Local Area

What’s to see and do in Suffolk

The village is a 10 minute stroll away where one can enjoy a meal at the local pub, Cretingham Bell, or visit our beautiful church in its fine setting. All of the neighbouring villages have something special to offer. If you head off in the opposite direction, following the footpath through the stunning tree-lined golf course, you’ll walk towards the quaint village of Brandeston, this too is a sheer delight and there is another lovely pub, Brandeston Queen.

In the village of Earl Soham, there is a fantastic butchers, "Huttons". John and his team do their utmost to provide locally sourced meats. The counters are spotless, full of first class cuts of meat, fresh fish and all sorts of fresh produce. If you fancy going out for a coffee, Eat Anglia has been described as one of the region's finest delicatessens, awarded "The Best Coffee Shop In Suffolk 2006". In the evening, a visit to "The Victoria" is great fun, providing good food and real beer.


There is certainly plenty to do around Suffolk, for example a visit to the market town of Framlingham (a 10 minute drive) where there is a fabulous castle dating back to the 12th century. Framlingham itself has numerous shops, pubs and restaurants and also a supermarket if you need to stock the fridge!


Easton Farm Park makes the perfect day out for the family, there is so much to see at this award-winning attraction, including pony rides, hug a bunny and seeing a variety of farm animals including the big Suffolk Punch.

We are surrounded by stunning coastlines which must be visited, especially Southwold, Walberswick, Aldeburgh and Thorpeness (all approximately 25 minutes in the car). Fresh fish and chips on the sea wall in Aldeburgh is a definite 'must', voted one of the best in the country and its true, you won't be disappointed. A walk along the sea front from Aldeburgh to Thorpeness is a great way to end the day. Thorpeness is extremely picturesque with its "House In The Clouds" and its beautiful mere. The beach huts in Southwold are lovely to see and Walberswick is renouned for its crabbing and fun for the kids.

In the same direction of Aldeburgh and Thorpeness you will pass Snape Maltings which has Victorian buildings filled with shops, galleries and eateries, located alongside the Alde estuary.

For those who are interested in architecture, Lavenham, described as "the most complete medieval town in Britan", is well worth visiting. This town is famous for its half timbered buildings and super "wool" church. If you are into bird watching, RSPB reserve at Minsmere is within easy reach and there is plenty of serious walking to be done at Tunstall and Rendlesham forests.

Those wishing to go a little further will not be disappointed. Ipswich, 25 minutes drive offers shopping and leisure facilities and Norwich, one hour away, is great for excellent shopping and historical attractions.

Animals:

  • Suffolk Owl Sanctuary

Stonham Barns, Pettaugh Road , Stonham Aspal, Suffolk IP14 6AT
Tel: 01449 711425

http://www.the-owl-barn.com/bbop/info.html

  • Easton farm Park

Easton , Woodbridge , Suffolk IP13 0EQ

Tel: 01728 746475

http://www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk/

  • Baylham House Farm

Baylham, Ipswich, Suffolk

http://www.baylham-house-farm.co.uk/

  • Otter Trust

Earsham , Bungay , Suffolk NR35 2AF
Tel: 01986 893470

http://www.ottertrust.org.uk/earsham.htm

  • Suffolk Wildlife Park

Kessingland, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 7TF
Tel: (01502) 740291

http://www.suffolkwildlifepark.co.uk/

  • Banham Zoo

Banham Zoo, The Grove, Banham, Norfolk , NR16 2HE

Tel: 01953 887771

http://www.banhamzoo.co.uk/template.php?sectionId=1


Bicycle Hire:

  • Byways Bicycles

Priory Farm, Priory Lane , Darsham, Suffolk IP17 3QD

Tel: 01728 668764

http://www.bywaysbicycles.co.uk/


Bird/ Nature Reserves Area Listings:


Craft Shops/ Art Galleries :

  • Stonham Barns

Stonham Barns Leisure and Retail Complex, Pettaugh Road , Stonham Aspal, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6AT
Tel: 01449 711755

http://www.stonhambarns.co.uk/default.htm

  • Snape Maltings

Snape Maltings, Nr. Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 1SR

Tel: 01728 688303/5.

http://www.snapemaltings.co.uk/index.asp

  • Aldringham Craft Market

Aldringham, Nr. Leiston, Suffolk IP16 4PY

Tel: 01728 830397

http://www.outabout.co.uk/aldringham-craft-market/index.html


Concert/ Cinema:

  • Snape Maltings Concert Hall

Snape Maltings, Nr. Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 1SR

Tel: 01728 688303/5

http://www.snapemaltings.co.uk/concert_hall.asp

  • Riverside Theatre & Restaurant

Quayside, Woodbridge , Suffolk IP12 1BH

Tel: 01394 382174

http://www.theriverside.co.uk/default.asp?PageSeq=1

  • UGC Cinema

Cardinal Park , 11 Grafton Way , Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 1AX

Tel: 0870 777 2775

http://www.ugccinemas.co.uk/reservation/ChoixResa.jgi?CINEMA=55


Eating Out:

N.B: We would recommend booking to avoid disappointment.

