PLACES OF INTEREST
With the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty right on our doorstep, the RSPB's flagship reserve at Minsmere only 3 miles away, the ever popular coastal towns of Southwold and Aldeburgh only 15 minutes away and numerous historical towns and villages all around we are the perfect base for your holiday.
We are dog friendly and many towns are dog friendly too, with beaches to run on, cafes and shops which allow you inside with your dog.
Walking out from our dog walks you can easily access miles of public footpaths, permissive paths and quiet lanes. There are various permissive paths out from Darsham Marshes, which is adjacent to the caravan site. The paths take you along side the Minsmere River and out to Westleton, Middleton and beyond. Ask at reception for details about walks out from the site, take a map and explore or follow the many pre planned routes . We are well placed for cyclists with national cycling routes close by and off road cycling in the forest and heathland tracks.
Suffolk is a farming county and as you would expect there is a wealth of good food available. Buy your own locally made or locally grown ingredients to cook at your van or eat out in one of the many local pubs, restaurants or tearooms. During the day Emmerdale Farm Shop is just down the road and well worth a visit. Walk on Westleton Heath then call in at The Snug Tearooms which is also dog friendly, as an alternative to a pub lunch. For the evening there are many excellent traditional local pubs with different menu choices. The Hill beside the green was one of the mountain phases for the Tour of Britain cycling race in 2012!
The Fox Inn at Darsham offers pub dining.
For a breath of sea air, take a stroll along the front at Southwold and explore the extensively renovated Southwold pier or wander into the town and browse around the speciality shops or take a tour round Adnams Brewery.
Further down the coast is Thorpeness, the home of the famous House in the Clouds; this fascinating village was originally a 19th century fishing hamlet but was bought in 1910 by Stuart Ogilvie who developed it into a fantasy holiday village complete with meare, of mock tudor houses for his friends. In August look out for Thorpness Regatta. With decorated floats on the mere and fireworks it is a carnival with a difference.
Right next door is Aldeburgh, where you can feast on some of the best Fish & Chips is the country whilst gazing out to sea, have a look around the museum situated in the 16th century Moot Hall. Look out for the statue of Snooks and then wander along the beach to see the controversial Scallop sculpture.
For a real step back in time a visit to the 12th Century Framlingham Castle, one time refuge to Mary Tudor, is a must. Orford Castle built by Henry II between 1165 and 1173 is another well preserved 12th Century castle, with panoramic views over the coastline which should not be missed. Just up the road is Snape Maltings, have a browse around their art & craft shops, enjoy a cup of tea, then why not explore the River Alde with a walk or river trip on The Enchantress
For those of you who enjoy industrial history and heritage the are is well served with museums, for example the Long Shop Museum, living history and events. In September look out for the steam engine rallies and celebrations of harvest past where you can see steam engines in steam and see other classic motors.
If this is all too recent for you then Sutton Hoo is just the place to go; among the many burial mounds discovered in this 6th-7th century cemetery was an undisturbed Anglo Saxon Royal Ship burial which is generally thought to be that of Raedwald who was King of the Eastern Angles at this time. A wealth of Anglo Saxon artefacts have been found at the site the most famous of which is probably the iconic ceremonial helmet. The National Trust has recently has recently been given Sutton Hoo a £4 million face lift with new experiences on offer.
Dunwich, known widely for being the town that has largely disappeared into the sea, is thought to have been the capital of the Kingdom of the East Angles in the 7th century is only 3 miles from the campsite. There is an interesting museum, pub and cafe in the village. Most of the town was lost to the sea during storms in the 13th century but the remains of the Franciscan Priory can still be seen and was the subject of a Time Team dig in 2011.
The free car park is a good starting point for walks. Head towards Dunwich Heath and its Coastgards Cottage tea rooms which are dog friendly and have superb views out over the sea. If you like a longer trek walk to Walberswick along the Dingle Marshes tracks, with views over the nature reserves and over the Bailey bridge to Southwold.
SAXMUNDHAM, LEISTON AND SIZEWELL
SAXMUNDHAM, LEISTON AND SIZEWELL
The market town of Saxmundham which is useful for shopping, Leiston which has a leisure centre, swimming pool, the Long Shop Museum and cinema, along with Sizewell, with its dog friendly beach and welcoming tea room, make a nice change from the more publicised seaside towns of Southwold and Aldeburgh. A coastal path takes you from Sizewell to Dunwich Heath in one direction or Thorpness and on to Aldeburgh in the other.