These are some of our favourite spots and things to do locally - and look at the individual tabs opposite for more ideas and photos.
We're a gentle 10 mile drive or cycle from the beaches of Southwold and Walberswick - good fun whatever time of year. Catch the ferry across the river and do both in one day! If you already know Southwold and Walberswick, you will already be sold on them and, if you don't, you'll be surprised at what you've missed. Walberswick is our favourite place for sea swimming - it has a gently shelving sandy beach and tends to be the best beach for kids - and the dunes are fabulous. Children will not let you leave without having attempted to catch a crab, an ever popular entertainment throughout the summer (with the fatest crabs around). Southwold has the newest pier in England with the quirky Under the Pier Show of weird and wonderful mechanical machines by Tim Hunkin as well as great fish and chip restaurants, a lighthouse to climb and stacks of independent shops. Not to mention the Adnams Brewery tour.
Also close to home, Latitude in July is one of the many Arts festivals and events in the area, a gentle 4-mile cycle ride.
One of our favourite wild swimming spots is just downstream from The Locks Inn at Geldeston. You can join the locals in jumping from the bridge (should you dare) or clamber down the bank and swim amongst the reeds and wildlife. Have lunch or a drink at the pub afterwards. Big Dog Ferry will take you to Geldeston from Beccles (with bikes if there's space or you call ahead to book) and is a great outing.
Possibly one of the best nurseries in the country, Woottens of Wenhaston is the place to go if you enjoy flowers and all things garden related.
The Blythe Estuary is a great place to visit in any season, following the river as it meanders down towards Walberswick and Southwold. In autumn, you might be lucky enough to see a murmuration of starlings (in an area that’s not short of wildlife) and you will generally hear curlews calling and, when the tide is out, thousands of gulls, waders, oyster catchers and seabirds on the huge mudflats. Down by the quay, you can stop at the shacks to buy fish straight off the boats.
Orford Ness is a wild and mysterious place to explore, from Easter till late October. It’s accessible only by ferry boat, courtesy of the National Trust. Once you’ve visited the Ness, be sure to take in Pinney’s of Orford’s shop for wonderful seafood.
See the Suffolk Tourist Information website for more things to do in Suffolk.
Visit Suffolk Days online magazine for lots of features and insider tips on Suffolk life and profiles of interesting places.
