Five Reasons to Enjoy a Spring Break at Windmill Lodges

Looking for the perfect UK destination for a country break this spring? Windmill Lodges is the ideal location for a rural log cabin holiday in Suffolk. Our exclusive timber cabins are situated on a luxury site in the heart of the East Anglian countryside, within easy driving distance of the beautiful, historic towns of Woodbridge and Framlingham. Whether you are booking a quiet weekend break, or a family holiday, you can enjoy excellent on-site facilities for the duration of your stay. Read on to find five reasons to book a spring break at Windmill Lodges.

Click here to book your family friendly rural log cabin holiday in Suffolk

Excellent On-Site Facilities 

Whether you require holiday accommodation with access to a swimming pool, large grounds for your children to play in, or a barbecue area for al fresco dining, Windmill Lodges has all this and more.

Our on-site facilities includes a large, shared indoor pool, which is open in the spring and summer months, rural grounds to wander in, and each lodge overlooks a picturesque lake  in the centre of the site.

In addition to this, each of our lodges has a charcoal barbecue and outdoor eating area and, best of all, a secluded outdoor hot tub where you can relax at any time of the day or night. And, if you book our stunning, five star Kingfisher Lodge you will have exclusive use of an infra-red sauna for the duration of your stay. You couldn’t wish for a more relaxing UK holiday!

Fantastic Open Air Attractions

While many tourist attractions in Suffolk are likely to be closed in winter, they reopen in spring, which gives you a pick of things to do during the day. Among some of the most popular family-friendly open air attractions is Easton Farm Park, which is an excellent place to visit with young children. This is the time of year your youngest members of the family can see the newborns and enjoy all sorts of activities from feeding and petting the animals, taking pony and train rides, and letting off steam in the outdoor play areas.

Other tourist draws include the excellent Museum of East Anglian Life, in the centre of Stowmarket, where you can explore the rural buildings and take a stroll through the grounds. And, if you like to spot wildlife in their natural habitat, the RSPB Centre at Minsmere hosts year round outdoor activities.

While the most visited tourist facility in Suffolk is Ickworth House, Bury St Edmunds, with its magnificent gardens, closer to Windmill Lodges, are the picturesque Orford and Framlingham Castles. Why not combine your visit with a spot of shopping for a memorable day out?

Better Weather

With the advent of spring comes the better weather. In Suffolk, the spring weather can average between a respectable 7 – 14C, although the highest recorded temperatures in the East of England in April and May have been 25 and 30C respectively.

The warmer weather opens up a host of opportunities including taking a quiet stroll along the beach in Aldeburgh (before crowds arrive and the tourist season starts), and you can buy fresh fish direct from the fishermen, or enjoy an ice-cream on the beach.

Spring is also a great time of year to explore Suffolk’s beautiful towns and villages, such as Dunwich, where you can find out about the buildings under the sea, Thorpeness to see the place that inspired J M Barrie, author of Peter Pan, or Walberswick to enjoy a picnic amongst the sand dunes. Framlingham, Woodbridge, Aldeburgh and Snape also offer excellent shopping opportunities.

Spring Festivals

Suffolk has a host of year-round festivals including great ones to enjoy in spring. The Suffolk Food and Drink Festival in Framlingham takes place over the weekend in mid-April. It is run alongside the Framlingham County Show and you can expect all sorts of delights including food, drink, craft stalls, cookery demonstrations, archery and ringside displays, including a dog show!

If one of your party is happy to drive, head to the Summer Beer Festival on May 2nd and 3rd. It takes place at The Ship at Dunwich, and along with the chance to sample your favourite local beers, there’s craft stalls and live music.

If you are staying longer at Windmill Lodges, why not walk off the pounds at the Suffolk Walking Festival? The festival takes place between May 9th – 31st and gives you plenty of chance to join one of 90 walks in your selected level of difficulty.

