Local Tips, Snippets and Links
Driving
Please drive slowly and attentively, especially at night, through the forests and wooded areas as deer and muntjac have no road sense whatsoever. Colliding with one not only kills or seriously injures an innocent animal, but can also cause a very nasty accident and could easily write off your vehicle.
Parking
Parking is often a problem in small, busy towns. A weekly ticket will allow you to park on some Suffolk Coastal District Council. For latest tarriffs, rules and regulations details, please check the Suffolk Coastal District Council website: www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk/yourdistrict/carparks/
Please request a parking permit at the time of making your holiday booking with us or, for further information and an application form, contact Suffolk Coastal District Council, Council Office, Melton Hill, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1AU. Tel: 01394 444541.
Link to the Suffolk Coastal District Council web site.
A historic ‘must’ is a visit to the picturesque Tide Mill on the waters edge, probably one of the most photographed scenes in England.
For a hearty fried breakfast or even a simple bacon sarnie, washed down with a mug of tea or coffee, pop down to The Caravan Café on The Quay – a delicious “al fresco” start to the day. Be warned ... opening times do vary and long waits are possible during the busy times!
Anglia Railways Customer Relations on 0845 6504090 and for general timetable information, telephone 08457 484950. The Eastern Counties Omnibus is 01473 253734.
Information about Woodbridge and the surrounding area - www.WoodbridgeSuffolk.info
Woodbridge Taxis - M&R 01394 386191; Atlas Cars 0800 0747094; KCC 01473 333888
Please drive slowly and attentively, especially at night, through the forests and wooded areas,
as deer and muntjac have no road sense whatsoever!! Colliding with one not only kills
or seriously injures an innocent animal, but can also cause a very nasty accident.
Woodbridge has a fine selection of restaurants and the majority of pubs offer tasty bar snacks. However, the area’s many “pick your own” farms provide an excellent choice of fresh fruit and vegetables if you want to dine at home.
Easton Farm Park (01728 746475) is an ideal place for learning about rural life and for introducing children to farm animals.
CAR HIRE – John Grose of Ipswich will give you a 15% discount if you book your holiday through us and your car hire through them.
For those staying near Woodbridge, there is a jolly good farm shop at Grange Farm in Hasketon (on the B1079 to Grundisburgh, just off the A12).
An early morning trip to Aldeburgh beach will reward you with fresh fish straight from the boats.
The fine 6 storey tower mill, Buttrum’s Mill in Woodbridge, is now fully restored with sails turning most weekends and should not be missed as it is a fine example of the Millwright’s craft.
Fresh water/river fishing with a rod is available at Wilford Bridge in Melton (very close to The Wilford Bridge pub). You must have a current NRA licence and bring your own equipment. Further details from Stuart Clay Traps Ltd - 01394 385567.
The Cherry Tree pub opposite Notcutts (01394 384627) is a very popular Adnams pub with an ‘award winning’ open fire during the winter. Dogs allowed too.
Get your “cobwebs” blown away on Shingle Street beach and watch the boats battle against the treacherous currents.
For their ‘Great Days Out in Suffolk’ leaflet, The National Trust can be contacted on 01263 733471. Orford Ness, recently acquired by the National Trust, is open to visitors on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Easter until the end of October, with a ferry departing from the Quay at 30 minute intervals. Advance bookings can be made by contacting Orford Ness Ferry on 01394 450057.
The Lady Florence River Cruises. A unique floating restaurant sailing from Orford Quay on the River Alde and River Ore, regardless of weather and tides. It's very very popular so plan well in advance - 07831 698298 or www.lady-florence.co.uk
The local woods and forests were devasted in The Great Storm of 1987, where over 3 million trees were lost, but an interesting selection of wildlife and plant life has re-established itself.
The Forest Centre at Rendlesham (5 miles from Woodbridge) offers many kinds of activities for all the family from cycle trails, children’s orienteering courses to peaceful nature trails. For a copy of their ‘Guide to Forest Activities & Trails’ and further information call 01394 450164.
www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/suffolk
Snape village shop hires bikes.
www.suttonhoo.org or telephone 01394 389700
About 150 yards off the A12 on the A1094 road to Aldeburgh, is the Friday Street Farm Shop (01728 602783) which sells a wonderful variety of fruit, vegetables, salads, herbs, locally made jams, cakes, shortbreads (a must!), pickles etc plus a range of 'pressie type' items such as trays, smelly candles, flowers etc.
The Amber Museum at 15, Market Place in Southwold (01502 723394) is open Monday to Saturday from 10.00am to 5.00pm – admission free.
Twitchers and non-twitchers alike should visit the R S P B reserve at Minsmere on the coast. The ‘visitor centre’ can be contacted on 01728 648281 www.rspb.org.uk
After a long and hearty dog walk in the nearby forests or on the beach, visit The Crown Inn at Great Glemham (01728 633693) for a fine meal and refreshing drink. Clean, well behaved dogs are most welcome too.
The less adventurous can hire small rowing boats or punts and explore
the islands and grottos at Thorpeness Meare/Mere, which is overlooked
by ‘The House in the Clouds’ - one of England’s most famous follies.
Rarer than the giant panda with only 230 remaining worldwide, the Suffolk Punch heavy
horse is fighting for survival due to the threatened closure of the famous stud at Hollesley Bay by a proposed Government change of the use of agricultural land at prisons. Please show your support to keep this wonderful horse a ‘trademark’ of our county by visiting the Suffolk Punch museum at the Shire Hall on the Market Hill in Woodbridge and by joining the
Suffolk Horse Society – 01394 380643.
[In January 2003, the Government backed down but the strong support must continue!]
Stonham Barns, near Earl Stonham, is a development of small shops offering a variety of cottage industries ranging from an aquatic centre and bonsai trees to fresh farm produce and locally made jams and pickles, etc. in the gift shop. Tel 01449 711755 Fax 01449 711174