  • The Cretingham Bell

The Street, Cretingham, Woodbridge

TEL:01728 685419 

  • The Old Mill House

The Green, Saxtead, Woodbridge , IP13 9QE

Tel: 01728685064

  • The Victoria

The Street,  Earl Soham IP13 7RL

Tel: 01728 685758

Typical country pub, with its own brewery making "Albert Ale". Traditional, hearty pub food.

http://www.travelpublishing.co.uk/HiddenInnsEastAnglia/Suffolk/HEA21500.htm

  • Queens Head (4 .2 miles)

The Street, Brandeston IP13 7AD

Tel: 01728 685307

Voted Suffolk Food Pub of the Year 2003-2004 by the public. The Queens Head is an excellent venue in the area for an outstanding bite to eat.

http://www.brandestonqueenshead.co.uk/

  • The Chequers

Kettleburgh, Woodbridge , IP13 7JT
Tel: 01728 723760

The Chequers is set in beautiful countryside on the banks of the River Deben. http://www.travelpublishing.co.uk/HiddenPlacesEastAnglia/CentralandEastSuffolk/EA21123.htm

Farmers Markets (Fresh, local produce):

(Contact for Dates, if not shown)

  • Framlingham Market

Market Hill, Framlingham
Tuesdays and Saturdays

http://www.framlingham.com/shopping/market/market.html

  • Easton farm Park

Easton , Woodbridge , Suffolk IP13 0EQ

Tel: 01728 746475

http://www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk/

  • Woodbridge

Woodbridge Community Centre

Tel: 01379 384593

2 nd Saturday of every month (9.30am to 2p.m)

  • Wyken Hall

Stanton , Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 2DW

Tel: 01359 250287

Saturday Mornings

http://www.wykenvineyards.co.uk/

Gardens:

  • Helmingham Hall & Moated Gardens

Helmingham, Stowmarket, Suffolk , IP14 6EF
Tel: 01473 890363

http://www.helmingham.com/introduction.htm

  • Wyken Hall Gardens & Vineyards

Stanton , Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 2DW

Tel: 01359 250287

http://www.wykenvineyards.co.uk/

  • Somerleyton Hall & Gardens

Somerleyton Hall, Lowestoft, Suffolk , NR32 5QQ

Tel: 0871 2224244

http://www.somerleyton.co.uk/hallandgardens/index.htm

  • Shrubland Park Gardens

Shrubland Park Estate, Coddenham, Ipswich IP6 9QQ

Tel: 01473 830221

http://www.shrublandpark.co.uk/

Historical Buildings & Sites :

  • Saxtead Mill

Saxtead Green, Woodbridge , Suffolk IP13 9QQ

Tel: 01728 685789

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/filestore/visitsevents/asp/visits/Details.asp?Property_Id=42&js=yes

  • Framlingham Castle

Framlingham, Woodbridge , Suffolk IP13 9BP

Tel: 01728 724189

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/filestore/visitsevents/asp/visits/Details.asp?Property_Id=23&js=yes

  • Sutton Hoo Archaeological Site

Tranmer House, Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge , Suffolk IP12 3DJ

Tel: 01394 389700

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/places/suttonhoo/

  • Christchurch Mansion

Christchurch Park , Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 2BE

Tel: 01473 433554

http://www.ipswich.gov.uk/tourism/guide/mansion.htm

  • Orford Castle

Orford, Woodbridge , Suffolk

Tel: 01394 450472

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/filestore/visitsevents/asp/visits/Details.asp?Property_Id=38&js=yes

Horse Riding:

•  Valley Farm Riding & Driving Centre ,
Wickham Market, Woodbridge , Suffolk IP13 0ND
Tel: 01728 746916

http://www.valleyfarmonline.co.uk/riding/

  • Poplar Park Equestrian Centre, Hollesley, Woodbridge

http://www.poplarparkevent.com/POPLAR1.HTM