Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
Join the Lady Florence for a relaxing cruise cruise on the Rivers Alde and Ore. Start your day with panache on a cruise lasting two and half hours during which an American style or champagne brunch is served. Or perhaps pick the evening cruise, on which you will be served a delicious dinner, whilst you relax on the river.
Home to its own brewery, St Peter's Hall is housed in a former monastery, serving a weekly changing menu that is uncomplicated and very dependent upon local produce, some grown in the surrounding gardens. Surely the former occupants would have thoroughly approved.
Mariners - 19.9 Miles (31.8 KM)
Seamanlike precision translates very easily it seems into the all-important area of the galley of this floating French brasserie. Moored in the marina, Mariners takes full advantage of the ready availability of excellent local produce. An absolute must!
At over 500 years old this is a lovely pub within the beautiful town of Diss. Enjoy delicious food or just a drink and relax within wonderful surroundings. Have a night out and watch the fabulous live events often playing at the Cock Inn.
Food from the oceans is very popular at this well established restaurant. Dedicated and friendly staff serve a good range of interesting fish dishes as well as a wide selection of meat, poultry and game.
Fun Days Out
There is always lots to do on the Farm, with daily pony rides, pat-a-pet, meeting Major, one of the big Suffolk Punch cart horses, barrel train rides, pony and cart rides (and harnessing), lamb feeding and pig feeding.
The high speed boat tours of Solebay offer a hugely popular adrenaline rush but on the quieter river trips you can spot marsh harriers, heron, osprey and many types of wading birds, both resident and migratory.
Specialising in the work of artists with an East Anglian connection, The Halesworth Art Gallery aims to 'exhibit modern painting and sculpture of the highest possible standard on a non-profit-making basis and for the general enjoyment for all'.
A well established family entertainment park on the Felixstowe seafront, with something for all the family, including an amusement arcade, children's theme park, indoor crazy golf, a Sunday market, pool and snooker, 10-pin bowling, bars and cafes.
There are plenty of daily feeding talks and animal encounter sessions, magnificent Birds of Prey display and free safari road train tours around the Park with live commentary on some of the animals you will meet. (No service dogs allowed so as not to cause distress to the animals)
With over 60 owls and birds of prey and free flight demonstrations as well as red squirrels, a woodland walk and songbird hide, this sanctuary is well worth a visit. Activities for children include a quiz trail, mini maze and play area.
Jimmy?s Farm is a great day out for all the family. There is a nature trail, adventure playground, working farm, shops, butchery, café, garden shop and much more. They also run educational courses for children in the school holidays. (wheelchairs are welcome, but it is a working farm with muddy conditions)
Pleasurewood Hills really is the perfect fun packed day out for all ages — adrenaline fuelled thrills for the bravest adventurers, fun rides for all the family including some just for the little ones, and wonderful shows with sea lions, parrots, acrobats and clowns.
Walton Pier - 25.2 Miles (40.3 KM)
Walton Pier has a whole host of rides and attractions for children as well as Pirate Pete's Adventure Land.
With an impressive collection of working locomotives and a fabulous 20 acres of gardens housing 8,000 species this is a great family day out! Take part in a steam journey and choose from 4 different journeys. Dad's Army fans will be in their element as this is the official home to the 'Dad's Army Appreciation Society' therefore offering many exhibits.
Marvel at the creativity of this beautiful model village right on the Seafront. See all the miniature occupants of the village in action and after dark the village is enchantingly lit up. Also features a model railway which is outstanding. Visit the penny museum and try your luck at crazy golf. Finally, relax in the tea rooms with a delicious homemade cake.
Beach
Dunwich Beach - 6.9 Miles (11 KM)
Dunwich beach is run and maintained by the National Trust in this beautiful and remote part of Suffolk. There are some extremely fine walks to be had on the wild heathland and local wildlife can be found in abundance. There's also a great fish and chip café by the beach and a village pub.
