The Westleton Crown. The Sail Loft. The Kings Head. The Leaping Hare. The Gunton Arms. Long Melford Swan. Bread & Meat. The Brisley Bell Inn

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3 The Westleton Crown EDITOR S PICKS FOR MORE INFO, SEE P53 The Westleton Crown is a 12th-century coaching inn on the Suffolk Heritage coast. Situated within the picturesque village of Westleton, this pub has been serving the locals for over 800 years. There is a traditional bar area but also a large and bright dining room to the rear which opens up onto a courtyard garden. 1 The Sail Loft EDITOR S PICKS FOR MORE INFO, SEE P84 Head out of the small coastal town of Southwold, past the market, past the cannons and you will stumble across The Sail Loft. This informal eatery is the culmination of experiences, resources and knowledge of five individuals who have created a laid-back, informal dining experience. 5 The Kings Head EDITOR S PICKS FOR MORE INFO, SEE P78 The Kings Head in Letheringsett is nestled just outside of the bustling Norfolk town of Holt. Housed within a handsome Georgian Manor from 1808 that has no less than three fires to create the bona fide country pub atmosphere. The Leaping Hare EDITOR S PICKS FOR MORE INFO, SEE P85 The Leaping Hare is a restaurant and café housed in a converted 14th century barn within the 7 acre Wyken vineyard. Once occupied by Romans and recorded in Domesday, the ancient estate of Wyken provides a quintessential Suffolk experience. 2 6 The Gunton Arms EDITOR S PICKS FOR MORE INFO, SEE P64 The Gunton Arms is a unique pub located within a historic 1,000 acre deer park dating back to the 18th century. Art dealer, Ivor Braka bought the pub in 2009 and spent 2 years renovating which included selecting appropriate pieces from his art collection with works by Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst now hung on the walls. 3 Long Melford Swan EDITOR S PICKS FOR MORE INFO, SEE P86 The Swan is a two AA rosette restaurant in the heart of Long Melford, a delightful Suffolk village less than two hours from London. The menu is modern English cuisine with dishes including dry aged beef wellington, skate wing with cockles and steak & kidney pudding. 7 The Brisley Bell Inn EDITOR S PICKS FOR MORE INFO, SEE P62 The Brisley Bell Inn is a 17th century pub which has been tastefully and sympathetically renovated to become a stunning destination pub. In addition to the bar area, there is a quiet dining room and a cosy snug kitted out with books and an open fire. 4 Bread & Meat EDITOR S PICKS FOR MORE INFO, SEE P105 Bread & Meat serve gourmet roast meat sandwiches using the finest artisan sourdough ciabatta bread. Ingredients are kept simple, honest and of top quality. These principles combined with the clear passion of the owner Simon Cheney and you have something rather special. 8 BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 4 BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 5

