Suffolk Towns & Villages, with so many to visit and explore that one visit to The Beeches Touring Park probably won’t be enough!
Aldeburgh – with a long pebble beach, a seafront promenade lined with pastel-coloured houses, and a charming high street filled with smart stores, this area attracts visitors who adore its genteel and laid-back charm. Aldeburgh also has a great selection of arts festivals throughout the year, mainly due to the influence of its famous composer son, Benjamin Britten, who started the trend with a classical festival in the 1940s. See also our page Southwold & Aldeburgh
Beccles – the beautiful market town is made up of small squares and winding streets on the banks the River Waveney. You will find quirky, independent shops, restaurants and cafes. The historic Friday market is held in New Market Place from 8am into the afternoon. If you fancy a day out on the river, you can hire a canoe, kayak, or self drive day boat from Hippersons Boatyard. Fancy a swim? The Beccles Lido is a traditional 30 metre, outdoor, heated swimming pool that is scenically situated next to the River Waveney. Heated to 28 degrees, the main pool is 30m x 15m (3.7m deep end) and is fully accessible.
Bungay – an historic market town in the heart of the Waveney Valley, with roots that can be traced back to Roman times. The weekly market held on a Thursday around the ‘Butter Cross’, upholds its long-held traditions and help the town to thrive. Another reason to visit, if you should need one, is the local vineyard one of England’s most exciting new wineries. At Flint Vineyard local winemakers combine cutting-edge technology with traditional wine making techniques to produce elegant and refined English wines. Not only can you enjoy drinking this delicious wine but you can experience the whole process from vine to bottle on one of their brilliant wine tours!
Dunwich – known as the lost city of England, this tiny village certainly has a story to tell. Dunwich was once a thriving medieval port and on a par with London. However, the effects of storm surges and the resulting coastal erosion washed away much of the harbour buildings and land. Research has been completed with sonar devices to map out the underwater streets and buildings of Dunwich’s past. Many people say that during storms you can hear the bells of lost churches ringing from below the waves.
Framlingham – a thriving market town with twice weekly markets on Tuesdays & Saturdays selling local produce & artisan goods. Home to ‘Baron Bigod’ a British brie-style cheese, made at Fen Farm in Framlingham. It is known for its rich, buttery flavor and is considered the only traditional raw milk Brie-de-Meaux style cheese made in the UK. Ed Sheeran’s song ‘Castle on the Hill’ is inspired by Framlingham Castle, a 12th-century fortress located in town. The song, released in 2017, references the castle and features it in the music video. The singer/song writer grew up in Framlingham, and the castle is said to hold a significant place in his childhood memories.
Halesworth – a small market town full of interesting buildings, from timber framed structures to Victorian former almshouses. The semi-pedestrianised shopping area and large traditional Market Place make it easy to wander through the town centre to enjoy browsing the mainly independently owned shops. Halesworth businesses pride themselves on their customer service, offering a bright welcome and friendly advice. The weekly outdoor market is held on a Wednesday from 9am – 1.30pm selling fresh, local produce and artisan products. If you are a golfer, Halesworth Golf Club is situated within 200 acres of stunning, undulating Suffolk countryside with both an 18 hole and 9 hole course which is open to non-members.
Harleston – an ancient market town, full of historic buildings, and having an array of individual speciality shops. The weekly market is held on Wednesdays between 9am – 3pm. Old coaching inns, like the Swan Hotel, remain as a legacy from the days when the town was on the main coaching route from London to Great Yarmouth and an important trading centre. With historic coaching inns, cosy tearooms, traditional bakers, butchers and delicatessens serving delicious Norfolk foods, you’re sure to find plenty on the menu when visiting this traditional market town. For keen walkers, why not pick up a route and discover the Angles Way which follows the river Waveney & Waveney Valley.
Ipswich – easily reached by train from the local railway station, Ipswich shares the same coastal lifestyle, maritime history and foodie culture as many of the Suffolk Coast’s most famous towns and villages. Standing on the estuary of the river Orwell, about twelve miles from the sea, it is one of England’s oldest towns, with evidence of a Roman settlement in the area. Interestingly, Ipswich was one of the first towns in England to have gas powered street lights. Discover Ipswich through our two thoughtfully curated pub trails. The Historic Trail – Visit seven unique pub and bars, each with a rich history. Enjoy a drink while exploring Ipswich’s fascinating past. The Dog-Friendly Trail – Visit eight fantastic pubs and bars that warmly welcome dogs. The perfect way to explore Ipswich with your four-legged friend!
Leiston – the Film Theatre here opened in 1914 and is Suffolk’s oldest surviving purpose built cinema. Originally named Leiston picture house, it has traded continuously for 106 years. For a chilly or wet day, why not call in and catch up on a film. Take a trip back in time and visit the 14th century remains of Leiston Abbey lying in peaceful open fields just northwest of the town. These striking ruins represent parts of the abbey church and the fairly extensive remains of the buildings around the cloister. For nature lovers, Leiston is close to RSPB Minsmere where some of the UK’s rarest wildlife calls home. With woodland, reedbeds, grassland, heathland and the wild coast to explore, you can easily spend a whole day at Minsmere.
