As the temperatures start to rise with the arrival of summer, there’s no better place to while the long days away than Suffolk. With its spectacular selection of beaches, stately homes and open parkland, you’ll be spoilt for choice with places to go…
1.Get up early and catch the sun rise at Lowestoft, the most easterly settlement in the UK. With spectacular views out to sea, there can’t be many better ways to start off the day.
2. For the perfect reading spot, visit the beautiful gardens of Helmingham Hall which come to life during the summer with their incredible selection of flora.
3. Maybe you’ll instead fall for the grandeur of Somerleyton Hall and Gardens, where you can step back in time and explore 5000 acres of estate-land.
4. Or you can board the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway for a slightly different way to explore the countryside…
5.Head into the depths of the picturesque Waveney Valley and visit some of Suffolk’s most beautiful villages, such as the river-side town of Beccles.
6. Also in the Waveney Valley is the market town of Diss, where you can take in the stunning views offered by Diss Park and Mere.
7.Step into the world of legendary artist John Constable and explore the so-called ‘Constable Country’ that gave him his inspiration. By visiting Willy Lott’s house, you’ll see his most famous paintings come to life.
8.Whilst you’re there, hire a boat and row down the River Stour, a perfect way to explore this idyllic area.
9.Spend a day at the waterfront town of Ipswich and spoil yourself with an afternoon tea at the Salthouse Harbour Hotel.
10. Pack up your hamper and grab your picnic basket, and head to one of Suffolk’s picnic sites. Coltishall Common will be hard to beat, where you can take a pew at a picnic bench by the lake…
11. Or find a spot in the gardens of Bickling Hall, where you’ll be surrounded by 950 acres of woodland and parkland against the stunning backdrop of this stately home.
12. Go for a dog walk at Hardwick Heath, a haven for wagging tails with its vast areas of open fields and woodland.
13. You can also take pooches along to an array of dog friendly beaches, such as Dunwich where they can run along a shingle beach that stretches on seemingly forever.
14. Visit the town of Bury St Edmunds and discover the ancient ruins of the Abbey, in its day one of the most powerful monasteries in England…
15. And be sure to visit the nearby St Edmundsbury Cathedral whilst you’re there.
16. Take to the waters and learn to sail along the River Orwell…
17. Or perhaps you could try your hand at golf at Woodbridge Park Golf Course.
18. And for the perfect end to a summer’s day, sit back and relax in one of Suffolk’s plethora of beer gardens, such as on the banks of the river at the Ramsholt Arms.
