Sweffling
Sweffling White Horse is an award-winning community pub that serves locally brewed ales and ciders, along with locally made spirits. Their pies, straight from the Aga, are worth the journey alone and there is a selection of traditional pub games. For opening times, vist the website:
www.swefflingwhitehorse.co.uk.
Southwold (15.6 miles A12 North A1095 at Blythburgh)
This seaside town is home to an award-winning new pier, complete with unique water clock and unusual amusements. Southwold also has the world-famous Amber Shop and Swan Hotel in the high street, the Adnams brewery and several of their pubs.
Aldeburgh (10 miles)
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!
www.aldeburgh-suffolk.info
Thorpeness (10.6 miles via Leiston)
A unique 1920s holiday village, including boating lake, windmill and ‘House in the clouds'. There is also a golf course and country club.
www.thorpeness.co.uk/
Saxmundham (3.1 miles)
Saxmundham is at the centre of Suffolk's Heritage Coast region and is ideally located for visiting the many attractions in the area. It is well served for banks and shops, with a small Waitrose and a market every Wednesday. Within an hour's drive of Saxmundham, you will find a beautiful heritage coastline, several important nature reserves, many historic sites and the seaside resorts of Felixstowe, Aldeburgh, Southwold and Great Yarmouth (Norfolk).
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.
Framlingham Castle
Once home to Mary Tudor and where she heard she would be crowned queen, today Framlingham Castle hosts music and theatre events in its grounds. 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?
Dunwich Heath
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.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunwich-heath-and-beach
Sutton Hoo
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.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/suttonhoo
Snape Maltings
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.
www.snapemaltings.co.uk
Suffolk Wildlife Park
One of the UK's largest wildlife parks with rhino, giraffe, lion, buffalo, zebra and more.
Suffolk Wildlife Park
One of the UK's largest wildlife parks with rhino, giraffe, lion, buffalo, zebra and more.
Jimmy's Farm - Rare Breeds
A great day out for the whole Family! Feed animals, explore the farm and eat at the restaurant.
www.jimmysfarm.com
Aldeburgh Festival (June)
The Aldeburgh Festival of Music and the Arts is now in its 62nd year, with music from a wide variey of influences and ages.
www.aldeburgh.co.uk
Latitude Festival (July)
Family-friendly festival featuring music, film, comedy, theatre, cabaret, dance, poetry, literature and art. Over 700 performers (including big name headline acts).
www.latitudefestival.co.uk