Our Blog Posts

Now you may have never heard about Shingle Street, and you’re probably wondering what on earth it is. Well, you’ve come to the right spot if you want to know more about what it is and why it has a special place in Suffolk history. Shingle Street is a coastal settlement in Suffolk about 8 miles north of Felixstowe, facing the North Sea. Today, there are about a dozen buildings in the settlement. So, what is so important about some buildings lining a dead-end street on the North Sea coast? It all started in World War II when multiple conspiracy…

Click here to continue reading Secret Suffolk – What’s the deal with Shingle Street?

Whilst it’s rare that we find reason to disagree with American literary greats, Mark Twain’s assessment that golf “ruins a perfectly good walk” is clearly up for debate. In our minds, golf “complements a perfectly good walk”. With this in mind, we’ve gathered together five of the best places to take your clubs out when renting one of our Barns or Barges in Suffolk. Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club Kicking this list off to a great start is the Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club. Surrounding players with some perfect peace and quiet, the course brings added picturesque views to the equation. Situated…

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We’ve all been there; trying to plot and plan days out during the year, only to find that we’re struggling to find the best activity or new adventure to embark on. As keen problem solvers at Woodfarm Barns and Barges, we took it upon ourselves to solve this particular challenge by compiling a list of 22 fun and exciting things for you to do in Suffolk during 2022. 1.Go Ape, Thetford A thrilling way to start off a Suffolk to-do list this year is to strap in and climb the treetops at Go Ape in Thetford Forest. However, should you…

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To look for availability of dates and bookings for Newmarket Racecourse events, follow this link here When journeying in Suffolk as you enjoy one of our Barns or Barges for rent, should you find yourself entering an unassuming town in the west, you might notice the welcome sign telling you that you are now entering the ‘Historic Headquarters of Horseracing.’ Any guesses for where you might be?  Newmarket Newmarket is a market town located near the Suffolk and Cambridgeshire border, and is considered to be the headquarters of British flat racing. And for good reason. The history in this town…

Click here to continue reading A Guide to the Races in Suffolk

It would be no exaggeration to say that the pandemic had us doing things we’d never done before. We all started to say “I think you’re on mute” quite a bit, we all bumped elbows when meeting one and other, and we all gathered around the television each month to find out how many walks we could take before becoming criminals.Whilst it’s safe to say that we’re all pleased to see the back of these things, there are some changes that will most definitely stick around. Staycations, for example, seem to remain a popular choice for British tourists despite international…

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We’re celebrating our 13th Birthday, so yes, Woodfarm is a teenager now! And as teenagers like to celebrate in a BIG way with friends, we’re giving away a free holiday, not just for you, but also for your friends! Yes, you read that correctly! This is a FREE BREAK for up to SIX PEOPLE! The lucky winner and their friends will enjoy a four-night stay on a beautiful Dutch Barge in Suffolk, complete with all the mod cons on a quirky and unique Holiday! So why not enter now for your chance to win a FREE BREAK on this beautiful…

Click here to continue reading WIN A FREE BREAK for you AND your friends to celebrate Woodfarm’s 13th Birthday!

The VisitEngland ROSE Awards are given annually to 100 VisitEngland quality assessed accommodation businesses that go the extra mile to provide excellent customer service. And guess who’s only just blooming gone and been awarded one in 2022? Oh yeah! This is what I read, when I opened the email from the Managing Director of VisitEngland; “Congratulations! I am delighted to announce that you have been awarded a 2022 VisitEngland ROSE Award in Recognition Of Service Excellence.” Well, you coulda knocked me down with a feather! All that being nice to humans has paid off! I mean, it has been paying…

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Our Easter Egg Hunt is on once more! And YOU could be our lucky WINNER! Up for grabs is a bunch of very posh, mouth-watering Easter treats, along with some Woodfarm goodies. This went down a storm in 2021, so we are doing it again for 2022! Just because we’re nice! I am going to rehash all my dreadful egg puns from last year though! We all love an Easter Egg Hunt, so go and find all 11 of ours and WIN. Eggs marks the spot folks! Oh, by the way, I apologise and (b)egg you to forgive me in…

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We wrote a piece on Woodfarm Barges, to share our Youtube video with you on our epic journey (well it was epic for us anyway!) up the Heritage Coast of Suffolk. Click on this photo to go and read all about it….

Click here to continue reading Holiday Barge adventure: a voyage aboard Onderneming from Snape Maltings to Lowestoft.