Another headlining event is the Bury St Edmunds Festival on May 15th – 24th. It promises to be an exciting day of music, film and celebrations, and there’s a few surprises too such as mixing classical music with jazz and ballet with juggling!

Sporting Activities

If you love the great outdoors you won’t be disappointed as there are a host of activities on offer in Suffolk. From long walks to cycle rides, boating, and more adventurous activities such as archery, clay pigeon shooting, skiing and tobogganing, there is plenty to occupy you near Windmill Lodges. And, with so much going on, there is every excuse to wind down after a long day with a soak in the hot tub during your rural log cabin holidays in Suffolk Click on the link above today to find out about our log cabin availability.

Following in the Footsteps of Constable

If you are an art lover, staying in a beautiful log cabin in the Suffolk countryside is a fantastic way to unleash your creativity. If you are fascinated by the works of great British painters, why not spend a day following in the footsteps of the county’s most famous landscape artist, John Constable? From viewing original works by Constable, to visiting the hamlet of Flatford to discover the landscape which inspired his most famous paintings, ‘The Hay Wain’ and ‘The Mill Stream’, it is a great way to unwind. And, if you paint or draw it will leave you full of enthusiasm to re-create your own rural scenes.

Here, Windmill Lodges – an exclusive complex of four and five star luxury log cabins – gives a few ideas on how to spend a day in the trail of Constable.

Stay in Windmill Lodges’ log cabins and explore the scenery which inspired landscape artist John Constable.

Discover Famous Works by Constable 

An ideal first stop is Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich, which is a 35 minute car journey from Saxtead where Windmill Lodges’ exclusive complex is based. Christchurch Mansion, Christchurch Park, is home to the largest collection of Constable paintings outside London. Among the many masterpieces is ‘The Mill Stream’ which was recently cleaned to hail the 200th anniversary of the painting.  The cleaning uncovered the vivid colours of a kingfisher swooping through trees right in the centre of the piece.  The Wolsey Art Gallery (within the mansion) is open Tuesday to Sundays 10am to 5pm, closed Mondays. Entry to the mansion and art gallery is free.

Visit the Landscape that Inspired Constable

Flatford

After a morning at Christchurch Mansion, head to the stunning hamlet of Flatford (a 35 minute drive from Ipswich or a 43 minute drive from our country cabins), It’s where Constable produced some of his most well known works including ‘Boat Building’ and ‘The White Horse’, and the landscape has changed very little since Constable’s day.

Here, you can walk the pretty riverside trail and see Flatford Mill, owned by Constable’s father, Willy Lot’s Cottage, and the site of 'The Hay Wain’. Discover Bridge Cottage, which was tenanted out by Constable’s father, and where you can view a small but interesting exhibition about the artist’s life. Bridge Cottage can also be seen in a few of Constable’s paintings including ‘View on the Stour near Dedham’ (which features a glimpse of the roof of the cottage).

The attraction is open daily from 10.30 – 5pm spring to summer, and is closed Mondays and Tuesdays in winter, but do check the opening times in advance to avoid disappointment. There is a small charge for parking once you get there. And after your visit, you can round off your morning with a bite to eat at the tea room in Bridge Cottage, or hire a rowing boat on the river.

East Bergholt

This picturesque village, five minutes from Flatford, is the birthplace of Constable. (If you are feeling energetic you can walk or cycle there). Take a wander around the village to find the site of his birth, which is indicated by a plaque between the church, where Constable was christened and his parents and Willy Lot are buried, and the village shop. Not far from the church is Cemetery Lane, where a plaque marks the artist’s former studio. Then, why not enjoy a late lunch at of the excellent restaurants?

Dedham

Dedham is an eight minute drive from East Bergholt and is where Constable’s father owned the mill and Constable attended a day school after a short stint at a boarding school in Lavenham. There are some interesting independent shops to browse in, and you can view ‘The Ascension’, a Constable original, in the village church.

