Walking in Suffolk
All the special qualities of the countryside of coastal Suffolk can be experienced by walking between the town of Aldeburgh and the neighbouring village of Thorpeness, although the Heritage Coast extends from Kessingland to Felixstowe.
The largely man-made landscape is protected from the sea by the natural embankment of shingle, which in the course of a year can alter dramatically through the influence of high tides and winter storms. Despite this natural cycle of change, the countryside has retained much of its wealth of flora and fauna. This is due mainly to the continuation or recent re-introduction of livestock grazing and reed cutting.
The are numerous walks in the area which will enable you to explore woodland, heathland, marsh, fen and seashore. Each of these areas supports different plants and animals and each season brings a change in the variety of animals seen, providing an incentive to visit the area throughout the year.
For more details regarding walks in the area, please contact:
Aldeburgh Tourist Office – Tel: 01728 453637
RSPB Minsmere – Tel: 01728 648281
Suffolk Bird-watching and wildlife
North Warren Reserve in Thorpeness, the RSPB flagship reserve Minsmere and the river banks at nearby Orford and Snape are home to some of the rarest and most unusual birds in the UK – the Avocet, Nightjar, Marsh Harrier and Bittern. These reserves offer the perfect opportunity to watch the birds in their natural habitat and the shingle beaches of the Suffolk coast, whilst the ancient heathlands surrounding Aldeburgh and Thorpeness are home to a wide variety of other flora and fauna.
If you would like to find out more about bird-watching opportunities, please visit the RSPB’s website: www.rspb.org.uk or telephone 01728 648281
If you wish to be added to our bird-watching breaks mailing list to receive details of forthcoming dates and prices, please click here
Cycling in Suffolk
Cycling can be great fun, especially in the beautiful Suffolk coastal countryside. With an excellent network of byways and off-road tracks, many in areas without full road access, cycling, walking or horse riding can give you access to some of the most spectacular scenery in the area.
Cycles for adults and children can be hired from the Thorpeness Hotel (01728) 452176.
For more information on cycle routes and hire, visit www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org | 
Suffolk Sailing
For those of you who enjoy sailing, there are excellent sailing clubs at Aldeburgh and Orford. The local waters are the challenging tidal Alde/Ore estuary, where most sailing takes place, and there are some sea races for added spice. For more information, visit: www.aldeburghyc.u-net.com/info or www.orfordsail.org.uk
Horseriding in Suffolk
If you fancy travelling at a leisurely pace, horse-riding can be arranged at:
Green Trees Horse Riding Centre
Green Trees
School Road
Knodishall
Suffolk
IP17 1UD
Great Britain
Contact: 01728 832989 for more information or visit www.greentreesridingcentre.co.uk
Or, if you are adventurous and fancy trying something different, how about Llama Trekking? Anglia Llama Trekking can arrange a varied range of treks along the country lanes, bridleways and forest paths in Suffolk and Norfolk, with over thirty different routes. Llamas, although shy at first, are extremely curious and will soon become your best friend. You will receive all the necessary instructions on handling them and on the longer treks, you will be accompanied by an experienced guide.
For more information, visit: www.countrysidetreks.co.uk or contact: 07836 734748
Suffolk Painting and Photography
For many years, Aldeburgh and the surrounding coastal area has been a great inspiration to many artists, writers and musicians. One of the most famous writers to have lived here was Edward Fitzgerald of Woodbridge, who spent much of his time sailing around the Suffolk coast and estuaries. Another writer who gained inspiration from the water was Arthur Ransome who lived at Broke Hall Farm in Orwell. The area became popular among contemporary artists in the 19th century, reflecting the changing fashions in landscape painting. Walberswick quickly developed as the main centre. Notable artists from this period include Philip Wilson-Steer, W J Steggles and Walter Osborne. Scottish designer and artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh is another famous ex-resident of Walberswick.
From time to time, Thorpeness Hotel hosts painting and photography breaks. If you would like to join our mailing list, email info@thorpeness.co.uk stating your specific interest.
Tennis in Suffolk
Thorpeness Country Club has six all weather courts and 3 grass courts (during July and August only). The courts arfe for the use of Country Club members and their guests, the resident's of the Apartments and Thorpeness Hotel (excluding July and August).
From time to time Tennis Coaching Courses are arranged for members and non-members, featuring such coaches as Christine James (nee Truman) and Amanda Janes (current British number 2). Please contact charlie@thorpeness.co.uk for further details of the next tennis break. |
