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. 

Hot Air Balloon Trips to Make Your Holiday Special

Tour Suffolk in a wonderful hot air balloon this year with several safe and friendly local companies to guide you through the air above stunning landscapes and buildings. Children over the ages of eight are welcome to enjoy the flight with you, but must be at least 4’ 6” to be able to see out over the edge of the basket.

Hot air balloons are an exciting way to travel on calm weather days, and many are within a close distance to our lodges. East Anglia is home to a vast number of historical buildings and land, all of which can be seen from the sky on your day out. The route in which you travel will depend entirely on the direction of the wind that day, but views from the sky are guaranteed to be stunning no matter where you go.

Windmill Lodges is based in rural Saxtead, near to the beautiful and historic town of Framlingham. Our attractive wooden lodges are ideal for a quiet holiday away with the family, where you can enjoy views of the surrounding countryside and the sounds of nature.

Wizard Balloons

Wizard Balloons launch from a number of locations, with the closest site to our luxury lodges being at Nowton Park in Bury St Edmunds. This large park is over 200 acres and was designed over a century ago in a Victorian style. Bury St Edmunds is a stunning medieval market town which looks breathtakingly beautiful from the sky.

Hot air balloon rides from Bury St Edmunds can take you over small villages, such as Lavenham and Long Melford, with views of exquisite country houses and cathedrals. Newmarket is often travelled over on days with easterly winds, and its famous racing yard can be seen from miles around. On clear days London landmarks can also be seen on the horizon, especially on early morning trips.

Flights with Wizard Balloons either run in the early morning or late evening due to the calm nature of the weather around these times. If the weather is unsuitable your flight may be cancelled, however you will be warned of this in advance and allowed to rebook for another time.

Broadland Balloons

Operating for over 20 years, Broadland Balloons have allowed over 20,000 people to enjoy the joy of hot air balloons. All of their balloons have a much larger capacity than normal, and their two brand new balloons even have seating for when the balloon is in landing for added comfort.

The balloons take off from Brome, near Eye, and flights last around an hour each. While flying above the Suffolk countryside you may, if the weather permits, see Framlingham Castle in the distance, and if you look carefully you should also be able to see our luxury lodges. East Anglia has an abundance of wildlife and reserves, including Thornham Walled and Bressingham Gardens, which can be seen from high up in the sky due to their vast size.

Balloons fly at heights ranging from 500ft to 3000ft, depending on the weather, and it is advisable that you wear sensible clothing as temperatures will be the same as they are on the ground. Hats are recommended to protect your head from the heat of the burner above, as well as gloves on cold days.

Virgin Balloon Flights

Virgin have a huge range of locations for you to fly from in close proximity to our luxury lodges, including Brome, Stowmarket and Old Buckenham Airfield. Flying from Stowmarket will give you spectacular views of the River Gipping, which flows through the area, as well as the nearby farms and countryside.

Old Buckenham Airfield is around an hour’s drive from our lodges, however this will reward you with gorgeous overhead views of the Norfolk Broads. These beautiful lakes and rivers look lovely from the sky, and this trip is especially charming on sunny days.

Virgin offer a variety of trips which vary in price, and all come with a champagne toast, luxury voucher and gift wallet. Flights last around an hour, and you will be invited to help with the inflation and deflation of the balloon. Virgin also offer a retrieval service back to your original launch site, which is particularly convenient for when the whole family wants to take part.

Visit Windmill Lodges to view our available luxury log cabins.

Animal Meet and Greets in Suffolk

Our luxury lodges are the perfect destination for families with young children, with private hot tubs, a swimming pool and plenty of space to run around outside. Keep your children entertained during your stay with us by taking them to a variety of petting zoos where they can take part in feeding goats, cuddling bunnies and riding ponies.

Suffolk is home to a variety of wildlife, so for a calm and relaxing holiday why not stay at one our luxury lodges and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside? Windmill Lodges is set in rural Suffolk, and as well as nature on your doorstep, it has many family attractions within close distance.

