend a

holiday.

One of the best ways to experi-

ence the countryside that John

Constable knew and loved is to

walk around the picturesque

Stour Valley. By following in the

footsteps of Constable you’ll

have a better appreciation of the

trees, rivers, sounds and light

captured on canvass by one of

the greatest British painters of all

time.

The little riverside hamlet of

Flatford is the setting for some

of Constable’s most famous

paintings,such as ‘The Hay Wain’,

‘The Mill Stream’, ‘Boat-building

near Flatford’ and ‘The White

Horse’. The Bridge Cottage is

now home to a small exhibition

on Constable, a tearoom and

shop. Flatford Mill and Willy

Lott’s house are owned by the

National Trust.

Visit the pretty village of East

Bergholt, Constable’s birthplace,

and from where a young

Constable used to walk across

the riverside meadows to

Dedham every day on his way

to school.

Close by is the historic market

town of Hadleigh, the delightful

Shotley Peninsula, and some

wonderful villages along the

Stour Valley, which you can

follow all the way to Haverhill.

FelixstoweFelixstowe, bordered on the

north by the River Deben and on

the south by the River Orwell, is

a well loved resort known for its

Blue Flag quality sand and shin-

gle beach, long promenade, per-

fectly kept seafront gardens and

seaside attractions.

Felixstowe became a fashion-

able seaside resort in the 1880s,

and has retained many of its

attractive Victorian and

Edwardian houses and hotels.

The seafront is over four miles

long, with a wide promenade

that stretches almost the entire

length of the beach from

Flatford Mill Martello Tower Felixstowe Ferry

Port of Felixstowe is thelargest container portin the UK and one ofthe largest in Europe

�



Languard Point to Felixstowe

Ferry. Five Martello towers, built

to prevent Napoleonic invasion,

stand on Felixstowe’s coast.

The front has all attractions of

the traditional seaside holiday

resort, with old-fashioned beach

huts, fish and chip shops, a

funfair, amusement arcade,

miniature golf, bowling green,

cafés and restaurants, as well

the leisure centre’s pool, saunas

and sunbeds.

The art deco style Spa Pavilion

theatre, also on the seafront,

stages dance shows, music and

musicals, comedy, ballet,

children’s shows and hosts the

annual Felixstowe Drama

Festival (May 16-21).

Or you could enjoy a retro

night at the movies at the 1930s

Palace Cinema.

Felixstowe’s summer season of

events includes a French Market,

Historic Vehicle Rally, tennis

tournament, Carnival and Fair

and Art on the Prom. (See events

pages for further event details).

Felixstowe is home to the UK’s

largest container port, and

Europe’s busiest. The viewing

area at Landguard on the south-

ern edge of the town offers

great views of container and

passenger ships from Felixstowe

and Harwich harbours. Next to

the view point is the Felixstowe

Museum, full of artifacts from

Roman to recent times, and

Landguard Fort, a multi-period

military building dating back to

the 16th century. The fort’s war-

ren of tunnels and rooms is open

for exploration every day

throughout summer.

Here too, at the mouth of the

River Orwell, are the Landguard

Bird Observatory and the

Landguard Peninsular nature

reserve, a significant site for

shore and migrant birds, and

rare shingle flowers. North of the town centre is the

fishing village of Old Felixstoweand, at the mouth of the RiverDeben, the hamlet of FelixstoweFerry with its gallery, golf course,cottages, boat yard and riversideinns. Here you can explorecoastal paths, see the MartelloTowers, pick up fresh fish at TheShed fish stall, enjoy excellentfish and chips at the Ferry Caféand catch the small ferry boatacross the estuary to Bawdsey.

Spa Pavilion Theatre, Felixstowe The Guildhall, Hadleigh Hadleigh High Street Halesworth Haverhill Arts Centre Framlingham

Felixstowe



HadleighHadleigh, in the south of Suffolk close to the border with Essex, offers a wonderful mix of the old and new,

and is known as much for its collection of interesting shops, pubs and restaurants as for its fine architec-

ture. Hadleigh is one of Britain’s finest ancient market towns, with a rich architectural history that has its

origins in Saxon times. Hadleigh’s High Street is almost a mile long and runs parallel with the river, of the

137 properties that line the street 90 percent are listed buildings.

HalesworthA small market town primarily centred around a pedestrianised shopping street known as The

Thoroughfare. The town has a number of interesting buildings, not least St. Mary’s Church and the old

almshouses. Each year in June the Thoroughfare hosts a popular food, drink and craft fair. Halesworth’s

New Cut Arts, a centre for arts in the community, offers a whole range of arts and entertainment and is

host to the Halesworth Arts Festival in October and HighTide Festival at the end of April, which presents

world premieres of theatre productions by new writers. The Town Park hosts Gig in the Park every August,

a showcase of local, national, and international musical talent. Market Day is every Wednesday.

HaverhillHaverhill is a market town that dates back to Saxon times. Whilst most of its historical buildings were lost

to the great fire on 14 June 1667, it does however retain one notable Tudor house (reportedly given to

Anne of Cleves as part of her divorce from Henry VIII, and thus titled Anne of Cleves House) and many

interesting Victorian buildings. Haverhill is predominantly a modern and young town, with a small centre

with a number of shops, including a new retail quarter, and a new leisure quarter with a number of

restauranrts and a Cineworld. The town has a refurbished leisure centre with a state-of-the-art gym and

swimming pool, and an Arts Centre that hosts a range of entertainments. Haverhill also offers wonderful

green spaces; the large Recreation Ground in the heart of the town is popular with all ages while the

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

FramlinghamFramlingham, known locally as 'Fram', sits in the unspoilt countryside of east Suffolk's coastal district.

The pretty market town has a conservation area and many of the town's buildings date from the 17th,

18th and 19th centuries. Framlingham's trail is a good way to explore the town's history and interesting

buildings. The 12th century Framlingham Castle, owned by English Heritage, was the seat of the Earls

and Dukes of Norfolk. Mary Tudor lived in the castle in 1553 and it was here that she heard she had

become Queen of England. Visitors can walk around the battlements, which offer a good view over the

countryside and the mere. Concerts and re-enactments take place in the grounds between May and

September. The Mere alongside the castle is managed by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Framlingham is

known for its antique shops, and is a great place to search for a unique find.



Ipswich Waterfront is enjoying an

astonishing renaissance, with new

marinas, restaurants, bars, and

homes emerging from a Victorian

Wet Dock which opened in the

19th Century. Since September

2008 it has also been home to the

main hub of University Campus

Suffolk, and is also where you will

find the new Jerwood

DanceHouse, the cultural hub of

the regenerated dockside and a

hothouse for the development

and presentation of new and

emerging dance talent


IpswichWolsey's Gate, near the Ipswich

Waterfront, is all that's left of

Thomas Wolsey's dream to build

a great college in his home

town: a dream immortalised in

Shakespeare’s play Henry VIII.

When the Lord Chancellor fell

from grace, this bustling,

buoyant Tudor town fell with

him. But not for long, because

unlike Cardinal Wolsey, who

died penniless and bereft, the

modest maritime town of

Ipswich quickly recovered its

civic poise and dignity.

Anyone who is unfamiliar with

the fascinating county town is in

for a pleasant surprise. Once a

solid centre of maritime

commerce and activity, the

Ipswich ‘Docks’ have been

transformed into the Ipswich

‘Waterfront’. Much of the rich

fabric of the past remains intact

with sensitive renovations of

several heritage dockland build-

ings including the delectable

boutique style Salthouse

Harbour Hotel and the imposing

Old Custom’s House. Meanwhile,

a new wave of vibrant cafes,

cosmopolitan restaurants,

interesting shops and modern

apartment blocks has washed

in with the tide.

Add this to the ever-changing

skyline; the vista of visiting large

sailing boats, Royal Navy ships,

yachts and powerboats, and it’s

easy to see why Ipswich has

become one of the most sought

after destinations in the East.

Ten minutes walk away is the

town centre, which offers rich

pickings in terms of its

museums, galleries, theatres,

parklands and high street shops.

There’s also a great open-air

market on the Cornhill on

Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays,

located right outside the newly

refurbished Town Hall Galleries,

which is well worth a visit.

Christchurch Mansion, a fine

Tudor house set in its own

beautiful park in the heart of the

town, boasts the most important

collection outside of London of

works by Constable and

Gainsborough.

International pop acts,

mainstream and fringe theatre

and an unrivalled arts festival -

all this and more you'll find at

venues such as The Regent

Theatre, the Corn Exchange,

and the New Wolsey Theatre.

Of course, retail therapy is a

must when out on the town.

St Nicholas Street is ‘boutique

paradise’, and there’s a thriving

High Street and the Tower

Ramparts shopping centre.

Ipswich shopping Town Hall Clock Tower Ipswich Town Football Club, Portman Road Stadium Street leading to the Quay

The Orwell Bridge was opened in 1982 and

carries the A14 over the River Orwell just

south of Ipswich. The main span is 190 metres

and appears in the 1987 film The Fourth

Protocol starring Michael Caine




test 18/3/11 10:01 Page 1

LavenhamLavenham is a joy to explore any

time of the year and looks as

beautiful in the evening as it

does during the day. The village

has a proud history of being one

of the foremost cloth making

centres in England from the 14th

to the 16th century and the

many magnificent buildings that

remain are a testimony to the

town being the fourteenth

wealthiest in England.

Lavenham’s importance as a

trading town was recognized as

far back at the thirteenth centu-

ry, and was granted its market

Charter in 1257. It then became

of some international impor-

tance in the reign of Edward III,

during which time Lavenham

exported its famous blue broad-

cloth to Russia, trading with the

notorious Catherine the Great.

Lavenham’s industry went into a

steep decline in the 16th century

Lavenham Church Lavenham street Guildall, Lavenham

though, as Dutch refugees to

Colchester brought with them

cheaper, more fashionable cloth.

At the turn of the 20th century

much of the village was in a state

of near dereliction.

Today it ranks amongst the

most beautiful of villages; set in

lush green countryside it makes

the ideal weekend getaway.

The appearance of the town

has changed little over the years,

the buildings are fascinating,

some are huge and imposing,

others are tiny and some are

crooked!

Lavenham has been described

as “the finest medieval town in

England” and no fewer than 300

of its buildings are listed as being

of architectural or historical inter-

est. One of these is the Church of

St. Peter and St. Paul, which is

among the finest in East Anglia, a

magnificent church with a spire

of 141 feet. Other buildings of

interest that are open to the pub-

lic include The Guildhall of

Corpus Christi, owned by the

National Trust. This is a 16th-cen-

tury timber framed building

overlooking the market place

and houses a museum offering

insights into local life.

Little Hall is a lovely example of

15th-century hall house with a

crown-post roof. It contains the

Gayer-Anderson collection of fur-

niture, pictures, sculptures and

ceramics.

Art lovers will be at home here

too with collection of wonderful

galleries to visit.

Much recommended is a walk

along the disused railway line,

followed by a wander through

the gift and antique shops, then

a cream tea, lunch or dinner in

one of the many fabulous tea

rooms, pubs and restaurants.



Long MelfordLong Melford is one of Suffolk’s most attractive vil-

lages, and in a nationwide poll by Savills, the

estate agent, it came 7th in Britain as one of the

most desirable villages to live. It has a long, long

High Street - two and a half miles to be exact; the

longest in England - populated by charming inde-

pendent shops, vibrant art galleries, antique cen-

tres, cafes, restaurants, and, of course, typical

Suffolk Inns. This, combined with beautiful archi-

tecture and amazing countryside, and it is no won-

der that Long Melford is such a desirable place!

There’s plenty of interesting sights, including, at

the top of the village, Holy Trinity Church, a wool

church dating from the 15th century. It contains

several noteworthy memorials and brasses, and

just outside is the brick hospital, founded in 1573

as an almhouse for twelve poor men and two poor

women.

There are also two Tudor mansions in close prox-

imity. Kentwell Hall is a romantic, completely

moated, mellow redbrick mansion in a tranquil

parkland setting. There are lots of events going on

at the Hall, not least their famous Tudor re-cre-

ations, and you can have a guided tour of the

house.

Melford Hall is a large Elizabethan house, built of

red brick around a quadrangle and ornamented

with mitre-topped turrets. It is run by the National

Trust.

One of the attractions of Long Melford today is

it’s thriving and growing hub of Art Galleries. In

the past Long Melford has been known as an

antique centre but now the village has a reputa-

tion for being the place in Suffolk to go to see and

buy works of art. This has brought a new vibrancy

to the village and there is a now a wider array of

good quality shops from ladies boutiques to Fine

Foods, as well as some remaining high quality

antique shops.

Long Melford is a true Suffolk gem. It has lots to

offer the visitor, from historic buildings to contem-

porary fashions, and the food available through-

out the Village - from the butcher to the restau-

rants and pubs - will keep you sustained through-

out your stay.

Main Street, Long Melford Kentwell Hall Melford Hall



LowestoftLocated on the most easterly

point of the British coast,

Lowestoft provides an ideal holi-

day location for all ages. With a

mix of vibrant sandy beaches,

pleasant seaside walks and quali-

ty family attractions all set in a

traditional seaside town.

This once flourishing fishing port

is now renowned for the quality

of its golden sandy beaches -

considered to be some of the

very best in Europe. The

Victorian gardens provide the

perfect surrounds to one of the

east coasts highlights.

The town centre and seafront

areas have seen some recent

changes to make them more

accessible to visitors. The

improvements included the

introduction of the Princess

Royal Fountains. The fountains

consist of 74 individual waters

jets that provide the perfect

attraction for children through

the day and a visual spectacle in

the evenings.

Lowestoft also offers a unique

shopping experience. The main

town centre provides all the high

street names, Kirkley offers a

choice of independent stores

whilst the High Street provides

an opportunity to shop in one of

the most interesting and histori-

cal parts of the town.

Those wishing to indulge into

Lowestoft Rich Maritime History

will be able to explore Heritage

Quay and the Maritime Museum.

There is also the opportunity to

buy some local fish from one of

the merchants or from the local

smoke house. Heading away

from the beach, the town is sur-

rounded by a wide choice of

attractions, ranging from muse-

ums, wildlife parks, piers and

other facilities that will keep all

visitors entertained.

The Marina Theatre in the town

provides a number of high quali-

ty acts throughout the year.

Those wishing to be a little more

active may decide to follow the

coastal walk and horse riding

along the coast or for the more

adventurous why not try your

hand at kite boarding. Not to be

missed is the legendary

Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival

on 11-12 August.

Lowestoft’s busy marina

Lowestoft beach Lowestoft Pavilion Lowestoft beach



MildenhallMildenhall is an attractive medieval market town surrounded by the River Lark. The town centres on the

Market Place with its 16th century hexagonal distinctive Market Cross - used for hanging criminals years

ago - and the Town Pump. The parish pump still stands in the market place, as a reminder that piped water

was not available until the 1940's. A market is held here every Friday and was established by Royal Charter

in 1412. During the Second World War, Mildenhall was an important bomber base and since 1950 it has

been home to the United States Air Force and is now one of the most important American installations in

this country. St Mary’s Church is one of the finest in Suffolk and the town has a good number of restau-

rants, shops and other amenities. Mildenhall Stadium hosts greyhound, stockcar and speedway racing.

Needham MarketA small, graceful, historic town set in the Gipping Valley with many fine buildings, Needham Market was

once a thriving wool town. It was ‘chained’ off from the outside world between 1663-65 to isolate it during

the plague. However, the town still lost two-thirds of its populace and did not recover for some two hun-

dred years until the arrival of the railway. The town has two road names linked to the plague: Chainhouse

Road, named after the chains that ran across the East end of the town, and The Causeway, a modern varia-

tion of ‘the corpseway’, so called because of the route that plague victims were transported out of town.

