If you are visiting the beautiful county of Suffolk for a relaxing UK break, then you might want to know more about some of the famous people who have lived here or had links with the area.
From
actors to artists, household names, models and novelists, a wide range
of big names have made Suffolk their home over the years. While some
well-known people settled in Suffolk centuries ago, there are also
current celebrities who grew up here or have links with the county, such
as novelist Ruth Rendell, supermodels Claudia Schiffer and Twiggy, F1’s
Bernie Eccleston and actor Bob Hoskins.
There is no guarantee that you will spot a famous face during your UK holiday, but you can follow in the footsteps of past and present big names and visit some of the attractions that relate to them.
If
you are taking a break in Suffolk, there is no better way to relax than
by booking luxurious log cabin holidays. Windmill Lodges offer four and
five star sumptuous accommodation, where you can relax and unwind
amidst beautiful rural surroundings near Woodbridge and Framlingham.
Follow the link to view our four and five star self catering log cabin holiday accommodation in Suffolk
Famous People linked to Suffolk
JM Barrie –
The celebrated Scottish author and dramatist is best-known as the
creator of 'Peter Pan'. Barrie is believed to have paid frequent visits
to his close friend, barrister Glencairn Stuart Ogilvie, who drew
inspiration from the writer's work when creating the upmarket coastal
holiday village of Thorpeness, near Aldeburgh. Now you can bring fiction
to life by going to Thorpeness and seeing some of the places there
linked to the classic children's story. The village is built around a
boating lake, the Meare, built in 1910, with islands and coves all
taking their names from the story, and containing locations from the
story, such as Wendy's house and the pirates' lair. Don't miss seeing
the famous House in the Clouds, a famous landmark which is a disguised
water tower, overlooking the golf course.
Benjamin Britten
– This year is the centenary of famous 20th century British composer
Benjamin Britten, and a host of special events are planned to mark the
occasion. Britten was born in Lowestoft and spent most of his life in
Aldeburgh, where he founded the world-renowned Aldeburgh Festival. On a
visit to Suffolk, you can see places linked to him including Aldeburgh's
beach, home of the Scallop sculpture created by Maggi Hambling, which
includes words from Britten's opera 'Peter Grimes'. The Red House, where
Britten and singer Peter Pears lived and worked from 1957 until their
deaths, is now open to visitors, with tours of the house available and a
new exhibition on Britten and his music. Snape Maltings Concert Hall is
another must – take in a concert during the Aldeburgh Festival or one
of many other events throughout the year, or just look around the
building and attractive complex with its shops and restaurants.
John Constable
– One of Britain's best-known artists, Constable is famed for his
paintings of the beautiful Dedham Vale, an area known as 'Constable
Country'. He was born in East Bergholt in 1776 and lived in Flatford.
Much of the village is just how it was when he was alive and you can
recognise some of the places that he painted, including Flatford Mill
and Willy Lott's Cottage, which are both now part of a field centre
offering many activities. The National Trust has an exhibition about
Constable in historic Bridge Cottage.
Jimmy Doherty
– He’s a mate of Jamie Oliver and runs Jimmy’s Farm in Wherstead, near
Ipswich, which featured in its own TV series. Popular broadcaster Jimmy
has since built his farm up as a visitor attraction in its own right,
with a farm shop and nature trail. It stages many activities and events,
from produce and craft markets, to a sausage and beer festival, as well
as comedy and music nights. Open-air Shakespeare will also be staged at
Jimmy's Farm this summer under the banner of Theatre in the Forest.
Thomas Gainsborough
– The great 18th-century portrait and landscape painter was born in
Sudbury, where you can visit a museum and gallery based at his
birthplace, staging a wide range of art exhibitions. His family also
lived in Ipswich for a time, and some of his paintings can be seen in
the art collections at historic Christchurch Mansion.
Ronald ‘Carl’ Giles –
Often known simply as Giles, the legendary cartoonist lived and worked
in Ipswich all his adult life. A statue in Giles Circus, near the Corn
Exchange in the town centre, features some of his most famous
characters, including Grandma.
Bob Hoskins – He
might be one of the most celebrated Cockneys in the world, but the actor
was born in Bury St Edmunds. Don't expect to see him in the town, as he
moved away soon after his birth, but it is still a great place to
visit, with the abbey ruins, the cathedral and an attractive mix of
shops, including the Arc shopping centre.
Thomas Wolsey –
The most famous son of Ipswich, Wolsey was Henry VIII's Lord Chancellor
and became a Cardinal. A bronze statue of Wolsey stands in the town
centre, at the junction of Silent Street and St Nicholas Street.
Wolsey's name is celebrated all over Ipswich, for instance in The New
Wolsey Theatre, which stages a wide variety of productions for all the
family, and Cardinal Park, which has a multiplex cinema and a range of
restaurants and nightspots.
About Windmill Lodges
Based
in beautiful rural Suffolk, at Saxtead, Windmill Lodges offer
traditional log cabin holidays, catering for up to six people and
offering the perfect chance to get away from it all. Each cabin is fully
equipped to high standards and has its own private hot tub.
Click here to find out more about our log cabin holidays with hot tub in Suffolk
Related articles:
Visit Some of Suffolk’s Most Famous Ancient Buildings and Country Houses While Staying at Windmill Lodges this Autumn
Monday, 24 June 2013
Thursday, 20 June 2013
Open Air Attractions in Suffolk – Perfect Places to Visit in the Summer Months
Suffolk has a wide range of family-friendly outdoor tourist draws including animal parks, historic houses, farms and museums. Here is Windmill Lodges' pick of some of the best attractions around.