4 Market Bistro EDITOR S PICKS FOR MORE INFO, SEE P88 The Market Bistro is a charming and intimate restaurant specialising in seasonal British delicacies. Located in the historic town of Kings Lynn set amongst the Hanseatic warehouses and market squares of this Norfolk seaport and market town. 9 Thornham Deli EDITOR S PICKS FOR MORE INFO, SEE P149 Thornham Deli is a café, lifestyle shop and delicatessen ideally located on the A149 in the North West corner of Norfolk. Championing local produce has been a priority from day one. Favourites include Brancaster oysters, Lakenham Dairy ice cream and Norfolk fish and chips. 13 The Thorpeness EDITOR S PICKS FOR MORE INFO, SEE P107 The Kitchen is a laid-back, popular café serving home cooked, feel good comfort food at the heart of the quirky village of Thorpeness. Dishes are hearty, seasonal, good value and derived from quality British 10 Honey + Harvey EDITOR S PICKS FOR MORE INFO, SEE P110 Honey and Harvey is a friendly, independent, artisan coffee shop located in the heart of the pretty Suffolk town of Woodbridge. Locality is paramount. The flour used in their sourdough bread comes from Woodbridge Tide Mill and the organic eggs are from nearby Maple Farm in Kelsale. 14 Strangers Coffee House EDITOR S PICKS FOR MORE INFO, SEE P120 Strangers Coffee is a speciality coffee shop and coffee roaster based in the heart of Norwich Lanes. Established in 2009, the team behind Strangers are mad about speciality coffee. On offer is a range of artisan beans from all over the world. The quality and provenance of the coffee is paramount at Strangers so 11 Snape Maltings EDITOR S PICKS FOR MORE INFO, SEE P132 Snape Maltings is a unique combination of music, art, nature, eating and shopping all crammed into one attractive complex. At the heart of the complex is a world class concert hall, founded by Suffolk-born composer Benjamin Britten and surrounded by a collection of redeveloped Victorian industrial buildings. 15 Lavenham EDITOR S PICKS FOR MORE INFO, SEE P21 Half-Timbered houses and higgledy-piggledy store fronts are in plentitude in Lavenham. Take a walk around this beautiful village and spot the prettiest building. They re coated in a mix of mid-toned pastels from Suffolk pink to burnt orange and light up the village like an artists palette. 12 Stiffkey Stores EDITOR S PICKS FOR MORE INFO, SEE P133 Stiffkey Stores is no ordinary village shop but an old fashioned yet stylish café and gift shop offering organic, artisan produce and vintage homeware. Expect freshly baked bread, moist carrot cake, crumbly chocolate brownies and hot chocolate. 16 BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 6 BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 7

5 Elveden Estate Shops EDITOR S PICKS FOR MORE INFO, SEE P168 Head to Elveden Estate and fill your boots with local artisan goods. Their stock includes Estate reared beef, fruit and veg from their farm, award-winning cheeses and fine wines and spirits. Located just off of the A11, this is a fantastic stop-off for a decent lunch or to do a bit of gourmet shopping before entertaining guests. 17 Wells-Next-the-Sea Beach EDITOR S PICKS FOR MORE INFO, SEE P12 Wells Beach is easily one of Norfolk s finest. The sand goes on for miles and miles and hundreds of quirky colourful beach huts on stilts, run along the pine forest wall and back dunes. You can access the beach via the nearby carpark or it s a short walk or miniature rail ride from town along the East Fleet river. 18 Ely Cathedral EDITOR S PICKS FOR MORE INFO, SEE P45 Thousands of visitors from all over the world flock to Ely each year to gaze in wonder at this magnificent Cathedral. Lovers of architecture can admire the ornate stone work and intricate details, while historians can delve deep into its foundations, back to AD 672 when St Etheldreda built an Abbey Church on the site. The City of Ely was then built around the church and 19 The University of Cambridge EDITOR S PICKS FOR MORE INFO, SEE P41 The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209 and has since become one of the finest educational organisations in the world. Located at the heart of Cambridge, its history makes it the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world. 20 BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 8

6 Aldeburgh OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK IP15 5AB 48 High Street, Aldeburgh IP15 5AB Burnham Market OUT & ABOUT NORFOLK PE31 8HQ Burnham Market PE31 Aldeburgh is a traditional seaside town with plenty to offer the visiting tourist. A pebble beach runs from the Martello Tower overlooking the harbour at the south of town to the controversial Scallop sculpture in the North Burnham Market is arguably the prettiest village in North Norfolk, with its traditional feel, a busy butchers, fishmongers, post office and chemist. Along with some handy shops to pick up the necessaries, there are some great places to stop for food and drink. Unavailable We recommend a visit to the Aldeburgh Market, an ice-cream from Munchies, a stroll along the beach past the Fishing Huts and then grabbing fish and chips from the renowned Aldeburgh Fish and Chips and sitting overlooking the sea fighting off the gulls. If you re interested in music then head to the Red House for an insight into Benjamin Brittens past. Orford Castle (p46) Thorpeness (p16) Snape Maltings (p132) We suggest a visit to 20 North Street Café & Bistro for lunch or if you re after something closer to fine dining, why not pay a visit to the famed Hoste. On a fine day their outdoor seating is the best location for grub in town. Gunton Arms (p64) Art Café (p111) Cley Spy (p137) BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 10 BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 11

