Felixstowe
My hometown! Felixstowe is a splendid Victorian and Edwardian town on the Suffolk coast. An long time home for the newly wed and nearly dead, Felixstowe has been regenerated and re-invigorated in recent years and now has a range of attractions. Close to the town centre is the pier, with its amusements and a bar/restaurant where you can relax with a pint over the ocean. To the south, the Beach Street development provides a host of restaurants and shops in re-purposed shipping containers. To the north, the beach is less built up and is a the perfect place for a walk, especially if you go all the way to the quaint seaside hamlet of Felixstowe Ferry. The town has a great range of cuisines and a lot of restaurants for a town of its size, offering Indian, Chinese, Turkish, Italian, and more. Particular favourites of mine are Steak and Lobster and Alba Chiara, both on the seafront. For those with an interest in history, a visit to Landguard Fort is essential, as this has been an important strategic location for centuries.
Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB
The Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is ideal if you enjoy walking in nature. My favourite place is Trimley Marshes; walking routes here will take you through woodland, farmland and marshland. I highly recommend walking along the River Orwell from Levington Marina to the Port of Felixstowe. On the other side of the River Orwell is the Shotley Peninsular and Dedham Vale, known as “Constable Country” in honour of the famous paintings of John Constable.
Southwold
Southwold is a charming seaside town complete with pier, which boasts and under the pier show not to be missed. The eccentric machines are fun for all ages. If you can’t make it to Southwold, you can check out similar machines at Novelty Automation in London.
Did you know? Southwold was once home to writer George Orwell. George Orwell was a pen name, and he took “Orwell” from the nearby River Orwell in Suffolk. In Southwold there is a plaque at his former home, and a mural to him at the pier.
Framlingham
Framlingham is a charming market town in eastern Suffolk. The town is best known for its magnificent castle, which was where Mary Tudor was crowned. If you’re not too afraid of heights, walk along the top of the castle walls and admire the views of the castle itself, and the surrounding countryside.
Woodbridge
Woodbridge routinely tops lists of the best places to live in the country, and it’s easy to see why. The town is small enough to retain a village feel and large enough to have amenities, particularly a large number of lovely pubs. Check out the fascinating Tide Mill Museum, and take a walk along the splendid River Deben.
Bury St Edmunds
The pretty town of Bury St Edmunds has lots to offer, with its star attractions being the Abbey, the Abbey Gardens, and the Abbey Ruins. I was also lucky enough to get married here. 💑
With 1,000 years of history to explore, Bury is an essential stop on a visit to Suffolk.