We have been unable to list all the excellent outdoor attractions in Suffolk because there are just so many of them, so this is only a starting-point, but here are what we feel are among the top ones.
Windmill Lodges is a great place to stay when spending your holidays in Suffolk, and offers the chance to relax in a luxurious setting. Our lodges provide plush accommodation in picturesque surroundings overlooking a fishing lake; it has hot tubs in all the log cabins, an infra-red sauna in one of the lodges, and a swimming pool for guests (open in spring and summer only).
Luxurious Log Cabins in Suffolk – click here to book your self-catering accommodation
Top Outdoor Museums and Attractions
Ickworth House – This grand National Trust property near Bury St Edmunds is one of the top attractions in Suffolk. As well as visiting the neoclassical mansion with its striking 'rotunda', you can also wander around the beautiful gardens and the 1,800 acres of parkland designed by Capability Brown, which are full of walks, trails and cycle routes and home to a deer herd. The grounds, which also include a children's adventure playground, are open daily from dawn to dusk. Opening hours for the house vary.
Baylham Rare Breeds Farm – A visit to a farm is a great day out for families during holidays in Suffolk, and youngsters will enjoy their close encounters with animals here. The park is open daily from February right through to November, with animal paddocks featuring rare-breed sheep, cattle, pigs and goats. There are special events including a sheep-shearing festival and a farm and food fair in July, and the site includes picnic tables both outdoors and indoors.
Easton Farm Park – Another great venue for a family day out, this farm park near Woodbridge has a wide range of animals including Suffolk Punch horses, donkeys, sheep, goats and much more, often with the chance to see baby animals. The farm park has a wide range of activities for children included in its admission price, such as pony rides and the chance to handle small animals like rabbits. It also has a soft play area and outdoor playground. The park is staging the Maverick Music Festival in July and is open daily all summer until September.
Museum of East Anglian Life – Based in the centre of Stowmarket, this outdoor museum has a 75-acre site including buildings and living history displays showing how people used to live in the region, and tracing changes in farming and industry as well as everyday family life. Riverside nature walks and woods are also among the attractions, as well as farm animals and an adventure playground, while special events include a beer festival at the end of June. The site is open daily all through the summer.
Jimmy’s Farm – Run by popular TV personality Jimmy Doherty, this venue at Wherstead, near Ipswich, has expanded to become a visitor attraction as well as a working farm. It has a nature trail, which is a popular attraction for families, plus a wide range of activities and events all through the year, ranging from a festival of beer and sausages, to Shakespeare performances in its woodland.
Sutton Hoo – Near Woodbridge, this vitally important Anglo-Saxon site is one of the most famous archaeological discoveries of all time. Run by the National Trust, it includes a museum where you can learn all about the amazing royal ship burial which was discovered on the site in 1939, and see replicas of the treasures found there including the iconic helmet. However, the main attraction is the chance to walk through the site and see the burial mounds for yourself. The site also includes a playground for youngsters. The museum is open daily right through to October.
West Stow – Still with history, this early Anglo-Saxon village near Bury St Edmunds offers the chance to take a trip back in time and see how our ancestors lived. You can explore the wooden homes which have been re-created on the site, and even dress up as an Anglo-Saxon if you want to. A shop, cafe and adventure playground are also included. The museum is open daily, and is surrounded by a country park including walks, a nature trail and bird hides.
About Windmill Lodges
If you are planning holidays in Suffolk, Windmill Lodges are the perfect choice for a relaxing break and offer an ideal base for exploring the area. These luxury log cabins are in rural Saxtead, near the county's heritage coast, and allow you to stay in four or five-star comfort with indulgent facilities that include your own private hot tub.
Click here to find out more about our log cabin accommodation for country breaks in Suffolk
Related articles:
Explore the Beauty of the Suffolk Scenery by Bike
Monday, 27 May 2013
Log Cabin Holidays in East Anglia – Why Holiday in the East of England?
If you need a holiday and have a young family in tow or simply want to take a few days break with some friends, you’ll know it's not always practical to go abroad and this is where local breaks come into their own. Log cabin holidays in East Anglia present you with the ideal opportunity to take a family break or to meet up with friends for a few days relaxation and recreation.
Away from home, for that much needed change of scenery but sufficiently close so as not to present you with a travel headache, log cabin holidays in East Anglia offer the perfect solution.
Located close to the lovely market town of Woodbridge, Windmill Lodges offer log cabin holidays just 15 miles from Suffolk’s heritage coast and within easy reach of the picturesque towns of Aldeburgh, Dunwich, Southwold, Thorpeness and Walberswick. Their four and five star log cabins come with great facilities such as electric heating, modern fully equipped fitted kitchens and bathrooms, stylish interior décor, private hot tub and veranda, swimming pool (Open Easter to October) and a private and well stocked catch and release fishing lake; everything you’ll need for a peaceful and relaxing, home away from home vacation.
We have listed below some of the delights of Suffolk and East Anglia, just some of the reasons why holidaying in this part of the world is such a joy.
Click here to find out more about family holidays in East Anglia
The Benefits of Spending Your Holidays in East Anglia
Great Weather
The weather in this part of the world is reliably good for most of the year, or at least as good as it gets in England. With the exception of the cold snap at the beginning of 2013, which bought local temperatures plummeting to well below average, East Anglia tends to do very well in the good weather tables and markedly better than most other parts of the country. Look at pretty much any weather map for most of the year and you’ll see our little corner of the country bathed in sunlight or, at the very least, enjoying higher temperatures than most, if not all, of the rest of the UK.