7 Wells-next-the-Sea Beach OUT & ABOUT NORFOLK NR23 1DR Beach Road, Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1DR Dunwich Beach OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK IP17 3EN Beach Road, Dunwich, Saxmundham Wells Beach is easily one of Norfolk s finest. The sand goes on for miles and miles and hundreds of quirky colourful beach huts on stilts, run along the pine forest wall and back dunes. You can access the beach via the nearby carpark or it s a short walk or miniature rail ride from the town along the East Fleet river. At low tide the sea is a lengthy walk across hard packed sand and stretches on endlessly. You can also walk through the wonderful pine forest beside the beach and discover bulky rope swings and sandy pits, perfect for families needing a respite of shade. Bring a kite. Unavailable Bang in Wells (p118) Burnham Market (p11) Walsingham Farm Shop (p162) The sea has slowly been nibbling away at the once thriving seaport of Dunwich. In the 14th Century it matched London in size and was the capital of the Kingdom and in the Domesday book of 1086 it s population was over Now around 240 inhabitants live in this historic village. There is a wonderful stretch of shingly and sandy beach and just inland is The Ship at Dunwich ; the ultimate spot for respite after a long walk along the coast. Perhaps one day the ocean will make it a Shipwreck. IP17 3EN The Ship (p54) Darsham Nurseries (p106) Walberswick (p24) BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 12 BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 13

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9 Thorpeness OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK IP16 4NX Thorpeness IP16 Woodbridge OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK IP12 1AA Woodbridge IP12 Thorpeness Village was made over 100 years ago by Stuart Ogilvie as part of a private fantasy holiday village. The Meare was created as a pleasure boating experience and continues as this today with colourful boats lining its shores. Other points of interest include the House in the Clouds and the brightly painted Headland Houses along the seafront. We recommend you head to The Thorpeness and The Dolphin for a pint of local ale. Hire a boat and negotiate your way around the islands on the Meare or head to the Thorpeness Emporium and search for hidden treasures. Unavailable Dunwich Beach (p13) Woodbridge (p17) The Thorpeness (p107) Woodbridge is only eight miles from the coast and a similar distance from Ipswich, yet it is often overlooked. This pretty, historic market town is filled with treats for those visiting; highlights include the Tide Mill, Yacht Harbour and St Mary s. Make sure you stop for a bite to eat as the dining is good; our favourite eateries include The Table and The Galley. If you re after a decent coffee make your way to Honey + Harvey or The Fire Station. The Cake Shop Bakery do fantastic bread and pastries and the Woodbridge Deli have the finishing touches for your picnic hamper. Unavailable The Tide Mill (p38) Honey + Harvey (p110) Woodbridge Violins (p143) BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 16 BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 17

10 Blakeney OUT & ABOUT NORFOLK NR25 7NF The Quay, Blakeney, Blakeney, Holt Bury St. Edmunds OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK IP33 3FD Charter Square Street, Bury St Edmunds Blakeney is one of Norfolk s most enchanting coastal villages and makes an ideal base from which to explore the North Norfolk coast. Boats leave the harbour daily to observe the seals who live on Blakeney Point and there is an enjoyable walk to the remote lifeboat station there. NR25 7NF Bury St. Edmunds is an historic market town in Suffolk. Attractive medieval architecture is apparent throughout and elegant buildings such as the grand Cathedral and Abbey Gardens are a free treat to visitors and locals. Other attractions include the Greene King Brewery, the Theatre Royal and the Apex music venue. IP33 3FD Blakeney is perfectly positioned to observe local wildlife being within the Norfolk Coast AONB and on the North Norfolk Heritage Coast as well as benefiting from the North Norfolk Coastal Path along its quayside. Expect to be treated to pristine saltmarshes, singing skylarks, barking seals and huge horizons. Cley Windmill (p28) Grey Seal Coffee (p122) Walsingham Farm Shop (p162) There are some fantastic eateries in Bury, such as Maison Bleue and 1921 Angel Hill. Coffee enthusiasts should head to Guat s Up! and Vinyl Hunter and a spot of Afternoon Tea at Harriets. On Wednesdays and Saturdays you can hear the market stall holders shouting out their deals with fresh produce and artisan food Angel Hill (p87) Harriets (p123) Guat s Up! (p126) BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 18 BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 19