When it comes to being on holiday, it’s always good to know that you’re never far from good food. Whilst we’re suitably spoiled for restaurants in Suffolk (you can read all about our favourites over on our blog), we also have a fine array of takeaway options that allow our guests to dine in the comfort of their Barn or Cottage for rent in Suffolk.In order to whet your appetite and make sure that you’re able to quickly find what you need, we’ve assembled a variety of options that deliver to our Barns.  Zeera, DebenhamLocated just down the road in…

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From long walks on the beach to strolls through the park and evenings spent at outdoor movie theaters, it’s possible to enjoy just about every kind of date night when renting one of our Barns in Suffolk. Whilst Valentine’s might be a distant memory, you never need an excuse to make a proper day or night of dating. To provide some handy suggestions, we’ve put together an itinerary that covers all of the key bases for a great date night in Suffolk. A Romantic Stroll There’s no denying that all good date nights begin with a romantic stroll. Whether it’s…

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After what seems like an infinite winter, the sun has returned along with his hat and shades to mark the beginning of a warm spring in Suffolk. A great time to visit our Barns for rent, spring makes it possible for our guests to get out and enjoy the very best that the county has to offer. Always keen to stoke the flames of inspiration, we’ve assembled a list of five things to do in Suffolk over the coming months.1. Hit the beach In spring?! Well, if the experts are to be believed, we’re in for unseasonably warm spring that…

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From our very own Hound of the Baskervilles to a merman and vengeful ghost, Suffolk has quite a lot going for it in the folklore department. Much as we tried to determine the veracity of these stories, we’ve had to leave the jury well and truly out. Whilst they may not be the reason you rent one of our Barns and Barges in Suffolk, we think they make for some pretty good yarns over a glass of bubbly in one of our hot tubs at night.  The legend of the Bungay black dog It all started in 1577, so the legend…

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For years we’ve always strived to give our guests extra. We’ve built a reputation for thinking of all the little things that make your holiday or break extra special. And now we’ve sweetened the deal! See what we did there? Sweetened the deal? Sweets? Yeah, you got it. We designed our retro Staycation Stay Safely ‘posters’ for our Barns & Barges to evoke memories of a bygone era. We wanted to mirror the emotion of the old railway adverts, promoting Great British holidays. They went down an absolute storm with you all, and now we’ve added something new to go…

Click here to continue reading Holiday in Suffolk with extra treats? Sweet!

When it comes to self-catering holidays in Suffolk, we like to think that we provide everything guests need to do it in style. From expansive living spaces, open fires, and in close proximity to a range of exciting attractions, our Barns for rent are perfectly primed for self catering holidays with hot tubs.  Providing all of the bedding and towels that guests will need during their stay, it’s possible to pack light when visiting our Barns. Of course, when thinking about self-catering holidays in Suffolk, it’s good to know what kind of options are available when it comes to the…

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At Woodfarm Barns, we want to offer you the best possible short break, and on this page, we have summed up the best things to do when you’re staying at our Barns for a truly special holiday with a hot tub. We’ve also taken a closer look at why our Holiday cottages with hot tubs provide our accommodation with a certain edge. Before diving into the hot tubs, here’s a little bit of background about us. Woodfarm Barns offers Barns for rent in an area south of the small Suffolk village of Stonham Aspal. In addition to our Barns, we…

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As a big thank you from us to you, and to show you how much we love you for choosing Woodfarm as your ‘go to’ place to relax and unwind, once a year we’re going to give one lucky recipient a FREE BREAK! But in reverse!… Once a year, on Valentine’s Day we will pick one booking from the previous 365 days and refund the cost of that break IN FULL!!! How’s that for sharing the love?!?! Yes, you read that correctly. Every year we will randomly select one of our bookings and refund the cost of that booking. IN FULL!…

Click here to continue reading Fancy WINNING a FREE Holiday in Suffolk?  

No, we didn’t start the year with an administrative error. We started the year with a raffle that allowed the winner to book a two night break at one of our Barns for rent for £200…that we sent straight to the chosen charity of the winner.  “Why on earth did you do this when January is already a quiet month in your industry and it’ll cost you more than a few quid?” I hear you ask.  Well, the simple answer is, sometimes we’re nice here at Woodfarm Barns and Barges. And what could be nicer than treating someone to a…

Click here to continue reading Two night break for £200… straight to charity!

