Suffolk

Suffolk is known for its Constable landscapes and rural beauty, and history dating back to ancient times. The seaside town of Southwold is idyllic with whitewashed villas and remains largely unspoiled. The Southwold Museum tells the story of the Battle of Sole Bay between the English and the Dutch in 1672. Many people come to Suffolk and to Aldeburgh for its famous Music Festival in honour of Benjamin Britten who was born in the area.

The festival attracts thousands each year for the world class performances of classical music. Hall near Aldeburgh is a Tudor stately home open to the public. At Dunwich, a tiny village in the Suffolk countryside, there is an interesting history as the port was once the largest in the county. It is now home to a prolific bird watching reserve.  

 

The county town of Ipswich grew up around the wool trade and has many historic buildings in the town. Many people visit Suffolk for the scenes epitomized in John Constable’s paintings such as at Flatford Mill and Dedham Church. Will Lott’s Cottage remains as unchanged today as it did in the Haywain painting. At Bury St Edmunds there are many historic sites and history relating to the last Saxon King Edmund. The eighteenth century Rotunda is another historic feature of the town and nearby Ickworth House is open to the public as a stately home. Framlingham Castle is an interesting site to walk around near the town of Framlingham.

Watch horseracing at the famous Newmarket Racecourse where the National Stud can also be visited. With such flat terrain Suffolk is excellent for both walking and cycling with a number of scenic trails. Suffolk is within easy reach of London and accessible for day trips or a long weekend, and is the perfect place to experience the English countryside.