See the fishermen hauling up their boats onto the beach at this fine old fashioned seaside town. No better place to eat fresh fish and chips, watch the model yachts on the boating lake or listen to the waves crash up the shingle beach . Home to the now (in)famous Maggi Hambling Scallop sculpture inspired by the work of Benjamin Britten, the town has given its name to the famous music festivals. If you wish to attend a concert we will be happy to send you details of the festival programme in advance.

back to map

The village sits within the Suffolk Coasts & Heath Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It has an historic flint church, but is most renowned for its late 19th century Manor House which is where radar research took place early in World War II. Tons of granite from Norway now help protect the coast from serious erosion here.

back to map

An ancient market town, full of history and old Suffolk charm. Walk through the massive stone gateway to the ruined abbey, now forming the back cloth to beautiful gardens. Visit the twice weekly open air market or take some refreshment at The Nutshell, the smallest pub in Britain.

back to map

A beautiful little village of half-timbered and Georgian facades, cottages and rambling rectories. For over 40 years, the village has staged a renowned Open Gardens weekend which really shows its English country charm off at its best. All Saints Church has an idyllic setting by the River Brett, and the 14th century Peacock Inn sits opposite the village’s delightful bridge.

back to map

The road ends abruptly at the crumbling cliffs of Covehithe, which sweep down the coast to Southwold. A short distance inland are the melancholic ruins of the enormous medieval church, within which now stands a smaller thatched church.

back to map

The main railway station for access (by taxi) to Dunwich and Minsmere is situated on the A12 at Darsham. The village itself has a flint church with elements dating back to the 12th century.

back to map

A pretty village of overhanging houses and antique shops.

back to map

A charming village with an impressive church, located a short walk down the River Stour from Flatford. John Constable went to school here, walking across the meadow path from his father’s mill. Take a boat out on the river, stop for a cream tea or browse in the antique shops and craft market on the pretty high street.

back to map

A haunting place where the village all but lies lost beneath the waves... At one time capital of East Anglia, it was a gated, ramparted town with at least eight parish churches in the days of King John. Visit the award-winning Dunwich Museum to learn how the village has disappeared over the years, and the stories ghostly knells from the sunken church towers... Ruins still cling to the cliff top. No wonder, PD James found this a fascinating place to gather up inspiration.

back to map

The birthplace of John Constable. Visit the church with its sixteenth century bell cage on the ground next to the unfinished tower - the Devil is said to have cast down the tower at night as quickly as the builders could build it by day! One of the wool town’s finest and perhaps quirkiest medieval edifices, and resting place of Constable’s parents.

back to map

Old Felixstowe is an Edwardian resort, retaining much of its original charm, with beautiful south-facing gardens, paved promenade and spa pavilion. It’s popularity began with the railway in 1887. These days, it also has its fair share of modern day seaside razzmatazz along the front and the pier and has good leisure centre complex. The town is also known for its docks : now Britain’s leading cargo and container port, situated to the south of the town.

back to map

Close to Felixstowe golf course and home, as its name suggests, to a foot ferry service across the mouth of the River Deben to Bawdsey. It’s only a hamlet with a church and handful of fishermen’s cottages, but also has a couple of pubs, ferry Cafe and is home to a boat yard and the local sailing club.

back to map

Just down the hill from East Bergholt, Flatford Mill was once run by Constable's father. A guided walking tour from Bridge Cottage is a great way to be introduced to some of the local scenes depicted in Constable's paintings such as "The Haywain" or "Boatbuilding". Alternatively, why not rest up your feet and let your arms take to the oars Rowing boats are available for hire here and there could be a better way of experiencing the gentleness of the sedate River Stour - earning yourself a delicious afternoon treat in the riverside tearoom.

back to map

A quiet and very authentic market town with many interesting buildings. The church contains impressive historic tombs and effigies, and a number of treasures removed from Thetford Priory during the Reformation. The superb 12th century castle was built by the Earls of Norfolk. The very well preserved curtain wall has thirteen integral towers - the design was considered revolutionary in its day. This was the home to Mary Tudor in 1553 when she learnt of her accession, and the castle owes its hallmark twisted redbrick chimneys to the splendour of the Tudor period.

back to map

This busy market town in the Brett Valley was once a Viking royal town. Through the wool trade, it rose to become one of the most prosperous towns in the country in the 14th and 15th centuries. The medieval heart of Hadleigh is much in evidence, with many fine old buildings to be seen on the High Street and gathered around the Guildhall, red brick Deanery and impressive church.

back to map

Despite being a remote location, Iken historically had many trading routes. As well as being an important fishing village, sailing barges used to transport corn from Iken Cliffs to London in the 19th century. These days, it’s lost and sleepy, but for many their favourite hidden place in Suffolk. St Botolph’s church sits close up to the river and has a thatched roof. There has been a church on this site for almost 1350 years and it is an ancient place of pilgrimage.

back to map

One of England’s oldest towns, dating back to Saxon times. Though it is known more today for its busy shopping centre and leisure complexes and University Campus Suffolk, its streets are lined with historic buildings such as the Ancient House which has amazing pargetting. As well as 12 medieval churches, it has a beautiful red brick mansion, sitting in community parkland – Christchurch Mansion – which is now a fascinating, free museum and home to some Constable paintings. The town also has a rich maritime heritage, and exciting new face to its waterfront and marina.

