Surrounding Area

With its inspiring mix of rural and urban attractions, this region of East Anglia provides ample opportunity to either recharge the batteries or let loose in a flurry of activity and adventure. With sleepy, unspoilt villages like Flatford and Dedham you can be transported back over two hundred years to the idyllic rural life immortalised in Constable’s and Gainsborough’s famous landscape paintings. The region is steeped in history with Britain’s oldest recorded town, Bodicea’s Colchester, Framlingham and Orford castles and the Viking burial site of Sutton Hoo. If contemporary pursuits are the order of the day, then Suffolk offers a wealth of recreational diversions from the golf club at Hintlesham to the outdoor ski centre five minutes drive from the cottage. Ipswich and Colchester cater for cinema and theatre goers as well as supplying an almost boundless list of restaurants, bistros and bars.

Local Attractions

Alton Water
For those interested in wildlife, Alton Water hosts a variety of interesting waterfowl,especially in Winter. New conservation zones and bird hides have been established to increase biodiversity with the help of local conservation volunteers. Activities include an eight-mile rambling route and a 10-mile, cross-country cycle track. For more information got to www.altoncyclehire.co.uk.

Fishing is also available at Alton Water, with big bream and pike the most popular quarry. Day permits are available from the Visitor Centre. There is a Water Sports Centre providing excellent facilities for sailing, windsurfing or diving.

Tennis
Tattingstone village has tennis courts and welcome visitors.

Golf
Hintlesham Golf Club welcomes visitors www.hintleshamgolfclub.com.

Flatford and Dedham
Escape into a quintessentially English rural landscape, the inspiration for Constable's and Gainsborough's pastoral masterpieces. The are a variety of riverside walks, tea rooms and historic buildings to visit, including Flatford Mill, Valley Farm and Willy Lott's House. For some beautiful photos of the area visit www.suffolkcam.co.uk/flatford17082003.htm.

Ipswich
The Waterfront is in the middle of an astonishing renaissance, with new restaurants, bars, marinas and homes emerging in a Victorian Wet Dock opened in the 19th Century. It is a wonderful place to stroll at any time of the year or to enjoy a leisurely drink or meal whilst soaking up it's unique atmosphere. Also in Ipswich you will find Christchurch Mansion and the Transport Museum.

Colchester
Britain's Oldest Recorded Town is a great place to go window shopping in the trendy boutiques, alternatively enjoy the magnificent heritage visible in the buildings and streets. Follow the link for more information www.visitcolchester.co.uk.

Further Afield

Minsmere Nature Reserve
Minsmere

Sutton Hoo
Visit the Anglo-Saxon burial grounds an award winning discovery centre. You will find information about this, and other sites of interest in East Anglia on the National Trust website: National Trust East Anglia.

Suffolk Coast
The coast has many places worth a visit including, Southwold, Felixstowe,Aldeburgh, and Orford.

Bury and Cambridge
Explore the cathedrals and winding streets of these two vibrant cities.