Finish your off day by a visit to the Art and Craft Centre, before taking the 45 minute drive back to the luxurious environment of your log cabin. And, in the evening you can cook up a culinary delight before taking a relaxing soak in the hot tub.

Windmill Lodges  - Click here to view the availability of our luxury log cabins in Suffolk.

The Perfect Valentine’s Day Weekend

As Valentine's Day approaches, many couples will be longing to get away from it all and enjoy some romantic time together. If you are looking for ideas for short Suffolk breaks with your loved one, then Windmill Lodges are the answer, sited in one of the most beautiful and unspoilt areas of East Anglia.

This year February 14 falls on Saturday, offering the opportunity for a long weekend in a country location. Our idyllic rural accommodation near Woodbridge and Framlingham is the ideal location to unwind and spend time alone with your loved one, escaping all the strains and stresses of everyday life. 5 star log cabin holidays make the perfect romantic break, since each lodge has its own private hot tub, as well as a four-poster bed. Chaffinch Lodge even has an en-suite double-ended bath.

Our weekend breaks run from Friday to Monday, offering plenty of time to relax, and you'll be greeted with a welcome bottle including wine, for the perfect finishing touch. There's also a coal-effect log fire, so you can snuggle up together in your own little oasis of peace and warmth.

Short Suffolk Breaks – See our luxuriously-appointed holiday cabins.

Sweep Your Valentine off Their Feet
Although it is a tradition dating back to ancient times, St Valentine's Day has become more popular than ever in recent years. Couples of all ages exchange gifts and share a special meal, go out on a date, or enjoy a romantic short break. The focus on this celebration of love and romance is partly a reaction against the hectic pace of modern life, which can all too easily come between couples. Valentine's Day is a reminder for us all to spend quality time with our nearest and dearest and nurture our relationships.

St Valentine was a Roman saint in the 3rd century, and his special day is traditionally linked to Italy – but there is no need to travel abroad for your celebration, because you can find a special place to celebrate the occasion much nearer home.

Take a Romantic Stroll or a Boat Trip
The Suffolk countryside is full of wonderful landscapes to discover at any time of year. But in some ways this area is even more special during the winter months, when you can explore away from the crowds. One of the most romantic spots to visit is Framlingham Castle, which is open at weekends during February. Hold hands with your loved one as you discover the wall walk, with its magnificent views of the countryside around the ancient ruins. Then go on to take a tour of the picturesque market town of Framlingham, or take a trip to nearby Woodbridge, known for its fine range of independent shops, ranging from boutiques and bookshops to delicatessens.

The seaside town of Aldeburgh is another great nearby location, with shops, art galleries and historic buildings including its Moot Hall. Don't miss seeing artist Maggi Hambling's famous Scallop statue on the beach. The town is also famed for its fish and chips – but be prepared to queue! Nearby Snape is home of the famous Maltings Concert Hall, which is best-known for its annual summer festival but also stages concerts and musical events all through the year. The complex boasts a collection of unique shops where you could find a specially-crafted Valentine's gift as a memento of your visit.

What's more, Venice isn't the only romantic location offering trips by water. If you'd like to see Suffolk from aboard a boat, why not book a trip on the restaurant ship the Lady Florence? The vessel sails from Orford all the year round and has a cosy fire aboard during winter.

Enjoy a Valentine's Meal and a Glass of Wine 
Sharing a special meal is all part of what makes Valentine's Day so special. Coastal Suffolk has many quality restaurants and idyllic country pubs for a lunch or dinner with your loved one during your Valentine's weekend. Some eateries are even putting on special menus for the occasion, for instance, the the Kings Head Inn in Orford and the Plough and Sail in Snape, where guests will be greeted with a glass of pink bubbly, and Leading restaurants such as the Galley in Woodbridge and the Lighthouse in Aldeburgh would also be the perfect place to enjoy an intimate dinner.  

