Gillian's Guidebook
Swimming pool
The Grange Country Park
The swimming pool is now closed for the winter.
Sightseeing
Fancy a trip to Sutton Hoo, the awe inspiring Anglo-Saxon royal burial site, as recently featured in the movie The Dig. Explore the burial mounds of the kings at this wonderful National Trust property. In the museum you can learn about the history of the 90ft ship that was buried 1400 years ago along with the famous Sutton Hoo helmet. After an enjoyable walk, following the marked trails, visit the King's river cafe and treat yourself to one of the National Trust's delicious cream teas. All just approximately 35 minutes from East Bergholt.
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National Trust - Sutton Hoo
Fancy a trip to Sutton Hoo, the awe inspiring Anglo-Saxon royal burial site, as recently featured in the movie The Dig. Explore the burial mounds of the kings at this wonderful National Trust property. In the museum you can learn about the history of the 90ft ship that was buried 1400 years ago along with the famous Sutton Hoo helmet. After an enjoyable walk, following the marked trails, visit the King's river cafe and treat yourself to one of the National Trust's delicious cream teas. All just approximately 35 minutes from East Bergholt.
Take a drive ( 6 mins ) or walk (25 mins) to this historic Grade 1 listed watermill on the River Stour. Explore the picturesque Stour Valley and Dedham Vale, maybe follow the walking trail alongside the River Stour to Dedham. Stand in the footsteps of John Constable, where he painted The Hay Wain, depicting a rural Suffolk scene. Enjoy a National Trust cream tea whilst sitting by the river.
Our grandchildren love to play poo sticks on the bridge and feed the ducks. Now they are older we go canoeing and paddle boarding. We have spent many hours at this place and love it here.
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Flatford mill
Take a drive ( 6 mins ) or walk (25 mins) to this historic Grade 1 listed watermill on the River Stour. Explore the picturesque Stour Valley and Dedham Vale, maybe follow the walking trail alongside the River Stour to Dedham. Stand in the footsteps of John Constable, where he painted The Hay Wain, depicting a rural Suffolk scene. Enjoy a National Trust cream tea whilst sitting by the river.
Our grandchildren love to play poo sticks on the bridge and feed the ducks. Now they are older we go canoeing and paddle boarding. We have spent many hours at this place and love it here.
Dedham is a picturesque village nestled in the heart of the Dedham Vale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, located in the North of the county, straddling the River Stour into Suffolk.
It's quaint High Street has an abundance of independent shops, cosy pubs and quintessential tearooms, including the famous Wilkin and Sons tearoom, the Essex Rose, perfect for some light refreshments or a delicious cream tea. Admire the Georgian architecture and timber framed buildings as you wander down the High Street. At the end you will find the Dedham Arts and Crafts Centre, in an historic converted church. The Centre houses many art treasures all carefully crafted by local artisans.
St Mary's Church stands at the heart of the village and is an important landmark
www.visitsuffolk.com
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Dedham
Dedham is a picturesque village nestled in the heart of the Dedham Vale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, located in the North of the county, straddling the River Stour into Suffolk.
It's quaint High Street has an abundance of independent shops, cosy pubs and quintessential tearooms, including the famous Wilkin and Sons tearoom, the Essex Rose, perfect for some light refreshments or a delicious cream tea. Admire the Georgian architecture and timber framed buildings as you wander down the High Street. At the end you will find the Dedham Arts and Crafts Centre, in an historic converted church. The Centre houses many art treasures all carefully crafted by local artisans.
St Mary's Church stands at the heart of the village and is an important landmark
www.visitsuffolk.com
Lavenham Suffolk is often regarded as the best example of a medieval wool town in England and the crowning jewel of the county.
As a settlement that thrived on the weaving industry, you’ll find plenty of colourful timber-framed buildings dating back to the Tudor period.
It’s a beautiful place to spend a day where you can explore the village, visit museums, enjoy some fine dining and even chase Harry Potter filming locations!
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Lavenham
Lavenham Suffolk is often regarded as the best example of a medieval wool town in England and the crowning jewel of the county.
As a settlement that thrived on the weaving industry, you’ll find plenty of colourful timber-framed buildings dating back to the Tudor period.
It’s a beautiful place to spend a day where you can explore the village, visit museums, enjoy some fine dining and even chase Harry Potter filming locations!
RSPB Minsmere
Sheepwash LaneThe Castle Museum
Castle ParkApproximately 50 minutes drive to the Colne Valley railway, Castle Hedingham. Sample the atmosphere and take a ride on an award winning period country railway. A pretty line, almost a mile long, with relocated station buildings, signal boxes and bridges all lovingly restored and rebuilt. A large and varied collection of vintage steam and diesel engines, carriages and wagons that represent much of our railway heritage.