The town boasts many unusual, independent and specialist shops, and fine Georgian and Tudor architec-

ture. Nearby is Alder Carr Farm with a farm shop, pottery, tearoom, gift shop and monthly farmers´ market.

Be sure to visit Needham Lake and nature reserve.

OrfordSteeped in history, Orford is an attractive small town

overlooked by its 12th century castle keep built by

Henry VII for coastal defence. Brick and timber

buildings line the streets to the little quayside, where

there are boat trips to Orford Ness - Europe's largest

vegetated shingle spit. The Reserve contains a variety

of habitats including shingle, saltmarsh, mudflat,

brackish lagoons and grazing marsh. It provides an

important location for breeding and passage birds as

well as for the coastal shingle flora and wildlife,

including a large number of nationally rare species.

The Ness was a secret military test site from 1913 until

the mid 1980s. Visitors follow a 5.5 mile route, which

can be walked in total or in part (the full walk involves

walking on shingle). Try the locally cultivated oysters.

Mildenhall Stadium Needham Lake Bawdsey Millennium Statue, Newmarket Racing at Newmarket Newmarket Clock Tower



NewmarketWhether you’re a devoted horse-

racing fan or just a lover of beau-

tiful English towns, Newmarket is

sure to appeal. It has long been

associated with horses and rac-

ing, since successive royal family

members came to appreciate

the flat land as an ideal location

for galloping their horses.

Racing’s early administrative

body, The Jockey Club, came to

create its home here, and now

there are said to be some 2,500

horses training in the town at

any one time. If this is your par-

ticular fascination, you’ll be

pleased to find the National Stud

here, the National Horseracing

Museum, Tattersalls Sale Ring,

and also the impressive

Newmarket Racecourses

themselves.

There are other places of inter-

est for the curious visitor too.

Newmarket boasts impressive

features such as the grand Clock

Tower on the High Street, the

King Edward VII Memorial

Gardens, the War Memorial

Gardens and the elegant

Cleveland House in Old Station

Road, built in the 1820s by Lord

Darlington for his jockey.

Pin MillOn the banks of the River Orwell

the hamlet of Pin Mill is a haven

of tranquillity, loved by artists,

walkers and birdwatchers. The

17th century Butt & Oyster inn is

so close to the river that it can

serve pints of ale through the

window to yachtsmen at high

tide. Pin Mill was the setting for

Arthur Ransome’s book We

Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea.

SaxmundhamSaxmundham is a popular mar-

ket town on the River Fromus at

the centre of Suffolk's Heritage

Coastal region. Saxmundham, or

'Sax' as it is known locally, has

many local shops and business-

es, sports and leisure facilities.

The town has two caravan and

camping sites, as well as several

excellent hotels, guest houses

and B&Bs. There's also a market

every Wednesday. There are

several significant annual events

in the town such as St. Georges'

Day Weekend celebrations,

'Saxmundham in Bloom', and

Saxmundham Arts Festival.

StowmarketA town at the geographical heart

of rural Suffolk and on the River

Gipping, Stowmarket was origi-

nally an agricultural Market

Town. Industry developed upon

the canalization, in 1793, of the

River Gipping bringing new

prosperity to the town. Now the

old towpath forms an enjoyable

footpath through the

GippingValley from Stowmarket

railway station to the docks at

Ipswich. Even though it is grow-

ing in size and population,

Stowmarket hasn’t lost its charm,

with a variety of listed buildings,

typical of Suffolk’s towns and

villages, notably St Peter & St

Mary’s Church. Not to be missed

is the Museum of East Anglian

Life, one of the UK’s leading

open air museums.

Pin Mill



SudburySet in the heart of the Stour Valley, the market town of Sudbury was for centuries a centre of the weaving

and silk industries. The painter Thomas Gainsborough was born here, and a fine collection of his paintings

can be seen in his house, which also has a contemporary art gallery and a print workshop offering summer

courses. The Quay theatre puts on a lively programme of events and nearby, visitors can enjoy a lazy boat

trip on the River Stour followed by a cream tea at the restored 18th century granary. There is still a tradi-

tional market on Thursdays and Saturdays, a farmers' market on the last Friday of each month plus a lovely

range of shops to explore.

ThorpenessIf there was ever a village that deserved to be called ‘fantastic’, it is Thorpeness, built at the start of last

century by a wealthy Scottish barrister with a penchant for mock Tudor and Jacobean architecture. He also

ingeniously disguised the village’s water tower as an overgrown house, the striking ‘House in the Clouds’,

lest it offend the eye. J.M. Barrie fans of all ages can find his work realised at the Meare boating lake where

islands and coves are given names taken from Peter Pan. After an afternoon’s boating enjoy a meal and

explore the stalls at the Thorpeness Brasserie and Emporium.

Thorpeness boating lake,with the House in theClouds in the distance

Sudbury Market The Granary on the Stour, Sudbury Gainsborough’s House




Project2 17/3/11 19:03 Page 34

SouthwoldSouthwold lies in the centre of

an area of great natural beauty –

a paradise for the walker, the

naturalist, and the birdwatcher.

Situated on a hill that gently

rises from the Blyth Valley, the

town is virtually an island, being

surrounded by the River Blyth to

the south and Buss Creek to the

north. This has enabled

Southwold to retain its old

world charm. The dramatic

coastline and the town’s beauti-

ful architecture make it a popu-

lar attraction throughout the

year. In the summer,

Southwold’s sandy beaches are

a huge draw and out of season

some its most charming ele-

ments can be enjoyed – cosy

pub lunches, isolated walks or a

quiet browse in its many

antiques shops. Southwold’s

beach is immaculately kept and

is a regular Blue Flag winner. The

shore is famous for its rows of

brightly coloured and highly

sought after beach huts. These

days they sell for the price of a

small flat!

Quiet and full of character,

Southwold is a refreshingly

unspoilt coastal resort.

In the town centre there’s an

exciting selection of interest-

ing and independent shops,

selling antiques, crafts and

gifts. There is also a variety of

art galleries, boutiques and

jewellers.

As you’d expect, first class

seafood can be found in the

town’s many fine restaurants

and pubs, most of which serve

ales brewed by the local – and

world famous – Adnams Sole

Bay Brewery. They simply must

be sampled on a visit.

The Adnams stamp is every-

where and reflected in the

cluster of great pubs: Sole Bay

Inn, Lord Nelson, Harbour Inn

and King’s Head. The Crown

Hotel is one of several

Adnams-owned hostelries.

Winner of countless awards

and accolades, no visit to

the town is complete

without the chance to discover

the delights of the 16th centu-

ry coaching inn and its cre-

ative bar and restaurant

menus. The Swan Hotel, which

dominates the Market Place, is

not only an excellent place to

stay but has a highly regarded

restaurant.

Adnams has been brewing

from its base in the town for

over 100 years and now has an

estate of 80 pubs, two

bespoke hotels and a chain of

successful high quality wine

and kitchenware stores.

The brewery can be found

on East Green, and you can

see some of its workings

through an external glass wall.

Elsewhere in town look out for

the stylish Adnams Cellar &

Kitchen shop on Victoria

Street.


Special to the town is the

Southwold Summer Theatre,

with a season of children’s per-

formances, lunchtime events

and evening theatre.

Southwold looks out over Sole

Bay, scene of an inconclusive

battle in 1672 between the

combined British and French

fleet and the Dutch fleet. The

town was once known for its

herring fishery, and today the

attractive harbour is still home

to a little fleet of boats. To dis-

cover something of Southwold's

maritime heritage visit the

Sailors’ Reading Room, on East

Cliff overlooking the sea, where

the exhibits include ship

models, figure-

heads and early photographs of

past seafaring local heroes.

There’s more maritime history to

be found in The Alfred Corry

Museum, at the end of Ferry

Road, the resting place of

Southwold’s old sailing lifeboat,

which saved 47 lives during its

use between 1893 and 1918.

In Victoria Street the

Southwold Museum, once a

weaver’s cottage, houses an

intriguing collection of artifacts

from the town's past.

Southwold’s gleaming white

lighthouse, built in 1890,

stands 101 feet

above the town. Its warning

beacon can be seen for 17 miles

out to sea. Visitors who climb

the winding lighthouse stairs

are rewarded with fantastic

views.

Those wanting to take to the

sea themselves can take the

Coastal Voyager sea trip from

the harbour, a 30 minute tour of

Sole Bay.


WalberswickWalberswick is a village across the River Blyth

from Southwold. Until the early 20th century, it

was a trading port, but today it is one of Suffolk’s

top tourist attractions with half of the properties

in the village being holiday homes.

The village and surrounding beach and marsh-

land have long attracted residents drawn from the

arts, film and media. In the 1890s and 1900s it

became associated with Philip Wilson Steer and

his circle of English Impressionists, and it was

home to the noted artist and architect Charles

Rennie Mackintosh from 1914.

Considering its size, an inordinate number of

British celebrities own holiday homes in the vil-

lage including Emma Freud and her husband

Richard Curtis. Martin Bell and Geoffrey Palmer

both maintain properties here, while Paul Heiney

and Libby Purves live nearby. The village is the

setting for Esther Freud’s novel, The Sea House,

thinly disguised as ‘Steerborough’ - presumably a

coded reference, or in-joke, towards one-time resi-

dent, Philip Wilson Steer.

The village is famous for its annual crabbing

competition - The British Open Crabbing

Championship, held every August. The person

who catches the single heaviest crab within a

period of 90 minutes is declared the winner. The

proceeds go towards strengthening Walberswick's

sea defences. The village has tea rooms, restau-

rants, two public houses, an art gallery, original

crafts and gift shops.



WoodbridgeThe picturesque market town of Woodbridge

effortlessly mixes the old with the new and attracts

thousands of visitors every year. Whether it’s for a

walk along the smooth River Deben overlooking

Sutton Hoo, the ancient burial site of the Anglo

Saxon Kings tucked across the river estuary, or sim-

ply to enjoy one of the many cafes and eateries

around the town, you'll find plenty of reasons to

return again and again.

The town’s most well known landmark is the

white-boarded Tide Mill, which is neatly nestled

between the boat builders, sail makers and chan-

dlers still plying their wares. It may be one of the

earliest mills in the UK - a mill was first recorded on

this site in 1170 - but today’s building dates from

the 18th century. In town you will probably want

Walberswick St John’s Church, Woodbridge Woodbridge Market Place Tide Mill Woodbridge Market Woodbridge

to catch your breath in The Thoroughfare, a cor-

nucopia of delicatessens, boutiques, and book-

shops.

One of the real charms of the town are the tiny

winding lanes bedecked on either side with fine

medieval timbered cottages, Georgian townhous-

es, and a plethora of cosy pubs.

Market Hill provides one of the best vantage

points in town and it's here that you'll find

Woodbridge Museum which includes an excel-

lent collection of memorabilia telling the intrigu-

ing story of the National Trust’s Sutton Hoo site

amongst other things. Then there’s the Shire Hall

to explore. Built in 1575 by Thomas Seckford, the

beautiful building bisects Market Hill and is home

to the Suffolk Punch Heavy Horse Museum.



Suffolk’s scenery has inspired generations of artistsand continues to do so today. Art lovers will findmany contemporary landscapes and seascapes ingalleries throughout the county

Just a few places to find great art and crafts

Aldeburgh Gallery143 High Street,Aldeburgh01728 453203Angel Gallery17 Market Place,Lavenham01787 248417 Art Garden GalleryHigh Street, Yoxford 01728 668163Beyond the ImageGalleryRed House Yard,Thornham Magna 01379 678230Buckenham Galleries81 High Street,Southwold 01502 725418

Bury St EdmundsGalleryThe Market Cross,Cornhill, Bury StEdmunds 01284 762081Cork Brick Gallery6 Earsham Street,Bungay01986 894873CraftcoHigh Street, Southwold01502 723211The Crooked House Gallery7 High St, Lavenham 01787 247865Eyestorm Gallery27-29 St Nicholas Street,Ipswich, 01473 222197Ferini Art GalleryAll Saints Road,Pakefield, Lowestoft01502 562222

1st Floor Gallery1 Lower Downs Slade,Haverhill 01440 762444Halesworth GallerySteeple’s End,Halesworth01986 872409Hunter GalleryCoconut House, LongMelford 01787 466117Imagine GalleryHall Street, LongMelford, 01787 378786Jessica Muir GalleryHall Street, Long Melford 01787 310400John Russell Gallery4 - 6 Wherry Lane,Ipswich 01473 212051Kersey PotteryThe Street, Kersey 01473 822092

Kesgrave Arts83 Main Rd, Kesgrave 01473 333553Lime Tree GalleryHall Street, Long Melford 01787 319046Reunion Gallery36 Gainsborough Road,Felixstowe 01394 272266Sea Pictures GalleryWell Lane, Clare 01787 279024Serena Hall Gallery16 Queen St, Southwold01502 723887Snape MaltingsSnape, nr Aldeburgh 01728 688303 Soule PotteryStonham Barns, Stonham Aspal01449 711000

Southwold GalleryHigh Street, Southwold01502 723888Spiral GalleryHigh St, Debenham01728 861699Thompson’s Gallery 175 High St, Aldeburgh01728 453743The Town HallGalleriesCornhill, Ipswich 01473 432863The Upstairs GalleryExchange Square,Beccles 01502 717191Wildwood GalleryChurchgate St, Bury StEdmunds 01284 752938Wingfield BarnsChurch Rd, Wingfield 01379 384505

�Galleries

Carters Teapot Pottery A visit to this unique pottery will show you these world

renowned tea pots being made and printed by hand. And after watching the expert

crafts people at work, you can browse anround the pottery shop. Tony Carter and his

wife Anita started the business in 1978, growing it into a company with an internation-

al reputation. It now supplies tea pots to top London stores and a wide variety of shops

all over the world, making it one of the most original and collectible teapot companies

in England. Complete your visit with tea or coffee srved in the elegant surroundings of

their tea room. Low Road, Debenham 01728 860475 www.cartersteapots.com

Arts&Crafts


arts 1 16/3/11 21:22 Page 56


test 18/3/11 09:58 Page 1


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

AdnamsThe brewer of distinctly nauti-cal ales including Broadsideand Explorer, along with arange of seasonal brews. Theempire also includes an estateof 78 pubs and two hotels inits home port of Southwold.01502 727200www.adnams.co.uk Alder Carr Farm ShopAlder Carr farm raise their ownHighland cattle for beef, andproduce a delicious range offruit ice creams. Their largefarm shop and delicatessensells a wide range of producethat includes home-bakedpies, meats, Suffolk-curebacon, herb plants, free-rangeeggs, goat's cheese, Europeancheeses, Jersey cream andlocal wines and beers. The pickyour own farm offers a greatrange of fruit and veg, there’salso a yard restaurant andcrafts centre. Creeting St Mary 01449 720820Aspall CyderEight generations of theChevalier family in Debenhamhave produced Aspall SuffolkCyder. All apples pressed forthe cyder are from the localarea. 01728 860510aspall.co.uk Assington Farm ShopWillow Tree Farm at Assingtonsells own-produced honey,freshly pressed fruit juices and

bacon alongside a wide rangeof own grown fruit and veg.The shop also sells local porksausages, bread, free-rangeeggs and cakes. Specialitiesinclude homegrown fruits,Jersey cream and honeycombice-cream. And there’s alsoplenty of choice at their pickyour own farm, which is openthroughout the summer. Willow Tree Farm, Assington,Sudbury 01787 211610BartramsA micro-brewery run by MarcBartram since 1999 that haswon a host of sought-afterawards, including one for thelabel of Comrade BillBartrams Egalitarian AntiImperialist Soviet Stout. BurySt Edmunds 01449737655bartramsbrewery.co.uk BrandonBuilt in an old dairy in 2005which forms part of a hoteland restaurant complex offer-ing tearooms and hire boats.Among the range of beers isGunflint, which commemo-rates the role of the local flintin winning the Battle ofWaterloo. Brandon brandon-brewery.co.uk Butley Orford OysterageA unique experience whereyou can enjoy fish as fresh as itcomes - owner Bill Pinney willhave been at sea catching ithimself. Perfect, unadulterat-

ed fresh fish and seafood, oys-ters from Pinney’s own beds, alarge range of fish from theirown smokehouse, all availablein the shop or the wonderfullysimple restaurant. Market Hill,Orford 01394 450277The Chilli CompanyStarted in 2001, The ChilliCompany has grown over theyears and in 2006 opened theChilli Farm. Based in a 400year old converted barn whichhouses the shop and licensedcoffee shop, with the nurseryopen to the public during thesummer, they grow and sellover 50 varieties of chilliplants as well as a using themto make a range of home-made chilli including ChilliScones, Chilli Sausage rollsand Chilli Brownies and theyhave recently developed theirown Chilli Ice Cream. Mendlesham 01449 766 677Earl SohamA brewery based in an oldchicken shed behind theVictoria pub since 1985 beforebeing reopened in 2001 aftera refit. Its beers - whichinclude Victoria Bitter, AlbertAle, Gannet Mild, EmpressIndia and Porter - are nowavailable in over 25 pubs inthe region. 01728 684097 earlsohambrewery.co.uk Emmets of PeasenhallMark Thomas is widely recog-

nised as producing the finest

hams in southeast England,

using locally-reared, free-

range Suffolk pork and curing

and smoking on the premises

at his delightful well-stocked

shop that has a Royal Warrant.