However, when you are enjoying short Suffolk breaks at Windmill Lodges, you don't necessarily need to go out for your Valentine's meal, because it is also possible to dine in style at your luxury log cabin accommodation. The well-equipped kitchens make it easy to prepare a special dinner, perhaps featuring fresh Suffolk fish or meat, vegetables and fruit, with some romantic music and a glass of the wine from your welcome basket. What could be a better way to unwind and enjoy some precious time together as a couple?

Luxury Log Cabin Accommodation  Take a look at our top-quality holiday lodges.

Sample Home-Grown Suffolk Produce in the Region’s Christmas Markets

As Christmas is fast approaching, a stay in Windmill Lodges’ luxury self-catering log cabins in Suffolk wouldn’t be complete without visiting one of the festive markets. Winter is a magical time of year in the UK, made even more enchanting with a cosy cabin break in the midst of the East Anglian countryside. At Windmill Lodges, we believe in giving you all your home comforts and more…so after a brisk walk, or a day’s sightseeing, you can unwind in your own private hot tub, then relax in front of the coal effect fire after cooking up a treat in our fully equipped kitchens.

Meanwhile, if you want to sample some of the county’s specialities, or stock up on handcrafted goods, it’s worthwhile heading to one of the local seasonal markets, where you can get into Christmas spirit. Here are some of our favourite Christmas markets within easy driving distance of Windmill Lodges.

Self Catering Log Cabins Suffolk  – Click here to see the availability of Windmill Lodges log cabins over the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

Suffolk’s Christmas Markets

Ipswich Christmas Market – Under the glitz of the Christmas lights, right in the heart of Ipswich town centre, is the annual market from November 21-23. Highlights include stalls selling unique gifts such as handmade decorations, toys, crafts, and local food. It promises to be fun for all, as local entertainment and music will bring the spirit of Christmas to adults and children alike. The market is spread out over the Cornhill, Buttermarket, Giles Street and Queen Street areas. Hot food, including roast chestnuts, will also be available for sale. The market takes place Friday to Sunday 10 am to 6 pm.

Bury St Edmunds Christmas Market – Now in its tenth year, the historic town of Bury St Edmunds will once again be brought alive with the annual Christmas Fayre which is expected to be a huge hit with locals and visitors. Children and adults can browse the 300 plus stalls, enjoy a ride on the funfair, or watch the entertainment on one of the two separate stages, from November 27-30.  The dates also tie in with the Christmas Fayre at the Cathedral and the Medieval Fayre at the Moyse’s Hall Museum and there will be street entertainment aplenty. Opening times for the fayre are Thursday 4-8 pm, Friday and Saturday 10-8 pm, and 10-5 pm Sunday.

Felixstowe Christmas Craft Market – Browse the stalls and watch the Christmas light switch-on by Felixstowe’s Mayor on Saturday November 29. Here, you can browse the stalls of traditional crafts in Hamilton Road, listen to carol singing, and take your little ones to see Santa in the Christmas grotto.  The market opens from 10-6 pm, and highlights of the occasion will be a children’s candlelight procession at 4.40 pm, followed by the light switch on at 5 pm.

Woodbridge Christmas Street Fair – Head to Woodbridge town centre on Sunday December 7 to buy some scrumptious Christmas delights. The fair will held on the town’s main street, The Thoroughfare, and it promises to be a bright and colourful event with well over 100 gift stalls selling a range of tempting items from delicious food to beautiful jewellery and handmade Christmas decorations. A brass band will entertain you during the event, from 10 am until 5 pm, and you can stock up on treats to fill up the fridge in your self-catering log cabin.

Snape Maltings Vintage Market – The Vintage Market takes place on Sunday November 30, where you can find some great gifts to spoil friends or family members. It comes hot on the heels of the regular Saturday market, where you can buy fresh food direct from the producers. Browse the 50 plus stalls for antiques and vintage fabrics.

Windmill Lodges Log Cabins  offer year round luxury holiday rental accommodation in picturesque countryside. Click on the link above to find out more.