back to map

If you think Suffolk is flat – think again! Kersey is most probably one of the prettiest villages in England. Half-timbered houses sweep down to the water splash where ducks seem to have right of way over everything which chooses to pass. The church stands high above the village like some proud grandfather. This is a place where father time has sat down to put his feet up. We suggest you do the same.

back to map

Not to be missed ! This is simply the most spectacular of the wool towns, wonderfully atmospheric, with a unique collection of medieval buildings. If you can tear yourself away from the maze of streets lined with half-timbered gems, or the amazing Guildhall of Corpus Christi on the market square, head uphill to the enormous medieval flint church, one of Suffolk’s finest.

back to map

As the name suggests, it is set along a broad attractive street (full of antique shops) over a mile in length. At the northern end of the street are sited a magnificent church and two splendid Tudor red brick mansion: ,the privately owned Kentwell Hall which is famous for its re-creations of Tudor life, and Melford Hall, now in the safe-keeping of the National Trust which has links with Beatrice Potter. Both properties are open to the public.

back to map

The railway station (with a renowned buffet/ pub on the platform) on the Essex / Suffolk border for Constable Country with a direct footpath out towards the water-meadows to Flatford. The town is at the head of the Stour Estuary, its waterfront popular with sailing boats. There are many fine Georgian buildings in this historic old smugglers haven which also boasts connections with the infamous

back to map

RSPB reserve featuring 2000 acres of marsh, lagoon, reed-bed, heath and woodland. The variety of birdlife here is immense, including wonderful Marsh Harriers, hallmark Avocets and the booming Bitterns. Even if you’re not a regular twitcher, you really have to take a look.

back to map

Now a small village, this was a prosperous port in Elizabethan times. It is now inaccessible to all but pleasure craft due to the growth of Orford Ness, a shingle spit some ten miles long. The commercial lifeline thus cut off, the old world character of this charming coastal retreat has been preserved. The impressive 12th century castle offers good views over the river to Orford Ness.
www.english-heritage.org.uk

back to map

A quiet and beautiful spot at the tip of Orford Ness.

back to map

The Snape Maltings Arts Centre has a lovely riverside setting and features a concert hall, art galleries, craft shops, a pub and a tea room. Tide permitting, you can also take a boat excursion around the upper reaches of the River Alde - a good way to see the animal and bird life of the salt marshes.

back to map

A pretty hill top village of jettied houses and oak-beamed pubs. The church tower, standing on the highest ground and being some 120 feet high, can be seen for miles around, and was often featured in paintings by John Constable.

back to map

bustling market town set in the Gipping Valley. Its medieval heart lay around the parish church with its impressive modern spire. Step into the Museum of East Anglian Life at the top of the town and site leads past reconstructed a hall house, smithy and even water and smock mills to wildlife walks down by the River Gipping.

back to map

Ancient market town built on a defensible loop of the River Stour, bordering Essex. The artist Thomas Gainsborough was born in the town in 1727; his house is now preserved as a museum and art gallery and his statue stands proudly on the market square.

back to map

A distinguished seaside town with a definite old world charm. Elegant rows of pantiled Georgian cottages stand between broad greens on a cliff top above the North Sea. The lighthouse overlooks the prom which is lined with colourful beach-huts. The pier is a jolly place with some interesting artistic offerings and tasteful tearooms too. Don’t forget though that this is the home of Suffolk brewery, Adnams, and these days, if their traditional ales are not your cup of tea, you can even enjoy an Earl Grey perched in the old brewhouse coppers in their smart new cafe and cellar shop .

back to map

Located across the Deben from Woodbridge, this is the site of the richest burial ever discovered in Britain - an Anglo-Saxon ship containing magnificent treasure. It is thought to be the grave of Raedwald, one of the earliest known English Kings, who died c 624 AD. Piece together the story for yourself at the excellent exhibition then take a walk out to the burial mounds. There are woodland walks too and some stunning views across the Deben towards Woodbridge. The property is in the safe-keeping of National Trust and guided tours are available .

back to map

A rather eccentric. but totally charming place just up the coast from Aldeburgh. Thorpeness is an Edwardian holiday village created from 1910 by Stuart Oglivie, designed to provide self-catering holidays to families. The village consists of weather-boarded ‘fishermen’s’ cottages, a freshwater boating lake (The Meare), a post-mill and converted water-tower known as ‘the House in the Clouds’.

back to map

Located in the area known as ‘The Sandlings’ , the Forest consists of coniferous plantations, broadleaved belts and heathland. A haven for ground nesting birds such as the Nightjar and Woodlark.

back to map

Built on the banks of the River Deben, this attractive market town has a history of ship building and sail making. The famous Tide Mill has been restored to full working order and is open to the public. The historic narrow streets have a varied array of interesting shops. Head up to the market square to find the Shire Hall and the impressive St Mary’s Church as well as some smart and quirky little shops and historic pubs.

back to map