The cottage is ideally situated being very accessible to the coast with Aldeburgh, Dunwich, Minsmere, Walberswick, Thorpeness and Southwold all within 10-20 minutes drive. There are sandy beaches at Southwold and Walberswick and further north at Lowestoft and Kessingland. All are ideal for relaxing or walking and you can generally find good eating close by.
There is plenty of on and off road cycling terrain on our doorstep and cycles are available for hire at Darsham (2 miles) - www.bywaysbicycles.co.uk.
There is also a good public swimming pool at nearby Leiston and Woodbridge for those too faint hearted to try the sea, and plenty of opportunities to sail on the Ald, Deben or Blyth - worth checking out before arrival. For tennis enthusiasts there are quality public courts just outside Saxmundham (2miles).
Previous visitors have enjoyed .....
Minsmere bird reserve (3 miles)
http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/m/minsmere/index.asp - try walking from the house to Eastbridge and then to the sluice and back to earn your supper .... or drive direct an take tea at the reserve
Benacre Broad NNR (with its public hide and fossils) and Covehithe - an oasis of sand and birds (but no facilities)
Africa Alive wildlife park at Kessingland (10 miles)
Pleasurewood Hills - theme park fun for all the family
Easton Farm Park (8 miles)
First hand opportunity to learn about the countryside
http://www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk/
http://www.eastonfestival.org.uk
Woodbridge for river walks, sailing and great eating and close by Sutton Hoo with its ancient burial ground
The Suffolk Punch Trust at Hollesley Bay - and then on to Shingle Street and Bawdsey - eerie and full of recent military history - with selected open days - ferry to Felixstowe always runs - great coastal walks on the Deben estuary with Martello towers en route. Afternoon tea at the Boathouse in Bawdsey comes highly recommended
Alternatively .....
English Heritage castles worth a visit are at Framlingham and Orford, and often have special events including reinactments...
Snape Maltings (5 miles) is a unique collection of granaries and malthouses nestling beside the River Alde with something for everyone. Shops, galleries, restaurants and the world class concert hall fill the old buildings. There are also river boat trips and plenty of walks.
http://www.snapemaltings.co.uk. Full programme of events see: http://www.aldeburgh.co.uk
Suffolk is renowned for its churches, most of which are open daily - take a look at http://www.suffolkchurches.co.uk
Explore the unspoilt natural beauty on foot via the Suffolk Coastal path, the Sandlings walk, or forest trails at Rendlesham (also home the Theatre in the Forest in summer).
Check out www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org for suggested routes(including downloads) or
Up the pace a little and take a coastal blast on the Coastal Voyager from Southwold harbour or take a train from Darsham to Ipswich or London, home to the 2012 Olympics.
Suffolk annual events include:
The Suffolk Show,
Crab fishing championships at Walberswick
The Suffolk Churches cycle ride,
The Westleton Barrel fayre
Aldburgh festival,
Wings and Wheels at Henham Park
The Latitude Festival
Christmas swimming at Aldburgh
Aldburgh Music Festival
Snape Proms
And that's not to mention local village summer fetes, art exhibitions and "concerts in the park" ...
www.visitsuffolk.com