This part of Suffolk is known as Suffolk Coastal. People come here to unwind and enjoy the wide empty spaces. With 40 miles of Heritage Coastline set in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there is a feeling of peace and tranquillity even at the height of summer and this is an ideal place to unwind and explore the villages, rivers, and coastline. Inland there are churches, castles, gardens, windmills, tidemills, vineyards and Anglo-Saxon sites to discover.
Don’t miss the famous Sutton Hoo Burial site, where priceless treasures were unearthed in a huge ship grave. The whole site is now maintained by the National Trust and there is a small exhibition hall telling the story of Anglo-Saxon East Anglia, together with some of the original artefacts.
There are miles of coastal paths, marked forest tracks and quiet country lanes for walking and/or cycling (and all relatively flat!) We have maps and information in our library for you to borrow. If you don’t want to bring your own bikes, By-way Cycles can arrange cycle hire, along with route suggestions of varying length.
The seaside is, of course, a great feature of Suffolk Coastal. The beaches in this part of Suffolk are mainly shingle, with sand at the waters edge (do check a tide timetable if you are planning on walking along a sandy beach!) Several beaches have won rural beach awards.
The composer Benjamin Britten originates from this area and together with his partner, Peter Pears, has left a strong musical legacy. Aldeburgh Productions are world renowned for their Aldeburgh Festival in June together with many other concerts and festivals throughout the year. The Snape Proms in August offers an eclectic mix, with something for even the most stubborn tastes! Most concerts are held at Snape Maltings, which is in itself, a unique place in the Suffolk countryside.
We are 40 minutes drive from “Constable Country” and the valley of the River Stour. Scenes from John Constable’s famous paintings such as “The Haywain” and “Flatford Mill” were painted here.
The five rivers of the District and their estuaries are teeming with wildlife. Many thousands of wildfowl and wading birds can be seen. In Spring and Summer the marshes, reed beds and coastal lagoons support such unusual birds as the bittern, marsh harrier and avocet. Don’t miss the RSPB nature reserves at Minsmere and on Havergate Island.
Sailing and boat rental is possible at various marinas along the coast. Departing from Orford the “Lady Florence” offers brunch/lunch and dinner cruises together with informative commentary along the River Ore.
There are many excellent “Pay and Play” golf courses nearby of varying degrees of difficulty, as well as the beautiful Golf Clubs at Aldeburgh, Thorpeness and Woodbridge. Golf lessons for beginners are easily arranged.
Saxmundham itself, is a small market town with the busiest day probably being Wednesday, when there is a small market in the town square. There is a pharmacy and a couple of banks in the town, as well as various smaller shops. Please consult the Saxmundham Town Council website for further information.