Taking an Active Break at Windmill Lodges

If you are spending your holidays in Suffolk with family or friends, some of you will want to take a relaxing break to unwind while others like their time away to be packed full of adventure.

Whatever you prefer to do during your break, Windmill Lodges has something for you. You will have plenty of chance to enjoy an adrenalin rushed activity or try out a new sport. Just make sure you well book in advance so you are not disappointed on the day.

Of course, once you have enjoyed a fun-filled sporting activity, there is plenty of time to rest and unwind by taking a soothing bubble in the hot tub then wrapping up warm in a Windmill Lodge bathrobe.

Here we shall take a look at some of the adventurous or more unusual activities you can take part in during your Suffolk log cabin holidays.

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Shooting

Shooting is a traditional country sport and, while it is not for everyone, some of you may want to have a go at clay pigeon shooting. High Lodge at Darsham has been named as a top UK facility by people visiting the attraction and is a great destination to head for if you want to give the sport a go.

High Lodge is run by six times world champion John Bidwell and is classified as a Premier Plus ground by the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association. This makes it officially one of the best shooting venues in the country for this type of sport.

Skiing

You can do winter sports in Suffolk whatever the weather as there is a dry ski slope based at Wherstead, Ipswich. At Suffolk Ski Centre you can try your hand at skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and even ringo (where you zip down the slope in an inflatable rubber ring!).

If you want to try out skiing or snowboarding, there are a range of slopes and levels to choose from. However, if you are a first timer on the slopes, there are one-on-one or group training sessions available to get you started.

Ringo and tobogganing is safe and fun and is great fun for kids too! While ringo takes place on the main slope (ages eight upwards) tobogganing is done on a carpeted slope away from the ski slopes and is for ages four upwards.

High Ropes

This is a fun, but challenging activity and involves climbing and a head for heights. It is enjoyable to do for all ages.

There are various places in Suffolk where you can have a go at this including the Suffolk Ski Centre and you can see above for more information on the range of activities you can do here.

Another place to go for a high rope challenge is Rendlesham Forest Centre, which is about a 30 minute drive from Saxtead. Rendlesham also offers the chance for walking and cycling in the forest.

Sailing

If you prefer sea-based, rather than land-based, activities, sailing is a wonderful activity to take part in and it gives you the chance to see the beauty of the Suffolk countryside from a different perspective.

Woolverstone Marina, between Pin Mill and Ipswich, offers full or half day sailing adventures for friends or families, skippered yacht charter packages or, for a special treat, exclusive sail boat hire.

Diving

If you like the water, you can also have a try at diving in Ipswich and there are a variety of places offering this including Diveline, which has an on-site purpose built scuba diving training pool.

Diveline is the largest dive centre in East Anglia and has fully qualified instructors on hand at days, evenings or weekends. It is suitable for people at all levels of diving experience, from beginners upwards.

Just bring yourself as they have all the equipment on hand including masks, flippers and buoyancy aids.

Paintballing

Paintballing is heaps of fun and there are plenty of places to go paintballing on your log cabin holidays at Windmill Lodges. The Skirmish Paintball Centre in Ufford, near Woodbridge, is a great destination for this activity and offers games and excitement for all ages and types of players.

Go Karting

To get all the thrills and spills of the race track during your log cabin holidays, head towards Anglia Indoor Kart Racing in Ipswich where you can experience the adrenalin fuelled rush of motor sport.

Anglia Indoor Kart Racing has a multi-level circuit and is suitable for ages eight years upwards, and from beginners to the more advanced level.

It has a whole fleet of karts suitable for the youngest children out on the track, right up to adults. All the relevant safety clothing and equipment is provided, including race suits, gloves and helmets.

Windmill Lodges - family-friendly wooden lodge accommodation in Suffolk. Click here to view our luxurious Log Cabin Holiday Accommodation


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Enjoy a Relaxing Weekend Break at Windmill Lodges

If you are choosing to spend your log cabin holidays relaxing and unwinding, you may not want to go sight-seeing or have an activity filled break.

Sometimes, especially if you have a high-pressured job or busy home life, you may want to spend your time just resting and enjoying the facilities closer to where you are staying.

