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Visiting Suffolk
Suffolk is a rural county set in East Anglia, bordering Norfolk to the North and Essex to the South. The country is predominately flat, with arable farms and wetlands aplenty, awarding it as an area of outstanding natural beauty. Nevertheless, Suffolk's delights extend far beyond the rural remit, with the county holding the towns of Ipswich, Lowestoft, Bury St Edmonds and Felixstowe.
The county town of Ipswich is a popular location for families, due to its safe and welcoming atmosphere. The original town is one of the UK's oldest, with Roman and Anglo Saxon heritage. As such, the town is also a popular tourist destination for those that enjoy taking in some English history. Modern Ipswich has undergone a rapid regeneration programme in its docks area, which is now primarily used for leisure and residential uses. Culture is at the town's heart, with a plethora of theatres, galleries and innovation facilities in the area.
As well as to live in, Suffolk is becoming popular for weekend breaks and family holidays, due to its laid-back, tranquil nature. Suffolk offers a variety of B&B's or campsites, but for a quiet weekend away, Suffolk hotels can provide a little slice of luxury. Hotels in Suffolk are available in a bevvy of locations, from rural based hotels to those in the county town of Bury St Edmonds.
Perhaps one of Suffolk's most hidden gems, is that of its coastlines and seaside towns of Aldeburgh and Southwold. The sands at Lowestoft are popular with families and couples alike, due to the stunning scenery and sandcastle filled aesthetics. After a hard day of enjoying Suffolk's coastline, many visitors opt to grab some local produce at one of the county's bountiful farmer's markets. Agriculture is a big part of the county - so much so that television featured farm 'Jimmy's Farm' is located near Ipswich.
Carrying on the food and drink theme, Suffolk houses the Suffolk food hall - a centre of excellence for local produce, since its conception in 2007. The market sells everything from fish to wines or biscuits and has a mezzanine level restaurant to take full advantage of the Suffolk scenery. As well as a wide variety of pubs, cafés and restaurants, the county is famed for its wine production, with Shawsgate Vineyard a place well worth visiting on your travels.
For families and animal lovers, Africa Alive! is located south of Lowestoft, where you can meet cheetahs, lions, zebras and ostriches to name a few. For more standard animals, Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm is a working farm where you can meet and feed farm animals, as well as enjoying picnics or walks in the farm grounds.
Whether you enjoy taking in the English countryside, sipping wine and enjoying local fare, or indulging in some shopping, Suffolk really does offer it all.