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Colne Valley Railway
Yeldham RoadApproximately 50 minutes drive to the Colne Valley railway, Castle Hedingham. Sample the atmosphere and take a ride on an award winning period country railway. A pretty line, almost a mile long, with relocated station buildings, signal boxes and bridges all lovingly restored and rebuilt. A large and varied collection of vintage steam and diesel engines, carriages and wagons that represent much of our railway heritage.
Visit this internationally important nature reserve with it's fascinating 20th century military history. Run by the National Trust, tickets for the ferry can be booked ahead of time. Approximately a 50 minute journey from The Grange Country Park.
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Orford Ness
Visit this internationally important nature reserve with it's fascinating 20th century military history. Run by the National Trust, tickets for the ferry can be booked ahead of time. Approximately a 50 minute journey from The Grange Country Park.
Sudbury was an Anglo-Saxon settlement from the end of the 8th century, and its market was established in the early 11th century. Its textile industries prospered in the Late Middle Ages, the wealth of which funded many of its buildings and churches. The town became notable for its art in the 18th century, being the birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough, whose landscapes offered inspiration to John Constable, another Suffolk painter of the surrounding Stour Valley area. The 19th century saw the arrival of the railway with the opening of a station on the historic Stour Valley Railway, and Sudbury railway station forms the current terminus of the Gainsborough Line. In World War II, US Army Airforce bombers operated from RAF Sudbury.
Today, Sudbury retains its status as a market town with a twice-weekly market in the town centre in front of St Peter's Church, which is now a local community point for events such as concerts and exhibitions. In sport, the town has a semi-professional football club, A.F.C. Sudbury, which competes at the seventh level of the football pyramid.
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Sudbury
Sudbury was an Anglo-Saxon settlement from the end of the 8th century, and its market was established in the early 11th century. Its textile industries prospered in the Late Middle Ages, the wealth of which funded many of its buildings and churches. The town became notable for its art in the 18th century, being the birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough, whose landscapes offered inspiration to John Constable, another Suffolk painter of the surrounding Stour Valley area. The 19th century saw the arrival of the railway with the opening of a station on the historic Stour Valley Railway, and Sudbury railway station forms the current terminus of the Gainsborough Line. In World War II, US Army Airforce bombers operated from RAF Sudbury.
Today, Sudbury retains its status as a market town with a twice-weekly market in the town centre in front of St Peter's Church, which is now a local community point for events such as concerts and exhibitions. In sport, the town has a semi-professional football club, A.F.C. Sudbury, which competes at the seventh level of the football pyramid.
Old Felixstowe
Seal watching at Blakeney Point
Blakeney Point is home to England's largest grey seal colony with around 4,000 pups born between the end of October and mid-January each year. The best way to get up close and personal with the wildlife on Blakeney Point is to book onto one of the locally operated ferry trips departing from Morston Quay.
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Blakeney Point
Seal watching at Blakeney Point
Blakeney Point is home to England's largest grey seal colony with around 4,000 pups born between the end of October and mid-January each year. The best way to get up close and personal with the wildlife on Blakeney Point is to book onto one of the locally operated ferry trips departing from Morston Quay.
Equipment hire
Great place water activities
Just a 17 minutes drive takes you to Alton Water. If you are out for a leisurely stroll, then you are sure to benefit from the many walking trails and nature walks whilst for the more energetic, there is the 8 mile cross country cycling track or a range of water sports on offer. Bike and water sports hire available. The café is offering takeaway food and drinks or bring your own picnic and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
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Alton Water
Just a 17 minutes drive takes you to Alton Water. If you are out for a leisurely stroll, then you are sure to benefit from the many walking trails and nature walks whilst for the more energetic, there is the 8 mile cross country cycling track or a range of water sports on offer. Bike and water sports hire available. The café is offering takeaway food and drinks or bring your own picnic and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Just a 5 minute drive away you can enjoy a scenic paddle along the River Stour with a paddle board and sit-on kayak hire. Canadian Canoes are also available on request, but experience of rescues is required. Guided tours are available during the summer, with special events posted on our Events page on the website, such as rescue training and guided paddles.
No self-launching of own equipment on weekends or school holidays. Unfortunately they do not have enough parking to allow self-launch at peak times. There is a free launch point in Cattawade, just 200m away and then you can paddle into Constable Park for free to get ice cream or visit the Coffee House. Any self-launch in mid-week term time has a £10 launch fee, or alternatively launch at Cattawade and then paddle into there for free.
