Visit the Shotley Peninsula in Suffolk
Explore the peninsula
A local man, who was sitting nearby, explained that monkeys were the favoured pets of William Berners, a London property developer, who built his 'gentleman's residence' in 1776. Fire broke out in the hall one night, and the monkeys raised the alarm, giving Berners and his family time to escape the blaze unscathed. The carvings of monkeys around the Woolverstone estate are a tribute to his vigilant pets.

The Shotley Peninsula forms part of the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which stretches from Shotley in the south of Suffolk, up the coast to Kessingland in the north. The whole area is characterised by shingle beaches, heathland, forest, estuaries and iconic coastal towns such as Aldeburgh and Southwold.

“Check out Freston woods for its wild garlic and bluebells in the spring. Summer sees a raft of sailing regattas and village events, and the Suffolk Open Studios initiative. Migrating birds fill the skies and marshes from autumn onwards and the peninsula is a mix of colourful hues and views”.

When it comes to eating well and making the most of local produce and fine Suffolk beers, there are lots of places to choose from. Derek's list of favourites includes the Bristol Arms at Shotley, The Butt & Oyster at Pin Mill and the Suffolk Food Hall at Wherstead for their excellent food and views. The Michelin-listed Red Lion at Chelmondiston is another favourite, and the Shotley Rose gets the thumbs up as traditional English pub.
And where is the best view to be had? “So many to choose from” says Derek. “The Strand looking down the River Orwell is one. Enjoy lunch at the Cookhouse [at the Suffolk Food Hall] and gaze from an elevated position at thousands of birds, Freston Tower and a mixture of yachts and commercial vessels; and Shotley Marina with its views to Felixstowe and Harwich - you can see two counties without moving”.
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Read our earlier article about life on the Shotley Peninsula here.
Visit England's Year of Literary Heroes 2017
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