11 Bawdsey Village OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK IP12 3AH The Street, Bawdsey IP12 3AH Lavenham OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK CO10 9QZ Lady Street, Lavenham CO10 9RA Located on the other side of the river Deben from Felixstowe is the handsome village of Bawdsey. A scattering of houses, a shingly sandy river beach and a handful of boats. The calm waters are great for skimming a few stones and paddling. If you have a small craft why not head upstream to the Ramsholt Arms for a bite to eat. They re located along the water front and have great outdoor seating overlooking the water. You can also get the ferry from Bawsdey to Felixstowe as an alternative route out. Unavailable Ramshot Arms (p59) Woodbridge (p17) The Crown and Castle (p103) Half-Timbered houses and higgledy-piggledy store fronts are in plentitude in Lavenham. Take a walk around this beautiful village and spot the prettiest building. They re coated in a mix of mid-toned pastels from Suffolk pink to burnt orange and light up the village like an artist s palette. Lavenham has plenty to offer the food lover. We recommend The Great House and Number Ten for dining, The Angel for a pint and the Butchers for something special for your picnic basket. Head to Hadley s for amazing homemade ice-cream and indulgent hot chocolate The Great House (p101) Hadley s (p160) Melford Antiques Warehouse (p142) BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 20 BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 21

12 Cavendish OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK CO10 8BA The Green, Cavendish CO10 8BA Southwold Pier OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK IP18 6BN North Parade, Southwold IP18 6BN Cavendish in Suffolk is a picture postcard village nestled in the Stour Valley, famous for its thatched cottages and quaint, rambling village green. So named because a man called Cafa once owned an eddish here (if you believe Wikipedia) St Mary the Virgin s Church, a Grade I listed Saxon church, sits at the heart of the village and is surrounded by thatched cottages, collectively making this one of Suffolk s prettiest settings. There is a vibrant community who regularly convene on the green for traditional fetes, maypole dancing and bonfires. Unavailable Lavenham (p21) Duck Deli (p156) Bildeston Crown (p56) Southwold is regarded as the Jewel in the crown of East Suffolk seaside resorts. Its famous pier make it a popular destination for those wanting both invigorating fresh sea air and a tranquil sunny haven. The beach has been recognised as a Blue Flag beach, meaning the water quality is great for swimming and it s clean. The Pier is 620ft long and includes an eclectic collection of modern coin-operated novelty machines designed and constructed by the inventor Tim Hunkin. Dotted along the coastline are the colourful beach huts iconic of any British seaside town Southwold Pier (p23) The Parish Lantern (p131) Dunwich Beach (p13) BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 22 BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 23