The good news is that you can do just that Windmill Lodges as we offer high spec facilities with all the luxuries that inspire our customers to return year after year.

Some of the indulgences we provide are: infra-red sauna (Kingfisher Lodge only), a hot tub to unwind in, a cosy coal effect fire, under-floor heating, leather sofas, luxury beds, flat screen TVs, Freeview, free internet access and a DVD player and stereo, so you have all your home comforts at your disposal.

Our log cabin holidays also benefit from a fully equipped kitchen, so you can cook up a romantic diner in the evening. Or why not venture out and enjoy a quiet evening’s walk down to the local pub?

If you are planning on relaxing completely and want to go no further than your log cabin for your holidays, you can still take time out to enjoy the scenery. Just head out onto the veranda and take in the tranquil views overlooking Windmill Lodge’s catch and release fishing lake.  And for those who like to keep fit, all our guests have use of an on-site swimming pool (open summer months only).

However, if you want to explore more of the surrounding area but don’t feel like going far, the nearby village of Saxtead has a wealth of history and some interesting sites to see on your quiet break away. Here we shall give you a short history of the village and its landmarks.

Log Cabin Holidays with Windmill Lodges -  Click here to view our luxury wooden cabin accommodation with private hot tub.


Making the Most of the Facilities Nearby

About the Village of Saxtead

Windmill Lodges is based in Saxtead, a village with a history that can be traced to ancient times.

The village enjoys a rural location with views overlooking surrounding countryside and is based right in the heart of the Suffolk Coastal district, three miles from the pretty market town of Framlingham.

Saxtead was listed in the Domesday Book as ‘Saxteda’ and in years gone by it consisted of just a group of farms set around a grazing green. Since 1086, the village’s population has grown from just 11 to nearing 350.

However, the history of the village can be traced back further, to Roman times. There was evidence of a roman settlement here as pottery, bronze brooches, coins and a figurine have been found in the village. A roman road also runs through the parish.

Other ancient discoveries include a sword which was found while work was being done digging drainage ditches and this Viking type weapon dates right back to the late Saxon period.

During the course of the village’s history, most people who lived here worked on the farms and in the 17th century there was also a small selection of people who worked in the cloth industry. In the 19th century, the village had a population of 500 (more than its current population) and there were blacksmiths, two shopkeepers, a wheelwright, cooper and a corn miller among the residents.

There is only one Grade I listed building in Saxtead and this is the 15th century All Saint’s Church. However, there are a number of Grade II listed buildings here which typically date from the 16th or 17th century.

The village also had two windmills - one based near Lodge Farm - and the other which still remains and is a historic landmark in Saxtead and is from where Windmill Lodges takes its name.

Attractions in Saxtead

If you want to maximise your leisure time during your log cabin holidays, you might want to take a visit to the mill which is open to the public. The corn mill has its origins in the 18th century and was restored in the 20th century.

Since 1947 the mill was no longer in use, but it still has complete working machinery. You can climb the stairs to each floor to see the machinery in each part of the mill and listen to an audio tour.

The mill is closed during the winter period but opens from March 28, 2013 onwards until October time. Entry is free to English Heritage members and the cost at the time of print is £3.50 adults, £2.10 children and £3.20 concessions.

Another destination to head for in Saxtead is the local pub, The Old Mill House. It has an interesting history as workers digging behind the pub in the 19th century found a two penny piece dating from the time of Henry VI – among other finds.

The Old Mill House is an attractive 17th century family orientated pub with a large dining area and small drinking section. It has both indoor and outdoor seating and an outdoor play zone for children. You can enjoy great wholesome British food including a full carvery seven days a week, fresh fish, seasonal game, and there is the option of a children’s menu.

And, once you have finished a hearty meal, you can enjoy a scenic walk in the countryside or join one of the local village walks. To find out more about the walks, take a look at http://saxtead.onesuffolk.net/wild-about-saxtead/

Another leisurely activity you can enjoy in the surrounding area is cycling. To get some fresh air and exercise in the country, you can either bring your own bike or hire a bicycle. These can be hired from the specialist hire centre at Darsham or you can hire a traditional bicycle at Heritage Cycles, based at the harbour at Southwold.

Click here to see our relaxing, luxury wooden cabin accommodation for your short break or week long stay in Suffolk

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