Villages
Sweffling
Sweffling White Horse is an award-winning community pub that serves locally brewed ales and ciders, and locally made spirits. Their pies straight from the Aga are worth sampling too and there is a selection of traditional pub games. For opening times, take a look at their website: www.swefflingwhitehorse.co.uk.
Southwold (15.6 miles A12 North A1095 at Blythburgh)
The seaside town has an award-winning new pier with a unique water clock and unusual amusements, the world-famous Amber Shop and Swan Hotel in the high street, and Adnams brewery and several of their pubs.
Aldeburgh (10 miles)
www.aldeburgh-suffolk.info
Including Moot Hall museum, the historic sea front and Crag Path, the lifeboat and modern-build lifeboat shed, a Martello tower (owned by the Landmark Trust), a golf course, the Aldeburgh Carnival and Lantern procession (in August) and excellent fish and chip shops!
Thorpeness (10.6 miles via Leiston)
A unique 1920s holiday village, including boating lake, windmill and ‘House in the clouds'. There's also a golf course and country club.
Saxmundham (3.1 miles)
Saxmundham is at the centre of Suffolk's Heritage Coast region and is ideally located for you to visit the many attractions in the area. It is well served for banks, and shops with a small Waitrose and there is a market every Wednesday. Within an hour's drive of Saxmundham there's beautiful heritage coastline, several important nature reserves and areas of outstanding beauty, many historic sites and the seaside resorts of Felixstowe, Aldeburgh, Southwold and Great Yarmouth (Norfolk).
Dunwich village (14 miles)
Including the Museum, Ship Inn, 13th-Century ruins of Greyfriars Friary, and the lepers' chapel adjoining the parish church of St James.
Framlingham (4.6 miles)
'Fram', as it's locally known, hosts markets on Saturday and Tuesday with great local produce together with trinkets and collectibles at Market Hill, the town's centre. There are excellent shops for gifts, food, fashions and antiques and a good selection of cafés, tea shops, pubs and restaurants. There is a small Co-op supermarket. Try the Town Trail marking all the primary sites of historic interest.
Framlingham Castle
Once home to Mary Tudor and where she heard she would be crowned queen, hosts music and theatre events in its grounds so check out local information. In the shadows of the Castle is the Mere, a place full of wildlife and popular with walkers, where dogs are allowed. How about a short trip to Shawsgate Vineyard where you can explore the vineyard and taste award-winning wines?
Woodbridge (12 miles)
Woodbridge is a riverside town situated on the banks of the river Deben, and home to the last working tide mill in the UK.
Orford (11 miles)
Orford is a quiet fishing town and former port with a medieval castle. Enjoy river cruises, trips to the RSPB sanctuary on Havergate Island, or watch the world go by at one of the many restaurants or tea rooms. The river has a large split at the end called Orford Ness, a sanctuary for birds and other wildlife with great walks for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
English Heritage
The following attractions are owned by English Heritage and are near to Saxmundham: check the English Heritage website, www.english-heritage.org.uk, for full details and the opening times of each attraction.
- Framlingham Castle (4.3 miles)
- Saxtead Green Post Mill (6.2 miles)
- Leiston Abbey (8.7 miles)
- Orford Castle (14.6 miles)
- Landguard Fort, Felixstowe (28 miles A12 South A14)
National Trust
The National Trust have numerous properties in the Eastern Region and near to Sweffling. Check the National Trust website www.nationaltrust.org.uk for details and opening times of each property.
Dunwich Heath
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunwich-heath-and-beach
Coastal Centre and beach (12 miles via A12 Yoxford, Westleton).
A remnant of the once extensive Sandlings Heaths and one of Suffolk's most important nature conservation areas. There are many excellent way-marked walks, including access to the neighbouring bird reserve of Minsmere, and an observation room in the converted Coastguard Cottages. Tel: 01728 648505.
Sutton Hoo
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/suttonhoo
Near Woodbridge (17.5 miles via A12 South)
In 2002, the Sutton Hoo ship burial site was opened by the National Trust and is one of their top attractions in the UK. The RSPB has its main visitor centre and bird reserve at nearby Minsmere.