Lovely Coastline
The Suffolk coastline features a mix of sand, shingle and pebbled beaches and heath land. With such a diverse terrain, it’s little wonder that locals and visitors alike opt for pedal or foot over horsepower. There are walks and cycle paths aplenty in this part of the world allowing you to get up close and personal with Mother Nature. This is the land of the back pack and mountain bike, not for its mountains, we haven’t got any, but for its beautiful natural coastal environs which draw you in, forcing you to leave any kind of busy city or hectic work schedule behind. And, by the way, if you are interested in horse power, there are plenty of bridle paths too.
Tasty Local Food and Drink
Suffolk is a foodie’s paradise. It has been described as “The British Larder” and there is even a restaurant of that exact name not far from Windmill Lodges, at Bromeswell, just outside Woodbridge. Fine foods have been produced locally for centuries and there are many mouth-watering specialities to choose from including Suffolk Dry Cure, free range ham and bacon, Suffolk Gold and Blue cheeses, honey from one of Suffolk’s 400 bee keepers, pickled Quail eggs from Akenfield and real ale chutney from Adnams, Suffolk’s famous brewery.
Fascinating History
Fans of architecture will love it here. Among the must-sees are Aldeburgh's Moot Hall Museum (1520) and the Saxtead Green Post Mill (1860), just round the corner from Windmill Lodges. The archaeologists among you will be interested in Sutton Hoo, the site of 6th and 7th-century ship burial in which was found a wealth of Anglo-Saxon artefacts. The artists Constable and Gainsborough spent many years here and were inspired to create some of their best known works. The composer Benjamin Britten was born in Lowestoft and spent much of his time in Suffolk; head to Snape Maltings and the Aldeburgh Music Festival to see and hear examples of his work performed live.
Back to Nature
Suffolk boasts 5 estuaries: The Blyth, The Alde and Ore, The Deben, The Orwell and The Stour. The Blyth pours into Southwold harbour and feeds Minsmere and Walberswick National Nature Reserves. The Alde and Ore, Suffolk’s longest estuary, features Orford Ness with its nesting birds and seals (yes, Seals). The Deben features moving islands of shingle called Knolls, which change direction and size with the weather and tides. The Orwell supplies water to the nature reserves at Trimley, Levington and Nacton and the iconic Orwell Bridge is the preferred nesting site for Peregrine Falcons.
Sporting Facilities
Aside from the myriad of watersports that go on in the area, the hiking and cycling, Suffolk is well known for its football – with Ipswich Town FC – and for its rugby – with Ipswich Rugby Club. Football and rugby aside, there isn't a game you can't play in Suffolk; you can even go skiing (albeit on a dry slope). Squash, tennis, cricket, basketball, even roller blading, they're all here just waiting for you to get involved. Advice, as if it were needed: if you bought your kids Ipads last year, make sure you leave them at home, they won’t need them.
Family Holidays in Suffolk – Click here to view our luxurious log cabin accommodation in the heart of the East Anglian countryside.
Related articles:
How to make the most of the beautiful region of Suffolk during your log cabin holidays with Windmill Lodges
Away from home, for that much needed change of scenery but sufficiently close so as not to present you with a travel headache, log cabin holidays in East Anglia offer the perfect solution.
Located close to the lovely market town of Woodbridge, Windmill Lodges offer log cabin holidays just 15 miles from Suffolk’s heritage coast and within easy reach of the picturesque towns of Aldeburgh, Dunwich, Southwold, Thorpeness and Walberswick. Their four and five star log cabins come with great facilities such as electric heating, modern fully equipped fitted kitchens and bathrooms, stylish interior décor, private hot tub and veranda, swimming pool (Open Easter to October) and a private and well stocked catch and release fishing lake; everything you’ll need for a peaceful and relaxing, home away from home vacation.We have listed below some of the delights of Suffolk and East Anglia, just some of the reasons why holidaying in this part of the world is such a joy.
Click here to find out more about family holidays in East Anglia
The Benefits of Spending Your Holidays in East Anglia
Great Weather
The weather in this part of the world is reliably good for most of the year, or at least as good as it gets in England. With the exception of the cold snap at the beginning of 2013, which bought local temperatures plummeting to well below average, East Anglia tends to do very well in the good weather tables and markedly better than most other parts of the country. Look at pretty much any weather map for most of the year and you’ll see our little corner of the country bathed in sunlight or, at the very least, enjoying higher temperatures than most, if not all, of the rest of the UK.
Lovely Coastline
The Suffolk coastline features a mix of sand, shingle and pebbled beaches and heath land. With such a diverse terrain, it’s little wonder that locals and visitors alike opt for pedal or foot over horsepower. There are walks and cycle paths aplenty in this part of the world allowing you to get up close and personal with Mother Nature. This is the land of the back pack and mountain bike, not for its mountains, we haven’t got any, but for its beautiful natural coastal environs which draw you in, forcing you to leave any kind of busy city or hectic work schedule behind. And, by the way, if you are interested in horse power, there are plenty of bridle paths too.
