Discovering the Magic of Sutton Hoo

Found near Woodbridge, Sutton Hoo is the site of two ancient cemeteries where archaeologists unearthed significant finds dating back to the Anglo Saxon era. Sutton Hoo can be visited for a fun and informative day out with the family, with three main sections to visit on your day out: the Royal

Burial Mounds, an indoor exhibition and the 20^th century built Tranmer House.

Sutton Hoo is just a 30 minute drive from our luxury log cabins. Here you can enjoy a day of exciting activities while learning about the ancient history of England. You can round off your visit with a stroll through the countryside following one of the National Trust’s designated walking routes.

The Royal Burial Mounds

This consists of eighteen burial mounds, many of which have been eroded over the centuries. These early burials can be traced back to the seventh century AD, although unfortunately there are no written records of the people who were buried, so there is no way of knowing exactly who they were. Many of the mounds were robbed in the Tudor period; however, two of the mounds remain untouched and loom over the grounds spectacularly.

Mound One, one of the untouched mounds, is the richest burial ever found in northern Europe, and was the grave of a king and his 90ft ship. King Raedwald was said to be buried here, the great King of East Anglia who was heavily criticised for establishing an altar for Christ and an altar for the old gods next to each other. The actual 90ft boat no longer exists and has long since disintegrated into the acidic soil, and now there is only an imprint of where the majestic vessel once lay.

Found under Mound Seventeen was the double burial of a warrior and his horse, surrounded by weapons and everyday items such as combs.

Exhibition

The Exhibition Hall at Sutton Hoo is the perfect place to learn more about the burials and the history behind them. Here you will begin by watching a short film about the era, followed by a tour around the exhibition where you can learn more from information boards.

There is even a reconstruction of the burial chamber which allows you to see how the ritual would have taken place as the king was laid to rest. This also shows how the treasures would have been carefully placed around the king in the ship. Also found in the exhibition are some of the artefacts from Mound Seventeen, where the warrior and his horse were buried, including gold harness pieces and weaponry.

Sutton Hoo hold ‘Out of the Case’ sessions once a month where you can get a closer look at some of their replica treasures, made using the very same skills and tools as the Anglo-Saxon craftsmen.

Tranmer House

Originally named Sutton Hoo House, this beautiful Edwardian home was built in 1910. Soon after it was brought by Edith Pretty, who owned the house when the treasures were unearthed. This warm and aged house looks over the River Deben and the town of Woodbridge, and is the ideal place to discover the story behind the archaeological digs in the 1930s.

With wood panelled interiors, grand marble fireplaces and views across the vast fields outside, you can sit back and enjoy Tranmer House on your visit while history is brought to life around you. Play music on a gramophone, or sit in a chaise lounge reading 1930s magazines to immerse yourself in the past of Tranmer House.

Tranmer House was built with no garden as it was believed that rabbits would destroy it, and part of the house was demolished later on to save heating costs.

Luxury Log Cabins – Click here to view our available log cabins for a short family break away. 

Discover Magical Afternoon Teas in Suffolk

Suffolk is home to a variety of high end locations where you can enjoy a range of afternoon teas, from traditional to modern. Our romantic log cabins are the perfect place to spend a short break away, and there are many scenic routes and places around our wood lodges which can be explored on foot or by car. To book your relaxing short break in East Anglia, visit Windmill Lodges. 

Afternoon tea originated from the wealthy classes in England in the 1840s where it was said to be first introduced by Anna Maria Russel, Duchess of Bedford. By the end of the 19^th century, afternoon tea spread in popularity and was enjoyed by both upper and middle classes. Afternoon tea traditionally involves loose tea leaves which are brewed in a teapot and served with milk and sugar. The drink is often served accompanied by a tiered stand with delicate savouries, such as small sandwiches and scones as well as cakes and chocolates.

Orwell River Cruises

Treat yourself to afternoon tea aboard the Orwell Lady, a river cruise vessel which regularly travels down the river Orwell to show you the delights of the Suffolk coastline. This afternoon tea includes a lovely selection of mini sandwiches, homemade fruit scones and a variety of cakes, with delights such as chocolate eclairs and Victoria sponge.

The afternoon tea cruises run from Pin Mill, near Shotley, and last two and a half hours. It’s a real luxury, as you and you partner can admire the spectacular coastline of Suffolk while you dine. 