Experience Rural Life at One of the Country Fayres in Suffolk

If your holiday in Suffolk corresponds with one of the country fayres, you’re in luck as these offer a fun-filled day out for the whole family. Experience the sights and sounds of rural life with fascinating shows – such as motorbike stunt riding or equestrian acrobatics – pet the animals, win prizes or buy some delicious food and drink; locally produced cider, homemade fudge, butchers’ sausages, and honey or preserves are all available for sale.

For a day out to remember, here are some of the most popular country fayres within easy reach of Windmill Lodges luxury log cabins. Even if you have missed a rural event this year, you can make a date for your diary next year and book your stay to correspond with one of the shows below.

These appear in date order and we have included some 2015 shows too.

Rural Life and Horse Show – If you love all things equestrian, it is well worth heading along to Stonham Barns on September 28. It has five horse show rings where you can admire show jumping, see Suffolk heavy horses, and watch birds of prey. This year may also feature the Jive pony female equestrian team.

As well as the individual shows, there’s also traditional crafts, machinery, vehicles, garden products, gifts, and food and drink to sample. Soak up the atmosphere and mingle with the crowds!

Robin Hood Country Show – Visit the Suffolk Showground, Ipswich, on October 11 - 12 and you are in for a treat.

The Robin Hood Country Show is the biggest game and country show in Suffolk, so you can expect a huge crowd. See knights, archers, Vikings and falcons…not to mention four legged friends such as horses and dogs.

The show is enjoyable for all ages and, if you are visiting with children, the kids can have a go at archery or bungee trampolining, try their hand at the laser maze, pet animals and learn all about life in a medieval village. And, if you like shopping, you can browse the 200 or so trade stands.  

Framlingham Country Show – The next Framlingham Country Show will be held in April 2015, although the exact date is still to be set. Again, it is set in picturesque surroundings against the backdrop of Framlingham College, which was built at the end of the 19th century in memory of Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert.

Described as ‘quintessentially British’ the all-day event features locally sourced food and drink, cookery demonstrations, rural crafts, vintage shopping stands, archery, and ring displays – including sheep racing.

It offers the perfect opportunity to see rural life at its best and to buy some delicious local produce to take home.

Hadleigh Show – This show has a 175 year history and is set in beautiful surroundings in Holbecks Park. Last year visitors had the chance to view machinery, including tractors, take a ride on the Land Train, see amazing dancing sheep and watch a falcon display!

It’s not quite on the scale of the Suffolk show (see below) but attracts thousands of visitors and keeps getting bigger and better. Last year’s show had 150 stands, and there were various hands-on areas for children, including educational sections with the chance to mill wheat, make dough and see rural crafts.

Next year’s event is on May 16th and the show is a 45 minute drive from the Windmill Lodges.

Suffolk Show – We’ve saved the best until last! This is the county’s biggest and most celebrated country fayre, and takes place annually at the Suffolk Showground in Ipswich. The much anticipated event – which takes 12 months to plan – attracts around 90,000 visitors a year and will he held on May 27 and 28, 2015.

The importance of the show cannot be underestimated as it injects a massive £20-£30 million into the local economy. It’s visited by royalty with Prince Harry opening last year’s show.

The 800 or so trade stands and arenas cover 120 acres, so there’s plenty to see and do. Here you can give one of the 50 or so sport and dance classes a try, pet an animal at the  agricultural corner,  make sausages, watch sheep shows and equestrian displays, or find out about life during World War I.

Enjoy country life at Windmill Lodges in Saxtead – Click here to view our log cabins for your holiday in Suffolk

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Give Country Sports a Try on Suffolk’s Heritage Coast

UK Holidays in Suffolk offer the perfect opportunity for adventure: whether it’s to taste different food, explore a place you’ve never been before, or to try a new activity. While some of you may be skilled in country sports such as shooting, horse riding, archery or fishing, those of you that don’t will have fun learning – and it’ll make your stay at Windmill Lodges even more memorable.

