What to see in a week in Suffolk, England

Sleepy Suffolk may not be a destination that comes to mind when you think about a week away, but you will be amazed to find out just how much there is to see and do. Its full of history and stunning scenery. Here are just a few things you should check out if you are planning a trip to this much over looked county

Suffolk is nestled in East Anglia and neighbours Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex.
Suffolk is a place which offers up stunning rural countryside. It envelopes many quaint villages and has been an inspiration for no less than 2 famous painters,
John Constable and Thomas Gainsbourough.

The town of Newmarket is famous as the home of Horse (Flat) Racing.

If it is the sea that interests you Aldburgh, Southwold or Dunwich are the perfect English seaside locations to take in the natural beauty.

Quaint villages in Suffolk include:-

Lavenham, which attracts many visitors every year who are drawn by the display of half-timbered medieval cottages. Once described as "the most complete medieval town in Britain", Lavenham shares a magnificent collection of medieval and Tudor architecture. Lavenhams older buildings are gathered around the market place. The National Trust owns the Guildhall which now displays a permanent local history exhibition.

Long Melford. Here you will find a host of antique shops excellent places to eat as well as historic buildings which include Long Melford Hall and Kentwell Hall.

Long Melford Hall has changed very little since 1578. It has managed to retain its original panelled banqueting hall which is where Queen Elizabeth I was often entertained. A small display of items connected with Beatrix Potter remind us that she was related to the family, The Hyde Parkers (former residents)

Kentwell Hall was built in the early 16th century by the Clopton family. It is surrounded by a moat which is very befitting of this stunning Tudor Manor. The exterior of Kentwell has changed little over the years, however this cannot be said of the interior though, as much has been done to renovate and refurbish it.

Kentwell Hall often has Tudor days and one can dress in the costumes of the time and truly experience life as it was all those years ago.

Framlingham is a twelfth century castle which consists of a continuous curtain-like wall that joins thirteen enormous towers.

Next we have Bury St Edmunds which has close associations with The Magna Carta and is also known as the cathedral town of Suffolk. Bury St Edmunds is steeped in history and offers up amazing architecture and a museum to share its secrets to anyone who is interested.

Ipswich is the county town of Suffolk and of course home to its football club at Portman Road.

You cannot visit Suffolk without finding out about the great artists that it has produced in times gone by. Thomas Gainsboroughs house is now a museum, the only artist's birthplace open to the public in the whole of Britain, which was established in 1961. Here visitors are able to see a large collection of the artist paintings.

John Constable, is arguably the greatest and most original of all British landscape artists. He is most famous for is his views of Flatford and the Stour Valley in Suffolk, Hampstead Heath and Salisbury Cathedral.

Flatford and the Bridge Cottage complex are both run by the National Trust and you can see the Constable exhibition here.

Halesworth was originally a roman settlement and is set in a lovely area. It hosts the yearly gig in the park in August.

The beautiful Orford Coastal village offers bird watching, a chance to go boating, a host of historic buildings and for the more energetic, sporting activities too.

Woodbridge also offer some pleasant surprises for the interested visitor such as Sutton Hoo Anglo-Saxon Ship Burial, Shire Hall stands in the middle of Market Hill, and has been the focal point of the town for over 400 years.

Last but by no means least, Snape now better known for Snape Maltings is no longer used commercially. It was converted into a tourist centre together with a concert hall that now hosts a major part of the annual Aldeburgh Festival.