Tasty Local Food and Drink
Suffolk is a foodie’s paradise. It has been described as “The British Larder” and there is even a restaurant of that exact name not far from Windmill Lodges, at Bromeswell, just outside Woodbridge. Fine foods have been produced locally for centuries and there are many mouth-watering specialities to choose from including Suffolk Dry Cure, free range ham and bacon, Suffolk Gold and Blue cheeses, honey from one of Suffolk’s 400 bee keepers, pickled Quail eggs from Akenfield and real ale chutney from Adnams, Suffolk’s famous brewery.
Fascinating History
Fans of architecture will love it here. Among the must-sees are Aldeburgh's Moot Hall Museum (1520) and the Saxtead Green Post Mill (1860), just round the corner from Windmill Lodges. The archaeologists among you will be interested in Sutton Hoo, the site of 6th and 7th-century ship burial in which was found a wealth of Anglo-Saxon artefacts. The artists Constable and Gainsborough spent many years here and were inspired to create some of their best known works. The composer Benjamin Britten was born in Lowestoft and spent much of his time in Suffolk; head to Snape Maltings and the Aldeburgh Music Festival to see and hear examples of his work performed live.
Back to Nature
Suffolk boasts 5 estuaries: The Blyth, The Alde and Ore, The Deben, The Orwell and The Stour. The Blyth pours into Southwold harbour and feeds Minsmere and Walberswick National Nature Reserves. The Alde and Ore, Suffolk’s longest estuary, features Orford Ness with its nesting birds and seals (yes, Seals). The Deben features moving islands of shingle called Knolls, which change direction and size with the weather and tides. The Orwell supplies water to the nature reserves at Trimley, Levington and Nacton and the iconic Orwell Bridge is the preferred nesting site for Peregrine Falcons.
Sporting Facilities
Aside from the myriad of watersports that go on in the area, the hiking and cycling, Suffolk is well known for its football – with Ipswich Town FC – and for its rugby – with Ipswich Rugby Club. Football and rugby aside, there isn't a game you can't play in Suffolk; you can even go skiing (albeit on a dry slope). Squash, tennis, cricket, basketball, even roller blading, they're all here just waiting for you to get involved. Advice, as if it were needed: if you bought your kids Ipads last year, make sure you leave them at home, they won’t need them.
Family Holidays in Suffolk – Click here to view our luxurious log cabin accommodation in the heart of the East Anglian countryside.
Related articles:
How to make the most of the beautiful region of Suffolk during your log cabin holidays with Windmill Lodges
Wednesday, 22 May 2013
Holidays in Suffolk – An Ideal Base to Explore the Waters Nearby
While you are enjoying your stay in Suffolk, why not use the time to try out something new? The holidays are a great time to relax and enjoy yourself and also, perhaps, to be that little bit more adventurous. Holidays in Suffolk provide the perfect opportunity to go boating, swimming, crabbing, yachting, diving, dinghy sailing and even windsurfing; all things that you may not get the chance to do at home.
Windmill Lodges log cabin holidays provide the perfect base from which to explore this most beautiful of counties. From here, you can visit the area's picturesque heritage coastline, its marinas, its rivers and lakes, many of which provide the opportunity to mess about either on, or in, the water.
For a truly relaxing holiday, take a break at Windmill Lodges. Our beautiful 4 star lodges come fully equipped with modern kitchens and bathrooms, stylish bedrooms and very comfortable, well-appointed and sizeable living spaces. There is under floor heating and coal effect gas stoves and, outside, a spacious veranda perfect for al-fresco dining and a good sized private hot tub for your own personal use. Add to this a heated enclosed swimming pool open from Easter to October and a well stocked, catch and release fishing lake and you’ll see there’s plenty to keep you occupied, even if you were to stay on site for the duration of your holiday. Venture outside of the complex though and just look at the possibilities.
Click here to find out more about our log cabins with hot tub - the perfect choice for an activity holiday in Suffolk.
Water Based Activities
Boating
The Meare at Thorpeness is a large man-made boating lake covering more than forty acres. It's a Mecca for families who love all the splish-splashing of water-based activity without the safety risks. Here you can hire dinghies, kayaks, large family rowing boats, canoes, punts and shallow hulled sailing craft and splash about in the water to your heart’s content. Fans of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan will love it here, as scenes from the book about a boy who could fly and who never aged, appear everywhere. You’ll see the pirate’s lair and Wendy’s house among many others and children are encouraged to relive the story, although any attempts at flying ought really to be discouraged.
Swimming
Suffolk’s heritage coast provides numerous beaches and its coastal waters are some of the safest and cleanest around the country. Here, swimming in the sea is fun as there is little danger of heavy swells or dangerous undercurrents – not like you get in other parts of the country – and the coastal towns are quite beautiful too. Visits to Southwold, Walberswick, Aldeburgh and Orford cannot be recommended highly enough. These Suffolk gems are picturesque in the extreme. The Suffolk coastline offers a mix of sand, shingle and pebble beaches, many of which have received the coveted blue flag for cleanliness, water quality and safety.
Crabbing
Crabbing in Walberswick makes for a hugely entertaining day out, especially for the kids. Arguably, you could go crabbing anywhere there are crabs but the pretty little seaside town of Walberswick has been perfecting the art for over 30 years now. Up until 2010, a yearly event was held here to find the British Open Crabbing Champion but this competition became so popular that the organisers were forced to stop holding the one-day event. That doesn’t make crabbing any the less fun though and now you are free to do it all year round without fear of being descended upon by 1000+ eager crabbers.