Easton Farm Park

Easton Farm Park is home to a variety of farm animals including cows, pigs, rabbits, sheep, goats, horses and chickens. Children can cuddle the rabbits and guinea pigs, feed the goats, interact with the sheep, and ride the ponies around the farm.

They also have a play area called the Barmy Barn, which houses their indoor air cannons for your children to safely play with. Within the barn there is a warm café, with views of both the farm and the play area, so you can keep an eye on both at once.

Valley Farm Equestrian Centre

Develop your skills at Valley Farm where you can learn how to ride. Here they also teach many equestrian disciplines such as English riding, side saddle, western, vaulting and carriage driving. The experienced instructors here can help to guide your children through their lesson, while you can enjoy a coffee in the café next door.

They also have donkeys, camels, alpacas and a variety of smaller animals, which can be seen during scenic walks around the arenas.

Hollow Trees Farm Trail

This picturesque trail will take you around the fields into Pogals Pit and the Livestock Barn where you can see some sweet animals. Pogals Pit is a small play area for children of all ages, which features rope swings and bear dens.

There are many different routes for you to explore, and on your way you can find Dirty Dave the tractor, Rolly Polly pole, Goat Mountain and much more. Hollow Trees stays open all year round, and is just 45 minutes from our luxury log cabins, in Semer. There is also a popular local farm shop, and fresh produce from here can be taken back with you to our beautiful wood log cabins to enjoy during a quiet night in.

Jimmy’s Farm

Open throughout the week, Jimmy’s Farm, in Wherstead, is just 40 minutes from our log cabins. While visiting the farm you can hold and pet all of their friendly animals, including chicks, lambs, rabbits, guinea pigs and goats.

The Butterfly House is a new feature of the farm, and was created by Jimmy following his childhood 

passion for butterflies. It is home to an array of tropical butterflies which fly freely amongst brightly coloured flowers and plants. If you stand still long enough, you may even be lucky enough to have one land on you!

Nowton Farm

Aimed at small children, Nowton Farm is a small petting farm in Bury St Edmunds where many of the animals run freely around you. Young children will enjoy the close encounters with all of the baby animals, many of which have been rescued and rehomed by the farm.

There is also a local farm shop where you can stock up on fresh produce to take home with you afterwards. Stock up on soups, oils, chutneys, chocolate, jams and many other goods to take back to our luxury lodges after a fun family day out on the farm.

Visit Windmill Lodges to view our available log cabins.

Romantic Places in Suffolk to Visit with Your Partner

If you are planning on organising a long weekend away with your loved one, we have compiled some of the most magical places to visit with your partner while you stay with us in our romantic log cabins. All of our stunning lodges come with a private hot tub for you to enjoy, as well as scenic views of our small lake and lush green lawns. Within just minutes of our romantic lodges Suffolk there are several picturesque places for you to enjoy, from beaches and natural reserves to small and charismatic villages.

The River Orwell

For a pleasant and scenic evening out, the River Orwell is perfect, with gorgeous scenery and rich tones of red cast across the sky as the sun sets. Book yourself on an idyllic river cruise with Viking Mariners, and relax together while enjoying a luxurious champagne supper. 

Avid bird watchers will also enjoy the birdwatching cruise on the Thames Sailing Barge, where experts will help you to spot and identify a huge variety of birds including wildfowl, waders and migrants. This daytime trip includes a lunch at one of Ipswich’s best restaurants, where you can enjoy local food and drinks.

Snape Maltings

Snape Maltings is a rich cultural site where you can find a variety of shops, galleries, restaurants, and the world famous Snape Maltings Concert Hall. The shops here are varied to suit all types of people, making this a perfect day out for couples to enjoy on Valentine’s Day. Here there is also a food hall where you can purchase local and seasonal produce, ready to take back to our romantic log cabins where you can enjoy an intimate night in together. 

The Maltings lie on the banks of the River Alde, where there are some wonderful wildlife walks to enjoy. You can also explore the expansive tidal estuary by boat or foot, with a number of paths to guide you as you discover the amazing marshes and heavenly heath.