Walberswick Beach - 12.1 Miles (19.4 KM)
Walberswick is a quiet beach popular with families, and makes an interesting change from Southwold. If sunbathing and beach activities should pall, then there's the popular pastime of crabbing nearby. Just catch the 'ferry' from Southwold Harbour or drive down there yourself and purchase the catch of the day.
Southwold Beach - 12.5 Miles (20 KM)
A wonderful Suffolk beach, with golden sands perfect for sandcastles and sunbathing. Take a dip in the water and visit the old lighthouse, before getting some fish and chips. With an excellent pier, complete with old fashioned amusements and the more traditional arcade games, there is something for everyone. The beach is a regular winner of the acclaimed 'Blue Flag' award, its golden sands perfect for lazy summer days or brisk winter walks.
Kessingland Beach - 18.8 Miles (30.1 KM)
Kessingland is home to a lovely stretch of the Suffolk coastline. Remote and often quiet it is a perfect area to while away the hours. It is also ideally located between Lowestoft and Southwold, which boasts a charming pier with excellent arcade games.
Dovercourt Bay - 20.5 Miles (32.8 KM)
A delightful family resort with lots to see and do. Try your hand at some crazy golf or have fun on the boating lake. With exceptional views of Harwich, historic streets and some cute local seals there is something for everyone at Dovercourt.
Lowestoft Beach - 22.8 Miles (36.5 KM)
Lowestoft's south beach either side of the Claremont Pier has great stretches of soft, golden sand and are immensely popular with locals and tourists alike. The seafront area boasts many attractions including the two piers with amusements, the East Point Pavilion as well as pubs, bars, cafés and ornamental gardens.
Great Yarmouth Beach - 29.2 Miles (46.7 KM)
Perfect for the bucket and spade brigade, in 2004 this long sandy beach was (scientifically) judged to come third in the top five beaches for building sand castles. And of course Great Yarmouth is the home of seaside entertainment; crazy pirate golf, pony rides, games, bouncy castles and amusement arcades!
Biking & Hiking
Beccles to Norwich - 20.8 Miles (33.3 KM)
As you'd expect from Norfolk, this route is fairly flat until you reach the surprisingly hilly city of Norwich. Quiet roads and country lanes wind across the county passed some lovely countryside. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the Norfolk broads.
Geldeston to Beccles Walk - 22 Miles (35.2 KM)
Walk along the Waveney Valley for just under 7 miles and soak up some of the local history and culture. Beginning at Geldston, a village that has been there since Roman times and ending at the lovely little market town of Beccles.
Walking the River Chet - 26.9 Miles (43 KM)
This is a gentle walk of about 4 miles that will probably last roughly 2 hours. Walking the River Chet, one of the quietest Broadland rivers, is a particularly rewarding for those who enjoy spotting wildlife or simply delight in the countryside.
Begin and end at Haddiscoe Bridge on this circular walk in Norfolk. Watch out for windmills and Roman remains.
A fairly hilly route on mainly country roads. It would take an average rider approximately 2 hours to complete it as it is just over 21 miles.
Golf & Sports
Why stand by looking at the water when you can go out and enjoy it? Bawdsey Quay Watersports Centre offers many ways to experience life on the gently rippling tides. Royal Yachting Association courses are offered and include dinghy sailing and power boating. Programmes are available for all age groups with specialised courses in safety and coaching.
Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club is was established in 1880, making it one of the oldest courses in the country, and has a long and esteemed history and continues to be a prosperous golf community where you will also receive a warm and friendly welcome. It contains a genuine 18 hole links course, the Martello course and the 9 hole, Kingsfleet course, they are located next to the sea and have fantastic views over the East Anglian coast and Deben River. This rolling course is suitable to all level of golfer and offers a number of challenges, from the testing borrows on the green, deep bunkers, tight fairways, unforgiving rough and the constant presence of winds from the coast. The course is in superb condition, fairways are good and the greens are receptive and fast, with a nice mix of holes. Staff throughout are excellent, friendly, professional and really helpful, they really enhance the overall experience of playing here. The clubhouse is warm and welcoming with excellent amenities, and the food they serve is excellent, well cooked and presented and superb value for money. Felixstowe Ferry Gold Club is a true traditional course with excellent clubhouse and staff and offers a great game of golf at very competitive prices a must if you are in the area, highly recommended.