Vintage Velvet hams are cured

with port, others with cider.

Peasenhall, Saxmundham,

01728 660250

Engel

A small brewery called "Opa

Hay's" in memory of the

owner's great grandfather

who brewed beer in northern

Germany. Its Pale Ale, Best

and Amber beers can be

found in five local pubs and

the Real Ale Shop in

Wrentham. Beccles

engelfineales.com

01502 679144

Farmcafe & Foodmarket

An oasis on the A12 offering

locally produced food in both

the café and shop. A12,

Marlesford, Woodbridge 01728

747717 farmcafe.co.uk

Friday Street Farm Shop

Locally produced organic veg

and chocolate are sold beside

a wide range of home-grown

seasonal vegetables. A good

selection of organic meat

includes beef, chicken, pork

and lamb. Farnham,

nr Saxmundham

01728 602783

Food&Drink

food & drink 17/3/11 18:29

Goslings Farm ShopThis well stocked general farmstore offers plenty of homegrown and local fruit and veg-etables, local meats and poul-try, cakes, bread and preservesand a range of gluten free andvegetarian foods. They sellown-grown Maris Bard,Stemster and Saxon potatoesthroughout the year and offera wide range of pick-your-ownsoft fruit and veg. To add toyour visit there’s a coffee shopserving homemade dishes andcakes, and a packed plant cen-tre. Longford House, Trimley StMary, Felixstowe 01394 273361Grange Farm ShopSeasonal apples are a specialityhere, sold beside home-grownpears, plums, blackcurrantsand more. The shop also offersa range of locally sourcedproducts including seasonalveg, groceries, meat, cakes,juices and ice cream. Grundis-burgh Road, Hasketon, Wood-bridge 01473 735610Green JackA three-man team producingbeer inside the Triangle Tavernwho produced a brew calledRipper which was voted thebest winter beer in the UK. Allits beers are known for theirhoppy character thanks to ablend of local and new worldhops. Lowestoft 01502 582711 green-jack.co.uk

Greene KingA pub owner and brewerbased in Bury St Edmunds forover 200 years, Greene King isresponsible for iconic beersincluding Abbot, Old SpeckledHen, Ruddles County and itseponymous IPA. Bury StEdmunds 01284 763222 greeneking.co.uk Hadleigh Maid ChocolatesBeautifully packaged choco-lates carefully hand-made by ateam of chocolate fanatics inthe picturesque town ofHadleigh. George Street,Hadleigh 0845 330 6384hadleighmaid.comHigh House Fruit FarmFruit growers for more than 40years with a shop that’s opendaily selling fresh fruit, juicesand preserves. Or pick yourown! Sudbourne, Woodbridge high-house.co.ukHollow Trees Farm ShopThis Les Routier accreditedfarm shop has been estab-lished for 20 years. You’ll findlocal meats - including kidmeat from their own-rearedgoats, and home-reared beef,pork and lamb - locally bakedbreads and carrot cakes, homegrown vegetables, hay for pets,locally smoked fish and finecheeses, local ales and ciders,fresh pressed juices andsmoothies, and home growncut flowers and plants. There’s

also a farm trail that takes youthrough the fields and live-stock sheds, and a café. Semer, nr Hadleigh. 01449 741247 James WhiteA range of bottled fruit juicesproduced just eight milesnorth of Ipswich and availableto buy regionwide.jameswhite.co.ukJimmy’s FarmAs seen on TV, Jimmy Doherty’splace is a working farm whichmakes for a geat family dayout with trails, and play areas.In the farm shop you can buyall of their home reared freerange pig produce, beef andlamb in our butchers as well asan abundance of herbs andveggies from the garden. Pan-nington Hall Lane, Wherstead08444 938088MauldonsA micro-brewery set up in1981 by Peter Mauldon, re-establishing a family businessdating back to the 18th centu-ry. Though it has since beenpurchased by an outsider itcontinues to produce the oldfavourites, including award-winning Black Adder. Sudbury www.mauldons.co.uk01787 311055Musk’sIt’s not just horses Newmarketis famous for. The recipe forthese sausages is a closelyguarded secret and unchanged

since the days of QueenVictoria. Today, the companystill supplies sausages to theQueen. 01638 662626Newbourne Farm ShopFamily run farm shop sellinghome grown fruit & vegetablesand locally sourced, Suffolkfood. suffolkcheese.co.uk 01473 836996Palmers BakeriesThe oldest traditional familybakers and confectioners inSuffolk. Established in 1869,the Palmer Family use only tra-ditional ingredients and meth-ods. Shops located inHaughley, Stowmarket,Woolpit, Stanton, Claydon,Meredith & Norwich Road inIpswich. 01449 673286 PowtersSince 1881, Powters has built a reputation for its ‘NewmarketSausage’. Prime cuts of EastAnglian pork, freshly boned byhand and mixed with theirsecret blend of herbs andspices gives this a unique anddistinctive flavour. WellingtonStreet, Newmarket 01638662418 powters.co.ukRed Rat Craft BreweryA brewery whose successallowed it to multiply its out-put by 20 times in a year to10,000 pints a week. Amongits favourites is the highly-regarded Crazy Dog Stout(named after the owner's own


The Chilli Company Jimmy’s Farm Aspall Cyder Musk’s

food & drink 17/3/11 18:29

ALDEBURGH

Church Hall,

Victoria Road

3rd Sat monthly

9am to 12.30pm

ASSINGTON

The Barn at

Assington, The Street

2nd Sun 10am-2pm

BARSHAM

The Grange Farm

Centre Last Saturday

9am-1pm

BECCLES

Beccles Heliport

1st & 3rd Saturday

9am-1pm

EARSHAM

Earsham Hall

2nd Sat 9am-1pm

EASTON

Easton Farm Park

4th Saturday 9am-

1pm

HALESWORTH

Holton Village Hall

2nd Sat 9am-1pm

HARKSTEAD

Village Hall

3rd Saturday 9am -

12noon

IPSWICH

Corn Hill Exchange

1st Sunday 9am-4pm

LAVENHAM

Village Hall

4th Saturday all day

LONG MELFORD

Village Hall

3rd Saturday

10am-1pm

METFIELD

Village Hall

1st Saturday

9am -12 noon

NEEDHAM MARKET

Alder Carr Farm

3rd Saturday

9am-1pm

RICKINGHALL

Village Hall

2nd Saturday

9am-1pm

SNAPE

Snape Maltings

1st Saturday

9.30am-1pm

SOUTHWOLD

Adnams Cellar &

Kitchen Store

Every Fri 9am-

12.30pm

STANTON

Wyken Vineyards

Every Saturday

9am-1pm

STOWMARKET

Market Place

1st Friday

9am-1pm

STRADBROKE

Business and

Enterprise College

1st Saturday

9am-1pm

SUDBURY

St Peter's Church

Last Friday

9.30am-1pm

WHERSTEAD

Jimmy’s Farm

1st Saturday

9am-1pm

WOODBRIDGE

Community Centre

2nd & 4th Saturday

9am-1pm

�Suffolk Farmers’ Markets Dates indicate the regular day of the

month the markets are held

dog) which is a great accom-paniment to dark meat andgame. Troston 01359 269742 Rookery Farm ShopLocally produced DoubleFudge Delight ice cream is oneof a number of specialities.The shop also sells Sutton Hoochicken, local lamb, smokedfish, honey and seasonal vegsuch as purple sprouting bro-colli and butternut squash.Tattingstone, Ipswich 01473 327220St PetersA brewery relying on Anglianmalts and water drawn upfrom the chalky ground with-in its perimeter. It supple-ments a range of traditionalbeers with seasonal treatssuch as honey porter and fruitbeer, as well as a gluten freevariety. Bungay 01986 78232stpetersbrewery.co.uk

Shawsgate VineyardOne of East Anglia’s oldestcommercial vineyards produc-ing a range of white, red androsé wines. Wander aroundthe vineyard, visit the shop, ortake a tour. Badingham Road,Framlingham 01728 724060 Suffolk FarmhouseCheesesAll cheeses are made fromJason & Elisabeth Salisbury’sGuernsey cows on their farmin Cottenham. 01473 836996 suffolkcheese.co.uk Suffolk Food HallThe Food Hall brings togetherseveral businesses under oneroof providing an outlet forthe best local quality food. Theconcept of the Suffolk FoodHall started to take shape in2005. As farmers, Oliver andRobert Paul were frustratedthat consumers had limited

and often inconvenient accessto much of the fantastic foodproduced locally. Hence theyset about creating a Food Hallthat is a showcase for qualitylocal food with provenance.They have teamed up with anumber of specialists, includ-ing Hamish Johnston cheese,Crystal Waters fishmonger,Bread by Helena Doy,Promotion Wine and theBourne Garden Centre and arelooking to provide a great dayout for the whole family withquality, traceable food along-side other local products.Restaurant. Wherstead 01473 786610Ufford Produce and Provison CoAward winning specialistSuffolk Food Store. As well asfresh produce from surround-ing farms all meat products

are sourced from suppliers

who raise and butcher their

animals within a 30 mile

radius of the shop. Loudham

Lane, Lower Ufford, Wood-

bridge 0844 556 9323

suffolk-produce.co.uk

Willow Trees Farm Shop

Willow Trees farm shop sells as

much seasonal and local pro-

duce as possible, and it is all

superb quality. There are

cheeses and chickens, cakes

and breads, as well as classic

frozen vegetables and ready

meals. Willow Trees also stock

a wide range of locally pro-

duced jams and chutneys, oils

and sauces, and they are well

worth a visit during the short

asparagus season for a taste of

those alone. Lower Road,

Glemsford, Long Melford

01787 280341

Suffolk Farmhouse Cheeses The Suffolk Food Hall, Wherstead


food & drink 21/3/11 10:38

Suffolk Food & Drink at

The Bildeston CrownFood is an integral part of The Bildeston Crown experi-ence and Chef Chris Lee is fast developing an excellentreputation for his innovative style and both he and therestaurant have won a number of awards and accolades:

� In September 2007 he was named by The Good Food

Guide joint winner of the pp-and-coming chef award for

the whole country.

� In the same month the restaurant was awarded Three

Rosettes by the AA making The Bildeston Crown one of

only two restaurants in Suffolk to have this status. In

2011 they are the only Suffolk restaurant to still have this.

� Best Restaurant, Suffolk Food & Drink Awards - Sept

2010

� Winner “Taste of England” - National Enjoy England

Awards for Excellence 2009

Quality produce, sourced locally whenever possible andwith much from the owners' own farm, is used when inseason, to get the very best results. The eclectic menuat The Bildeston Crown caters for every taste.Vegetarian twists and seafood favourites are plentifulbut the confirmed carnivore is most definitely in for atreat if not a difficult decision with the menus whichchange regularly. Classics features regular favourites;Select is a little more adventurous and at times reallyquite experimental and Crown Tasting is perhaps theultimate dining experience at The Bildeston Crown.There is also a mid week set lunch menu.

The Bildeston Crown has attracted some very positivepress comment from local and national media:

� Times reviewer Giles Coren “finds a place (The

Bildeston Crown) so good, he recommends it without

even eating there” when he apparently stumbled upon

“the best little progressive kitchen in Suffolk” (Times 19

April 2008).

� Representing Suffolk and chef Chris Lee beating the

Bikers in “The Hairy Bikers' Tour of Britain” screened 24

August 2009

Discover the Bildeston Crown for yourself: call 01449

740510 or go to www.thebildestoncrown.co.uk


The Bildeston Crown: Exterior, Cuisine, Restaurant

Sorrel Horse InnThis picturesque, quin-

tessential village pub is

worth seeking out.

Situated in the pretty

village of Shottisham 6

miles from Woodbridge

you will be enchanted

by the inns authentic character and charm. The

dispense of beer is still by gravity, direct from casks

and tastes great. Traditional Bar billiards can be

played in the main bar and Good tasting traditional

food is offered in the restaurant. Accompanied dogs

and horse riders are welcome. Shottisham 01394411617 www.sorrelhorseinn.co.uk

food & drink 17/3/11 18:29


�ACTIVITYAnglia Indoor Karting

This full size, purpose designed indoor

racetrack offers many exciting features,

all to boost the thrill of competitive

racing in an atmosphere of fun and

excitement. Farthing Road, Sproughton,

Ipswich (01473 240087)

Beacon Rally Karts

Outdoor off-road rally kart centre for all

ages over 5. Three separate tracks and dif-

ferent size karts make this a fun day for

all. Bealing Road, Martlesham, nr Wood-

bridge 01394 610066

Beccles Outdoor Swimming Pool

Traditional lido. Heated pool situated by

the river Waveney. Puddingmoor, Beccles

01502 713297

Exploring the Broads

Great fun by cycle or canoe from Outney

Meadow Caravan Park. Outney Meadow,

Bungay 01986 892338

Felixstowe Leisure Centre

25m pool, state of the art fitness suites,

activity hall, bowls hall, soft play area,

health suite and more. Seafront,

Felixstowe 01394 670411

Foxworth Leisure & Fishery

Offering fishing for novices right through

to experienced anglers, with three lakes.

Foxearth also offers air rifle shooting and

archery. Glemsford Road, Foxearth,

Sudbury 01787 280024

Fultons Clay Pigeon Shooting

'Have-a-go' taster sessions for beginners

comprise safety instruction, gun fit, eye

dominance check and include gun loan,

cartridges, clays, ear and eye protection.

Coaching for the more experienced too.

Worlington (07734 735 511)

Go Ape!

Extreme tree-top challenge course - an

amazing trail of nets, rope bridges, slides

and trapezes high up in the trees.

Santon Downham, Brandon

0870 420 1279

High Lodge

Sporting and leisure venue set in 100

acres of woodland, offering Clay Target

Shooting, a Pay and Play 9-hole golf

course, fishing, holiday lodges, shop and

more. Haw Wood, Hinton, nr Darsham

01986 784347

High Lodge Forest Centre

High Lodge Forest Centre is the Forestry

Commission’s premier recreation destina-

tion in East Anglia and right at the heart

of Thetford Forest, Europe’s largest man-

made lowland forest! With over 70kms of

cycle trail, 20kms of walks and 50 pieces

of equipment in the children’s Play Arena

its perfect for every member of the fami-

ly. ‘Bike Art’ can hire you a cycle to

explore the forest floor or you can live life

adventurously with ‘Go Ape’; the award

winning high wire adventure in the trees.