Southwold Pier

This traditional pier boasts a wealth of local shops and restaurants, in which you can enjoy the beautiful views of the Suffolk coast. The cosy restaurants are perfect for a romantic meal, while the beach provides a delightful setting for an afternoon or evening stroll.

Here you can even own a little piece of the pier as a special way of remembering your visit, by buying a celebratory plaque with a custom message on it, which will then be displayed on the pier for all to see. This is a great anniversary gift, and can be used as a special way to say something to the person you love.

Minsmere

If you are visiting Windmill Lodges as a family, Minsmere coastal nature reserve is the perfect place to head to for a special day out, with a huge array of activities and events to take part in. Here, there are a number of buggy friendly paths, so small children can also enjoy the day, without getting too tired.

While visiting Minsmere you can also spend an educational day of bird watching, with popular species to be found here such as the bearded tit, marsh harrier and nightingale, which can be heard singing in the woodland throughout spring.

Thorpeness

This Peter Pan inspired village is full of magical places for you to see, including the dreamy House in the Clouds, a transformed water tower. Also in the village is a boating lake which is dotted with islands, all with a Peter Pan inspired name. Here, you can take a boat ride for two, while basking in the peacefulness of your surroundings.

Our romantic log cabins are ideal for a quiet and enchanting night in with your other half. If you don’t fancy going out to eat, our self-catering accommodation means that you can cook up a treat together, using the freshest local ingredients. As our exclusive site has only seven cabins, we can ensure that you can enjoy maximum privacy for your stay. 

To book a relaxing stay with us, visit Windmill Lodges.

Easter Holidays with Windmill Lodges

Fill your Easter holiday with exciting events this year, and make it your best Easter yet while staying at our luxury lodges in Suffolk. With a wide range of events, from lambing to historical re-enactments, Suffolk has something for all the members of the family to enjoy. If you’d prefer to stay in and enjoy a quieter Easter holiday, then our luxury log cabins are perfect. On arrival you will receive an Easter egg and hot cross buns to enjoy during your stay, as well as our usual welcome pack of wine, eggs, milk, tea, coffee and sugar.

Windmill Lodges – To view our available properties click here.

Framlingham

Head over to Framlingham Castle and take part in the Easter Adventure Quest, where you and your children will meet historical characters including kings, butlers, Roman centurions and even monks. These friendly characters will help you on your quest as you explore the castle and solve the hidden clues. Finish the challenge and receive a chocolate reward as your prize.

Woodbridge

The annual Gingerbread Trail at Woodbridge will be taking place again this year between the 21^st March and the 15^th April following the success of last year’s trail. Buy a trail sheet for just £1 from The Cake Shop and follow the clues to find the seven biscuits hidden around Woodbridge town centre for a chance to win a delicious Easter egg shaped biscuit baked by The Cake Shop using Tide Mill flour.

Also happening in Woodbridge is this year’s big Easter Egg Hunt in Elmhurst Park, where there will be more than 500 hidden Easter eggs. The event will be across the park, with a series of easy-to-follow clues to help children find the eggs. There will also be a face painter on site and participants will receive a visit from the much loved mascot of Tide Mill – Millie the Tide Mill Mouse.

Bury St Edmunds

Ickworth Hall will be bustling with activities throughout the Easter holidays, including their yearly Cadbury’s Easter Egg Hunt where your children can explore hidden holes, the enchanted garden and even the magical park to find the tasty Cadburys prize.

Ickworth will also be hosting Look Out Archery at Easter, which gives your children the chance to explore their inner Katniss Everdeen or Robin Hood. Qualified instructors will teach and guide your children, with special prizes for target achievements. This will be taking part between 11am and 4pm from 25^th March to 3^rd April, and will cost just £3 for 7 arrows.

Sudbury

Celebrate Eastertide at Kentwell Hall from the 25^th to the 28^th March, and enjoy a Tudor style celebration with music, dancing, hot cross bun making and more. Take on the Impossible Quiz and if you’re lucky enough to win you will receive a large chocolate egg.