Constable Park - Glamping, Water Sports and Coffee House
Bergholt RoadJust a 5 minute drive away you can enjoy a scenic paddle along the River Stour with a paddle board and sit-on kayak hire. Canadian Canoes are also available on request, but experience of rescues is required. Guided tours are available during the summer, with special events posted on our Events page on the website, such as rescue training and guided paddles.
No self-launching of own equipment on weekends or school holidays. Unfortunately they do not have enough parking to allow self-launch at peak times. There is a free launch point in Cattawade, just 200m away and then you can paddle into Constable Park for free to get ice cream or visit the Coffee House. Any self-launch in mid-week term time has a £10 launch fee, or alternatively launch at Cattawade and then paddle into there for free.
Food scene
A fantastic place to find locally produced food from Suffolk farmers. Go check out the butchery, daily baked bread, fresh and pre packed items from the fishmonger’s counter, a delightful delicatessen with lots of products made by their own kitchen, and much more.
Kids can have a go on the bouncy pillow whilst you enjoy great views of the Orwell bridge with coffee and cake. Our grandchildren have spent many a happy hour here. It’s a place we have to visit every time we are in Suffolk.
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Suffolk Food Hall
A fantastic place to find locally produced food from Suffolk farmers. Go check out the butchery, daily baked bread, fresh and pre packed items from the fishmonger’s counter, a delightful delicatessen with lots of products made by their own kitchen, and much more.
Kids can have a go on the bouncy pillow whilst you enjoy great views of the Orwell bridge with coffee and cake. Our grandchildren have spent many a happy hour here. It’s a place we have to visit every time we are in Suffolk.
Gardens/ plant centre
For all green fingered enthusiasts, approximately 50 minutes by car, visit RHS Hyde Hall. A beautiful place to see at anytime of the year . Fantastic adventure Playground and activities for kids during school holidays. Take a picnic or eat in either of the two cafes available. Pick up a some plants from the garden centre whilst you’re there.
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RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Creephedge LaneFor all green fingered enthusiasts, approximately 50 minutes by car, visit RHS Hyde Hall. A beautiful place to see at anytime of the year . Fantastic adventure Playground and activities for kids during school holidays. Take a picnic or eat in either of the two cafes available. Pick up a some plants from the garden centre whilst you’re there.
Literally a 3 minute drive from the Grange is The Place for Plants, a garden and arboretum, plant centre and cafe all in one.
The garden is open to members of the Royal Horticultural Society, under their free access scheme.
This gives RHS members, but not their guests, free admission from 1st April – 30th September, Monday to Saturday (excludes Sundays and guided garden tours).
The garden is a beautiful and peaceful place at any time but particularly in spring when early displays of snowdrops, magnolias, rhododendrons and camellias are followed by the fritillary and wild flower meadow.
There are many unusual flowering trees and shrubs including Stewartia, Davidia and Cornus as well as underplanting of woodland perennial and bulbs. Rambling roses and hydrangeas flower during the summer, and the garden can look spectacular in autumn as the trees and shrubs change colour and are covered in fruit.
The garden and arboretum were originally laid out at the turn of the last century by the present owner’s great grandfather.
A note of caution: the paths are grass and can get slippery, so please take care, especially on the slopes and in wet weather. Likewise, the ponds are not fenced, so please keep an eye on children at all times.
Opening Times
Garden: Open 28th March to 31st October – 10am-5pm
Closed Easter Sunday
If conditions in the garden become too dangerous, after very wet and windy weather, we may have to close the garden.
Stout outdoor shoes essential.
The Place For Plants
Mill RoadLiterally a 3 minute drive from the Grange is The Place for Plants, a garden and arboretum, plant centre and cafe all in one.
The garden is open to members of the Royal Horticultural Society, under their free access scheme.
This gives RHS members, but not their guests, free admission from 1st April – 30th September, Monday to Saturday (excludes Sundays and guided garden tours).
The garden is a beautiful and peaceful place at any time but particularly in spring when early displays of snowdrops, magnolias, rhododendrons and camellias are followed by the fritillary and wild flower meadow.
There are many unusual flowering trees and shrubs including Stewartia, Davidia and Cornus as well as underplanting of woodland perennial and bulbs. Rambling roses and hydrangeas flower during the summer, and the garden can look spectacular in autumn as the trees and shrubs change colour and are covered in fruit.
The garden and arboretum were originally laid out at the turn of the last century by the present owner’s great grandfather.
A note of caution: the paths are grass and can get slippery, so please take care, especially on the slopes and in wet weather. Likewise, the ponds are not fenced, so please keep an eye on children at all times.