Riverboat Cruising
A lot has been written about the Suffolk coast: of its towns, villages and landscape. Some of the views from land out to sea or river are quite splendid but, arguably, the best views are those seen from the deck of a boat. Five estuaries slice up the coastline making for interesting, ever-changing natural scenes. The Ipswich Marina is the place to head for if you fancy a cruise on the river. You can book a cruise on a barge, a boat trip to Harwich and even charter a sailing boat. What better way to mark a special occasion than with a romantic tour of Suffolk waters?
Diving
Suffolk is awash with diving schools and sub-aqua clubs, some of them a fair way from the coast too. This can only be a reflection of the high regard that seafarers and local landlubbers alike have for the water. Hardly surprising when you consider that Suffolk is blessed with 45 miles of some of the UK’s finest and most diverse coastline. Stretching from Felixstowe (yes, there is an ‘S’ in it) to Lowestoft, you’ll find diving schools, snorkelling and scuba centres up and down the coast giving you plenty of opportunity to learn more about the water and its inhabitants.
Windsurfing
For the best in local windsurfing, head to Alton Water or to one of the many coastal windsurfing arenas. Alton Water is the largest area of inland water in Suffolk. Set in 400 acres of the most beautiful Suffolk countryside, it offers sailing, windsurfing and canoeing to members and visitors alike. Alton Water is a reservoir owned by Anglian Water, it’s the main source of drinking water for Ipswich and south Suffolk. The company have authorised all forms of water sport activity as long as it does not affect the quality of the water. This means that no motorboats of any kind are allowed on the water.
Dinghy Sailing
You can of course, take a dinghy to anywhere you’ll find water; Alton Water is great for that but we’d also recommend Bawdsey. The difference here is that, if you get tired of paddling, you can fire up the out-board motor. You can also have a go at power boating. This means one thing and one thing only: Water-skiing! Probably the most fun you can have on the water. Head for the north bank of the River Deben estuary where you’ll find both river and sea sailing areas offering safe learning environments to beginners and more challenging offshore waters for those with experience.
Related articles:
Follow the link to view our luxury log cabin holiday accommodation in East Anglia
Windmill Lodges log cabin holidays provide the perfect base from which to explore this most beautiful of counties. From here, you can visit the area's picturesque heritage coastline, its marinas, its rivers and lakes, many of which provide the opportunity to mess about either on, or in, the water.
For a truly relaxing holiday, take a break at Windmill Lodges. Our beautiful 4 star lodges come fully equipped with modern kitchens and bathrooms, stylish bedrooms and very comfortable, well-appointed and sizeable living spaces. There is under floor heating and coal effect gas stoves and, outside, a spacious veranda perfect for al-fresco dining and a good sized private hot tub for your own personal use. Add to this a heated enclosed swimming pool open from Easter to October and a well stocked, catch and release fishing lake and you’ll see there’s plenty to keep you occupied, even if you were to stay on site for the duration of your holiday. Venture outside of the complex though and just look at the possibilities.Click here to find out more about our log cabins with hot tub - the perfect choice for an activity holiday in Suffolk.
Water Based Activities
Boating
The Meare at Thorpeness is a large man-made boating lake covering more than forty acres. It's a Mecca for families who love all the splish-splashing of water-based activity without the safety risks. Here you can hire dinghies, kayaks, large family rowing boats, canoes, punts and shallow hulled sailing craft and splash about in the water to your heart’s content. Fans of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan will love it here, as scenes from the book about a boy who could fly and who never aged, appear everywhere. You’ll see the pirate’s lair and Wendy’s house among many others and children are encouraged to relive the story, although any attempts at flying ought really to be discouraged.
Swimming
Suffolk’s heritage coast provides numerous beaches and its coastal waters are some of the safest and cleanest around the country. Here, swimming in the sea is fun as there is little danger of heavy swells or dangerous undercurrents – not like you get in other parts of the country – and the coastal towns are quite beautiful too. Visits to Southwold, Walberswick, Aldeburgh and Orford cannot be recommended highly enough. These Suffolk gems are picturesque in the extreme. The Suffolk coastline offers a mix of sand, shingle and pebble beaches, many of which have received the coveted blue flag for cleanliness, water quality and safety.Crabbing
Crabbing in Walberswick makes for a hugely entertaining day out, especially for the kids. Arguably, you could go crabbing anywhere there are crabs but the pretty little seaside town of Walberswick has been perfecting the art for over 30 years now. Up until 2010, a yearly event was held here to find the British Open Crabbing Champion but this competition became so popular that the organisers were forced to stop holding the one-day event. That doesn’t make crabbing any the less fun though and now you are free to do it all year round without fear of being descended upon by 1000+ eager crabbers.
Riverboat Cruising
A lot has been written about the Suffolk coast: of its towns, villages and landscape. Some of the views from land out to sea or river are quite splendid but, arguably, the best views are those seen from the deck of a boat. Five estuaries slice up the coastline making for interesting, ever-changing natural scenes. The Ipswich Marina is the place to head for if you fancy a cruise on the river. You can book a cruise on a barge, a boat trip to Harwich and even charter a sailing boat. What better way to mark a special occasion than with a romantic tour of Suffolk waters?
Diving
Suffolk is awash with diving schools and sub-aqua clubs, some of them a fair way from the coast too. This can only be a reflection of the high regard that seafarers and local landlubbers alike have for the water. Hardly surprising when you consider that Suffolk is blessed with 45 miles of some of the UK’s finest and most diverse coastline. Stretching from Felixstowe (yes, there is an ‘S’ in it) to Lowestoft, you’ll find diving schools, snorkelling and scuba centres up and down the coast giving you plenty of opportunity to learn more about the water and its inhabitants.