For young children there is also an Easter Egg Trail, as well as a Heffalump Hunt down on the farm. These events will take place no matter the weather, with plenty of warm shelters to hide should it rain.  Kentwell Hall is just over an hour away from our luxury log cabins, and is perfect for a family day out.

Needham Market

Visit Baylham House Farm this Easter and start your holiday with the arrivals of their new lambs, which can be fed and cuddled throughout the lambing season. You may even get to see some of the lambs being born if you’re lucky! At the farm they are also expecting piglets from their pigs Nina and Ellie, who can be seen throughout the day.

Children will also have plenty of hands on opportunities with Guernsey goats available to meet and brush, and bunnies to cuddle and have a picture taken with. Children can also collect eggs from the chickens while at Baylham, and can search for treasure in the Farm Treasure Hunt.

Snape Maltings

The Easter Farm Market will be full of fresh produce throughout Easter, and here you can stock up on fresh home-grown food to take back with you to our self-catering lodges. At the same time Snape Maltings will be hosting numerous concerts in its famous concert hall, including performances from the Berkeley Ensemble and Marian Consort. There will also be a magician, face painting and an Easter egg hunt. 

Did You Know These Famous People Lived in Suffolk?

Suffolk is most commonly known for its beautiful countryside and ancient history, but did you know that it also has been home to many hugely famous faces? Here Windmill Lodges gives you a look into the early lives of many superstars, where many of them grew up in the towns and villages of Suffolk.  Windmill Lodges’ luxury log cabins in Suffolk fit perfectly with its superstar residents, so book a fabulous holiday away with us and treat yourself.

June Brown

June Brown, or Dot Cotton from EastEnders as she’s otherwise known, was born in Needham Market in 1927 and was educated in Ipswich throughout her childhood. She first went to Miss Daisy’s in 1930, when she was just three years old, before moving to St John’s Church of England School. She then enrolled in Ipswich High School for Girls where she received a scholarship.

Archie Leach

Archie Leach, or Cary Grant as he’s most famously known, ran away at a young age to join an acrobatic troupe in Ipswich called the Pender Troupe. He was the youngest member of the group at just 13 years old.

Bill Nighy

Bill Nighy, the hugely successful actor, has a house in Aldeburgh and is often seen at Aldeburgh’s famous end of summer festival. Bill Nighy is known for his range of roles, from Davy Jones in Pirates of the Caribbean, to Rufus Scrimgeour in Harry Potter.

Delia Smith 

Celebrity chef Delia Smith married her husband Michael Wynn Jones at Stowmarket in 1971 and still lives in the area. She and her husband also have investments in Norwich City Football Club which they strongly support.

Twiggy

World famous model Twiggy lives in Southwold, and it was here that she was first found by M&S to feature in their adverts while she was relaxing at her local pub after a long walk on the beach with her husband. Dressed in a woolly hat and anorak and far from her usual glamorous self, she still caught the eye of the Executive Marketing Director for Marks and Spencer.

Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran was born in Hebden Bridge, but moved to Framlingham as a child where he attended Thomas Mills High School. He played at a number of small venues to try and get noticed, such as the Steamboat Tavern in Ipswich, before he rose to fame. Ed still visits Suffolk regularly, and recently passed his driving test at the Ipswich driving test centre on Ransomes Europark. Ed also frequently stops over in Framlingham, just 2 miles from our luxury log cabins, and is often found shopping in the co-op, or enjoying a pint at The Station!

Anne Boleyn

Anne Boleyn’s aunt and uncle lived in Erwarton, and she often travelled down from her birthplace of Blickling to visit them while growing up. She even visited it once with Henry VIII. She was buried at the Tower of London after she was beheaded, however it was rumoured that her heart was buried at Erwarton. In 1838 work was done on the church and a heart shaped casket was found filled with dust which was believed to be the remains of her heart. 

To view our stunning luxury log cabins and to check availability, visit our website.