Salt House Harbour Hotel

For those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground, the Salt House Harbour Hotel allows you to sit by the docks while enjoying a luxurious afternoon tea. With a quiet and calming atmosphere, here you can sit back and enjoy a romantic afternoon tea with your loved one. Here they offer three packages: cream tea, afternoon tea and luxury afternoon tea to suit your needs.

For just £17.50 you can enjoy a variety of scones and cakes, including Eton mess, macaroons and millionaire chocolate terrine alongside a cup of tea or coffee, or even a glass of champagne for special occasions.

Tally Ho Tearooms

Known for their delicious traditional Victorian afternoon teas, the Tally Ho Tearooms in Mettingham will give you an authentic experience with staff dressed in Victorian outfits and food and drinks served in bone china. This realistic experience will supply you with more than you can eat, and many leave the tearoom with a doggy bag full of treats which can be enjoyed back at our romantic log cabins.

For something a bit different why not choose their Sovereign Afternoon Tea which puts a spin on the traditional tea, with chocolate mousses, cordial and petit fours served in a lace and pearls setting. You could raise a cup to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s landmark year!

Bedford Lodge Hotel and Spa

Treat your partner with a gentlemen’s afternoon tea at the Bedford Lodge Hotel and Spa in Newmarket, where you can enjoy your tea in their Squires restaurant, Roxana bar or on the terrace overlooking their beautiful lawns and rose gardens. The Bedford Lodge Hotel offers a variety of afternoon teas, which can be eaten as a light snack between meals or as a full meal on its own.

The Gentlemen’s afternoon tea is made to be much more sustainable, and includes club sandwiches, sausage rolls, pasties and tarts. For £4 extra you can also enjoy a pint of beer alongside your sweet and savoury treats.

White Lion Hotel

Enjoy a picturesque afternoon tea on Aldeburgh beach front, and eat a range of sweet treats including macarons, meringue kisses, scones and hidden surprises in bottles and jars. The White Lion Hotel also has a Magical Afternoon Tea menu, which features a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory themed menu full of chocolate and sweets.

To view our available log cabins and to book a romantic short break, visit Windmill Lodges. 

Winter Log Cabin Holidays - Get Away to the Suffolk Coast

Holidays in Suffolk can be enjoyed at any time of year but there are many delights of taking a log cabin holiday in winter. Log cabins provide you with warm, snug, luxurious self catering accommodation in the midst of beautiful countryside. Here at Windmill Lodges our holiday homes feature coal effect fires and underfloor heating to keep you deliciously warm during the colder winter months. Located in Saxmundham, Suffolk near to Framlingham and Woodbridge, our log cabins are arranged around a catch and release fishing lake on a peaceful, family owned site. With nature on your doorstep and a wealth of picturesque Suffolk towns and villages to explore, here are just some of the reasons to take a holiday in Suffolk this winter.

Click here to find out more about Windmill Lodges luxury holiday accommodation available for bookings all year round

Winter Holidays in Suffolk

The winter season is celebrated throughout Suffolk, but nowhere more so, than in its pretty coastal towns. Many of them stage winter markets and festivities, specifically to mark the season and of course, the closer we get to Christmas, the greater the choice of event. Here we have gathered together some suggestions for things to do during the winter months, around the Suffolk seaside towns of Aldeburgh, Orford, Southwold, Thorpeness, Walberswick and Woodbridge.

Aldeburgh

Every weekend in the run up to Christmas, there is something special happening at Aldeburgh, whether its a performance from the English Touring Opera or a classic piece of Beethoven. For the food-lover, Aldeburgh offers a host of pubs, restaurants and eateries and all of them will doubtless be laying on some special spreads throughout the winter months. Check out the fabulous Lighthouse Restaurant, or the Regatta, which has been owned and run by Robert and Johanna Mabey for nearly twenty years.

While in Aldeburgh you should have a look around some of the shops. Musto is here with their own brand of sailing and outdoor clothing as is Pavoni who sell fine Italian leather goods and Lawson’s the delicatessen where you will find some proper seasonal fayre.

You might also want to pop in to peruse the Aldeburgh bookshop, one time winner of British Book Awards in the category Independent Bookshop of the Year. P. D. James once appeared there at the Jubilee Hall to launch her new novel, “Death comes to Pemberley”.

Orford

The wonderful seaside town of Orford is a treasure trove of home cooking and arty-crafty stores and there is always something going on here, especially in the winter months. Be prepared for some wonderful surprises.