High Lodge has all the facilities you need

including a gift shop and café; that serves

tasty food and drink from local suppliers.

‘Live Music’ on the green in June/July.

Open all year, a site entry charge applies;

see our website for full details:

www.forestry.gov.uk/highlodge. Mobility

scooter available for free hire. 01842

815434

Suffolk Moto Park

The home of Suffolk's off-road driving

experience, the Moto Park offers the thrill

of rough terrain driving. There are 4x4s,

with both Land and Range Rovers pro-

tected by safety roll cages; Quad Riding,

with 250cc Polaris Trail Blazer quads, and

290cc off road Dirt Karts. Instruction and

safety equipment provided for all. Clay

Pigeon shotting slso available. Red House

Farm, Bucklesham, Ipswich 01473 659222

Wildtracks Off Road Activity Park

Purpose-built offroad activity park dedi-

cated to a range of fun outdoor events for

the public and corporate entertainment

market. Offroad driving course and play

areas; 4x4s and tuition; Military vehicle

driving range; 10m wide, 700m tarmac

karting circuit and high performance

karts; Purpose-built tracks for motocross,

supermoto, quad bikes and rally karts;

Clay and laser target shooting, laser com-

bat, archery and fly casting; Hovercrafts

and more. Chippenham Road, Kennett,

Newmarket 01638 751918

The National Stud Beacon Rally Karts Jimmy’s Farm

Beautiful countryside, heaps of history, family funand adventure... see what Suffolk has to offer

See&Do

places to visit 1 21/3/11 10:36 Page 40


test 18/3/11 08:59 Page 1


�ANIMALSBaylham House Rare Breeds Farm

Working livestock farm breeding endan-

gered breeds of farm animals. Cattle,

sheep, goats, poultry, alpacas and pigs.

Every child gets a free bag of food to feed

the animals. Main area of farm is wheel-

chair and pushchair friendly. Walks round

paddocks, beside river and lake shore.

Picnic areas. Disabled toilet. Baby chang-

ing. Café and shop with gifts and home

made refreshments. Mill Lane, Baylham,

Ipswich 01473 830264

Easton Farm Park

Delightful farm where you can learn all

about the different animals. Lambs,

ponies, Suffolk Punch Horses, piglets, rare

breed cows and more. Chick nursery,

adventure playground, pedal tractors, go

karts, café and gift shop. Easton, nr Fram-

lingham 01728 746475

Jimmy’s Farm

As seen on TV, Jimmy’s Farm is the home

of the rare breed Essex Pig. It’s a working

farm and is open for visitors 7 days a

week. There's loads to do at the farm for a

great family day out. There’s a Nature Trail,

Woodland Walk, Beautiful Garden's, Farm

Shop, Adventure Play Area and Field

Kitchen. You can buy the home reared free

range pig produce, beef and lamb in the

butchers as well as an abundance of herbs

and veggies from the garden. Pannington

Hall Lane, Ipswich 0844 4938088

The National Stud

The only Thoroughbred horse stud in

Britain open to the general public. Take a

tour around the 500-acre site, see stal-

lions, 200 mares, and foals. Newmarket

01638 666789

Oasis Camel Centre

Farm Park that specialises in camels, lla-

mas, alpacas, plus there's a pets corner,

play areas, crazy golf, bouncy castle, walks

and gift shop. Orchard Farm, Cratfield

Road, Linstead, Halesworth 07836 896644

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary

A delightful place to visit to watch, study or

simply enjoy the company of Owls and

other birds of prey. There are over 60 raptors

at the Centre, all housed in spacious aviaries

and flying free in narrated flying displays or

Africa AliveAt this award-winning attraction set in

100 acres of dramatic coastal parkland

where you can get close to the animals

and discover the sights, sounds and

smells of the world's most vibrant and

exciting continent. Enjoy a walking fam-

ily safari through 8 acres of farmland

with lions, rhinos, giraffes, cheetahs and

more. An awe-inspiring presentation of

the African Savannah, where the ani-

mals roam freely together as they do in

the wild. Kessingland, Lowestoft 01502

740291 www.africa-alive.co.uk

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary Jimmy’s Farm Oasis Camel Centre

demonstrations. You will also find Red

Squirrels, the Raptor Hospital, an informa-

tion centre about Owls, a woodland walk

with bird hide, picnic areas and plenty of

activities for children including a mini-maze

& adventure frame, plus the famous Owl

Barn Gift Shop. Stonham Barns, Stonham

Aspal 01449 711425

Valley Farm Camargue Horses

A working farm and a diverse, multi

award-winning equestrian leisure centre.

Attractions include an animal collection,

featuring Britain’s only herd of Camargue

horses from the south of France, and their

foals, as well as Camelot the Camel,

Muffin the Mule and other animal friends,

as featured many times on television.

Wickham Market, Woodbridge 01728

746916

�OPEN AIRAlton Water

Largest reservoir in Suffolk offering fishing,

sailing, windsurfing, nature reserve inter-

est, picnic area, footpaths, water sports

centre extension and visitor centre. Cycle

hire available. Holbrook Road, Stutton, nr

Ipswich 01473 589105

Brandon Country Park

32 acres in the heart of the Brecks with

walks, cycle and easy access trails. Bury

Road, Brandon 01842 810185

The Brecks

One of the great natural areas of Britain

with over 370 square miles of forest,

heathland and countryside. 01842 760116

Carlton Marshes

Over 100 acres of beautiful Suffolk

grazing marsh, fens and peat pools to

explore via waywarked trails. Burnt Hill

Lane, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft 01502

564250

places to visit 1 17/3/11 09:37 Page 41


test 18/3/11 09:01 Page 1

Clare Castle Country Park

Beautiful quiet space that contains the

remains of the 13th century stone castle

keep. The Nature Trail takes in the River

Stour and the Railway Walk. Visitor Centre.

Maltings Lane, Clare 01787 277491

Dunwich Heath Coastal Centre

Enjoy wonderful walks and fabulous views

at this Site of Specific Interest within an

area of outstanding natural beauty. Mins-

mere Road, Dunwich 01728 648505

Fritton Lake

A beautiful stretch of water where you can

mess about on boats, children can enjoy

the playground, forts and mini tractors,

there's 9-hole golf, fishing,pony rides and

relaxing walks. Fritton, nr Lowestoft 01493

488288

High Lodge Forest Centre

The Forestry Commission's premier recre-

ation site in the East of England. You can

walk, cycle, play, picnic, barbecue or sim-

ply relax and enjoy the forest. Santon

Downham, Brandon 01842 810271

Lackford Lakes

This nature reserve has year round impor-

tance for birds, dragonflies and other

wildlife. The visitor centre offers stunning

views across the reserve and is an ideal

place to start your visit. Lackford, Bury St

Edmunds 01284 728706

Nowton Park

200 acres of beautiful Suffolk countryside

landscaped over 100 years ago in typical

Victorian style. Nowton Road, Bury St

Edmunds 01284 763666

RSPB Havergate Island

The island is famous for its breeding avo-

cets and terns, which can be seen through-

out the spring and summer. The boat trip

to the island (at 10am) adds to the interest

of your day out, and helps you really feel

you're getting away from it all. Prior book-

ing essential. Orford Quay 01394 450732

RSPB Lakenheath FenA wetland area filled with life: marsh har-

riers, hobbies, bearded tits and warblers.

Lakenheath 01842 863400

RSPB North Warren

Nature Reserve

Stroll across the heathland to hear

Dartford warblers and woodlarks, while

bitterns and marsh harriers can be seen in

the reedbeds. The wet grassland supports

breeding waders and wintering wildfowl,

including some of the UK's only regular

tundra bean geese. Aldeburgh 01728

648281

RSPB Wolves Wood

Ancient woodland used to cover much of

East Anglia. This is one of the few remain-

ing areas, managed by traditional coppic-

ing to benefit a variety of wildlife.

Hadleigh 01473 328006

Sandlings Forests

The Sandlings covers woods in

Rendlesham, Tangham and Dunwich.

Rendlesham forest is the main area for

recreation and there are various picnic sites

and recreation areas. There are 3 circular

walks including disabled trails and forest

cycle trails and an adventure playground.

Nr Woodbridge 01394 450164

Thornham Walks

Twelve miles of footpaths through the

woodland, farmland and parkland of the

Thornham Estate. Red House Yard, Thorn-

ham Magna, Eye 01379 788345

West Stow Country Park

125- acre country park with a wide range

of Breckland habitats - heath, woodland,

river and a lake. There are nature trails,

walks, bird hides and a bird feeding/view-

ing area, visitor centre, café, shop, picnic

areas and adventure playground. Ickling-

ham Road, West Stow, Bury St Edmunds

01284 728718

Lackford Lakes Pleasurewood Hills, Lowestoft Marina Theatre, Lowestofts


Do you love nature? Are you looking for a relaxing countryside walk in beautifulcoastal and wetland scenery? If theanswer is yes, then try a visit to RSPBMinsmere nature reserve.

Minsmere is a perfect place to discovernature. Our two circular walks bring youclose to a wide variety of wildlife, what-ever the season. Seven birdwatchinghides offer shelter, with excellent viewsacross Minsmere's wetlands.

The shallow coastal lagoons, known asthe Scrape, attract breeding avocets,gulls and terns, migrant wading birds, orlarge flocks of ducks in winter. In thereedbed, look for the elusive bittern,impressive marsh harrier or tiny beardedtit. With luck you may even spot an otter.In the woods, look for red deer, listen tonightingales and warblers, or watch

butterflies flitting among the flowers.Volunteer guides are ready to help you

to discover nature. If you see themaround, please ask for help. You mightlike to join them on a guided walk orfamily activity day - see website fordetails. In the visitor centre you can refuel in the excellent tearoom, or treatyourself or your garden birds in the RSPB Shop.

Minsmere is open daily, except 25 and26 December, from dawn to dusk. VisitorCentre open 9 am - 5 pm (closed 4 pmNovember - January). Westleton, Saxmundham 01728 648281www.rspb.org.uk/minsmere

RSPB Minsmere

places to visit 1 17/3/11 09:37

�FAMILY FUNAdventure Island Playbarn

Excellent purpose-built children’s indoor

soft play centre. Units 15/17 Pinbush Road,

South Lowestoft Industrial Estate, Lowestoft

01502 519933

Anglia Indoor Karting

The thrill of competitive racing in an

atmosphere of fun and excitement.

Purpose designed race track and hospitali-

ty centre. Farthing Road, Sroughton,

Ipswich 01473 240087

The East Point Pavilion

Visitor Centre

A glass, all-weather Edwardian-style

structure with a large indoor play plat-

forms called Mayhem. Small souvenir

shop, restaurant and tearooms. Royal

Plain, Lowestoft 01502 533600

Lowestoft Family Bowl

Indoor bowling, 9-hole mini-golf.

Capital Estate, Rant Score, Whapload Road,

Lowestoft 01502 519200

Mannings Amusement Park

Originally opened in 1933 by Sir Billy

Butlin this fun park has been run by the

Manning family since 1946. Traditional

fairground rides and amusement arcades.

Seafront, Felixstowe 01394 282370

Mr G’s Bowling Centre

8 lane complex with stylish 200 seating

capacity bar & restaurant in the centre

of Brandon. Market Hill, Brandon

01842 813111

Moo Play Farm

Indoor play barn and outdoor adventure

play farm for ages up to 12. Tractor rides,

nature hunt, picnic area and farm pets.

Locks Road, Brampton, Beccles

01502 575841

Pleasurewood Hills

Award-winning amusement park with

over 40 amazing rides, including the

thrilling 120ft, 50mph Wipeout, Enigma

roller coaster and awesome spinning

Wizzy Dizzy. Plus lots of family rides and

entertainment, including wonderful

shows with Sea lions, parrots, acrobats

and clowns! Leisure Way, Corton, Lowestoft

01502 586000

South Pier Leisure Complex

Ten-pin bowling, amusement arcades,

luxury casino and more. Royal Plain,

Lowestoft 01502 512793

Southwold Maize Maze

A giant puzzle of pathways within 8 acres

of maize, a real brain-teaser that will test

your navigational skills to the limit. Every

year there's a new design. Plus play and

picnic area. Old Hall Farm, Halesworth

Road, Reydon, Southwold 01379 586746

Southwold Pier

Following extensive renovation Southwold

Pier is now one of the finest examples of a

Pier to be found in the British isles. From

traditional fish and chips in the

Promenade Café to mouthwatering menus

in the Boardwalk and The Clockhouse. Plus

gift shop, children's shop and lifestyle

store, amusements and more. The pier

receives visits from Britain's only surviving

sea-going steam passenger ship, the PS

Waverley paddle steamer and its sister

ship the MV Balmoral. North Parade,

Southwold 01502 722105

�GARDENSAbbey Gardens

Beautiful public gardens surrounding the

ruins of the Abbey, with a prize-winning

record. Stunning summer bedding displays

set the tone for the annual Bury in Bloom

campaign. The Gardens include a host of

ducks, a children's play area, aviaries, ten-

nis courts, putting, a bowling green, a

teashop and a riverside walk leading

towards a local nature reserve known as

No Man's Meadows. Bury St Edmunds

01284 757067

Helmingham Hall Gardens

Spectacular Grade 1 listed garden in the

grounds of the 500 year-old house, home

to the Tollemache family. A moated and

walled garden with many rare roses and

possibly the best kitchen garden in Britain.

With a new rose garden and herb and knot

garden created in the early 1980s. Helm-

ingham Hall, nr Stowmarket 01473 890799

East Anglia Transport Museum Adventure Island Playbarn Mannnigs Amusement Park



�HISTORYChristchurch Mansion

A fine Tudor mansion built between 1548

and 1550 with later additions. A good col-

lection of furniture, panelling, ceramics,

clocks and paintings from the 16th-19thC.

Christchurch Park, Ipswich 01473 433554

Euston Hall

Home for the Dukes of Grafton for over

300 years and currently lived in by the

eleventh Duke. The Hall has been open to

the public during the summer for over 25

years. The Hall, Craft Shop and Tea Room

are manned entirely by volunteers on

open days. The Hall contains, among its

treasures, the famous collection of paint-

ings of the court of Charles II and includes

works by Van Dyck, Lely and Stubbs.

Visitors are also invited to enjoy the tran-

quil gardens, the church and the river walk

to the recently restored watermill. Euston,

Thetford 01842 766366

Eye Castle

A Norman motte-and-bailey with

medieval walls and a Victorian folly. The

castle has always had close associations

with royalty since the Norman conquest.

Eye 01449 724636

Framlingham Castle

A magnificent example of a late 12th-cen-

tury castle. Built by Roger Bigod, Earl of

Norfolk, the castle, together with

Framlingham Mere, was designed both as

a stronghold and as a symbol of power

and status - as befitted one of the most

influential people at the court of the

Plantagenet kings. Architecturally, the cas-

tle is notable for its curtain wall with

mural towers, an early example of this

design. Walk around the impressive wall-

walk, explore the mere and admire the

fine castle gatehouse. It was here that

Mary Tudor waited to hear whether she or

Lady Jane Grey had been declared Queen

after the death of Edward VI. A new intro-

ductory exhibition in the Poorhouse tells

the story of the people who lived in the

castle through its long and varied history.

Glemham Hall

An elegant, red brick Elizabethan mansion

surrounded by 300 acres of parkland situ-

ated between Woodbridge and

Saxmundham. Glemham Hall was built

circa 1560 by the de Glemham family,

who took their name from nearby Great

(Magna) and Little (Parva) Glemham.