Windsurfing
For the best in local windsurfing, head to Alton Water or to one of the many coastal windsurfing arenas. Alton Water is the largest area of inland water in Suffolk. Set in 400 acres of the most beautiful Suffolk countryside, it offers sailing, windsurfing and canoeing to members and visitors alike. Alton Water is a reservoir owned by Anglian Water, it’s the main source of drinking water for Ipswich and south Suffolk. The company have authorised all forms of water sport activity as long as it does not affect the quality of the water. This means that no motorboats of any kind are allowed on the water.
Dinghy Sailing
You can of course, take a dinghy to anywhere you’ll find water; Alton Water is great for that but we’d also recommend Bawdsey. The difference here is that, if you get tired of paddling, you can fire up the out-board motor. You can also have a go at power boating. This means one thing and one thing only: Water-skiing! Probably the most fun you can have on the water. Head for the north bank of the River Deben estuary where you’ll find both river and sea sailing areas offering safe learning environments to beginners and more challenging offshore waters for those with experience.
Related articles:
Follow the link to view our luxury log cabin holiday accommodation in East Anglia
Friday, 19 April 2013
How to make the most of the beautiful region of Suffolk during your log cabin holidays with Windmill Lodges.
After a day’s sight-seeing, you can return to idyllic surroundings and enjoy all the luxuries your log cabin has to offer: from a relaxing hot tub, to sumptuous bedrooms, comfy leather sofas, a fully equipped kitchen and a veranda overlooking a picturesque fishing lake. Our log cabins are the perfect way to spend your holidays in Suffolk!
If you are looking to spend a luxury log cabin break in the East of England this season, here are just some of the reasons why Suffolk is the ideal destination.
Reasons to Spend Your Holidays in Suffolk
Stunning Coastline
The Suffolk coastline is simply breathtaking and has more than 40 miles of sand and shingle beaches to explore. For an idyllic, sandy beach, Walberswick is a fantastic destination. Here, you can picnic among the sand-dunes or enjoy an ice-cream from the local kiosk. If you are taking your holidays in Suffolk with children, Walberswick also presents the ideal destination for crabbing – so make sure your kids have their nets and buckets at the ready!
Aldeburgh is a picturesque destination that offers something for everyone and is a wonderful place to visit. Visit the town museum, shop in one of the many independent stores, or buy fresh fish from the local fishermen whose huts line the shore.
For a lively seaside destination, Felixstowe is a fun place to visit and you can try your luck at the gaming machines! Afterwards, why not spend your winnings at one of the many cafes or bars along the seafront? A great end to a brilliant day!
Idyllic Countryside
This mainly rural county is blessed with miles of unspoilt countryside and, whether you are holidaying with friends, a partner, or with children, there are some fantastic rural destinations.
Children love animals, and your young ones can feed and pat the animals at Easton Farm Park, which is full of fun-filled activities for children. Alternatively, why not pay a visit to Baylham Rare Breeds Farm, voted the county’s Best Visitor Experience in 2007, 2008 and 2010? Jimmy’s Farm in Wherstead, Ipswich, is another family favourite and offers a host of activities for young ones, with lots going on during the school holidays. You can stock up on fine food there too.
Wining and Dining
If you are a country person at heart, Suffolk has some wonderful farms and farm shops to visit, where you can bring home some amazing fresh produce including meat, fish, cheese, pickles and local wine.
Not far from Jimmy’s is another popular destination for lovers of fine food - and that’s Suffolk Food Hall. After buying excellent foodstuffs, pay a visit to the Cookhouse restaurant, which offers fantastic views of Orwell Bridge and the river.
In fact, there are some fantastic places in Suffolk serving wonderful local fare. If you love the taste of smoked products, head to the Richardson’s Smokehouse in Orford, which has received many a good review in the national press. Here you can buy anything from sausages, pate, fish, game in season and cheeses - which you can take back with you to the log cabin to fix up a feast. Or, if you prefer to eat out, the pubs and restaurants, as well as the local cafes in Orford, make the most of the food produced in the area and offer tempting menus. If you are heading to Orford, you can combine a hearty lunch with a visit to the castle.
Suffolk is not only famed for its food, but its wine too - so why not pay a visit to one of the region’s vineyards? Shawsgate Vineyard in Woodbridge produces delicious white, red, rose and sparkling wines which you can buy from the shop (closed Sundays) or from their website. Various tours and events, including wine tasting days, are held throughout the year.
Boating and Marinas
Your holidays in Suffolk don’t have to be completely land based. You can also take advantage of the coastline and take a boat trip or enjoy a luxury experience day on the water.
For the ultimate in comfort, why not charter a yacht or combine a sail with fine dining? For yacht charters, Ipswich based Sailing Days offer a variety of experiences, from four-hour indulgent packages to longer sails. Or, if you don’t want all the frills, you can just head to Ipswich Marina to dine in one of the many restaurants that overlook the water – and dream!
For a less boat pricier trip, there are plenty of places in Suffolk where you can hire rowing boats. Flatford is a fantastic destination for boating, and you can admire the scenery or follow in the footsteps of artist John Constable who captured this picturesque village on canvas, several times over.
