Bird watching, walking & horse riding breaks in rural
Suffolk - and much more!
Did you know that East Anglia has on average more hours of
sunshine each year than any other part of the UK? Suffolk,
in particular hasn’t in the past, been thought of as a
tourist spot, so
many of our sights and attractions have developed with time
and taste in mind. You are less likely to have to contend with
the ‘madding’ crowds
and jams of traffic.
We do have hills but of the kind where a leisurely cycle ride
is indeed that! We are known as ‘Sleepy Suffolk’ and
take it as a compliment that we have a gentler pace of life and
can enjoy quiet walks away from the everyday stresses of modern
day living. Take a stroll through our nearby woods and challenge
yourself to naming the many varieties of wildlife, trees and
plants you will encounter. Ask to borrow our books if you need
an aid to identification! Suffolk
Wildlife Trust have several sites in the county,
including Foxburrow Farm and Lackford Lakes and the RSPB reserve
at Minsmere is also an alternative for observing nature close
up.
Henley and the surrounding villages are served by a wealth of
pubs serving excellent, locally produced food and real ale and
some are within walking or cycling distance. Regular Farmers’ Markets
are held in the area so tempt those taste buds with everything
from cheeses to chutneys washed down by a pint of quality real
ale.
Henley itself has a thriving Community Centre and Social Bar
and visitors to the area will be more than welcome to join in
any of the events or activities or just enjoy a reasonably priced
drink.
We are ideally located to provide easy access to the Heritage
Coast, which includes the towns of Aldeburgh, Southwold
and Dunwich, with their stunning beaches, or the world famous
Snape Maltings and Concert Hall.
Closer but equally worth visiting, are other local attractions,
such as Helmingham Hall and Gardens, The Museum of East Anglia
Life, Stonham Barns Owl Sanctuary and Ipswich’s Christchurch
Mansion and Museum. The market towns of Framlingham (with it’s
famous castle) and Woodbridge are only a short drive away and
the historic town of Bury St Edmunds with its Greene King Brewery
and Moyse Hall Museum are also worth a visit. The
National Trust is well represented in the area by
the famous Anglo Saxon burial grounds at Sutton Hoo and historic
Ickworth House, Park and Gardens.
Ipswich has all the features you would expect of a medium sized
town with good places to eat, catering for all tastes (and pockets),
a lively shopping centre, a newly developed waterside area with
bars and restaurants, a cinema and of course Ipswich Town Football
Club.
Suffolk is well known for its association with the artist John
Constable and the picturesque villages of Dedham and Flatford
feature in many of his famous paintings. Long Melford, Kersey
and the ancient wool town of Lavenham and also form part of ‘Constable
Country’.
Visitors may also enjoy a day out in London with its famous
museums, buildings, history, theatres, London Eye, etc. Trains
run from Ipswich Railway Station at least once every hour and
the journey only takes an hour. Car parking is available at the
station.
If it is an action packed holiday you are seeking – look
no further! Bring your horse (or horses) and enjoy our numerous
bridleways (maps provided) many of which barely touch a main
road. Some rides may be accompanied if requested. We also have
the use of a nearby (within 150 yards) menage and there are several
shows held in the locality throughout the year for the competitive
element. Visit www.horsedates.co.uk. Newton
Hall Equitation Centre in the nearby village of Swilland is BHS
Registered and has a number of horses and ponies suitable for
all kinds of abilities.