13 Walberswick OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK IP18 6UA Walberswick IP18 The Scallop OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK IP16 4NR Thorpe Road, Aldeburgh IP16 4NR Walberswick is an attractive, secluded coastal village with much traditional charm. Main attractions include the nearby harbour with a spot of crabbing and a walk along the river Blyth, and of course the unspoilt sandy dunes and beach are a must. A foot passenger ferry service runs to Southwold between April and November, however perhaps check their webpage for times first as they are more frequent in certain months. For refreshments pay a visit to the Parish Lantern or one of the village s two pubs. Unavailable Aldeburgh (p10) Emmett s Store (p147) Southwold Pier (p23) The Scallop is a four metre high monument created by local artist Maggi Hambling for the late composer Benjamin Britten. The sculpture consists of two, broken, interlocking scallop shells with the words I hear those voices that will not be drowned cut into the rim. The sculpture has seen considerable controversy in its short existence with many locals being in uproar about the violation of one s regular walk. Some have even gone so far as to vandalise the sculpture with the words Move it. We suggest simply enjoying it for what it is. Unavailable Aldeburgh Market (p161) Snape Maltings (p31) Orford Castle (p46) BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 24 BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 25

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15 Cley Windmill OUT & ABOUT NORFOLK NR25 7RP The Quay, Cley-next-the-Sea NR25 7RP The Playhouse OUT & ABOUT NORFOLK NR3 1AB St George s Street, Norwich Cley Windmill is a five storey, 18th-century tower mill that has become a well-known landmark on the North Norfolk Coast. The Windmill is in the village of Cley-next-the-Sea and is surrounded by reeds, marshes and the River Glaven. Following grants by English Heritage, the cap gallery, sails and fantail have all been renewed making this one of the best kept mills in East Anglia. The windmill has recently been converted into a quaint, boutiquestyle bed and breakfast with uninterrupted views of the sea and of Cley Bird Sanctuary. If you are a bird lover, there are few places to stay which can surpass this Grey Seal Coffee (p122) Stiffkey Stores (p133) Letheringsett Water Mill (p36) The Norwich Playhouse is a 300 seat theatre which opened in 1995 in a 19th century building that was once a Georgian maltings. After a 2.5mil refurb, the building now hosts a variety of events including comedy, debates and live music. The bar is a vibrant, relaxed and friendly place for a cup of tea or a pint of craft ale. The venue also has an award-winning garden and two busy galleries exhibiting a variety of works by local artists. Both bar and theatre are fully accessible. NR3 1AB Bicycle Shop (p114) Strangers Coffee House (p120) Little Red Roaster (p115) BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 28 BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 29

16 Wyken Vineyard OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK IP31 2DW Wyken Hall, Wyken Road, Stanton, Bury St. Edmunds Snape Maltings OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK IP17 1SP Snape Maltings, Snape, Suffolk IP17 1SP Wyken Vineyard is set within some of Suffolk s finest countryside and has bountiful character. With its beautifully converted 14thcentury barns, lush gardens and farmland grazed by llamas, Red Poll cattle and Shetland sheep. The Vineyard itself produces roughly 12,000 bottles of wine annually and has won awards for its Bacchus and for best East Anglian Wine in Beneath the ancient barn beams is The Leaping Hare restaurant which has been in the Good Food guide for 20 years as is a great spot for dining. You can also walk through the ancient woodland to see the grapes on the vine. IP31 2DW Bury St. Edmunds (p19) 1921 Angel Hill (p87) Elveden Estate (p168) Snape Maltings is a must visit destination for anyone travelling through to Aldeburgh, Southwold and beyond. It s nestled on the banks of the River Alde and is home to countless shops, eateries and the world renowned Concert Hall founded by British composer Benjamin Britten. Why not make a day of it and visit the shops, take a walk through the surrounding marshes doing a spot of wildlife watching and then settle down for food in one of the three cafés or in one of their two restaurants. Polish the day off with some live music in the Concert Hall with a glass of wine Woodbridge (p17) Aldeburgh (p10) Thorpeness (p16) BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 30 BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 31

