)
The essential essence of the Suffolk Coast is that it’s not changed a great deal since the Eighth Air Force were here in World War II. Seaside towns Southwold and Aldeburgh could have been set in aspic on VE Day – both have a traditional, timeless quality that transcend fashion.
As a designated National Landscape, it’s abundant with nature reserves, amazing wildlife, heathland, woodland, estuaries and rivers and is the gateway to the Broads National Park.
Snape Maltings hosts world class classical music concerts.
Riverside Snape Maltings hosting the Aldeburgh Music Festival and Framlingham has a splendid Norman castle.
Framlingham Castle is a great place to explore history.
Getting around
Walking and cycling are the ideal way to properly appreciate the coast and countryside. There are numerous trails and paths where you can escape the crowds.
The House in the Clouds and windmill at Thorpeness.
Don’t miss
You’ll love the quirkiness of Thorpeness, with its shallow boating lake and House in the Clouds set in an Edwardian version of a Tudor village. You’ll also enjoy the quirkiness of Walberswick, with its rowboat ferry across the River Blyth to Southwold, and Dunwich, a hamlet now but in medieval times, before two great storms, one of the biggest ports in England – you can see a diorama of how it once was in the museum on the main street.
Anglo Saxon treasure was found at Sutton Hoo.
How about a visit to former USAF Bentwaters, now a museum about the Cold War, and nearby Sutton Hoo, the ancient ship burial site of Anglo Saxon King Raedwald and the focus of the movie The Dig, starring Ralph Fiennes and Carey Mulligan. Also in the neighbourhood is 12th century Framlingham Castle.
Pinney’s has wonderful smoke seafood.
Discover the taste
Head to Orford on the River Alde where in Pinney’s Butley Orford Oysterage restaurant you can start with half a dozen plump oysters, some home-made smoked salmon pate or maybe a plate of griddled prawns.
To follow, how about a rich and creamy fish pie or skate with brown butter sauce.
Southwold is home to the Swan Inn and its Parliament.
Live like a local
How about going to Parliament? That’s what the back bar of the immaculate Swan Inn at Southwold is called because it’s where traditionally the locals have met to drink Adnams’ finest beers and put the world to rights.
Useful website The Suffolk Coast