Our exclusive development of seven luxury holiday lodges has a stunning rural location in Saxtead, near Woodbridge, on Suffolk’s beautiful heritage coast. Our off the beaten track location means that you are well placed to enjoy some of the traditional English sports. And, after a few hours activity, you can retreat to your lodge and unwind in your own private hot tub. If you are renting Kingfisher Lodge (our deluxe log cabin), you also have an infra-red sauna to relax in!

Meanwhile, here are some of the traditional country sports to try near Woodbridge and Framlingham:

Horse Riding – As we’re based right in the countryside, you’ll find plenty of riding stables a short drive away from Windmill Lodges, offering equestrian activities for all – beginners, intermediate, experienced riders, and riders with disabilities.

Valley Farm Equestrian Leisure in Wickham Market, Woodbridge, has indoor and outdoor arenas. Budding riders can enjoy group or private lessons in a variety of disciplines (including side saddle), hacks, all day pony clubs and carriage rides – so you are sure to find something of interest here.

Popular Park Equestrian Training Centre, near Woodbridge, teaches riders of all ages and specialises in hacking. You can even bring your horse with you on your holiday as it has a livery service!

Rifle Shooting – While this might not be everyone’s cup of tea, you can test out your accuracy at the Felixstowe Rifle Club, which has a 50m outdoor range, a 10m air weapons range and also offers target shooting for the blind.

As you might expect, you need to attend a safety course first, and it’s only open to beginners on Monday nights (2nd and 4th Monday of the month – except Bank Holidays).  On these dates you can drop in anytime between 7.30 - 9.30 pm and you’ll be closely supervised by one of the friendly and experienced team. 

Clay Pigeon Shooting – This country sport was introduced in the late 19th century for the landed gentry to hone their skills in preparation for shooting parties. You can have a go yourself at Coopers Country which offers hour long sessions or a ‘Shoot and Dine’ session (three and a half hours).

Prices of shoots include training, and if you are opting for the ‘Shoot and Dine’ you can round off your session with a delicious three course meal at Coopers Country sporting lodge. Choose from daytime or evening activities.  

Fishing – If being close to the water is more your style, Coopers Country also offers Fish and Feast sessions where you can catch fresh trout while enjoying expert tuition. Again, your session will end with some fine dining – and you can take your caught trout back with you to the lodge to cook up a treat in the evening. Bakers Puddle and Creeting Lakes are other places to fish.

Archery – The history of archery can be traced back to the Upper Palaeolithic times where the bow and arrow was a vital hunting weapon. It’s fun to do, and if you are aged eight and upwards, there are plenty of places where you can give it a go.

Gipping Valley Archers hosts taster sessions on the second Sunday of each month at Claydon High School, Ipswich, or you can book a taster session with Suffolk Activities, Thetford. For a more intensive session, beginners can head to the Blue Arrows Archery Club in Ipswich for a one day course.

Golf – While some clubs require membership, others offer play as you go sessions. Cretingham Golf Club has various green fees, including all day sessions and you get a reduction if you arrive with a member.

Fynn Valley Golf Club in Witnesham also welcomes you to play on their 18 and 9 hole courses; however, check in advance for availability.

Quad Biking – Over 12s can get out and about in the country on quad bikes if they book a session with Suffolk Activities. An instructor will train you first before taking your bike for a spin.  

You can also enjoy quad biking and various driving experiences at the Suffolk Moto Park, where you can experience purpose built tracks or, in the case of 4x4s, rough terrain courses. For 4x4 driving, however, you do need a valid driving licence.

Experience a country break at Windmill Lodges Click here to view the availability of our wooden lodge holiday accommodation.