The Anglo-Saxon royal burial site where the priceless Sutton Hoo was discovered in a huge ship grave. The visitor centre and exhibition tells the story of the site – which has been described as ‘page one of English history' and displays some original objects as well as a full-size reconstruction of the ship burial chamber.
Attractions
Snape Maltings (7.7 miles)
www.snapemaltings.co.uk
The Concert Hall is home to the world-famous Aldeburgh Festival (June) and Snape Proms (August). Also visit the Snape Maltings Riverside Centre with shops, galleries, cafe, river trips, painting and craft courses.
Suffolk Wildlife Park
(21.2 miles A12 North Kessingland near Lowestoft)
One of the UK's largest wildlife parks with rhino, giraffe, lion, buffalo, zebra and more.
Food Safari
Gourmet "Field-to-Fork" experiences, one and two-day courses teaching a wide range of skills and reconnecting food with its source. Various dates. Check www.foodsafari.co.uk winner of the ‘UK Cookery School Awards 2012 – Best Day Course/Food Experience'.
Shawsgate Vineyard
www.shawsgate.co.uk
One of the oldest commercial vineyards in East Anglia, producing a range of red, white and rosé wines. They offer wine tasting, a shop and walks amongst the vines.
Bressingham Steam Museum and Gardens
www.bressingham.co.uk (33.1 miles via Framlingham near Diss)
World-famous gardens created by Alan Bloom, and steam museum.
Helmingham Hall Gardens
www.helmingham.com
Set in a 400-year-old deer park with moat and drawbridge. The Tudor Hall has a stunning walled garden, rose garden, landscaped gardens and a gift shop.
Oasis Camel Park
www.oasiscamelpark.co.uk
A family day out with camels, alpacas and llamas plus a gift shop, educational talks and adventure play areas.
Jimmy's Farm - Rare Breeds
www.jimmysfarm.com
A great day out for the whole Family! Feed animals, explore the farm and eat at the restaurant.
Easton Farm Park
www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk
Enjoy a day out with the family at this open farm, with small animal petting sessions, farm walks, themed activities and a gift shop.
Events
Alde Valley Spring Festival
(various dates throughout the spring): www.aldevalleyspringfestival.co.uk
A spring festival which is a four week celebration of food, farming, landscape and the arts. It takes place each spring just after Easter.
The Suffolk Show
www.suffolkshow.co.uk
A two-day event at the end of May, featuring ring displays, food and drink, horticulture and countryside/wildlife exhibitors. Over 700 retail companies, over 1000 livestock exhibits, equine competitions and live music in the evening.
Aldeburgh Festival
(June): www.aldeburgh.co.uk
The Aldeburgh Festival of Music and the Arts is now in its 62nd year, with music from a wide variety of influences and ages.
Latitude Festival
(mid July): www.latitudefestival.co.uk
Family-friendly festival featuring music, film, comedy, theatre, cabaret, dance, poetry, literature and art. Over 700 performers (including big name headline acts).
Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival
(end of September): www.aldeburghfoodanddrink.co.uk
A 10-day celebration of the good local food and drink to be found in Suffolk.
Food Adventures
(various dates throughout the year): www.foodadventures.co.uk
A rolling programme of events celebrating the links between food, farming, landscape and the arts in the Alde Valley, the event includes art exhibitions, countryside walks, seasonal feasts, talks and foraging walks.
Farmers markets (every weekend)
www.suffolktouristguide.com/Farm-Shops-and-Farmers-Markets-in-Suffolk
Hachfest
(end July) www.hachfest.co.uk
A small three-day festival with music from local bands, tribute bands and a couple of well-known headline acts.
Theatre in the Forest
(August) www.redrosechain.com/page/theatre-in-the-forest
An annual production of Shakespeare by the Red Rose Chain. A beautiful setting in the forest, with local food and ales on sale.
Pubs and Restaurants
The Station Hotel
www.thestationframlingham.com Dog friendly Pub, Modern European
The Sweffling White Horse
www.swefflingwhitehorse.co.uk Dog friendly Pub, Bar Food Only
The Crown Inn
www.thecrowninnglemham.co.uk A La Carte