You will find here Brinkley's Shed on the foreshore, which is actually run by the local fishermen. From here, they sell their locally caught fish and shellfish and you can’t get much fresher than these.

Check out the Orford country market in the town hall and Orford Crafts on Front St. Pinneys of Orford is another essential stop. They have been serving up fresh fish, including sole, cod, skate, lobster and crab for 50 years and fish is still smoked daily too. The town also has its own bakery, smokehouse and butchers so make a trip to Orford to stock up on excellent local delights.

Southwold

Southwold, the home of the Adnams Brewery Company, always winters well.

Early December is the date for Southwold’s traditional Christmas lights ‘Switch On’. The market square will be open for business with music, shopping, fun and frolics and of course, the Adnams team will be serving up good food and drink to enhance the festive mood. Tickets will sell out quickly though, so if you’re going to be around then, act quickly to secure your seat.

This year from November to January, Adnams will be producing their Adnams Spiced Winter Beer, a 4.0% proof, handcrafted cask beer which uses cinnamon, a touch of juniper and a few other secret ingredients to give a rich warming spiced flavour. It is described as follows “Dark brown in colour, with aromas of orange, cinnamon and chocolate followed through on the palate with a good orange peel bitterness.” and is by all accounts, worth looking out for.

Also great in Southwold is the shopping. Southwold has art and antique dealers aplenty, fine delicatessens and some of the loveliest and most unusual gift shops to be found anywhere on the Suffolk coast.

Thorpeness

The village of Thorpeness is postcard pretty. As you approach the village by car or on foot, you are instantly struck by its out of context architecture. With its house in the clouds, a house that is literally built on stilts, and its windmill, it looks an enchanted place and this feeling is further reinforced when you see the Mere, a large man made boating lake with islands reminiscent of those in the classic Swallows and Amazons.

Originally a tiny fishing village, the area was developed after the Great War as a place for wealthy Londoners to come and holiday. It now boasts a country club and golf course and there are some really lovely country walks too since it is sandwiched neatly, between Aldeburgh and Southwold and you can combine all three, if you’re up for a stomp!

Walberswick

Walberswick is another of those beautiful Suffolk villages by the sea, which are so popular with holidaymakers. At one time it was a busy trading port, moving cheese and bacon, as well as other staples like corn, timber and fish. Nowadays it is a thriving tourist spot which is particularly popular in the summer months.

A large area of the surrounding Suffolk heathland is home to gorse and many types of heather and is protected as an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). As such, it cannot be built on and this lends to the exclusive feel of the place. In the village you’ll find quaint little tearooms, posh restaurants, two very good pubs, an art gallery and some original crafts and gift shops.

Famous as the site of the annual, national crabbing championships in summer, the winter is a little less busy, which makes wandering round the village and through the surrounding countryside, all the more pleasurable.

Woodbridge

The lovely old market town of Woodbridge is easily reached from Windmill Lodges and is perfectly placed to provide all your holiday essentials. There’s a great selection of shops, from the olde worlde to a newsagent and supermarket, so you’ll never be stuck for food supplies. There’s also, a wealth of history in the town; the Romans had a settlement here, then the Anglo Saxons took over. Their last King, King Redwald was buried nearby, along with his ship and treasures at Sutton Hoo. If you go to the Woodbridge Museum, you can read the stories and see replicas of the treasures there.

Woodbridge’s Tide Mill, the iconic image of the town which dates back to 1793, stands on the very spot where a similar Mill was erected in 1170 and was itself, the last working Tide Mill in the UK, finally retiring in 1957. Now it has been fully restored, and when you come back to Woodbridge in the summer, you’ll be able to have a look inside.

The town prospered during the reign of Elizabeth I, in industries like the wool trade; weaving, sail and rope making and salt manufacture. Later, in the 16th century, the Port of Woodbridge was expanded to cope with increased shipbuilding and the timber trade and this success continued into the 17th century.

This wealth of history is just waiting to be explored and this year; you can uncover it all, whilst enjoying some of the many winter events that Woodbridge is hosting including the Christmas craft fayre where there are many different stalls selling everything from cards to ceramics, clothing and bags;

Click here to book your winter log cabin accommodation with hot tub at Windmill Lodges in Suffolk

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Holidays in Suffolk - A great all year round holiday destination for families, couples and groups of friends