Opening Times
Garden: Open 28th March to 31st October – 10am-5pm
Closed Easter Sunday
If conditions in the garden become too dangerous, after very wet and windy weather, we may have to close the garden.
Stout outdoor shoes essential.
Kids activities
Only 15 minutes from the Grange Country park, Jimmy's farm and wildlife park is fun for all the family, with something for everyone. Check website regarding opening times and ticket purchase.
Come and visit the lost lands of the tundra. See Ewa, Flocke and Tala the polar bears, a pack of artic wolves, artic foxes and reindeer.
Now they have Diego the brown bear in residence. Diego, who came from a zoo in Sweden, was due to be put to sleep until enough funds were raised to bring him to Jimmy’s wildlife park. You will be able to visit Diego from 28th March 2024.
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Jimmy's Farm
Pannington Hall LaneOnly 15 minutes from the Grange Country park, Jimmy's farm and wildlife park is fun for all the family, with something for everyone. Check website regarding opening times and ticket purchase.
Come and visit the lost lands of the tundra. See Ewa, Flocke and Tala the polar bears, a pack of artic wolves, artic foxes and reindeer.
Now they have Diego the brown bear in residence. Diego, who came from a zoo in Sweden, was due to be put to sleep until enough funds were raised to bring him to Jimmy’s wildlife park. You will be able to visit Diego from 28th March 2024.
Approximately 22 minutes from The Grange Country Park just down the A12. Check website for opening times and prices.
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Colchester Zoo
Maldon RoadApproximately 22 minutes from The Grange Country Park just down the A12. Check website for opening times and prices.
The Suffolk Punch Trust was founded to help protect the critically endangered Suffolk horse. You get to meet the resident horses and foals. Meet the residents of the pets' paddock. Children's craft activities, the Heritage museum, Suffolk heritage garden and play areas are amongst other things to enjoy here. After all that, enjoy a refuel at the Suffolk Punch café or take your own picnic. Approximately 45 minute journey. Check website for opening times, ticket prices and activities that might be available.
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The Suffolk Punch Trust
Woodbridge WalkThe Suffolk Punch Trust was founded to help protect the critically endangered Suffolk horse. You get to meet the resident horses and foals. Meet the residents of the pets' paddock. Children's craft activities, the Heritage museum, Suffolk heritage garden and play areas are amongst other things to enjoy here. After all that, enjoy a refuel at the Suffolk Punch café or take your own picnic. Approximately 45 minute journey. Check website for opening times, ticket prices and activities that might be available.
Take a drive out to Rendlesham forest ( approx. 45 min ) and visit this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Discover Rendlesham on foot or by bike. There is access to walking and cycling trails ( bike hire closed at present, although worth checking as time goes on), orienteering trails, play areas, picnic areas and a mobile café. Look out for sightings of UFO's as spotted here by the American airman serving at RAF Woodbridge. Walk the UFO trail ( 3 miles) and discover more about the famous sighting in December 1980.
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Rendlesham Forest
Take a drive out to Rendlesham forest ( approx. 45 min ) and visit this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Discover Rendlesham on foot or by bike. There is access to walking and cycling trails ( bike hire closed at present, although worth checking as time goes on), orienteering trails, play areas, picnic areas and a mobile café. Look out for sightings of UFO's as spotted here by the American airman serving at RAF Woodbridge. Walk the UFO trail ( 3 miles) and discover more about the famous sighting in December 1980.
Slightly further afield is Roar! Dinosaur adventure (approx. 1 hour 34 min). Whether you're swinging on the high ropes or escaping mind-boggling mazes, you'll find something for the intrepid pioneers of all sizes. Best to check ahead of planned visit regarding booking tickets in advance.
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Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure
Slightly further afield is Roar! Dinosaur adventure (approx. 1 hour 34 min). Whether you're swinging on the high ropes or escaping mind-boggling mazes, you'll find something for the intrepid pioneers of all sizes. Best to check ahead of planned visit regarding booking tickets in advance.
A journey of approx. 1 hr 30 min takes you to BeWILDerwood, Norfolk. A huge award winning forest of family fun and outdoor adventure set in the heart of Norfolk. Every member of the family , from toddlers to grandparents, are encouraged to join in the fun. Get back to nature and proper play in this enchanted forest of family adventure.
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BeWILDerwood
A journey of approx. 1 hr 30 min takes you to BeWILDerwood, Norfolk. A huge award winning forest of family fun and outdoor adventure set in the heart of Norfolk. Every member of the family , from toddlers to grandparents, are encouraged to join in the fun. Get back to nature and proper play in this enchanted forest of family adventure.