Ancient Buildings
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Tuesday, 16 April 2013
Log Cabin Holidays – Pamper Yourself with a Long Weekend Break
Windmill Lodges is a beautiful, exclusive group of four and five star lodges set in a picturesque location in rural Suffolk. It is a wonderful place to go to de-stress because it is right in the heart of the countryside and each lodge overlooks a tranquil catch and release fishing lake. The lodges give you the chance to rest and enjoy the plush surroundings, as each lodge is decorated to high standards.
Spending your log cabin holidays unwinding, and enjoying being pampered, will mean that you feel refreshed and rejuvenated when you go back to work or face a busy week looking after the children.
Click here to view our log cabin accommodation for a long weekend break in Suffolk
Making the Most of a Pampering Weekend in Suffolk
1. Chill-Out in the Hot Tub - One of the top ways to unwind during your log cabin holidays with Windmill Lodges is in the hot tub. Each log cabin has its very own private hot tub on the veranda, so you can enjoy a bubble in idyllic surroundings. Hot tubs are a fantastic way to relax as they bring so many benefits - they aid sleep, help de-stress and also work to relieve pressure on aching muscles and joints. Just a few sessions in the hot tub on a long weekend break will revive you mentally and physically. Perfect bliss!
2. Relax in the Sauna – The newest facility at Windmill Lodges is an infrared sauna. It’s the only sauna on the complex and is for private use - solely for the residents of our most elite cabin: Kingfisher Lodge. Infrared saunas are great for your overall well-being and bring numerous health benefits. So it’s the perfect remedy for an overworked executive! Some benefits an infrared sauna can bring are: removal of toxins, improvement of skin conditions, aid a full night’s sleep and reduce stress. Consistent use is even said to lower blood pressure! So a stay at Kingfisher Lodge is a wonderful way to spend a pampering weekend.
3. Take Gentle Exercise – We all know the benefits of exercise: it speeds up weight loss, improves energy levels and muscle tone. Some of the perfect ways to make the most of your surroundings during a weekend at Windmill Lodges is to take a brisk walk in the countryside or enjoy a pleasant swim in the indoor pool. The pool is open from Easter to October.
4. Enjoy Home Pampering – You don’t have to travel far to enjoy some ‘me time’. You can simply relax and enjoy pampering yourself in picturesque surroundings. Make the most of your stress-free weekend by arriving equipped with your favourite beauty treatments. Just put on a face pack or paint your fingers and toe nails, while overlooking our beautiful lake!
5. Visit a Nearby Beauty Salon – Venture further afield - into Woodbridge or Framlingham - and you can be pampered by the professionals. Beauty Salons nearby include Skin Deep on the Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, which offers a variety of facials and body treatments, and The Retreat in The Square, Framlingham; this salon offers facials, waxing and manicures. Whichever salon you choose for your treatments, make sure that you book well in advance, so you can be sure of availability on the day.
6. Relax in a Spa – A spa day is a fantastic way to unwind. And what better way to do this than to combine a few hours at a spa with a long weekend in the luxurious surroundings of Windmill Lodges? Some of the places that offer spa treatment include Ufford Park and Seckford Hall Hotel, which are both in Woodbridge based and offer day spas and beauty treatments.
7. Look Ten Years Younger! – Wouldn’t you just love to return home after your log cabin holidays looking ten years younger? Although we can’t promise you that, if you are interested in anti-aging treatments – such as laser treatments or Botox – there are various places to go in Ipswich and Woodbridge for this. Just browse the internet and read the reviews on the treatments you are interested in to discover a suitable place nearby. You’ll return home looking refreshed and confident and no one will ever know your secret!
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Friday, 22 March 2013
Fun Short Courses and Activities to do on Your Suffolk Break
Log cabin holidays are generally about relaxation and unwinding; however, a laid back holiday isn’t for everyone and if you are holidaying as a couple, or with friends, you may want to combine your break in with a fun activity, or a unique learning experience. This could be anything from cookery courses, to arts and crafts, sailing or diving. Here we shall look at some of the things you can do during your break away.
Windmill Lodges is an exclusive complex of just seven log cabins tastefully arranged around a tranquil fishing lake. Our log cabins are the ultimate in luxury as each has its own private hot tub, comfy leather sofas, luxury beds, as well as all the modern conveniences to make your stay comfortable.
If you want to combine your log cabin holiday with some of the fun, short courses on offer in the region, here’s just a short glimpse of what is available. We have compiled just a small sample of the things to do on your break but there are many other activities to get involved in that are not listed here.
Click here to find out more about log cabin holidays in the Suffolk countryside
Courses and Activities in Suffolk
Cookery Courses
With the rise in TV cookery programmes, such as ‘Come Dine with Me’ and the ‘Hairy Bikers’, plus a flood of food related articles in the media, more people are gaining an interest in home cooking. If you love fine food, Suffolk is the place to go as excellent local produce is available and there are also a number of short cookery courses on offer. Why not combine a short cookery course with a break at Windmill Lodges and practice your new found skills in the fully equipped kitchen?
Aldeburgh Cookery School runs a series of oneday courses in a wonderfully relaxed environment which is certain to fuel your enthusiasm of fine food. The cookery school courses are made up of two, two and a half hour cookery sessions, with a break for a delicious lunch with wine. Courses range from Thai cuisine, to modern British and Indian. Just contact the cookery school direct to find out prices and availability and you can look forward to combining your stay with a tasty food experience.