After a varied history, the Cobbold brew-

ing family purchased the house in 1923; it

became the home of Captain John Murray

Cobbold - founder and first chairman of

Ipswich Town Football Club as a profes-

sional club - and his wife Lady Blanche, a

daughter of the 9th Duke of Devonshire.

The 3,000 acre estate now hosts a variety

of events including a country fair, open air

opera and theatre. Little Glemham, Wood-

bridge 01728 746704

Hadleigh Guildhall

A medieval timber-framed complex,

Grade I listed dating from 15th century.

There is a timbered guildroom, an old

town hall which has a fine crown-post

roof, a Georgian assembly room and a

Victorian ballroom. Small walled garden

with medieval features. Market Place,

Hadleigh 01473 823884

Holton Saint Peter Postmill

A restored postmill, dating from the mid-

18th Century, on a 2-storey roundhouse.

There are displays on the history and

workings of the mill. Holton St Peter,

Halesworth 01986 872367

Kentwell Hall & Gardens

Moated redbrick Tudor mansion in a tran-

quil parkland setting. Over 150 years ago it

was written that ‘visitors emerging from

the Avenue on a summery evening cannot

withhold admiration when they see the

manifold beauties of Kentwell Hall’. This

remains true today. The exterior is almost

unaltered, whilst the interior retains the

original Tudor service areas. Elsewhere,

alterations reflect the changing tastes of

successive families, embellished by that of

the present owners. Renowned for its

incredible Re-creations of everyday Tudor

life and, occasionally, of WWII daily life.

The present owners’ efforts, since 1979, to

restore the house and recover and extend

the once noted gardens, add to any visit’s

enjoyment. Long Melford 01787 310207

Lavenham Guildhall of

Corpus Christi

One of the finest timber-framed Tudor

buildings in Britain, with tearoom, shop

and children's guide. Market Place,

Lavenham 01787 247646

Leiston Abbey

One of Suffolk's most impressive monastic

ruins of a 14th century abbey with a 16th

century brick gatehouse.

Leiston 01223 582700

Melford Hall

Romantic Tudor mansion, home of the

Hyde-Parker family. New interpretations,

craft displays, special events.

Long Melford 01787 379228

The Malthouse Project

Restored old maltings, which dates back

to the 17th Century. Elsey's Yard, Risbygate

Street, Bury St Edmunds 01284 732550

Somerleyton Hall Sutton Hoo Helmingham Hall Gardens



Orford Castle

The unique polygonal towerkeep of Orford

Castle stands beside the pretty town and

former port which Henry II also developed

here in the 1160s. His aim was to counter-

balance the power of turbulent East

Anglian barons like Hugh Bigod of

Framlingham, and to guard the coast

against foreign mercenaries called to their

aid. An 18-sided drum with three square

turrets, and a forebuilding reinforcing its

entrance, the keep was built to a highly

innovative design. Climb its spiral stair-

case leading to a maze of rooms and pas-

sageways and visit the museum in the

upper hall. Orford 01394 450472

St Edmundsbury Cathedral

There has been a church on the site of

Suffolk's Cathedral for nearly 1000 years.

Once part of the great Abbey of St

Edmund, St James' Church served the

people of the town. The nave of today's

church, started in 1503, is the successor of

that church. Though little remains of the

Benedictine Abbey, following the

Dissolution in 1539, St James' Church has

continued to grow over the centuries. In

1914 St James’ became the Cathedral

church of the Diocese of Saint

Edmundsbury and Ipswich. The last 40

years have seen several additions to the

church and its associated buildings, culmi-

nating in the recent Millennium Project.

The striking Millennium Tower, completed

in 2005, is now the crowning glory of St

Edmundsbury Cathedral. Angel Hill, Bury

St Edmunds 01284 754933

Saxtead Green Postmill

This corn mill was one of many built in

Suffolk from the late 13th century.

Though milling ceased in 1947, it is still in

working order. Climb the stairs to various

floors, which are full of fascinating mill

machinery. Saxtead Green

01728 685789

Somerleyton Hall & Gardens

Home of the Crossley family since 1844,

the Hall was remodelled from an original

Jacobean Manor. 12 acres of beautiful

gardens with famous 1846 Yew Tree Maze.

Guided tours of the hall, garden trail,

Walled Garden and special events.

Somerleyton, Lowestoft 0871 222 4244

Southwold Lighthouse

Enjoy a tour of this marvellous opera-

tional landmark, first lit in 1889. Strad-

broke Road, Southwold 01502 722576

Sutton Hoo

One of Britain’s most important and

atmospheric archaeological sites, burial

ground of the Anglo-Saxon kings of East

Anglia, discovered during 1939 excava-

tions, completed in 1991. Priceless royal

treasures were discovered in a huge ship

grave. Axhibition hall tells the compelling

story of early English history, and you can

also enjoy sandlings heathland and

woodland walks. This year's exhibition at

Sutton Hoo features the stunning work of

Time Team artist Victor Ambrus. See how

his drawings bring the people of the past

to life and capture the atmosphere of a

distant history. Nr Woodbridge

01394 389700

Thorpeness Windmill

This working mill dates from 1803 and is a

Visitor Centre for Suffolk Coast and Heaths

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Uplands Road, Thorpeness 01728 687110

West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village

Unique reconstructed Anglo-Saxon Village

built on an original settlement site, giving

visitors the opportunity to touch and

experience Anglo-Saxon houses as we

imagine them to have been one thousand

five hundred years ago. Visitors can also

see the archaeological objects excavated

from the site on display in a specially built

centre. West Stow, nr Bury St Edmunds

01284 728718

Woodbridge Tide Mill

By the early 1950s Woodbridge was home

to the only surviving tidal mill in the

country. It is now fully restored and

working. Tide Mill Way, Woodbridge

01473 626618

�MUSEUMSThe Amber Museum

The UK’s only purpose-built museum

dedicated to the history of amber. The

Museum has artefacts, carvings, jewellery

and objets d'art from the Whole Amber

World; both modern and antique. It also

houses many large examples of Amber

found on the English coast - including the

largest at 2.2kilo. The Amber Shop has a

stunning collection of Amber jewellery and

gifts. 15 Market Place, Southwold 01502

723394

Bawdsey Radar Station

Visit ‘The Magic Ear’ - an exhibition about

the history of Radar. In 1937, Bawdsey was

the first of the Chain Home Radar stations

that played a crucial role in the Battle of

Britain. Bawdsey 07821 162879

Bentwaters Cold War Museum

Musuem housed in a command post or

bunker on what was the USAF air base at

RAF Bentwaters. See restored ‘war opera-

tions’ rooms and other displays. Bentwaters

Parks, Rendlesham.

Woodbridge Tide Mill West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village



Gainsborough’s HouseEstablished museum in the birthplace ofartist Thomas Gainsborough. The historictownhouse, with an attractive walled gar-den, displays more of the artist’s work thanany other gallery. The collection is showntogether with 18th century furniture andmemorabilia with work by Gainsborough’scontemporaries and followers. There is avaried programme of temporary exhibi-tions of both historic and contemporaryart. Gainsborough Street, Sudbury 01787 372958Greene King BreweryThe visitor centre is full of interestingexhibits and displays about the brewery,plus you can book a tour around the brewhouse. See how Greene King make theirfamous beers during your guided tour,have a tutored tasting and learn aboutGreene King and Bury St Edmunds from1086 to the present. Westgate Street, BurySt Edmunds 01234 714382Heavy Horse MuseumMuseum dedicated to the Suffolk workinghorse breed (or Suffolk Punch), the oldestsuch breed in the world and possibly themost perfect working animal ever bred byman. Shire Hall, Market Hill, Woodbridge 01394 380643Ipswich MuseumThe museum and gallery has displays ofRoman Suffolk wildlife, Suffolk and worldgeology, the Ogilvie bird gallery, People ofthe World and much more. High Street,Ipswich 01473 433550East Anglia Transport MuseumA fabulous working museum where thepast comes to life. Travel as often as youlike on preserved historic vehicles or take atrip on the narrow gauge railway. Chapel Road, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft01502 518459Long Shop MuseumDiscover Leiston’s unique history and visit

the home of the Garrett collection. An

award-winning museum housed in the

original Garrett works buildings including

the Grade II listed Long Shop built in 1852

as the 1st production line for portable

steam engines. Four exhibition halls,

resource centre, picnic garden and gift

shop. Main Street, Leiston 01728 832189Mechanical Music Museum

and Bygones

Small music boxes, polyphons and

organettes, larger street pianos and player

organs, large fair organs, dance band and

cafe organs plus a number of unusual

items and the Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ.

The interior roof is adorned with hundreds

of old records and horned gramophones.

Blacksmith Road, Cotton 01449 613876

Mid Suffolk Light Railway Museum

The MSLR, known affectionately as ‘The

Middy’ was a classic case of a railway built

late on in the great railway age that never

paid its way - indeed, it effectively went

broke before it opened, but still struggled

on for fifty years. This fine example of

quirky English history is remembered in

Suffolk’s only railway museum. Brockford

Station, Wetheringsett 01449 766899

Moyse’s Hall Museum

Housed in the oldest domestic building

open to the public in East Anglia, Moyse’s

Hall dates back over 800 years. Many strik-

ing architectural features can be seen in

the building. A museum for 100 years, it

houses local history collections relating to

the town, Abbey & St Edmund. They also

include William Corder’s scalp from Murder

in the Red Barn relics as well as many other

curios from the local area. Cornhill, Bury St

Edmunds 01284 706183

Museum of East Anglian Life

Open-air museum in 75 acres of beautiful

countryside. Here you can explore nearly

3km of woodland and riverside nature

trails, learn about fascinating East Anglian

crafts and traditional Gypsy culture and dis-

cover fifteen splendidly restored historic

buildings. Plus steam engines, animals,

including Suffolk Punch horses, and more.

Stowmarket 01449 612229

The National Horseracing Museum

The story of the people and horses involved

in racing from its Royal origins to Lester

Piggott, Frankie Dettori and other modern

heroes. Highlights include: the head of

Persimmon, a great Royal Derby winner in

1896; a special display about Fred Archer,

the late Victorian jockey who committed

suicide, which features the pistol he used

to take his life; and the colourful jackets of

‘Prince Monolulu’, the 1950’s tipster. High

Street, Newmarket 01638 667333

�SHOPPINGArc Bury St Edmunds

This fabulous centre is the new heart of

shopping in Bury St Edmunds with a great

array of fashionable retailers - 35 smart

new shops and restaurants, topped off by

the breath-taking new curved Debenhams

flagship store. Prospect Row, Bury St

Edmunds 01284 763124

Bridge Farm Barns

Located in Monks Eleigh, one of Suffolk’s

prettiest villages, Bridge Farm Barns is a

collection of unique, independent

retail businesses and a tea room, each

offering a good selection of distinctive

products. Monks Eleigh 01449 740456

Buttermarket

A centre situated in the retail core of

Ipswich and featuring many familiar high

street names such as Internacionale,

Hallmark, Pilot, Model Zone, Boots,

Hawkins Bazaar and TK Maxx. St Stephen’s

Lane, Ipswich 01473 281879

Arc Bury St Edmunds Gainsborough’s House Lady Florence River Cruises



The Guineas

Retailers offering brands at affordable

prices. Clothes stores include Dorothy

Perkins, Cazual, JD Sports and Peacocks.

For cards and wrapping there’s Pandoras,

Card Factory and Clinton Cards. Newmarket

01638 665809

Snape Maltings

A unique collection of quality shops and

galleries in converted granaries and malt

house buildings by the River Alde. There’s a

large house and garden shop, a food hall,

Samphire ladies and men’s fashion, Little

Rascals selling toys and books for children;

crafts, gifts and ceramics at The Shop on

the Quay; a large antiques centre and two

art galleries. Snape, nr Aldeburgh 01728

688303

Stonham Barns

A leisure, shopping and rural pursuits com-

plex with specialist craft, antique, home

furnishing and interiors shops and a restau-

rant. Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, Stow-

market 01449 711755

Tower Ramparts

Undercover mall with around 30 shops set

over two levels. Stores include jewellers

Warren James and Ernest Jones, The

Perfume Shop, Boots, fashion shops

Warehouse, Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge

and Topshop and gift and card shops

Paperbox and Clinton Cards. Tavern Street,

Ipswich 01473 226386

�SHOWTIMEAldeburgh Cinema

Delightful independent cinema. The audi-

torium dates back to around 1920, and

today it has 286 seats and all the latest

technology. 51 High Street 01728 452996

Cineworld

Cardinal Park, Grafton Way, Ipswich

0871 2002000

Electric Picture Palace, Southwold

Owned and run by Southwold Film Society

this delightful small cinema was opened in

1991 by Michael Palin. It is named after

the first Southwold cinema which began

to operate in 1912 and follows the style of

this period. It has 66 authentic cinema

seats, a box office, kiosk, circle, organ and

air-conditioning. 07815 769565

Fisher Theatre

Georgian building that started life as a the-

atre but spent most of its life serving other

purposes until 2001 when it reopened as a

centre for shows, arts and film. Broad

Street, Bungay (01986 897130)

Haverhill Arts Centre

Originally the Town Hall, this 210-seat

auditorium hosts music, theatre, arts

events, and films. High Street, Haverhill

01440 714140

Hollywood Cinema

Anglia Square, Ipswich 01473 232666; 41 London Road South, Lowestoft 01502564567; Hatter Street, Bury St Edmunds01284 762586Leiston Film TheatreSuffolk’s oldest purpose built cinema, firstopened in 1914. The original picture househad a capacity for 700 people; it had asmall stage and a pit for the then ubiqui-tous organ. After a re-refurbishment, completed in July 2001, it is more thanready for the 21st Century. High Street01728 830549Marina TheatreThis superb theatre dates back to 1897 andtoday hosts a range of top flight shows.Lowestoft 01502 533200New Cut Arts CentreCommunity arts centre hosting a range oftheatre and music productions, plus filmscreenings. New Cut, Halesworth 08456732123

Leiston Film Theatre The Granary, River Stour Trust, Sudbury Coastal Voyager


The apexBury St Edmunds’ state-of-the-art music and entertainment venue presents a wide variety of events

throughout the year. Live music ranges from jazz to classical and from folk to rock. Regular events include

Fat cat Comedy Club on the second Sunday of every month and Footloose - a free dance event for all the

family on the third Sunday. The venue also plays host to the Bury St Edmunds Festival, a plethora of music

with over 20 events from the 19th – 29th May. The stunning auditorium is acoustically designed for perfect

sound and the white oak galleries give a contemporary feel. There are studios for workshops, including

popular dance classes. The café bar is open daily, situated in the beautiful atrium it is a stylish place to relax

and is also home to a series of free concerts. The apex is situated in the heart of the town, in Charter Square,

the arc shopping centre, and has ample parking just 200 yards away.

The apex website, www.theapex.co.uk, has details of all forthcoming events and their booking

details, or ring the box office on 01284 758000 for more information.