There are few things more appetising than a cold, refreshing beer on a hot summer day, or a cold winter day, or a mild springtime day. Across Suffolk, there are a huge range of different breweries to have a meander or tour around, allowing you to see first hand where your favourite drink is made commercially. Greene King Brewery – Bury St Edmunds Greene King is a familiar face in the pub industry, running over 2700 pubs, restaurants and hotels in towns and villages all across the country. Something you may not know, however, is that under each logo is…

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It is a universally accepted truth that markets are great. They sell a wide range of specially made products, ranging from food to clothes, books and a range of specialist products. What’s more, they show off the best, homemade, locally sourced products available. So, here are five of the best markets in Suffolk to explore when you rent one of our Barns or Barges. Bury St Edmunds’ Markets Every Wednesday and Saturday, stalls descend onto Buttermarket and Cornhill in the town centre of Bury St Edmunds, with around 60 stalls on a Wednesday and 80 stalls on a Saturday. Every…

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Tea rooms are a great place for just about every occasion and are especially good if you find yourself out and want a place to get food and drink. So, should you find yourself renting one of our Barns or Barges for rent, and find yourself wanting to indulge in some sweet pastries and hot drinks, here are some of the best tea rooms in Suffolk: Nora’s Tea Room- Sproughton Located in Sproughton, Nora’s Tearoom is a 1940s themed establishment where not only can you enjoy a nice hot drink, but you can take a look around ‘The Shed’, a…

Click here to continue reading Top 5 Tearooms in Suffolk

Here’s the best walks in Suffolk near our Barns & Cottages You don’t need to be a rambler or a Womble to enjoy taking a walk around Suffolk when renting one of our Barns. Sure, it might make things more exciting, but it isn’t a strict requirement. To make sure that you’re heading off in the right direction, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best strolls to take when joining us in sunny Suffolk. Crowfield Church Next door but one to our Barns for rent, Crowfield Church is one of the few remaining timber-framed churches in Suffolk. It’s also…

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Here’s a little round up of our favourite delis in Suffolk. We are blessed with some amazing food & drink, and some very passionate people sharing them with us. This is a little temporary holding page until we do write ups, but there are links… Earsham Street Deli, Bungay Our absolute fave, and suppliers to Woodfarm for many years. As the name suggests, they are purveyors of wonderful foodie treats, in Earsham Street. That’s in Bungay. The Bungay area is well worth a visit whilst you’re staying with us, as there are some picturesque villages around there. And whilst you’re…

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No, nothing to do with raindrops appearing on roses, or even the whiskers on cute kittens, but this is a bunch of our favourite things to do or visit when on holiday in Suffolk. We are often asked to recommend pubs, walks, beaches, places for afternoon tea etc, so we’ve pulled a whole load of our favourites together into one place. Effectively this page will give you enough to keep you occupied for your whole stay, whether it’s on one of our Barges, or in our Barns or Cottages. Some of the things listed are nearer to one or the…

Click here to continue reading Out & About: These are a few of my favourite things (on holiday in Suffolk)…

Where has this year gone – 2021 has flown by and now it’s that time of year again where the Christmas blogs start appearing like Mariah Carey on shopping centre soundsystem! In the second Christmas blog of 2021, let’s talk about Christmas markets to truly get in the Christmas spirit. Christmas Market – Trinity Park – 4th December 2021 Trinity Park Conference & Events Centre, located on a huge expanse of land, located just outside of Ipswich, is home to a fantastic Christmas market in Suffolk that has plenty to offer. On display, from across the region, there will be…

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The Museum of East Anglian Life, located in the small Suffolk town of Stowmarket is well worth considering when renting a Barn or Barge in Suffolk. It all started in 1903 when Ena and Vera Longe purchased Abbot’s Hall Estate – just off of the streets of Stowmarket – an estate that dates back to the medieval time. In the 1950s and the 1960s, whilst the country was seeing problems with skill trades and equipment, farmer Jack Carter and the Suffolk Local History Council went to collect and display objects from the depths of East Anglia and travelled to temporarily…

Click here to continue reading Inside the ‘Living Museum’ in Suffolk

Ok – so you may now be thinking – camel riding in Suffolk? But, trust me, it does exist. And it exists at the UK’s only camel park – Camel Park Oasis. Located in North Suffolk, in between Harleston and Halesworth, this park lets you get up close to real life camels, who are extremely friendly. The camel park also features a wide range of other animals on show. So, what could you do when you go to Camel Park for a day out? Oasis Camel Park is the only place in the UK where you are able to get…

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With multiple Escape Rooms to experience in Suffolk, and with a range of themes to choose from, we have gathered a list of the top five to enjoy when staying at one of our Barns and Barges to rent in Suffolk. Suffolk Escape Rooms – Nr Mildenhall  Escape Rooms Suffolk, located just outside of Mildenhall is a great Escape Room Venue which owns the coveted title of being rated first on TripAdvisor. If you are after a day out in Suffolk at an escape room, you won’t go wrong by checking this place out and trying your hand at one…