Run by Richard Lock, an ex racer, this group of friendly and enthusiastic people create a great racing experience for all ages. The team will keep you safe but make sure that you have a lot of fun. So what are you waiting for? Get down to the track today!
These six fishing lakes otherwise known as the Weybread Pits sit on the Norfolk/Suffolk border. Day tickets can be purchased from the local post office.
Carp and general coarse fishing is available at Heartsmere lake, one of the cluster of small lakes that makes up Waveney Valley Lakes.
This purpose built indoor race track offers all the challenges of a full size racing circuit plus all the comforts of an indoor venue.
A great place to keep fit on holiday. This centre has a 25 metre swimming pool and gym, along with numerous classes including, Ab?s, Back and Flex and Aqua Aerobics.
Redwings is a registered charity which cares for the wellbeing of rescued horses. Spend some time with the horses and learn about the work of this extraordinary centre.
Nature Reserves
Orford Ness is considered an internationally important nature reserve which is also significant in terms of military history. See Europe's largest remote shingle spit and learn about military activity from the 20th century. Trails wind through the reserve, providing many ways to see the area's most beautiful scenery up close.
Landguard Bird Observatory is situated in a disused military building next to the Local Nature Reserve at the southern end of the town of Felixstowe. It is an independent organisation and is operated by a registered charity and is dependent on friends and volunteers to function. The purpose of the observatory is to observe and document the wildlife of the complete Landguard peninsula, for the purpose of education and improvement of our knowledge of our feathered friends. Their location makes them the main migration watch point in Suffolk. They are open throughout the year but, all visits and tours are by appointment only. The best time to come and see birds is early in the morning and during the Spring and Autumn when migration takes place. However, the afternoons are generally better to see insects. There is a daily notice board where they state what birds are around, it is not unusual for rare birds to come in by container ship or be blown in by winds. They organise a series of events throughout the year including information walks, watching the moth traps being emptied or clean up operations that you can get involved with. Landguard Bird Observatory plays an important role in maintaining the wildlife of this area and offers a prime location to observe and enjoy the wildlife who make their home here.
Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Countryside Project are enterprises made up of a small team whose primary aims are the conservation and enhancement of the unique characteristics of the area. The beauty and rich heritage of the site is worth protecting and this admirable project has taken huge strides over the last twenty years to encourage respect for the land and its history. Please see the website for more information as to how you can volunteer and contact tourist information centres in Sudbury, Colchester and Newmarket for local information.
Set across 328 hectares, this wonderful reserve is part of the Halvergate Marshes which also has RSPB ties. Come and spend some time here and see a huge variety of beautiful birds including redshanks, snipes, lapwings, pink-footed geese and teals.
Gardens & Woodlands
Rendlesham Forest offers a peaceful escape for nature lovers, cyclists, horse riders, walkers and general explorers. Cycle trails are available, including the 6 mile Tang Trail and the 10 mile F.I.D.O,. trail. Discover a beautiful region that is also significant because of the controversial UFO incident that allegedly took place there.
Enjoy the special atmosphere of this beautiful park, with its red deer, spectacular moated Hall and famous gardens. The stunning walled kitchen garden features exquisite herbaceous borders and beds of vegetables interspersed by tunnels of sweet peas, runner beans and gourds.
Discover a wonderful collection of fine trees and shrubs including many rarely seen growing in East Anglia. The majority of these unusual plants originated from George Forrest, the renowned plant collector.
The park surrounding the Barn is famous for its magnificent bluebell woodland and magnificent old trees including an avenue of ancient lime trees and a venerable oak, with a 30 foot trunk, said to be over 1,000 years old.