Three Bonzos and a Piano are just

one of a whole range of top acts

appearing at the apex. Catch them

on 11 June


New Wolsey TheatreA 400-seat theatre with a varied pro-gramme of drama, music, comedy, poetry,dance and children's shows. Civic Drive,Ipswich 01473 295900Palace CinemaFabulous independent cinema dating backto 1937 and offering blockbuster moviesand a real retro cinema experience. Cres-cent Road, Felixstowe 01394 671330Quay TheatreSmall, charming theatre by the Stour offering a wide range of shows and films. Quay Lane, Sudbury 01787 374745Regent Theatre & Corn ExchangeThe Regent is East Anglia’s largest theatre,and the Corn Exchange has an impressiveGrand Hall. They feature top West Endshows, international music, comedy andhigh quality amateur productions. Ipswich01473 433100Riverside TheatreFilms, occasional stage shows and restau-rant. Quayside, Woodbridge 01394 382174The SeagullAn important performing arts venue,reopened in 2009, offering a diverse rangeof shows, classes and workshops. MortonRoad, Pakefield, Lowestoft 01502 589726Seckford TheatreNew 350-seat theatre situated in the beau-tiful grounds of the four centuries oldWoodbridge School. Woodbridge 01394615111Spa PavilionLocated on Felixstowe’s picturesqueseafront, this excellent 892 seat theatre hasan adjoining restaurant with wonderfulpanoramic sea view. Undercliff Road West,Felixstowe 01394 282126Theatre RoyalBuilt in 1819 and designed by the eminentarchitect William Wilkins, this is the coun-try's sole surviving example of a Regencyplayhouse. One of only eight Grade 1-listedtheatres in the country, it is, in terms of

both its architecture and history, one of themost significant theatre buildings in theUK. You can enjoy a wide range of enter-tainments. Westgate Street, Bury StEdmunds 01284 769505

�SPORTGreyhound RacingEvening racing with up to four races perhour, every Tues and Friday. Mildenhall Sta-dium, West Row, Mildenhall 01638 711777Ipswich Town Football ClubChampionship club steeped in history.Stadium tours available. Portman Road,Ipswich 0870 111 0 555Ipswich WitchesTop speedway racing every Thursday night.Foxhall Stadium, Ipswich 01473 623640Newmarket RacecoursesOne of the world’s greatest racetracks,steeped in history and offering top racingand an unbeatable experience on both itsRowley Mile and July Racecourses. Cam-bridge Road, Newmarket 01638 675500

�TOURSCoastal VoyagerFast exciting seatrips from the harbour.Southwold Harbour Kiosk 07887 525082Deben CruisesCruises on the River Deben for organisedparties. The Quay, Waldringfield, Wood-bridge 01473 736260Greene King BreweryStart at the museum and finish off with atasting at the Brewery Tap. Guided tours ofBrew House for over 12s only. WestgateStreet, Bury St Edmunds 01234 714382HoofbeatsTours around Newmarket’s rich equestrianheritage, including The Gallops, Equineswimming pool, British Racing School, TheNational Stud, Jock Club rooms and more.

Laceys Lane, Exning, Newmarket 01638 578628Ipswich Blue Badge GuidesWalking tours on Tues and Thurs, May-Sept. Discover the town’s history and her-itage. Also, Ipswich Ghost Tours on 1stThurs of month. Ipswich Tourist Informa-tion Centre 01473 258070Lady Florence River CruisesFor a different fine-dining experience,cruise the calms waters of the river Aldeand Ore while enjoying a freshly preparedmeal. Orford Quay, Orford 07831 698298Newmarket ToursPalace House can arrange hour-long toursof historic Newmarket, explaining in depthits associations with Royalty and the Sportof Kings. Tourist Information Centre, PalaceStreet, Newmarket 01638 667200Orwell River CruisesChoose between the 3.5 hour HarwichHarbour Cruise or the 2.5 hour Pin MillCruise and explore some the stunningcoastline. Orwell Quay, Ipswich Wet Dock01473 836680River Stour TrustBoat trips from Sudbury to Great Hennyand vice versa on Edwardian style electriclaunch with a traditional canopy or a pontoon-style boat. Take in lunch at thedelightful Henny Swan. The Granary, QuayLane, Sudbury 01787 313199Waveney River CentreA range of vessels available for hire fromrowing boats and canoes to luxury daycruisers. Staithe Road, Burgh St Peter, Bec-cles 01502 677343Waveney River ToursRiver trips from Outlon Broad to a numberof destinations along the southern Broads.Mutford Lock, Bridge Road, Oulton Broad,Lowestoft 01502 574903Woodbridge Open Top Bus ToursA chance to get a great view of some ofthe town’s historic features. 01394 382240

Newmarket Racecourse Spa Pavilion Theatre, Felixstowe




Project2 17/3/11 21:25 Page 34


�APRIL�13-14 Craven Meeting Rowley Mile

Racecourse, Newmarket (0845 579 3010)

�16-17 Classic & Vintage Weekend

East Anglia Transport Museum, Carlton

Colville, Lowestoft (01502 518459)

�22-24 Aldeburgh Easter Music

Festival Snape Maltings Concert Hall

(01728 687100)

�22-25 Suffolk Spring Garden Show

Trinity Park, Ipswich (01702 549622)

�22-25 Easter Re-Creation of Tudor

Life Kentwell, Long Melford (01787

310207)

�24-25 Celebrating Eostre West

Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, West Stow, nr

Bury St Edmunds (01284 728718)

�28-15 May High Tide Festival

Halesworth (0207 566 9765)

�29-2 May May Day Re-Creation

of Tudor Life Kentwell, Long Melford

(01787 310207)

�30-1 May Guineas Festival

Rowley Mile Racecourse, Newmarket

�30-1 May Large Model Air Show

Rougham Airfield (01359 270524)

16 July Bryan Ferry at Thetford Forest 29 April - 2 May May Day Re-Creation of Tudor Life at Kentwell

The stars come out

There’s a host of top stars performing open airconcerts in Suffolk this Summer...At High Lodge, Thetford Forest you can seeErasure, simple Minds, Bryan Ferry and StatusQuo, at the Latitude Festival there’s a wholeroster of top talent, while at NewmarketRacecourse there’s Tom Jones, Peter Andre(left), Scissor Sisters, The Wanted, Texas, JoolsHolland, and James Blunt.

in Suffolk

Festivals, concerts, country shows, historicalrecreations, airshows, sports... Suffolk has it all

�30-2 May Village life in the 7th

Century West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village,

West Stow (01284 728718)

�MAY�1 Historic Vehicle Rally Ipswich to

Felixstowe (01473 715666)

�1-2 Suffolk Game & Country Fair

Glemham Hall, Little Glemham, Woodbridge

(01485 528954)

�2 Woodbridge Horse Show

Trinity Park, Ipswich.

�2 Mendlesham Street Fair Mendle-

sham, nr Stowmarket (01449 766563)

�7-8 The Newmarket Home &

Garden Show Rowley Mile Racecourse,

Newmarket (0800 141 2823)

�8 South Suffolk Show Ampton Race-

course, Ingham (01638 750879)

�8 Wings & Wheels Air and car dis-

plays. Henham Park, Beccles (01986

872710)

�8 East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival

Oulton Broad, nr Lowestoft (01780 470718)

�14-15 The Suffolk 4x4 Show and

Autojumble Rougham Airfield (01359

270524)

�21-30 Suffolk Open Studios

Showcase Exhibition Art and crafts.

Blackthorpe Barn, Rougham (01359

270880)

�26-5 June Stowmarket Festival

Stowmarket (01449 612060)

�26-12 June Pulse - Ipswich

Fringe Festival Ipswich (01473 295900)

�28-30 WWII Whit, 1940's Fete

Re-Creation Kentwell, Long Melford

(01787 310207)

�JUNE�1-2 The Suffolk Show Trinity Park,

Ipswich (01473 707110)

�2-5 Southwold Charter Fair

Southwold (01502 722576)

�3-5 Suffolk Folk Festival

Woodbridge (01473 742334)

�4-5 Woolpit Steam Rally

Warren Farm, Wetherden, nr Stowmarket

(01359 241886)

�4-5 Anglo-Saxon Death and Burial

West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, West Stow,

nr Bury St Edmunds (01284 728718)

Events

events 1 17/3/11 09:29

�5-19 Woolpit Festival Woolpit

(01359 240655)

�9 Music in the Forest - Status Quo

High Lodge, Thetford Forest

(01842 814612)

�10 Music in the Forest - Erasure

High Lodge, Thetford Forest (01842

814612)

�10-12 Ipswich Riverside Folk

Weekend Folk music festival. Steamboat

Tavern, Ipswich (01473 601902)

�10-26 64th Aldeburgh Festival of

Music & The Arts Snape Maltings Concert

Hall and surrounding venues (01728

687110)

�11 Music in the Forest - Simple

Minds High Lodge, Thetford Forest

(01842 814612)

�11 British Gas Great East Swim

Alton Water, Ipswich www.greatswim.org

�11 Horham Bygones Country Rally

Horham, nr Eye

�11-12 Eye Open Gardens Eye.

�11-12 Teddy Bear Parachuting

and Flower Festival Blundeston.

�12 Rural Pastimes Euston Park,

Euston Hall, nr Thetford.

�12 100 Years of the Trolleybus East

Anglia Transport Museum, Carlton Colville,

Lowestoft (01502 518459)

�18-19 Long Melford Midsummer

Country Show Melford Hall, Long Melford.

(0800 141 2823)

�18-19 Helmingham Food & Drink

Festival Helmingham Hall (01473 890799)

�19 The Hidden Gardens of Bury St

Edmunds Bury St Edmunds (01284

754993)

�19 Lavenham Hidden Gardens

Lavenham (02787 247434)

�19 Nowton Park Country Fair

Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds (01284

757093)

2 July Katherine Jenkins, Ipswich Arts Festival 11 June British Gas Great East Swim

�19-

10 July Great Annual Re-Creation of

Tudor Life Kentwell, Long Melford (01787

310207)

�24 Newmarket Nights July Race-

course, Newmarket (0844 579 3010)

�24-10 July Ip-Art - Ipswich Arts

Festival Ipswich (01473 433100)

�25-26 Crafts of the Anglo-Saxons



�25-26 The West Suffolk Country

Fair Rougham Airfield (01359 270524)

�26 Chelsworth Open Gardens Day

Chelsworth (01449 740257)

�26 Bus & Coach Event East Anglia

Transport Museum, Carlton Colville, Lowest-

oft (01502 518459)

�26 Two Counties Motor Show


(07799 765095)

�30 - 3 July 14th Festival of Beer

and Brewing Museum of East Anglian

Life, Stowmarket (01449 612229)

�JULY�1-3 Thurston Festival Thurston,

Bury St Edmunds

�3 Ipswich Music Day Christchurch

Park, Ipswich (01473 433100)

�3 Darells Day Landguard Fort,

Felixstowe (07749 695523)

�6-10 Bures Music Festival Bures.

www.jazzbythestour.org.uk

�7-9 July Festival July Racecourse,

Newmarket (0845 579 3010)

�9-31 Bungay Festival

�10 Heveningham Hall Country Fair

Heveningham Hall, nr Halesworth (01986

798151)

�14-17 Latitude Festival Henham

Park, Beccles (0871 231 0821)

�14 Music in the Forest High Lodge,

Thetford Forest (01842 814612)

�15 Music in the Forest High Lodge,

Thetford Forest (01842 814612)

�15Newmarket Nights July Race-


�15-17 Earsham Festival Bungay

(01986 893445)

�15-17 Weeting Steam Rally Fen-

gate Farm, Weeting (01842 810317)

�16 Music in the Forest - Bryan

Ferry High Lodge, Thetford Forest (01842

814612)

�16-17 5000 Years West Stow Anglo-

Saxon Village, West Stow, nr Bury St

Edmunds (01284 728718)

�16-7 Aug International East

Anglian Summer Music Festival

Hadleigh (01473 822596)

�17 Peasenhall Pea Festival

Nr Yoxford.(01728 660457)

�17 Ufford Bygones & Fun Day

Crown Farm, Ufford, nr Woodbridge (07812

037150)



�23-24 Travellers Through Time



�27-28 Aug Theatre in the Forest

Rendlesham Forest (01473 288886)



�29-1 Aug Westleton Wild

Flower Festival & Exhibition

Westleton.

�30-31 Stitch in Time West Stow

Anglo-Saxon Village, West Stow, nr Bury St

Edmunds (01284 728718)


events 1 17/3/11 09:29


�AUGUST�1-31 Snape Proms Snape Maltings

Concert Hall, Aldeburgh (01728 687110)



�6-7 Southwold Model Railway

Exhibition Southwold (01502 723230)

�6-7 Thurlow Steam & Country

Fair Horseheath, nr Haverhill (07711

988332)

�7 Helmingham Festival of Classic

and Sports Cars Helmingham Hall

(01473 890799)

�7-8 A Visit from the Saxons West

Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, West Stow, nr


�11-12 Lowestoft Seafront Air

Festival Lowestoft



�13-14 Felixstowe Carnival

�13-14 Air Display & Classic Car

Show Rougham Airfield, nr Bury St

Edmunds (01359 270524)

�13-14 Steam & Crafts Weekend

Museum of East Anglian Life, Stowmarket

(01449 612229)

�16 Aldeburgh Carnival

�18-19 Thorpeness Regatta &

Fireworks Thorpeness

�21 Beccles Carnival

�21 Westleton Barrel Fair

Westleton, nr Saxmundham

�26-29 The High Summer Re-

Creation of Tudor Life Kentwell, Long

Melford (01787 310207)

�27-29 Mildenhall Cycling Rally

�27-29 Village life in the 7th

Century West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village,

West Stow (01284 728718)

�29-30 Eye Show & Country Fair

Goodrich Park, Palgrave, nr Eye (01379

29 - 30 Aug Eye Show & Country Fair 25 - 27 Nov Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fair

898816)

�28-29 Walsham le Willows Open

Gardens Nr Bury St Edmunds

�SEPTEMBER�3 Yoxford Oxfayre Yoxford

�3 Traditional Music Day Museum of

East Anglian Life, Stowmarket

�4 Art on the Prom Felixstowe

(01394 671033)

�4 Suffolk Heavy Horse Spectacular

Easton Farm Park, Easton, nr Woodbridge

(01394 380643)

�10-11 Harvest at Jimmy’s

Jimmy’s Farm, Ipswich (0207 292 7121)

�10-11 Trolleybus Gala Weekend

East Anglia Transport Museum, Carlton

Colville, Lowestoft (01502 518459)

�10-2 Oct Artworks Exhibition

Blackthorpe Barn, Rougham (01359

270091)

�17-18 Grand Henham Steam

Rally Henham Park, nr Beccles (01502

742376)

�22-24 Cambridgeshire Meeting

Newmarket Racecourses (0844 579 3010)

�24-25 Aldeburgh Food & Drink

Festival Snape Maltings, nr Aldeburgh

(01728 688303)

�24-25 5000 Years West Stow Anglo-

Saxon Village, West Stow (01284 728718)

�24-25 Michaelmas Re-Creation of

Tudor Life Kentwell, Long Melford

(01787 310207)

�27-1 Oct Fressingfield Music

Festival Fressingfield, Nr Eye.

�OCTOBER�5-8 Ipswich Beer Festival Ipswich

Corn Exchange www.ipswichcamra.com

�8 Future Champions Day July

Racecourse, Newmarket (0844 579 3010)

�8-9 Robin Hood Game & Country

Show Trinity Park, Ipswich

�8-23 Halesworth Arts Festival

�15-31 Scaresville - The Haunted

Village Kentwell, Long Melford (01787

310207)

�24-30 Anglo-Saxon Family Life



�NOVEMBER�4 Big Night Out Fireworks Melford

Hall Park, Long Melford (01787 379783)

�4-6 The Art, Craft & Design Show


(0800 141 2823)

�5-6 Christmas Craft, Food and

Country Gift Fair Suffolk Showground,

Trinity Park, Ipswich (01283 820548)

�6 Yule Fest West Stow Anglo-Saxon

Village, West Stow (01284 728718)

�10-14 Southwold Literary

Festival Southwold (01803 867373)

�12-11 Dec Craft Fair Weekends

Blackthorpe Barn, Rougham

(01359 270091)


Village, West Stow (01284 728718)


Village, West Stow, nr Bury St Edmunds

(01284 728718)

�25-27 Bury St Edmunds

Christmas Fayre Bury St Edmunds

(01284 764667)

�DECEMBER�10-21 Kentwell Christmas

Wonderland Kentwell, Long Melford

(01787 310207)

events 1 17/3/11 09:29


test 18/3/11 08:34 Page 1

Percussionist Evelyn Glennie Entertainment in the Abbey Gardens


�BURY ST EDMUNDS FESTIVAL - 19-29 MAY

The Bury St Edmunds Festival

runs from Thursday 19 May to

Sunday 29 May, 2011 and takes

full advantage of Bury St

Edmunds' new music venue, the

apex.

