Thursday 16 August 2012

Immerse Yourself in Suffolk’s History - Your Guide to Some of the Historic Villages to Visit

Suffolk has a wealth of history, so if you are interested in bygone years there are many fascinating places to visit during your log cabin holidays including some wonderful historic villages.

While you will not be able visit all the locations listed here,Windmill Lodges is a great starting point to explore the surrounding area and enjoy a peaceful country break.

Here we shall look at the history of some of the ancient or historic villages in east Suffolk and give you some interesting snippets of information.

So if you are planning to immerse yourself in history during your log cabin holidays, here are a few of the attractions you can see along the way.

Windmill Lodges in East Anglia - Click here to view our four and five star luxury lodge accommodation for couples, groups of friends or families.


Historic Villages

Saxtead
If you are interested in years gone by, you will not have to travel far from Windmill Lodges to see Saxtead village’s attraction: Saxtead Green Post Mill. The grade II listed building is an 18th century corn mill, open to visitors on Fridays and at weekends and bank holidays during the spring and summer months.
Milling stopped taking place here when the last miller, Alfred Stephenson Robert Alfred, died in 1947, but it is still in full working order.  The mill was built on the site of a mill built in the early 1300’s. Climb the steps of the triple floored, 46 ft high mill to see the working machinery.

Dunwich
Just a thirty minute drive (15 miles) from Saxtead is the ancient ‘village’ or town of Dunwich where you can discover more about its eroding coastline. Incredibly, 1500 years ago, Dunwich was the capital of East Anglia. In 1086, the Domesday Book records a population of 3,000, but this has dwindled to around 80 people as most of the town’s buildings have disappeared into the sea.
Dunwich’s decline began in the late 13th century when a massive storm hit the East Anglian coast. Further storms hit in subsequent years and all eight 13th century built churches, hundreds of homes, and the harbour were eventually swept away. It is said the church bells can be heard beneath the waves at certain tides. You can find out more about the town by visiting Dunwich Museum.

Shingle Street
Shingle Street, which lies between Orford and Bawdsey, is a coastal hamlet with a fascinating history. It was once a fishing village and many buildings were obliterated during the Second World War, including the only pub: The Lifeboat Inn. During the war, there were many mysterious goings on including reports of a failed German invasion.

The civilian population were evacuated in May 1940 but there were no eyewitness reports to back this up. However, official documents have since shown this evacuation relates to a time when The Lifeboat Inn was used to test an uncharged chemical bomb.   

Without the right sea defences, it is said that Shingle Street will disappear into the sea within the next 20 years.

Lavenham
The medieval village of Lavenham is just 23 miles from Saxtead and is awash with pretty timber framed buildings - 320 of these in total. Lavenham was once the centre of the wool trade. It was granted a royal charter by Henry III which saw a rise in its fortunes and in the early 1500’s it was ranked the 14th most prosperous town in the country. The timber framed houses were built for people to show off their wealth, including Lavenham Priory and the Guildhall.

Take a wander around the village and visit the independent shops, boutiques, cafes and pubs.  The 15th century Swan pub has an interesting history and you can even see a wall here signed by allied servicemen stationed at Lavenham Airfield during World War One. American servicemen, including the legendary American jazz musician Glenn Miller, had drinks here before going on missions.

Snape
Snape (13 miles) has a history that stretches back two thousand years as there is evidence of some sort of settlement here during the Roman times and it was used as burial site in Anglo-Saxon times.
The village became a tourist destination for more than 150 years in the 18th and 19th centuries when it was used by race-goers. It also had a small, but busy port in the 19th century and three windmills - one, Hudson Mill, played a role in Suffolk’s Gold Rush after experiments here led to the creation of a new form of fertiliser which made some people’s fortunes.

Today Snape Maltings is the home of the world famous Concert Hall, which serves as the main venue for Aldeburgh Festival, founded by Benjamin Britten, one of the most important composers in the 20th century, and tenor Peter Pears, who lived and worked with him for more than 30 years.

The Maltings is a busy tourist destination and offers a great day out with many independent shops based here including clothing, antiques, books, crafts and homeware shops. After a day’s retail therapy, you can enjoy a cake at the tea room or a pint in the local pub.

Orford
Orford was an important fishing village in the Middle Ages and a 12th century castle was built here by Henry II who wanted to establish his royal influence in the region. The 27 metre high tower was regarded as the best keep in England and overlooks the Orford Ness. It was thought that the design of the keep was based on a hall in Constantinople by John II Komnenos.

As well as viewing the castle, you can make a day of your visit and take a river cruise, eat out at one of the local pubs or enjoy fine food at the two restaurants: The Crown and Castle Hotel and the Butley-Orford Oysterage.

Sealand
Although this certainly does not come under the bracket of historic villages, the world’s smallest nation, called Sealand, lies just seven miles off the Suffolk coast. Just 27 people (claimed) and 4 (permit residing) live on this 550 sq metre island - which even has its own declared prince and princess, currency and stamps.

While it is unlikely you may visit it during your trip, it is interesting to know that there is, albeit unrecognised, an independent sovereign state off the Suffolk coast!

It has been occupied since 1967 by British Major Paddy Roy Bates and was established as a nation in 1975. It also has its own newspaper, sporting events, national flag and national anthem.


Related articles:

Log Cabin Holidays - Suffolk is Steeped in History


Monday 13 August 2012

Holidaying in a Log Cabin with Friends

Log cabin holidays offer a wonderful opportunity for a quiet escape to a rural location in Suffolk; they provide the perfect retreat for groups of couples or single friends wanting a relaxing break away.