Local Attractions
Snape Maltings is a great place for lots of different activities such as shopping in interesting specialist stores, listening to musical performances, visiting the farmers' markets and cafes and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
The Port of Felixstone is Britain's largest and most hectic container port, as well as being one of the biggest in Europe. They employ more than 2,500 people and deal with more than 3,000 ships every year and in excess of 3.7 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units annually. The largest container vessel in the world MSC Oscar made its maiden call at the Port of Felixstowe. If you have an interest in seeing a major and busy port in action then you will get the perfect opportunity here at the Port of Felixstowe. See the containers being loaded and unloaded and moved around the yard, it is a mesmerising sight to see a well organised and sleek operation in full flow.
The Seagull Theatre is housed in a lovely building that is full of character, it is an intimate venue that supports local talent as well as regional and touring theatre companies. They even have their own touring Theatre company; The Seagull Rep. It has a tumultuous history but continues to serve and be an important part of the community. Work is continuing on the building but it is warm and comfortable and the perfect venue to enjoy a show, the seating is tiered so everyone gets a good view of the stage. In addition to the main Auditorium, there are three studios that provide space for local groups to use for rehearsals. They run a diverse and interesting programme of events with something to suit everyone and the quality of the performances is first class. The theatre is run by volunteers and you will find them to be really friendly and helpful. There is a small bar area where you can enjoy a drink before the show. The Seagull Theatre is a fantastic community theatre that should continue to be supported, pop along and see a performance, you won't be disappointed.
The Marina Theatre has been a part of the cultural scene of Lowestoft since the 1897 and continues to this day to be a focal point for entertainment in the town. The theatre hosts a diverse and interesting range of programmes that incorporates West End musicals, top comedians, plays, pantomimes, cinema screenings and much more. It also holds the distinguished honour of being a residence of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, being one of only two venues outside London to hold this honour. It is an intimate venue with a nice friendly ambience. There is a cafe and a small bar where you can enjoy a snack or hot meal and pre-theatre drinks before the show. The seats are very comfortable and are roomy and the theatre is well laid out with excellent acoustics. The staff throughout are all friendly and helpful. The ticket prices are very reasonable here compared to similar venues. The Marina Theatre is a superb local theatre with an excellent range of shows and is highly recommended.
Craftmania - 23.4 Miles (37.4 KM)
Craftmaina is the one stop shop for all things craft related, it is a treasure throve for those who enjoy arts and crafts with everything that you could require for your craft or hobby. You will find a full stock of items for Cardmaking, Scrapbooking, Knitting, Decopatch and lots more. They run demo days and other events in the shop and have lots of samples and promotions on offer. They even organise and run workshops where you can learn a new hobby, the prices are very reasonable, full details of these workshops can be found on their facebook page. The staff at Craftmania are really friendly and helpful and the store itself is vibrant and colourful with a lovely welcoming atmosphere. If you are in the area pop in for a browse you will be surprised by what you will find here.
A pretty town, with a great mile long sandy beach. Relax and soak up the atmosphere before mooching around the shops and maybe playing some golf in Walton-on-Naze. Try your hand at some watersports and have a stroll along the promenade with its many beach huts.
Historical & Heritage Sites
Orford Castle's excellent site and distinctive construction allowed the garrison command of the field of fire without exposure to the enemy. The impressively preserved keep is of unusual polygonal design, with the addition of three rectangular towers and a forebuilding.
Framlingham is an impressive late 12th-century castle built by Roger Bigod, Earl of Norfolk. It was designed both as a stronghold and to reflect the power and status of one of the most influential people at the court of the Plantagenet kings. (Disabled access in grounds and on ground floor only)
The Woodbridge Museum provides a chronological look at the development of Woodbridge. The area began as an Anglo Saxon settlement then evolved into a Medieval market town. Learn more about what life was like through the centuries as Woodbridge moved on to become a ship building centre and garrison during the Napoleonic wars.