The acclaimed 500-seat con-

cert hall with its superb

acoustics, airy open spaces and

relaxing coffee/drinks bar will

host a number of festival events

every day and will provide a live-

ly, central meeting place for fes-

tival followers and shoppers.

Festival Manager Nick Wells

has condensed this year's

Festival programme to eleven

days; packing in the usual

buzzing mix of contemporary

and classical music, outdoor

concerts, jazz, folk, film, comedy,

poetry, walks, street theatre and

much more.

Evelyn Glennie, Jan Garbarek

with the Hilliard Ensemble;

English Chamber Orchestra with

Howard Shelley, Penguin Cafe,

the Brodsky Quartet, Gilad

Atzmon, Staff Benda Bilili,

Richard Rodney Bennett with

Claire Martin and the Vida Guitar

Quartet are just some of the top

artists appearing this year. The

opening weekend of the Festival

will have a party atmosphere

with ‘Blues Brothers’ and ‘Take

That’ tribute nights in the Abbey

Gardens and Abbeygate

Picturehouse features heavily

throughout the festival with a

mouth-watering selection of

films with a musical link.

The Festival brochure is widely

available and can be viewed as

an e-magazine on the Festival

website at www.buryfestival.co.uk.

Keep up to speed with all the

latest news and behind the

scenes action by following the

Festival on Twitter.

Tickets for all Festival events

are on sale at the Festival Box

Office at the apex, Charter

Square, Bury St Edmunds.

They can be booked online at

www.buryfestival.co.uk, by

calling 01284 758000 or email

[email protected]

events 1 17/3/11 09:29 Page 53


test 18/3/11 08:36 Page 1

�56 Find more information online at www.suffolkweddingsguide.co.uk

�VENUESSeckford Hall

Seckford Hall is a splendid Tudor hotel

near Suffolk's Heritage coast, set

amongst 34 acres of private countryside.

It is licensed for civil ceremonies with an

oak-panelled Great Hall, which can seat

30 people, or the Lakeside Suite for up to

120 guests, which overlooks the gardens.

A glamorous marquee in the grounds is

available for hire, with windows, French

doors, carpet, chandeliers, and heaters to

keep it warm whatever the weather. The

Hall also caters for evening receptions for

up to 140 guests, and there's Minstrel's

Gallery from which a small band can play.

Woodbridge www.seckford.co.uk (01394

385678)

Glemham Hall

This impressive, elegant red brick

Elizabethan mansion is steeped in history

and is the perfect setting for a traditional

English country-style wedding. This stun-

ning venue is now offering a mid-week

wedding package that retains all the

romantic charm that Glemham Hall is

renowned for but at a fraction of the cost.

Glemham Hall, Little Glemham, Woodbridge

www.glemhamhall.co.uk (01728 746704)

Christchurch Mansion

Christchurch Mansion is a red brick Tudor

manor house set amid lovely 100 acre

parkland, close to the centre of Ipswich.

The picturesque grounds are perfect for

wedding photography; the rooms of the

manor are beautifully furnished in vari-

ous period styles from Tudor to Victorian.

Soane Street, Ipswich (01473 433554)

Ufford Park

Best Western Ufford Park Hotel, Golf & Spa is set in a

tranquil 120 acres of historic Suffolk parkland. The

hotel holds a civil wedding licence and offers a

choice of beautifully decorated modern function

rooms that can accommodate small gatherings or

large parties. Prior to the big day there are also the

golf, spa and health club facilities to enjoy; perfect

for hen parties and stag weekends. Melton, Wood-

bridge www.uffordpark.co.uk (01394 383555)

Le Talbooth

For a wedding in the heart of Constable

Country this family run, luxury country

house hotel is set in an idyllic position

beside the river Stour and provides

fabulous menus, and rooms, to suit every

style of wedding. The River Room offers

space for larger parties, while the

Weavers room is suitable for a small, inti-

mate gathering. There's also a marquee

on the upper terrace, which caters for

groups of up to 180 people.

Dedham www.milsomweddings.com

(01206 323150)

Bedford Lodge Hotel

The elegant white Bedford Lodge, with

it's romantic rose gardens, dates back to

the 17th century. A beautiful venue for a

civil wedding ceremony and wedding

reception, the hotel offers a choice of

three self-contained banqueting suites

which can accommodate from 10 to 150

guests. There is also space for a marquee

in the grounds. Bury Road, Newmarket

(01638 663175)

Seckford Hall Glemham Hall

There’s no better place to be for your special daySuffolk is the perfect location for your wedding

Weddings

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test 18/3/11 08:40 Page 1


Butley Priory

This luxury fairytale wedding venue, with

a stunning gothic interior, was originally

an Augustinian Monastery. The Priory is

located between Rendlesham Forest and

the Heritage Coast. Both the Great Hall,

which can seat 90 people, and the smaller

panelled Drawing Room seating 50, are

licensed to hold wedding ceremonies.

Sumptuous overnight accommodation is

also available. Woodbridge, Orford,

Aldeburgh www.butleypriory.co.uk

(01394 450 046)

Trinity Park

This contemporary setting for a wedding

sits amid 300 acres of beautiful land-

scaped grounds, and has a stunning

courtyard garden. The venue holds a

license for civil marriages and partnership

ceremonies, and also offers the services of

a wedding coordinator. The Park can

comfortably accommodate up to 500

guests for a wedding breakfast, and more

intimate spaces can be created for smaller

wedding parties. Ipswich. (01473

707119) www.trinityparkevents.co.uk

St. Peters Hall

The moated St Peters Hall is fully licensed

for weddings and civil ceremonies and offers

a superb photogenic medieval setting for

weddings for up to 250 people, with bar,

two function rooms, garden, optional mar-

quees and a chapel. The Hall has an on-site

events manager and will help as much as

you wish with planning and is also home to

Wickedly Good Food, the high-class event

catering company. St Peter South

Elmham, Bungay www.stpetershallsuf-

folk.co.uk (01986 782288)

Hintlesham HallWith its grand entrance to the estate and its sumptuous

rooms, Hintlesham Hall is ideal for a picturesque wedding

banquet in regal settings, whether you marry at the Hall or

nearby, any day of the week. There's a warm, relaxing and

friendly ambience to this beautiful country house hotel,

together with attentive staff and renowned cuisine. The

magnificent Salon, the Carolean Room with its stunning

17th century plasterwork ceiling and the intimate Justice

room are licensed to accommodate civil ceremonies for up

to 100, 50 and 20 guests respectively. Hintlesham Hall

Hotel, Hintlesham, Ipswich (01473 652334)

Thorpeness Country Club

Thorpeness Hotel and

Country Club

The Thorpeness Country Club is a magical

wedding location, just a pebbles throw

from the beach. The hotel offers a

selection of menus and dishes, all of which

are individually priced, allowing you the

flexibility to create a bespoke menu and

package to suit your requirements.

You may wish to give your wedding a

seaside theme, or simply opt for some-

thing traditional; the choice is yours.

www.thorpeness.co.uk

(01728 452176)

Hungarian Hall Events

The wedding venue is set in landscaped

surroundings. The tastefully decorated

Danube Suite can cater for up to 160

ceremony guests. For the reception, the

stunning marquee is suitable for 200

guests. The marquee has been carefully

designed with a curved window, present-

ing guests with beautiful rural views

throughout the day. The marquee can also

be tailored to meet your individual colour

schemes and décor ideas. Pettistree,

Woodbridge. www.hungarianhal-

levents.co.uk (01394 460362)

weddings 2 16/3/11 21:37 Page 42

Haughley Park Barn Hungarian Hall

Haughley Park Barn

This 17th century, oak-framed barn is sur-

rounded by beautiful country house gar-

dens. A private, exclusive and individual

venue located in central Suffolk, Haughley

Park Barn is an idyllic setting for a wed-

ding with civil ceremony, reception _and

evening party all in the one place.

Haughley Park, Stowmarket.

www.haughleyparkbarn.co.uk

(01359 240 701)

High Lodge

High Lodge is unique venue on the Suffolk

Coast, giving exclusive use to you and your

guests at exceptional value and at a very

high standard. Their caring and profession-

al team ensure that every detail of your

wedding celebration is taken care of. High

Lodge can provide the full wedding pack-

age, including civil ceremonies and, com-

plete with on-site accommodation, it is a

great venue for the smallest, most inti-

mate gathering to the grandest of events.

High Lodge Wood, Hinton, Nr Darsham,

Suffolk. www.highlodge.co.uk (01986

784347)

Wantisden Valley

Wantisden Valley, in the heart of the

Suffolk countryside on the Heritage coast,

provides for civil ceremonies and recep-

tions in a beautiful and very private loca-

tion in Suffolk. A number of buildings are

available. Shepherd's Cottage is an 18th

century thatched building nestled on the

edge of a medieval wood, overlooking

extensive lakes. It is licensed for civil cere-

monies and small receptions for up to 40

guests with an enclosed garden and patio

area. The Mixing Barn is licensed for 40 to

170 guests for civil ceremonies. Brick and

flint built, it is fully carpeted and attached

to the Main Barn where a reception can be

held to seat up to 300 guests, with a large

dance floor and licensed bar. (01394 459

995) www.wantisden.co.uk

Bruisyard Hall

Bruisyard Hall is a historic manor house

which has been renovated and is available

for weekend breaks, holidays and wed-

dings. The Hall is in a beautiful position in

the heart of the Suffolk countryside, pro-

viding wonderful settings for some stun-

ning wedding photos. Staff can provide

contact for details for caterers, marquee

hire, florists and even a wedding planner

should you wish, but then it is down to

you to organise your perfect wedding day

without the constraints often imposed by

hotels. Bruisyard, Saxmundham.

www.bruisyardhall.co.uk

(01728 638712)

Woodhall ManorA private country house made available for business and leisure purposes. Exclusive use of the manor allows you and your party to celebrate in

complete privacy and enjoy luxurious surrounds, truly making the Manor your dream home for the duration of your stay. The Manor is an excep-

tional place to do business, secluded away from it all on the Suffolk Heritage Coast, yet just two hours from London. With sole use, the day’s

business can be conducted in privacy in any of the four reception rooms, all fully equipped with the latest IT and communications technology.

The Manor is also the ideal venue for Weddings and private parties. With 9 acres of English

country gardens you will be spoilt for choice with photographic backdrops and beautiful set-

tings. Accommodation is in 12 en-suite bedrooms furnished to an exceptional standard and

catering will be provided to your exact specifications. The Banqueting suite can seat 120 for a

sit down meal and up to 200 if a less formal buffet menu is preferred. Smaller parties can opt

for a more intimate setting, dining in the Manor itself. Larger celebrations can be accommo-

dated in marquees in the grounds. For further information about Suffolk's best kept

secret call 01394 411 288 or visit www.woodhallmanor.co.uk

Find more information online at www.suffolkweddingsguide.co.uk 59�

weddings 2 16/3/11 21:37 Page 43


Ipswich Town Hall and Corn

Exchange

Professionals at Ipswich Town Hall and

Corn Exchange can help plan your event

down to the very last detail. The presti-

gious grade II listed building in central

Ipswich can cater for any size group from

50 to 800 guests. The rates are reasonable,

and professional and experienced staff are

on-hand to help ensure and unforgettable

and special day. (01473 433465)

The West Wing at Ickworth

An elegant setting for Weddings and Civil

Partnerships for 80 to 200 guests. The

impressive Gallery on the first floor of The

West Wing overlooks the beautiful

Italianate Gardens, and accommodates

wedding ceremonies and sumptuous wed-

ding breakfasts for up to 200 guests. The

Court is a smaller room, adjacent to The

Gallery, and is available for the bride and

groom to use as an extra area for a crèche

or quiet room. There are marquee areas for

larger wedding receptions, and The

Orangery and beautiful gardens are avail-

able for reception drinks. Horringer, nr


Somerleyton Hall and

Gardens

The Hall and gardens at Somerleyton have

been the setting for many magical wed-

dings over the years. Somerleyton Hall is

the perfect venue for any wedding day. Its

lavish architecture, fine staterooms, three

ceremony rooms, and formal gardens

designed by Price Albert's favourite archi-

tect John Thomas, provide a perfect set-

ting and ideal backdrop for a traditional

country wedding. The wedding ceremony

can take place in three different areas of

the estate; the main Hall, the gardens,

and the walled garden. The gardens are

also perfect venues for a wedding recep-

tion. Somerleyton Hall, Lowestoft.

www.somerleyton.co.uk (01502

734904)

The Swan at Lavenham

The Swan dates back to the 15th Century

when it played a key role in Lavenham's

wool trade. Today it is a quintessential

English country hotel and restaurant,

proud of its achievement of an AA four star

81% rating and two AA Rosettes. The

Swan offers a full package of wedding

assistance, with floral arrangements, wed-

ding cakes made to order, a Master of

Ceremonies available, and a Honeymoon

Suite for after the big event. Lavenham.

(0844 556 9425)

The Bildeston Crown

The Bildeston Crown is located in the heart

of Suffolk's picturesque countryside, close

to the historic towns of Bury St. Edmunds

and Ipswich. The Bildeston Crown is an

original 15th century coaching Inn which

has been imaginatively refurbished to

restore the building without losing any of

the character of its past 600 years. With a

function room licensed for weddings, a

fantastic honeymoon suite, an award win-

ning chef, and catering for up to 150 peo-

ple, this is a perfect all-purpose Wedding

venue for that special day. High Street,

Bildeston (0844 556 9423)

Christchurch Mansion The Swan at Lavenham

Orwell ParkThis elegant Georgian Mansion set on the

banks of the River Orwell in over 110 acres of

parkland provides an exclusive setting for

weddings, with a suite of rooms for civil cere-

monies, wedding breakfasts and celebrations,

offering exceptional food, lavish rooms and

magnificent views over the River Orwell.

Orwell Park Events, Nacton, Ipswich.

(01473 653232)

www.orwellparkevents.co.uk

weddings 3 16/3/11 21:39 Page 44

Jockey Club Rooms

There are six individual rooms all licensedfor civil ceremonies, so they are able to caterfor a small intimate wedding ceremony or acelebration of up to a maximum of 100guests. All weddings at the Jockey ClubRooms have the exclusive use of the venue,this gives total flexibility for couples todesign the day in a bespoke style for theirpersonal wishes. The Jockey Club Roomscan be your own country house providingthe perfect backdrop for a formal wedding,a relaxed country house style party celebra-tion with a traditional afternoon tea, oreven a barbecue on the terrace overlookingthe private walled garden. Jockey ClubRooms, 101 High Street, Newmarket.www.jockeyclubestates.co.uk (01638663101)

Fynn Valley Golf Club & The

Valley Restaurant

Only a stone's throw from Ipswich set in

picturesque surroundings, our Valley

Restaurant offers fantastic views across

the golf course's rolling countryside.

Weddings are a speciality at Fynn Valley.

Each event is tailored to your individual

requirements and prices start at £25 per

person midweek and £40 per person at

weekends for a package including ceremo-

ny, arrival drink, three course wedding

breakfast, wine with the meal and fizz for

the toast. They also cater for stand alone

civil ceremonies and evening receptions.

Witnesham, Ipswich (01473 785267)

www.fynn-valley.co.uk

Wingfield Barns

The Great Barn, in its magnificent and very

private location offers the perfect setting

for a day as special as your wedding.