17 Greyfriars Medieval Friary OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK IP17 3DR Dunwich, Saxmundham IP17 3DR Holy Trinity Church OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK CO10 9DJ Church Walk, Long Melford CO10 9DJ Greyfriars in Dunwich was a Franciscan friary founded before 1277, that boarded 20 men beside the coast who abided by Mendicant orders. Just 12 years later it was moved inland as the threat by coastal erosion increased. It became disused in 1538 and the remains were used as a house, jail and town hall. Today the remains consist of a precinct wall, two gatehouses and what is believed to be the remnants of a cloister building. In 2011 the site was part of a dig for the archaeological television programme Time Team, who uncovered medieval stonework, glass fragments and details of the original size of the buildings. Unavailable The Parish Lantern (p131) The Ship (p54) Pinney s of Orford (p164) The Holy Trinity Church of Long Melford is widely acknowledged as one of the most magnificent parish churches in the country. For over 1000 years Christians have worshipped and prayed on this site, however in the 15th Century almost all of the church was rebuilt. The wool trade made the locals prosperous and they chose to build a grander more impressive place of worship. Many original stained glass windows are intact, dating from over 500 years ago. Whether you are religious or not, this is a fascinating building, emitting a sense of calm which can be enjoyed by all. You can also arrange a tour for a more informative visit Long Melford Swan (p86) Lavenham (p21) Melford Antiques Warehouse (p142) BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 32 BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 33

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19 Letheringsett Watermill OUT & ABOUT NORFOLK NR25 7YD Riverside Rd, Letheringsett, Holt The Great Church Yard OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK IP33 1RS The Great Churchyard, Bury St. Edmunds Incredibly there has been a watermill situated at Letheringsett for almost 1000 years. Its history is quite fascinating and includes at least two fires, a change from being a watermill to an engine mill and back again. Today s mill is still in use and visitors have the chance to see flour ground on site and can enjoy a tour showing the mill in all its glory. Letheringsett Mill is now Norfolk s only working watermill and specialises in grinding spelt, which is becoming more renowned as a healthier substitute to flour, being a less tampered with wheat grain. NR25 7YD The Kings Head (p78) Folly Tearoom (p112) North Norfolk Fish Co (p154) No visit to Bury St. Edmunds is complete without a visit to the Abbey Gardens and Cathedral, however less frequented is the Great Church Yard between St. Mary s Church and the Abbey Gate. Old ruins have been transformed into modern day dwellings. The facades being the old flint walls with a more modern day build behind. A square with an unusual blend of architectures surrounds a quiet green. So if the adjacent gardens are too busy, why not stop here for a slice of calm and run your hands along the old walls. IP33 1RS Unavailable Wyken Vineyard (p30) Harriets (p123) Guat s Up! (p126) BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 36 BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 37

20 Tide Mill OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK IP12 1BY Tide Mill Way, Woodbridge IP12 1BY Sheringham Station OUT & ABOUT NORFOLK NR26 8RA Station Rd, Sheringham NR26 8RA The Tide Mill Museum is a fascinating working watermill located beside Woodbridge s attractive harbour. Five metres of English oak pull against the water, multiple teeth interlocking in unison to turn the mighty grindstone when the tide permits. This incredible mechanism still grinds the grain as it has done for over 800 years. The Tide Mill produces a top quality flour which is available for sale in the museum. Glass walls and a boardwalk give you unsurpassable views of the guts and innards of the working watermill. There are multiple interactive displays, videos, audio stations and excellent information on the history of the mill Woodbridge (p17) Orford Castle (p46) Honey + Harvey (p110) All aboard the Poppy line locomotive! The North Norfolk Railway offers a round trip by steam train through a delightful area of North Norfolk. Stops include Weybourne, Kelling Heath Park and the attractive town of Holt. The railway lines are bordered by a variety of wildflowers and in particular the bright red poppies in the later months of the year. Enjoy a stop off at Sheringham Station, the railway s headquarters. There is a wealth of things to do and explore here including a childrens activity coach, souvenir shop and a traditional vintage buffet café Gunton Arms (p64) Art Café (p111) Cley Spy (p137) BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 38 BEST OF ENGLAND.COM Page 39

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