Things To Do

Sir Alfred Munnings, the famous Suffolk artist, was born at the Mill in Mendham and spent his early years in this delightful corner of Suffolk. He painted in a number of places in the locality and he also travelled extensively around the whole Suffolk area on horseback. This fascinating part of Suffolk is situated just south of the Norfolk border. Many of the parishes carry the names of saints and they all possess a wealth of history.

The Munnings Trail provides an ideal walking opportunity during your stay at one of our luxury Suffolk holiday cottages. During your walking journey, you will find that the villages, with their churches, winding lanes and large greens, all contribute to what is a remarkable piece of England. There are some places, however, that can be seen only on a walk. A good example of this is the remarkable ruined Minster of South Elmham. Hidden amongst woodland and barely visible from the road, it was at one time the mother church of the diocese and probably dates back to the 680s.

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First established in 1972 as the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Society, the museum houses a varied array of over 60 complete or partial aircraft, including rarities such as the only complete de Havilland Sea Vixen FAW.1 in private ownership, a flyable replica of the Colditz Cock escape glider, a Vickers Valetta VX580 C.2 and an FMA IA 58 Pucará that was captured by British forces during the Falklands War.

In addition to the aircraft displayed, the museum also houses thematic collections devoted to subjects including the Royal Observer Corps, RAF Bomber Command, air-sea rescue and RAF Coastal Command.

As well as preserving its existing collections, the museum and its members are actively involved in the exploration and study of aircraft crash sites – termed wreckology – in East Anglia. The museum charges no entrance fee and is entirely funded by public donations, corporate sponsorship, and local and European government grants. It employs only one full-time member of staff, with day-to-day maintenance and running of the museum falling largely on the shoulders of a team of volunteers.

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Africa Alive Zoological Reserve is a wildlife park located in Kessingland, Suffolk, about 2 miles south of Lowestoft. It houses thousands of animals from around the world, primarily focusing on Africa and Madagascar.

Set in over 100 acres of stunning countryside, Africa Alive Zoological Reserve is the perfect place to set your sights on some of Africa’s most iconic animals, whilst learning more about their natural instincts, habitats and conservation. The spectacular centrepiece of the reserve is the ‘Plains of Africa’ display where guests can see five species of African Savannah animals roaming together, including majestic Giraffe and heavyweight Rhinos. The Discovery Centre operates regular animal handling sessions for a chance to get hands on with some of the smaller animals.

The reserve also offers a great outdoor play area, as well as restaurants, free parking, disabled facilities and a gift shop.

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Valley Farm Vineyards is an 8 acre mature site with newly renovated vintage vines less than a mile from Low Farm.

Valley Farm Vineyard is owned by Adrian Cox who welcomes visitors to his vineyard, either by arrangement or spontaneously, to share both viticulture and oenology anecdotes.

The vineyard is nestled in an idyllic part of Suffolk, not far from the coast at Southwold in the Waveney Valley. This part of Suffolk is renowned for its local eclectic food and drink offerings, to which Valley Farm Vineyard’s wines make a valuable contribution.

They specialise in producing quality grapes for still white and rosé, sparkling white, and sparkling rosé wines.

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St. Peter’s Brewery is one of England’s original craft breweries, located alongside the moated St. Peter’s Hall, deep in the picturesque Suffolk countryside. They create truly distinct ales and alcohol free beers available in an iconic 500ml oval bottle, cask and keg. The Visitors Shop stocks the full range of St. Peter’s Brewery beers and merchandise, as well as a range of other local produce and a specially selected range of gifts. Located just across from St Peter's Hall, the shop is open 7 days a week and is a perfect place to find an ideal present or to top up your own beer stock.

Brewery Tours take place from March until end of December each year, on Saturdays at 11am and 1pm. Following the brewery tour, you will enjoy a tutored beer tasting and will have time to browse our visitors’ shop where you can pick up some beer to take home, along with a wide range of other artisan food, drinks and gifts. You will also receive a complimentary bottle of beer each to take home.

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Southwold is a charming north Suffolk seaside town on the Suffolk Heritage Coast. Almost an island, being bounded by the North Sea to the East, by the River Blyth and Southwold harbour to the South–West and by Buss Creek to the North, there is just the one road in to and out of Southwold, approached through neighbouring Reydon.

The town offers much of interest, but it is the sea and Southwold’s links with it that make this a wonderful destination at any time of the year. Come and sample the Southwold sea air! All the attractions of the working lighthouse, beach huts, award-winning pier, busy harbour, cliff top cannon and of course the beach, combine to make Southwold a quintessentially English resort town.

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Halesworth is a town that prides itself on offering a traditional shopping experience. It is centred around the Thoroughfare, a pedestrianised area where many buildings date back to the sixteenth century. Perfectly located for exploring The Suffolk Coast and countryside, in Halesworth you are ideally situated to travel to the many coastal resorts, attractions, villages and towns.

Just to the east of the town centre is the largest Millennium Green in the country – 50 acres of wildlife-friendly grazing marsh and flood plain with footpaths, an all-weather track, great views, a hide and a community orchard.

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Situated inland on the River Waveney, Beccles sits at the southern point of the Suffolk & Norfolk Broads. Beccles offers a wealth of diversity, combining history with modern-day culture. The town is surrounded by fantastic views of the Southern Broads and set amongst rolling countryside. The town centre provides a blend of independent shops, restaurants and other services that will make a trip to Beccles memorable.

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Halesworth Golf is situated in 200 acres of stunning, undulating Suffolk countryside. We benefit from two golf courses; an 18 hole and 9 hole course, various practice facilities including a putting green, chipping green and a undercover, floodlit driving range alongwith a Pro Shop with PGA Tuition. Our modern clubhouse Bar & Restaurant overlooks the beautiful lake, golf courses and surrounding countryside - please see our website for our current opening times.

For further information on weddings, parties and conferences available in our first floor function suite with access onto the terrace, please get in touch and we will be delighted to assist you with your event.

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