Wingfield Barns is fully licensed to conduct

Somerleyton Hall Kersey Mill

civil ceremonies so your marriage can be

conducted on-site or at a nearby church,

moving into the Barn for your reception

and celebration. Adjacent to the Great

Barn is the terrace and lawns which offer

great outside space in fine weather and

can accommodate outside catering, danc-

ing, musical entertainment or a wedding

fete. Church Road, WIngfield (0844 822

7518) www.wingfieldbarns.com

Shire Hall

Located in the heart of Woodbridge, the

magnificent 16th Century Shire Hall is a

stately style setting for a Civil Ceremony.

Built in 1575 by Thomas Seckford the

building has been a focal point of

Woodbridge for over 400 years.

Make your grand entrance via the steps

into the frosted pink airy Council Chamber

which can hold up to 80 people

(seating for 50).

Photographs may be taken in and

around the building which is surrounded

by the pastel splendour of the market

town’s ancient inns and restaurants which

are perfect for a traditional reception.

The Shire Hall is open 9am-2pm, Monday-

Friday should you wish to view the Council

Chamber. (Telephone appointments

advised). Call: 01394 383599 or email:

[email protected]

The Stoke by Nayland Club, Hotel, Golf & Spa

With its magnificent setting in 300 acres of picturesque, rolling Suffolk

countryside, a beautifully appointed hotel and superb facilities, The Stoke

by Nayland Club provides one of the most idyllic venues for weddings and

wedding receptions. The Hotel holds a licence for Civil Marriage Ceremonies

and, with the assistance of the experienced and dedicated team, their tai-

lor-made, comprehensive wedding service is second to none. Keepers

Lane, Leavenheath (01206 265818)

Find more information online at www.suffolkweddingsguide.co.uk 61�

weddings 3 21/3/11 10:28 Page 45

�62 Find more at www.suffolkhotelsguide.com

Visitors to Suffolk are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a great place to stay. Here are just a few of the hotels, holiday parks,guest houses, cottages and farmhouses Suffolk has to offer...

�HOTELSThe Brudenell

Most of the 42 rooms of the fresh looking

Aldeburgh hotel offer either spectacular

views of the sea or of the River Alde and

marshland. There's a superb restaurant

that overlooks the sea and a beach

terrace. The Parade, Aldeburgh

www.thebru.co.uk (01728 452071)

The Bildeston Crown

A stylishly renovated 15th century timber

framed former coaching inn. Each of the

Bildeston Crown's twelve en-suite double

rooms are uniquely decorated. The hotel's

AA triple rosette restaurant is rated equal

to London's top restaurants by the British

Food Guide. High Street, Bildeston (01449

740510) www.thebildestoncrown.com

The Ship at Dunwich

Once a haunt of smugglers, you will now

find a traditional coastal inn with 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. A perfect base

from which to explore this wild and won-

derful coastline. Tel: 01728 648219

www.shipatdunwich.co.uk

Thorpeness Hotel

Right next to the Meare at Thorpeness,

and five minutes' walk from the beach,

the hacienda style three star Thorpeness

Hotel is a great spot for all who come to

enjoy the golf, the Meare boating lake,

tennis and al fresco dining on the terrace.

Thorpeness, Aldeburgh (01728 452176)

www.thorpeness.co.uk

The Westleton Crown

Set in the heart of the quintessentially

Suffolk village of Westleton, this tradi-

tional coaching inn is perfectly situated

for exploring the delights of the Suffolk

Heritage Coast. The Westleton Crown

combines the character and charm of its

heritage with the comforts of contempo-

rary living: smouldering log fires, 34

stylish bedrooms, sumptuous duvets,

Egyptian cotton bed linen, Fired Earth

bathrooms, an award winning restaurant,

sophisticated wine list and delightful

terraced gardens. (01728 648777)

www.westletoncrown.co.uk

The Swan at Lavenham

A classically charming 15th century coun-

try hotel that's complete with rich fur-

nishings, inglenook fireplaces and 45

beautifully decorated en-suite bedrooms.

The stunning oak beamed restaurant has

been awarded AA four star 81% rating

and two AA Rosettes. High Street,

Lavenham (01787 247 477)

www.theswanatlavenham.co.uk

Kesgrave Hall

The Kesgrave Hall Hotel offers plenty of

luxurious contemporary cool. All the

rooms are exceptionally comfortable and

well equipped. The hotel's 100-seat

restaurant has an open-plan kitchen, and

offers a full a la carte menu from 12 noon

to 9.30pm. Hall Road, Kesgrave, Ipswich

(01473 333741) www.milsomhotels.com

Sutherland House

This two star boutique hotel on

Southwold's High Street is truly

unique, blending medieval charm

with contemporary furnishings.

High Street, Southwold (01502 724 544)

www.sutherlandhouse.co.uk

Hintlesham Hall

Offering sumptuous comfort, this spa-

cious four star hotel is a classically deco-

rated Elizabethan Manor House set in 175

acres of rolling countryside. The 33

bedrooms and suites are of varying

shapes, sizes and styles. Guests can enjoy

the health club and pool, and treat

themselves to a range of health and

beauty treatments. Hintlesham (01473

652334) www.hintleshamhall.com

Angel Hotel

Considered to be the oldest inn in the pic-

turesque medieval village of Lavenham.

The attractive pub hotel accommodation

offers eight well-equipped en-suite bed-

rooms, six doubles, one twin and a family

room. Market Place, Lavenham (01787

247388) www.theangelhotel.com

PlacestoStay

Hintlesham Hall Run Cottage Touring Park

places to stay 17/3/11 10:31 Page 60

The Swan Hotel

The fine looking Swan Hotel on

Southwold’s market place has 42 unique

bedrooms a peaceful drawing room. The

hotel's two AA rosettes restaurant offers a

menu for all pockets. Market Place,

Southwold (01502 722186)

www.adnams.co.uk/hotels

The Crown

This boutique hotel in the pretty village of

Stoke by Nayland, in the Stour and Box

river valleys, has eleven stylish luxury en-

suite bedrooms, all individually designed

and furnished. The restaurant offers great

food, wine and real ale and a choice of

dining areas to suit your mood.

Main Road, Stoke By Nayland

www.crowninn.net (01206 262001)

�PARKS & CARAVANSBroadland Holiday Village

Bring your own caravan or stay in a brick

or wooden lodge close to one of the

prettiest of the Norfolk broads. A heated

indoor pool, sauna, gym, boat hire,

waterside bar and restaurant have earned

it a full five stars. Oulton Broad,

Lowestoft (01502 573033)

www.broadlandvillage.co.uk

Badwell Ash Holiday Lodges

These cosy Scandinavian timber lodges

cater for the sportsperson, nature lover

and lounge lizard all at once, thanks to

their lakeside setting, wireless internet

and outdoor hot tubs. It's for grown ups

only though. Badwell Ash www.bad-

wellashlodges.co.uk (01359 258444)

Carlton Meres Country Park

Leisure lodges and touring caravan pitch-

es are dotted around a well-stocked fish-

ing lake, but there's a restaurant, beer

garden, play area, tennis court, gym, spa,

sauna, steam room and an outdoor swim-

ming pool too. Saxmundham (01728

603344) www.carltonmeres.co.uk

Broadland Sands

A classic, affordable seaside holiday on

the coast between Great Yarmouth and

the historic fishing port of Lowestoft. The

four star site offers a heated pool 45m

water flume, sun terrace, crazy golf and

tennis. Corton (01278 792222)

www.broadlandsands.co.uk

High Lodge

Self-catering lodges for up to six with bal-

conies over-looking a well-stocked fishing

lake, grassland and woodland area. The

site offers a challenging nine-hole golf

course and clay pigeon shooting. Darsham

www.highlodge.co.uk (01986 784347)

Run Cottage Touring Park

Camp amid wildlife in this peaceful cara-

van touring park on the Heritage Coast.

Caravans and motor homes from £16 per

night, tent pitches from £10 per night, all

with 10amp electric hook up. Open all

year round. Hollesley, Woodbridge (01394

411309) www.run-cottage.co.uk

Pakefield Caravan Park

An award-winning four-star caravan park

complete with outdoor pool, wi-fi and

children's play area perched high on a cliff

top near Lowestoft. Its mobile homes

have modern kitchens, shower rooms, toi-

lets and TVs. Lowestoft (01502 539264)

www.pakefieldpark.co.uk

Felixstowe Beach

A full, family holiday park, complete with

mini-slide, adventure playground and

paddling pool, within a stone's throw of

Felixstowe and the perfect base to explore

the coast. Felixstowe (0844 8471115)

www.hoseasons.co.uk

The Ship, Dunwich King’s Head Orford Kesgrave Hall

Find more at www.suffolkhotelsguide.com 63�

The Oxford Collection is a select portfolio

of over 20 hotels located throughout the

British Isles. Each property has been

handpicked to offer the very best in com-

fort, indulgence and relaxation with deli-

cious, award-winning cuisine available.

Whether you're looking for a place to

rejuvenate in the serene seclusion of a

Cornish bay, to escape in the heart of

enchanting Suffolk, or for the spirited, a

challenging round of golf on a champi-

onship course, the Oxford Collection

promises to deliver and exceed your

every need.

Collection properties have been conve-

niently classified into three clusters,

Hideaway Hotels, Golf & Elemis Spa

Hotels and Classic Hotels. So if you're

looking for something a little bit special,

the Oxford Collection is the ideal choice.

The stunning Suffolk Golf Hotel &

Elemis Spa located on the outskirts of the

historic town of Bury St Edmonds is part

of the Oxford Collection. It has first rate

facilities; and the River Lark meanders

gently thought its 18-hole Championship

golf course enhancing the challenging

course with natural water features.

The hotel's spa facilities include an

indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam

room and fully equipped gymnasium.

Furthermore, with 40 comfortable well-

equipped en-suite bedrooms, the Suffolk

Golf Hotel & Elemis Spa is an ideal base

to explore East Anglia and grant you the

rare chance to relax and escape from the

taxing facets of modern life.

For more information or to book a

stay at the Suffolk Golf Hotel &

Elemis Spa call: 08444 146 600

OXFORD COLLECTION


�COTTAGES & FARMSBay Tree Cottage

An idyllic, thatched, self-catering, Grade II

listed, chocolate box hideaway dating

from the 17th century in the well-known

village of Redgrave. Bay Tree cottage

overlooks fields to the front and rear and

offers beautiful walks on the doorstep.

The large rear garden is totally private

and houses a small, separate studio room.

Redgrave, Eye (01993 810194)

The Old Mill

Nearly a thousand years old, the Old Mill

on the River Deben overlooks its own golf

course, which is free for guests. With

shops close by and beaches 10 miles

away, this self-catering holiday cottage

makes for a unique break away.

Glevering Mill, Wickham Market,


Sweffling Hall Farm

17th century farm house on working farm

mainly producing free range eggs for

supermarkets. Set back from the main

road close to the market town of

Framlingham, 8 miles from the Heritage

Coast A garden and live pond ideal for

walks and cycling with woodland trust

nearby, together with full amenities and

ample parking you are sure of a arm wel-

come. (01728 663644)

www.swefflinghallfarm.co.uk

Valley Farm Vineyards

Guests to Valley Farm can opt for the self-

catering cottage (sleeps 8-10) with its

garden and terrace, or bed and breakfast

at the farmhouse. The Elizabethan farm-

house is surrounded by 14 acres of wine-

producing vineyards that guests can wan-

der through. The vineyard visitors' centre

offers wine tasting sessions. Four star

accommodation. Wisset (01986 785535)

www.valleyfarmvineyards.co.uk

Rumburgh Farm

This working farm offers b&b farmhouse

accommodation, or self-catering in one of

two lodges (each sleeping four, plus trav-

el cot). The lodges are situated alongside

a fishing pond stocked with trout.

Southwold and Walberswick are close by,

as are the attractions of Kessingland

Wildlife Park, Banham Zoo, Orford and

Framlingham castles. Rumburgh,

Halesworth (01986 781351)

www.rumburghfarm.co.uk

�GUEST HOUSES/B&BOcean House

A beautifully decorated Victorian guest

house, a stone's throw from Aldeburgh's

beach and High Street. There are two

double/twin en-suite rooms, each with

bay windows that overhang the beach

and offer views up and down Crag Path.

There's also a top floor musician's studio

room with a grand piano. Crag Path, Alde-

burgh (01728 452094)

www.oceanhousealdeburgh.co.uk

Kiln Farm Guest House

Accommodation at Kilm Farm is within

the Victorian farmhouse and a courtyard

of six converted stables. Double, twin and

family rooms are available, some self-

catering. The farm's meadow is a certified

Caravan Club location and has spaces for

five tourers with electric hook up. Kiln

Lane, Elmswell, Bury St Edmunds. (01359

240442) www.kilnfarmguesthouse.com

The King’s Head Orford

A ‘very English’ historic 13th Century pub

that combines all the atmosphere of a

traditional inn with great real ales, classic

pub lunch favourites and a more tradi-

tional evening menu, which incorporates

modern British cuisine and twists on pop-

ular classics. All dishes are prepared using

local ingredients where possible and sub-

ject to chef’s acclaimed, individual style.

Front Street, Orford (01394 450271)

www.thekingsheadorford.co.uk

Sorrell Horse Inn

Milden Hall is a 16th century farmhouse

that offers bed and breakfast accommo-

dation for up to six people. The farm-

house is decorated with beautiful period

furniture and tapestries, there are three

large bedrooms and a woodburner-heat-

ed hall sitting room. Self catering accom-

modation is also available in a restored

Tudor barn. The Hall, Milden, Lavenham

(01787 247235)

The Old Butchers Shop

The Old Butcher's Shop bed and breakfast

is a listed building in the centre of the

conservation area Orford village. There

are three rooms, one of which looks out

to the sea. Guests can have breakfast in

the courtyard in the summer and there's a

large garden with fine views of Orford

church. 111 Church Street, Orford, nr


www.oldbutchers-orford.co.uk

Newmans Hall

A quiet place to stay in the Suffolk coun-

tryside. Guests at this B&B have the use of

a heated indoor swimming pool and an

En-Tout-Cas tennis court. There are two

double bedrooms and one twin bedroom.

The breakfast room has French windows

onto the garden, there's spacious grounds

and a pub nearby. Little Waldingfield,

Sudbury (01787 249111)

�64 find more at www.suffolkhotelsguide.com

Sweffling Hall Farm The Angel Hotel



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Centres are staffed by dedicated, experienced offi-cers who know everything there is to know aboutwhat’s going on in their local patch. Check theiropening hours locally as some are seasonal andsome may close at 1pm on Saturdays.

Aldeburgh152 High StreetT 01728 453637E [email protected]

Brandon31 High StreetT 01842 814955E [email protected]

Bury St Edmunds6 Angel HillT 01284 764667E [email protected]

Felixstowe91 Undercliff Road WestT 01394 276770E [email protected]

Flatford (seasonal)

Flatford lane

T 01206 299460

E [email protected]

Hadleigh

Hadleigh Library

T 01473 823778

E [email protected]

Ipswich

St Stephen’s Church, St Stephen’s Lane

T 01473 258070

E [email protected]

Lavenham (seasonal)

Lady Street

T 01787 248207

E [email protected]

Lowestoft

East Point Pavilion

T 01502 533600

E [email protected]

Newmarket

Palace House, Palace Street

T 01638 667200

E [email protected]

Southwold

69 High Street

T 01502 724729

E [email protected]

Stowmarket

Museum of East Anglian Life

T 01449 676800

E [email protected]

Sudbury

Gaol lane

T 01787 881320

E [email protected]

Woodbridge

Station Buildings

T 01394 382240

E [email protected]

Information

Suffolk Tourist Information Centres

www.suffolktouristguide.comEverything you need to know about Suffolk

National Rail Enquiries

08457 484950

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suffolk tourist guide 2011

Documents

suffolk coast

historic town

beautiful town

suffolk touristguide

coastal map

towns history

beautiful coastal scenes4

food drink suffolk