suffolk tourist guide 2011
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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 the online guide for current special offers at www.suffolktouristguide.comTRANSCRIPT
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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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
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contents 21/3/11 09:19 Page 34
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
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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
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Aldeburgh beach
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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!
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Bungay Old Beccles milestone Bungay
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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.
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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
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Bury St EdmundsCathedral and Abbey Gardens
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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.
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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
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Beautiful Constable Country
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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towns & villages 21/3/11 10:43 Page 20
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
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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
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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.
towns & villages 16/3/11 21:01 Page 23
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.
towns & villages 16/3/11 21:01 Page 24
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.
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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.
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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
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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 Page 34
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
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The Chilli Company Jimmy’s Farm Aspall Cyder Musk’s
food & drink 17/3/11 18:29 Page 35
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
�36 www.suffolktouristguide.com
food & drink 21/3/11 10:38 Page 36
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
www.suffolktouristguide.com 37�
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 Page 37
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�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
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�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
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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
�42 www.suffolktouristguide.com
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 Page 42
�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
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�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
�44 www.suffolktouristguide.com
places to visit 1 17/3/11 09:37 Page 44
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
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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
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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
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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
places to visit 1 17/3/11 09:37 Page 47
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
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�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 Page 50
�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
West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, West Stow,
nr Bury St Edmunds (01284 728718)
�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
Rowley Mile Racecourse, Newmarket
(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-
course, Newmarket (0844 579 3010)
�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)
�22 Newmarket Nights July Race-
course, Newmarket (0844 579 3010)
�23-24 Travellers Through Time
West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, West Stow,
nr Bury St Edmunds (01284 728718)
�27-28 Aug Theatre in the Forest
Rendlesham Forest (01473 288886)
�29 Newmarket Nights July Race-
course, Newmarket (0844 579 3010)
�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)
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�AUGUST�1-31 Snape Proms Snape Maltings
Concert Hall, Aldeburgh (01728 687110)
�5 Newmarket Nights July Race-
course, Newmarket (0844 579 3010)
�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
Bury St Edmunds (01284 728718)
�11-12 Lowestoft Seafront Air
Festival Lowestoft
�12 Newmarket Nights July Race-
course, Newmarket (0844 579 3010)
�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
West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, West Stow,
nr Bury St Edmunds (01284 728718)
�NOVEMBER�4 Big Night Out Fireworks Melford
Hall Park, Long Melford (01787 379783)
�4-6 The Art, Craft & Design Show
Rowley Mile Racecourse, Newmarket
(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)
�13 Yule Fest West Stow Anglo-Saxon
Village, West Stow (01284 728718)
�20 Yule Fest West Stow Anglo-Saxon
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)
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Percussionist Evelyn Glennie Entertainment in the Abbey Gardens
�54 www.suffolktouristguide.com
�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
events 1 17/3/11 09:29 Page 53
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�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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�58 Find more information online at www.suffolkweddingsguide.co.uk
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
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weddings 2 16/3/11 21:37 Page 43
�60 Find more information online at www.suffolkweddingsguide.co.uk
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
Bury St Edmunds (01284 735957)
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:
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)
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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
places to stay 17/3/11 10:31 Page 61
�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,
Woodbridge (01728 746571)
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
Woodbridge (01394 450517)
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
places to stay 21/3/11 10:28 Page 62
www.suffolktouristguide.com 65�
WHERE to stay in Suffolkhotels caravan parks camping guest houses
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66 www.suffolktouristguide.com
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
Hadleigh
Hadleigh Library
T 01473 823778
Ipswich
St Stephen’s Church, St Stephen’s Lane
T 01473 258070
Lavenham (seasonal)
Lady Street
T 01787 248207
Lowestoft
East Point Pavilion
T 01502 533600
Newmarket
Palace House, Palace Street
T 01638 667200
Southwold
69 High Street
T 01502 724729
Stowmarket
Museum of East Anglian Life
T 01449 676800
Sudbury
Gaol lane
T 01787 881320
Woodbridge
Station Buildings
T 01394 382240
Information
Suffolk Tourist Information Centres
www.suffolktouristguide.comEverything you need to know about Suffolk
National Rail Enquiries
08457 484950
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