Continuing on from our previous blog post, Our top 6 Experiences of Aldeburgh, which we let you know the best places to visit within Aldeburgh, we’re bringing you a post about places to visit further afield, in all directions. This is part one of two for places to visit in Suffolk.
Southwold
Distance from Aldeburgh – 17.9 Miles
Southwold can be found north of Aldeburgh, and can be described as a similar type of town, with a great number of properties being holiday lets or second homes, bringing an influx of people to the town when certain events are on throughout the year.
Southwold is the home to some attractive days out such as the Lighthouse where you can climb to the top and take in the surrounding views of the rest of the town, the coastal areas and the towns pier. The pier houses amusements, a fish and chips cafe and a pleasant board walk into the North Sea that withholds some amazing photo opportunities looking back onto the beach.
The town is the location of the Adnams brewery, an eye catching Victorian building that houses one of the most modern breweries in the UK. They offer tours to get an insight into the scenes behind the doors on how they create award winning beers. In 2010 Adnams added a distillery and have been credited many awards for their quality of spirits too, this can also be viewed on the tours.
Southwold is a great starting (or ending) place for walks that lead to Walberswick and Dunwich.
Walberswick & Dunwich
Distance from Aldeburgh – 15.2 Miles
Walberswick is also found on the coast north of Aldeburgh, with its lush sandy beaches, it’s the place to be in the summer months for a spot of crabbing or paddling, cooling off with an ice-cream and a cold lager.
Dunwich is a stones throw south of Walberswick, an old port that fell into the ocean due to coastal erosion; the whole story can be looked into and learnt through interactive and knowledgeable staff at the local museum. From the size of the great roman fort used to be, Dunwich is now a small village with a population of no more than 120.
The marshes between the two villages are picturesque and a national nature reserve, home to it’s wide array of birdlife including March Harriers, Bearded Tits, Water Rails, and Bitterns. Best to avoid in the winter though as it isn’t not unheard of for the shingle banks to break and the marshes to be flooded.
Framlingham
Distance from Aldeburgh – 14.1 Miles
Framlingham is an old market town, further inland than the previous mentioned places to visit, home to world famous singer and songwriter, Ed Sheeran.
The town’s castle, built between 1190 and 1210, and is now looked after by English Heritage offers Tours to any willing participant which are available on varied days throughout the year, it’s best to monitor the website to see when is best to visit (http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/framlingham-castle/prices-and-opening-times).
The town has enjoyed hosting a market since 1285 and still has them every Saturday & Tuesday, selling a wide array of meats, cheeses and toys. The Saturday market usually runs from 6am until 6pm while Tuesdays are 6am until 4pm, although times can vary depending on weather and foot traffic.
The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside with footpaths scattered all over, the best views can be found either at the castle looking over the meadow towards the college or from the meadows looking up onto the castle; these are especially breathtaking on a clear day at sunrise or sunset.
Next issue, we’ll be bringing you a few more areas to visit within Suffolk so make sure to keep an eye out next month. What’s your favourite place to visit around Suffolk? Let us know by emailing info@lighthouserestaurant.co.uk.