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Animal Parks to Visit on Your Log Cabin Holidays

When you are spending weekend breaks in Suffolk, there are many animal attractions in the area which will provide a great family day out, ranging from zoos to farm parks. Close encounters with giraffes, goats or guinea pigs are bound to prove a big hit with the younger members of the family in particular. Both parents and children will come away with memories to cherish when it's time to go home again.

Windmill Lodges is a great place to stay with all the family for short breaks in log cabins because of its relaxed atmosphere and excellent facilities. These include your own private hot tub, as well as a catch-and-release fishing lake and a covered heated swimming pool for use during the summer. The site is in beautiful rural Suffolk, at Saxtead, with many different visitor attractions within easy reach.

Click here to see our luxury holiday cabins on your weekend breaks in Suffolk 


Animal Attractions

Here are details of some of the best animal-themed parks to go to during your lodge holidays in Suffolk. Please do check with the venues on opening times before visiting, as these vary according to the time of year and can often change. 

Easton Farm Park: This popular family attraction is less than seven miles from Windmill Lodges' site, so it is an ideal place to visit during your weekend breaks in Suffolk. Youngsters can enjoy all kinds of hands-on activities here, ranging from hugging a bunny to handling chicks and collecting eggs. There is also lots of themed seasonal fun every year, from Easter through to Hallowe'en. The animals to be seen here include pigs, sheep, cows and Suffolk Punch horses, with many new arrivals through the year.

Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm: There are all kinds of animals to see at this farm park, just half an hour's drive from Windmill Lodges. Among the most unusual breeds are the Kune Kune pigs from New Zealand, as well as Pygmy Goats, Norfolk Horn and Greyface Dartmoor Sheep and many more rare creatures. Attractions include a shop, café and picnic area.

Suffolk Punch Trust, Hollesley: Suffolk Punch horses are the county's most famous animals. These magnificent creatures played a vital role in agriculture through the centuries, pulling ploughs and other vehicles. The trust, which is 20 miles from our site, not only has a collection of Punches to visit, including foals, but also holds demonstrations where you can see the horses in harness. Other animals here include rare pigs, chickens, cows and sheep.

Oasis Camels Park, Halesworth: About half an hour's drive from our site, this unique attraction is the only animal park in the whole country to focus on camels. As well as the camels themselves, visitors can also see llamas, alpacas and many other animals, including donkeys, goats, and smaller pets to handle. It is even possible to ride a camel, given the right weather conditions, although you do need to pay extra for this.

Jimmy's Farm: Around 20 miles from Windmill Lodges, Jimmy's Farm is run by TV farmer Jimmy Doherty. The farm has a nature trail and petting zoo, where young visitors can feed and pet guinea pigs and other creatures, plus a tropical butterfly house. Animals to see include ponies and donkeys.

Banham Zoo: More than 2,000 different creatures can be seen at this zoo, which is around 26 miles from Saxtead, and makes a great day out for families enjoying weekend breaks in Suffolk. The zoo animals range from marmosets and tamarins to snow leopards, giraffes, seals and zebras, plus many more. There is a whole timetable of daily activities, such as birds of prey displays and close-up encounters with lemurs. Another highlight is the amazing animals display, which features meerkats among its stars. All sorts of special events are organised over the year, and there are play facilities for children, as well as the chance to ride a road train.

Africa Alive: About 25 miles from our site, this safari-themed zoo park at Kessingland, which is run together with Banham, puts the emphasis on African animals. Lions, cheetahs, white rhinos and smaller animals such as African crested porcupines are among the host of animals to be seen. The collection of birds includes Egyptian vultures, cranes and flamingoes. There are many different displays and activities, including an indoor adventure play area for under-12s.

About Windmill Lodges

When you are looking for somewhere to spend weekend breaks, Suffolk-based Windmill Lodges is a great choice. We have seven luxury log cabins, each offering four or five-star accommodation, and catering for families as well as couples seeking romantic short breaks. Get in touch now for more information.

Click to browse details of our holiday lodges with hot tub in Suffolk

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