Sutton Hoo - 12.1 Miles (19.4 KM)
Sutton Hoo is a treasure trove of archaeological fascination. In one of the burial mounds a royal Anglo Saxon ship-burial was discovered. The grave is thought to be that of Raedwald, King of the Angles and Overlord of England. In addition to the burial ground there are some great displays on early English history.(Restricted wheelchair access)
Landguard Fort is a formidable structure situated on a split of land close to Felixstowe at the mouth of the River Orwell, it served well as a defence for many years and has a long and distinguished history. The actual site was the last opposed seaborne invasion of England in 1667 as well as the first land battle of the Royal Marines. The current fort was constructed in the 18th century, was altered in the 19th century and underwent major extension in the 19th and 20th century. There are guided and audio tours of the fort available, these are accompanied by an audio-visual presentation, detailing the site's history, as well as life size figures demonstrating life here. It is a bit eerie walking through the dark corridors. The different rooms cover various subjects of military life. The fort is open from March through to November from 10.00 am to 5.00pm and there is a small charge for entry, children under five are free. During the year they organise various activities and reenactments, full details can be obtained from the website. There is a small gift shop that a selection of gifts in addition to drinks, ice creams and confectionery. Outside are picnic benches for your use. Landguard Fort is both historic and interesting and gives an insight into the counytrys military history, in addition to having some amazing views across the River Orwell.
Felixstowe Museum is an intimate museum and is located at Languard Point next to the Dock Viewing Area, a short distance from the town centre. The museum is home to an interesting and diverse collection of exhibits including military, archaeology and social history, spanning the past 300-400 years. The museum is well laid out even though it is awkwardly shaped, the rooms are well lit and spacious. There is a number of permanent and temporary exhibits that are frequently changed so there is always something new to see. They are open throughout the year, from 1.00pm to 5.00pm, and the opening days are different depending on the season and there is a small admission charge, full details can be obtained from the website. There is a tea room where you can get a selection of hot and cold beverages as well as snacks, there is seating inside and outside for those nice days. The Museum shop stocks a nice range of gifts and souvenirs with something to suit everyone and all reasonably priced. The staff are all friendly, helpful and knowledgeable on both the exhibits in the museum and the local area and will answer any questions you might have. Throughout the year they organise a number of events with many aimed at younger visitors they are both fun and interesting, with lots of activities to keep everyone entertained. Felixstowe Museum has something to cater to all ages and interests, it is an informative and interesting museum that is also inexpensive, you could easily spend several hours walking around, a real gem and a credit to Felixstowe.
Home to a giant Woolly Mammoth, Egyptian gallery and artefacts from civilisations around the world, the museum in the historic town of Ipswich has something for everyone.
Lowestoft and East Suffolk Maritime Museum can be found in a charming flint cottage next to the North Sea in the gorgeous Sparrow's Nest Gardens. It is an intimate museum that is well laid out and houses an interesting and vast collection of displays, hands on activities, small cinema and much more. The museum covers the growth of Lowestoft from a small fishing village to a thriving port, the invention of the Hovercraft as well as the glory days of ship building on Lake Lothing, model boats, historic photographs and paintings, you can listen in to passing ships on a VHS radio and lots more. The museum is operated by volunteers who are passionate and more than happy to discuss the exhibits and local history with you, you will find them to very friendly and helpful. The museum is only open for part of the year so best to check the website for opening times. The museum will appeal to all ages as there is lots of activities for younger visitors to get involved in and it is an interesting and informative museum, with loads of history and facts. Lowestoft and East Suffolk Maritime Museum is a gem of a museum.
This transport museum aims to give people a chance to see and experience being on the wonderful street transport from yesteryear once again. Take the opportunity to ride in some of the vehicles on offer and walk round and admire the trams and trolleybuses. Browse the shop and relax in the Terminus Tearooms.
This museum has an amazing quantity of aeroplanes and equipment from many decades for you to look at. Check out the Lightwing Rooster and admire the Supermarine Spitfire. With so much to see you'll be spoilt for choice! Take a look in the shop and enjoy refreshments by the River Waveney.
One of the great stately homes of East Anglia, Somerleyton is an early Victorian mansion built upon the foundations of a 13th century house. The oak staircase is lined with coats of arms from the 14 families who have owned Somerleyton from the 13th century.
Discover the history and natural world of East Anglia in this beautiful 75 acre site. Fascinating East Anglian crafts, traditional Gypsy culture, huge Suffolk Punch horses and rare breed sheep and pigs are among the attractions.