Lowestoft – famous for being the most easterly town and the first place to see the sunrise in the UK, it’s also the birthplace of composer Benjamin Britten. There’s plenty to see and do; with two piers, a beautiful sandy beach, wildlife park, museums and a busy theatre which is home to the Royal Philhamonic Orchestra. The ‘First Light Festival‘ is held each year in June marking the first sunrise of midsummer in the UK’s most easterly town with a huge, free programme of music, dance, theatre, science, wellbeing, comedy, sports, community activities and unique events. Gather on the water’s edge and watch live performance as the sun breaks over the horizon. The Marina Theatre is the second largest theatre in Suffolk and presents over 500 live performances, screening & cinema events each year.
Orford – in the middle ages Orford was an important port and fishing village and still has an Medieval castle built using a local mudstone, which has been crumbling for centuries but thanks to new research is now protected. Orford Ness, a nature reserve now owned & run by the National Trust, is shingle spit linked to the mainland at Aldeburgh, stretching along the coast to Orford and divided from the mainland by the River Alde. Orford Ness was used by the Ministry of Defence and other government bodies for various military developments and tests, and in the early 1970s it was the site of a powerful radar station as part of the Cold War defences against low-flying attacking aircraft.
Oulton Broad – well known as a thriving centre for watersports, with sailing & regattas, canoeing, self drive boat hire, boat trips and on Thursday evenings throughout the summer Power Boat Racing which is great fun to watch. Nicholas Everitt Park is an idyllic setting where nature thrives with beautiful views over the Broad. You can wander the pathways that wind through well-maintained gardens, mature trees, and vibrant flowerbeds and it is a lovely place to sit with a picnic.
Saxmundham – has a busy high street with a number of cafés, pubs and restaurants along with a diverse selection of independent shops, plus the area’s only Waitrose supermarket! ‘Emmett’s Store‘, established in 1820 is famous for its Suffolk black ham, which is a favourite with Royalty & Celebrities alike, is a family owned business which still operates in the town from its original premises. Named by ‘Speciality Food Magazine’ as one of Britains best Deli’s it is well worth a visit. The regular market is held on Wednesdays in the town centre. If you fancy a walk, the Memorial Trail is immersive trail takes you back in time to explore Saxmundhams links to WW1. Scan the QR codes and discover the history of the town and it’s residents.
Snape – this unique and charming village, situated on the Alde Estuary is famously home to the world-renowned concert hall. The Maltings complex is home to an array of boutiques, galleries, arts centres, cafes, restaurants and grand performance spaces. Fancy a boat trip? River trips run by Suffolk River Trips run between April and October, leaving Snape & winding through one of the most beautiful areas of Suffolk. Snape is tidal so times of trips will vary – please see their website for exact dates and times.
Southwold – is a must visit destination that promises unforgettable experiences. A visit to Southwold wouldn’t be complete without climbing the famous Southwold Lighthouse. Standing at 132 feet tall, this historic structure has guided sailors since 1890. Visitors can climb the 113 steps to the top for panoramic views of the town and the surrounding coastline. For beer enthusiasts, a tour of Adnams Brewery is a must. Established in 1872, this brewery is renowned for its craft beers and sustainable practices. You can take a guided tour, learn about the brewing process, and even sample some of their finest creations. See also our page Southwold & Aldeburgh
Thorpeness – is a popular holiday village with a whimsical literary link. In 1910 Stuart Ogilvie bought the hamlet and set to transform it into a private fantasy holiday village. Today the village is just how Ogilvie envisaged it with pretty mock Tudor houses and the fairy-tale ‘House in the Clouds’ which is an unusual water tower with a boarded house on top, appearing to float up into the sky. Backed by pretty, pastel-coloured villas and coastal cottages, the shingle beach slopes towards the sea with views of Aldeburgh to the south and Dunwich to the north. The beach is only a short walk from the village centre where you will find an array of cafes, pubs and ice cream selling kiosks.
Walberswick – quieter than the neighbouring town of Southwold, this pretty seaside village is the perfect place for a wander along the quiet long sand & shingle beach, followed by a hearty pub lunch or cream tea. The nature reserve which follows the River Blyth estuary, covers over 1,000 acres, combining mudflats, meadows and marsh and is home to otters, deer and a wide range of bird species. Walberswick is the self-appointed capital of crabbing, try your luck by dangling crab lines tied with bacon. Across the river you can see Southwold, and reach it by hopping aboard the charming foot ferry that operates during the summer months. The ferry owned & operated by Dani Church rows across the River Blyth up to 100 times a day between April and October, she is the fifth generation of her family to run their 125 year old business!
Woodbridge – is one of the ‘gems’ in Suffolk’s crown. Woodbridge lies along the River Deben, and about 8 miles from the coast. It is associated with the most important Anglo Saxon site in the UK; Sutton Hoo. Chronicled most recently in the Netflix series ‘The Dig’, in 1938-39 archeologists unearthed an Anglo Saxon ship burial with a wealth of artefacts, most iconic of which- the Sutton Hoo helmet- now reside in the British Museum. The town has a working Tide Mill -one of only two in the UK and the earliest. The Yacht Harbour is also close by and a lovely place to have a wander and enjoy a coffee or icecream. The Shire Hall stands in the centre of town where seasonal food markets, vintage & craft markets are held throughout the year.
Suffolk Towns & Villages – visitor website