This is the home of world class
breweries and
distilleries, and of some of the very finest ingredients our fair isles have to offer. Free-range pork. Rare breed beef. Fish and shellfish caught by day boats off the coast. Hand-picked samphire. Asparagus. Strawberries. Bean-to-bar chocolate. Suffolk offers rich pickings indeed. Restaurants such as Maison Bleue (award-winning French modern), 1921,
Milsoms at Dedham and Kesgrave Hall, Wyken Vineyards, Pea Porridge and
Tuddenham Mill are all incredible eats. That’s not to mention all the award-winning pubs,
cafes and farm shops too. You will not go hungry!
Fish and chips on Aldeburgh beach
Oh, the
beaches. Again, you are totally spoilt. If rugged coastlines are your thing, make for the other-worldly stony shore of Shingle Street, where strange sea vegetables unfurl from between the pebbles, and where you could spot shark’s teeth and amber. Felixstowe has seen a tide of change in recent years and offers so much for a family day out – excellent fish and chips, gourmet ice cream parlours, a sandy beach, fantastic modern pier amusements and, of course, crabbing at Old Felixstowe. The seafront gardens are beautiful too. Aldeburgh and Southwold are tops for fashionistas and foodies. Thorpeness has charm and a
magical meare. Lowestoft brings more sandy fun, while wild sand dunes of Walberswick are just stunning.
Lowestoft beach
Enjoy the wildlife and fresh air at Brandon Country Park
If you have children in tow they won’t get bored, with so many
attractions on the doorstep.
Newmarket Horse Racing Museum,
Oasis Camel Park and
Easton Farm Park have animal encounters sorted. Visit West Stow Anglo Saxon Village and
Sutton Hoo for a history trip. Head to
RSPB Minsmere for a spot of nature. Join in the fun at
Kentwell Hall for historical re-enactments. Ride the train and see the animals at
Africa Alive! Go wild at Tree Top Adventures at
Go Ape Thetford. Cycle off-road at High Lodge. Hop aboard Orwell River Cruises in Ipswich. Or battle it out on the American-style crazy golf course at Ufford Park. As well as our stunning beaches and countryside. Phew. There’s just too much to do.
See the animals at Africa Alive!
Is fitness your thing? Let us whet your appetite with many
outdoor adventures. Run one of the many races put on by local clubs throughout the year. Sail, surf, kayak and paddle board on Suffolk’s creeks or on open water at Alton Water or Lackford Lakes. Climb The Cragg at Stowmarket. Or try the more difficult cycle routes at High Lodge, Thetford Forest.
Cycle, walk, sail, canoe and paddle board at Alton Water
There are so many adventures to be had. Take on the high ropes challenge at Go Ape in Thetford Forest (or go on Segway). Step inside one of the biggest laser battling arenas in the country at Planet Laser in
Bury St Edmunds. Check out one of the go-karting tracks. Whizz along on dry land at Flo-Ridaz – a hovercraft driving experience in Mendlesham.
Walkers and cyclists alike will love Suffolk’s wild and expanse landscapes. Great for outdoor activities, Suffolk sports miles and miles of off-road cycling and quiet country roads await cyclists, with lovely routes including the 69-mile Painters Trail around Constable Country, The Saints cycle around the Bungay area, and the marked paths within Thetford and Rendlesham Forests. Keen walkers will love The Sailor’s Path in the Suffolk Coast and Heath’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Wherever you stay, you’re never far from a brilliant walk.
Suffolk is the home of
Constable,
Gainsborough, Benjamin Britten and more recently,
Maggi Hambling. There is a simply enormous
arts and culture scene, traversing music, art, theatre, literature and photography. World class facilities includes the Jerwood Dancehouse and
Snape Maltings. Top acts regularly appear in Suffolk’s theatres. Then there’s the pull of festivals such as
Latitude, and literary events like Slaughter in Southwold.
A performance of The Borrowers at Dance East
10. PLACES
There are simply too many wonderful places to visit. Beautiful
Bury St Edmunds with its independent shops and clutch of award-winning restaurants. Medieval
Lavenham (with its links to Harry Potter).
Southwold, where you can ‘whack a banker’ on the pier. Boating at
Shotley Peninsula.
Constable Country in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The list is endless.
Lavenham and its links to Harry Potter
This is an article written by the EADT and adapted by Visit Suffolk