View picturesque scenery, sail along tranquil waterways, visit independent shops and take advantage of all this beautiful area has to offer

Great British Life: The Cut Arts Centre, Halesworth, home of the HighTide FestivalThe Cut Arts Centre, Halesworth, home of the HighTide Festival (Image: Archant)

Situated between Norfolk and Suffolk, the Waveney Valley is an unspoilt area filled with an abundance of wildlife, wonderful waterways, pretty villages and charming market towns.

This location is also part of the stunning Suffolk Broads, which is a series of interconnected rivers and lakes that form part the Broads National Park. It is deemed to be these waterways, combined with all of the different areas to visit, which make this area one of the more desirable places to venture in Suffolk, as well as over the boarder in Norfolk.

Great British Life: The Quay at BeccelsThe Quay at Beccels (Image: (c) copyright citizenside.com)

With places such as Beccles, Bungay, Diss, Eye, Halesworth, Harleston and Loddon, the whole of the valley has something for everyone to enjoy.

Shopping

With so many towns and villages to visit within the valley, it’s no wonder that there are plenty of places to shop. From independent boutiques to antique dealers, there will certainly be something on offer to tempt. In Beccles for example visitors will discover designer boutiques, high street brands, vintage shops and so much more. And those looking for art should head to The Upstairs Gallery, while those after a unique find should make sure to stop at Vintage Mischief.

Great British Life: St peter's hall brewerySt peter's hall brewery (Image: Archant)

In Halesworth the main street is pedestrianised, so those on foot will be able to browse easily, as this pretty market town offers plenty of independently run shops all selling items such as clothes, books, toys and more.

Whereas in Bungay visitors will find plenty of independent shops selling furniture, unique souvenirs, as well as fashion.

Food and drink

Across the whole of this region, visitors will find a wide selection of fresh produce, locally brewed ale, pressed juices, cider, rare breed meats and artisan chocolate too.

Bungay is home to St Peter’s Brewery in St Peter’s Hall, which makes a wide selection of organic ciders and ales.

Whereas in Halesworth visitors will find an abundance of locally produced food, plus meats, whole foods and so much more.

In Beccles, a visit to one of town’s restaurants is a must, with places such as the Wine Vaults, Graze at The White Horse and Upstairs at Baileys, all said to be great places to go. After lunch day-trippers can catch the Big Dog Ferry from Beccles Lido and enjoy a 40-minute boat ride down the River Waveney to the Locks Inn. This is a riverside pub with local beers and food on offer.

Events

The ELO encounter at The Fisher Theatre, Bungay

Saturday, April 8

Music lovers can head to the Fisher Theatre for a tribute performance of Jeff Lynn’s Electric Light Orchestra.

This all-live show will feature strings, vocal harmonies and the much-loved songs from Elo’s library including Evil woman, Telephone Line and Don’t Bring me Down.

Tickets £12 / £10 concession

Starts 7.30pm

www.fishertheatre.org

INK Festival at The Cut, Halesworth

Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23

This festival champions the best new scripts from East Anglian writers during a jam-packed weekend of new, short stage productions, radio, plays and films.

As part of the weekend, there will also be a children’s programmes, workshops, talks from industry professionals, plus and cafe and bar, among other events.

Times and ticket prices vary.

www.newcut.org

Beccles Antiques Street Market

Sunday, April 30

The market is a great place to find general and specialist dealers selling a wide range of antiques, furniture and more.

During the event, many of the shops and restaurants stay open late and there will be street food incorporated into the market.

Open 8am to 4pm.

www.facebook.com/antiquesmarketbeccles