Art Courses
If you want to capture Suffolk’s beautiful landscape on canvas, there are several one day arts courses in the region and you can combine these with a stay at Windmill Lodges. Each year over 170 short courses (including day courses) are on offer at Flatford Mill. This stunning building features in several paintings by one of Suffolk’s most famous artists, John Constable.
Art courses at Flatford Mill are extremely varied, so you will always find something to appeal. Choose from a range of learning experiences, from making willow sculptures for the garden, to making a stained glass panel in a day, sketching and painting, photography, water colours and even green wood working. You can take your creations home with you at the end of the day and this fantastic, enjoyable experience will make your log cabin holidays even more memorable.
Activities
Some of you may want to use your break to try out sports or other pursuits that are available in Suffolk.
A popular activity in this region is sailing and there are various sailing courses in Ipswich for those who love the water. Day sails, afternoon or evening sails are available and you can do as much or as little of the sailing as you like. It’s perfect for couples, or groups of friends with a mix of people who like to get involved, and those who like to just sit back, relax, and enjoy being on the water.
Other water related activities in Ipswich are diving courses and there are plenty of places to go for a diving experience. Diving courses range from those aimed at beginners, to those who want to improve their skills. Just browse the internet to find the right one for you.
Craft Courses
If you like to learn about various crafts, you have come to the right place as Suffolk has lots of one day craft courses on offer. You can try your hand at just about anything from pottery to knitting and even basket weaving.
If you want to custom design your own pottery piece, the Ceramics Painting Studio and cafe is based right on the Thoroughfare in Woodbridge. Instead of having a day or hour’s long course, you just choose an item of pottery to decorate and the studio staff will glaze and fire it for you, ready for you to collect.
Meanwhile, for something different, Willowmead Studios in Otley offers various Saturday activities. You can also arrange weaving courses on dates to suit you. It must be noted that all the activities on this page are featured only as a guide to what is available. So to find out more about this, or any of the other courses in the region, just contact the course provider direct.
Click here to view our cabin holiday accommodation in rural England
Related articles:
Log Cabin Holidays - What to do When You Get There
Windmill Lodges is an exclusive complex of just seven log cabins tastefully arranged around a tranquil fishing lake. Our log cabins are the ultimate in luxury as each has its own private hot tub, comfy leather sofas, luxury beds, as well as all the modern conveniences to make your stay comfortable.
If you want to combine your log cabin holiday with some of the fun, short courses on offer in the region, here’s just a short glimpse of what is available. We have compiled just a small sample of the things to do on your break but there are many other activities to get involved in that are not listed here.
Click here to find out more about log cabin holidays in the Suffolk countryside
Courses and Activities in Suffolk
Cookery Courses
With the rise in TV cookery programmes, such as ‘Come Dine with Me’ and the ‘Hairy Bikers’, plus a flood of food related articles in the media, more people are gaining an interest in home cooking. If you love fine food, Suffolk is the place to go as excellent local produce is available and there are also a number of short cookery courses on offer. Why not combine a short cookery course with a break at Windmill Lodges and practice your new found skills in the fully equipped kitchen?
Aldeburgh Cookery School runs a series of oneday courses in a wonderfully relaxed environment which is certain to fuel your enthusiasm of fine food. The cookery school courses are made up of two, two and a half hour cookery sessions, with a break for a delicious lunch with wine. Courses range from Thai cuisine, to modern British and Indian. Just contact the cookery school direct to find out prices and availability and you can look forward to combining your stay with a tasty food experience.
Art Courses
If you want to capture Suffolk’s beautiful landscape on canvas, there are several one day arts courses in the region and you can combine these with a stay at Windmill Lodges. Each year over 170 short courses (including day courses) are on offer at Flatford Mill. This stunning building features in several paintings by one of Suffolk’s most famous artists, John Constable.
Art courses at Flatford Mill are extremely varied, so you will always find something to appeal. Choose from a range of learning experiences, from making willow sculptures for the garden, to making a stained glass panel in a day, sketching and painting, photography, water colours and even green wood working. You can take your creations home with you at the end of the day and this fantastic, enjoyable experience will make your log cabin holidays even more memorable.
Activities
Some of you may want to use your break to try out sports or other pursuits that are available in Suffolk.
A popular activity in this region is sailing and there are various sailing courses in Ipswich for those who love the water. Day sails, afternoon or evening sails are available and you can do as much or as little of the sailing as you like. It’s perfect for couples, or groups of friends with a mix of people who like to get involved, and those who like to just sit back, relax, and enjoy being on the water.
Other water related activities in Ipswich are diving courses and there are plenty of places to go for a diving experience. Diving courses range from those aimed at beginners, to those who want to improve their skills. Just browse the internet to find the right one for you.
Craft Courses
If you like to learn about various crafts, you have come to the right place as Suffolk has lots of one day craft courses on offer. You can try your hand at just about anything from pottery to knitting and even basket weaving.
If you want to custom design your own pottery piece, the Ceramics Painting Studio and cafe is based right on the Thoroughfare in Woodbridge. Instead of having a day or hour’s long course, you just choose an item of pottery to decorate and the studio staff will glaze and fire it for you, ready for you to collect.
Meanwhile, for something different, Willowmead Studios in Otley offers various Saturday activities. You can also arrange weaving courses on dates to suit you. It must be noted that all the activities on this page are featured only as a guide to what is available. So to find out more about this, or any of the other courses in the region, just contact the course provider direct.
Click here to view our cabin holiday accommodation in rural England
Related articles:
Log Cabin Holidays - What to do When You Get There
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