Windmill Lodges have such an appeal, they make visitors want to return time and time again. Our log cabins are cosy, luxurious, equipped with all the home comforts, and are hidden in the heart of the countryside so they offer the perfect chance to wind down and get away from it all.

There are many reasons why people choose log cabin holidays with a hot tub over and above a hotel for a long break or a weekend away with friends. Log cabins offer self-catering accommodation, so you have the freedom to set your own agenda and get up when you choose. You also get a lot more accommodation for your money and you don’t have to walk down long corridors or go on separate floors to visit each other’s hotel rooms, just gather in the sitting room for a chat in the evenings.

Spend your self catering holidays with Windmill Lodges and you can enjoy luxury rooms with en-suite bathrooms and family bathrooms, spacious accommodation, fully equipped kitchens (so you can take it in turns to cook up a treat), bbq (in season), coal effect log fires, and to top it all, each lodge has its very own private hot tub.

All our timber cabins overlook a tranquil catch and release fishing lake and, in the summer months, you can enjoy a revitalising swim in Windmill Lodge’s pool. See below to find out more about why log cabin holidays make fantastic breaks with friends.

Windmill Lodges, Saxtead - Click here to view our luxurious four and five star wooden cabin accommodation for a holiday in East Anglia at any time of year.


Log Cabin Holidays - Girls Holidays and Weekends Away

If you want to spend a girlie weekend away in the countryside, log cabin holidays are a superb way to wind down away from the stresses of work or family life. 

Perhaps you are a busy mum and you and your friends want a restful weekend away from the hectic demands of family life? If you are single, you may want a fun-filled weekend with your closest pals to shop, visit the local pub, enjoy pampering sessions at a local beauty salon, or have a long walk and a chat.

If you are looking for retail therapy on your girls’ log cabin holidays, Woodbridge, Framlingham, Aldeburgh and Snape Maltings, are all good for shopping and you can find some interesting independent shops and boutiques to inspire you.

For a relaxing pamper, the nearest beauty salons are Simply Beautiful at 3 Old Mills, Market Hill, Framlingham, and Retreat at 12 - 14 Well Close Square, Framlingham. And in the evening you can enjoy a walk to the Old Mill House, Saxtead, to eat out, or alternatively have a night in and chat over a bottle of wine, relax in-front of a DVD, or have a bubble in the outdoor hot tub.

Most of our log cabins are suitable for breaks away with the girls including the Bullfinch, Wagtail, Woodpecker and Goldfinch, which are all four star two bedroom log cabins. Kingfisher is our most luxurious two bedroom log cabin and is a 5 star retreat for adults only.

Log Cabin Holidays - Holidays for Couples


It is always fun to go holidaying with friends who are also couples, as you get the best of both worlds. You can go off in different directions and enjoy some alone time together as a couple and have days where you get together as a group and explore the local countryside and attractions this beautiful region has to offer.

In the evenings, you can go back to the log cabin and enjoy a chat and a meal (using some of the local produce that you have bought) or go down to the nearest pub and reminisce about your day.

There are many wonderful places to visit during your log cabin holidays in Suffolk. Seaside attractions such as Southwold, Aldeburgh and Walberswick are fantastic during the summer months. And, if you are a history buff, the Anglo Saxon burial mounds at Sutton Hoo are well worth a visit. Alternatively, go for a wonder around Orford or Framlingham Castle, followed by a meal and a pint at the local pub.

Pubs that are good for food in Orford are the Kings Head and the Jolly Sailor and the two restaurants, which both serve delicious food, are Trinity at the Crown and Castle and the Butley Orford Oysterage. If you are heading to Framlingham Castle, The Castle Inn serves food using local and in-season produce.

Again, most of our log cabins are suitable for holidays with couples including the two bedroom lodges Goldfinch, Wagtail, Woodpecker and Bullfinch. The Kingfisher cabin is the ultimate in luxury and is available at certain times of the year. Our largest log cabin is the Greenfinch which has three bedrooms, sleeps six, and benefits from a spacious open plan lounge area.

Log Cabin Holidays - Family Holidays

If you have children, it is great fun to take your log cabin holidays with another family as it keeps the children occupied with friends to play with, and you can explore the local attractions as a group or family.

Windmill Lodges is a safe and quiet location which is ideal for family breaks. You can either book our largest log cabin, the Greenfinch, or book log cabins next to each other and the children can wander between the two to visit their friends.

At mealtimes, the children can all gather in one of the log cabins to wind down in-front of a DVD before bed, while the adults enjoy chatting and catching up on their day. Or you can take it in turns with the babysitting and enjoy a romantic meal out.

There are plenty of activities to do. From fun family attractions such as the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary in Stowmarket, Africa Alive Zoo in Lowestoft, Museum of Anglian Life in Stowmarket, Eastern Farm Park, Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm, the beaches along Suffolk’s coastline, to - for the more active - skiing at the dry ski slope in Ipswich.

Boating is always great fun and there are many places to hire boats to explore the Suffolk countryside including at Flatford, where boating costs just £8 for one hour or £5 for half an hour.  Here you can explore the beauty of Constable Country and scenes immortalised on canvas by Suffolk’s most famous artist John Constable.

If you are looking for log cabins next to each other for your family break, it is advisable to book well in advance. Alternatively our spacious three bedroom Greenfinch Lodge sleeps up to eight.

Click here to find out more about our luxury breaks away in Suffolk for couples, groups of friends or families.


Related articles:

Log Cabin Weekend Breaks in Suffolk - A County Crammed With Things to Do!