Exploring Suffolk - "Relax, Refresh, Return"

Suffolk has so much variety to offer the visitor; it is unlikely that all its secrets will be revealed in just one visit. The home of famous painters such as Munnings, Constable and Gainsborough, the countryside is gently undulating with rivers and streams to catch the eye in the sunshine. Many of the houses are thatched and coated in the famous Suffolk pink wash, this county is still essentially rural and untouched.

THE HERITAGE COAST
Explore Suffolk's "Heritage" coastline. The wild and open sand and shingle areas are interspersed with towns and villages full of character. Southwold and Aldeburgh are the jewels of the east coast. The town consists of little groups of houses set around pleasant greens. The shingle beach with its famous beach huts, the newly restored pier and the picturesque harbour are essential viewing, with superb pubs and restaurants to refresh after a long day. Further south is the village of Dunwich, which was an important Roman port. It has a fascinating little museum and has the best fish and chips!

You will find Aldeburgh has much of the same charm as Southwold, and nearby the Snape Maltings provide you with a great shopping opportunity. Further south the town of Orford with its delightful old fishermen's cottages and castle should not be missed. Famous for its oyster beds, tempting local seafood can be enjoyed and a visit to the smoke house in Bakers Lane provides a few mementos to take home.

INLAND EAST SUFFOLK
The river Waveney forms the northern border of the county, dotted along its banks are some lovely little towns and villages including Beccles, Bungay and Eye. The countryside varies from lush open marshes to "High Suffolk" farmland interspersed with magnificent churches and moated farmhouses. Further south the wonderful towns of Framlingham with its castle; pretty Saxmundham and Woodbridge with its tidal mill and boatyards should be visited. Close by, the Anglo-Saxon ship burial of Sutton Hoo provides the visitor with an insight into life in the Dark Ages.

SOUTH AND WEST SUFFOLK
This area contains some of the finest medieval towns in the whole of England. Lavenham and Hadleigh, overflow with picture postcard timber frame buildings. Long Melford has a broad main street stuffed full of antique shops, and boasts 2 Tudor Mansions, Melford Hall and Kentwell Hall. The west of the county provides visitors with an insight into the "Sport of Kings". Newmarket is a strange old town where the horse is king and pelican crossings are specially adapted to be worked from horseback! There is a super museum and the National Stud.

Bury St Edmunds is a treasure waiting to be explored with its beautifully restored Georgian theatre, a really good museum and an excellent brewery too! Just on the outskirts is the N.T. property of Ickworth which is well worth a visit.

Of course your hosts in the "Break with Tradition Group" with their wealth of local knowledge can help you plan outings especially tailored to your needs.