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Christmas ads are on the telly, Christmas songs are being played in shops up and down the country, and now you’ve found yourself reading an article about the best things to do in Suffolk over Christmas.  There’s no getting away from it, Christmas is here and won’t be going away until the last mince pie is swept from the table at some point between Boxing Day and New Year.Whilst it might be fashionable to grumble that it’s “that time of year again”, there’s plenty to be out and enjoying in (a hopefully) snowy Suffolk that even Ebenezer Scrooge himself would…

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Throughout the year, Suffolk hosts a wide range of music events, from the popular Latitude Festival to the equally great Newmarket Nights, but what about the rest of the year? Where else can you experience great live music in Suffolk? Obviously our team at Woodfarm Barns knows all the best places… The Apex Theatre – Bury St Edmunds Situated in the centre of the vibrant Arc shopping centre in Bury St Edmunds, the Apex Theatre has a great range of acts you can see, ranging from theatre performances, with musicals and spectacular shows, to a wide range of music genres,…

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As a blog writer who hasn’t moved out of Suffolk at all in their lifetime, and who has stayed in the same corner of Suffolk for the past thirty years – but has been all over the county – I’m certainly somewhat qualified to help you make the most of your holiday in Suffolk: Experience Suffolk’s beautiful beaches With around 50 miles of stunning shoreline overlooking the North Sea, and many villages and towns littered across the coastline, there is plenty of variety for what your ideal beach day out or holiday is. For example, you can visit the tranquil…

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Throughout the 8th largest county by size, there is a huge amount of history to explore and to discover the amazing heritage and legacy that it has left behind. And, you may notice a ‘Cambridgeshire’ entrance here, but its history is so great that it must be mentioned. Orford Castle Orford Castle is located in the quiet, former port village of Orford, located next to, but across the water to, Orford Ness. Built in the 12th century by the orders of King Henry II to consolidate his regional powers within East Anglia, it has been described by some as ‘one…

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Anyone remotely familiar with British geography will be able to tell you that once you enter a new county, you find yourself hearing an altogether new kind of language.This rule holds true in our beautiful county of Suffolk and we’re quietly proud of the oddities and twists to the English language that some of our neighbours are keen on using. If staying on board one of our Barges or renting one of our Barns will be the first time you visit Suffolk, it will be no bad thing to have a working knowledge of these 10 popular Suffolk sayings  ahead…

Click here to continue reading How to Speak Suffolk: 10 Suffolk Sayings To Know Before You Visit

Whether you’re a believer, skeptic, or think it’s all a bunch of nonsense, there’s no denying that a good ghost story around Halloween makes for a good bit of light entertainment. As a county with a centuries of documented history, it will come as no surprise that there are plenty of paranormal goings-on that are rumoured to have taken place around Suffolk. Donning our deerstalker hats and grabbing our pipes once again, we’ve done our best to get to the bottom of five of the most popular Suffolk ghost stories in time for Halloween.  Rougham Mirage Haunted houses are so…

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When it comes to enjoying a holiday in Suffolk, there’s nothing more quintessentially British than enjoy an afternoon tea. With this in mind, we thought it would be a good idea to provide a rundown of five of our favourite places to check out when staying at one of our Barns or Barges for rent. Riverhills Spa & Health Club – Bramford Now you may be thinking – why is a spa and health club featuring on a list about where to get an afternoon tea? Well, at Riverhills, which is just outside Ipswich, you can enjoy a relaxing, tranquil…

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Though it was as recent as 1974 that it was officially unified after the Local Government Act of 1972, our treasured and beautiful county of Suffolk dates back to Anglo-Saxon times, With such a long history, it’s hardly surprising that the county has more than a few interesting myths and legends associated with it. In acknowledgement of this fact, we decided to grab our deerstalker hats and investigate some of these mysteries. Black Shuck The definition of a ‘black shuck’ is a ghostly black dog. This ghostly black dog is said to roam the Suffolk coastline, occasionally venturing further inland…

Click here to continue reading Woodfarm Barns Investigates – Suffolk’s myths and legends

Suffolk, being a fairly low-lying county, with the Fens just touching the edge in the North, and the highest point being the highest point of the Newmarket Ridge (which runs from just north of Hertford to Sudbury) at 136 metres. With this in mind, it’s no surprise to discover that Suffolk is packed full of picturesque views to enjoy when renting a Barn or Barge here. Framlingham Castle – Framlingham Dubbed the ‘Castle on the Hill’ by Ed Sheeran, Framlingham Castle is a castle that was originally erected in 1148, destroyed in 1173-4, but then later rebuilt afterwards. The view…

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Whilst it pains us to write an article discussing autumn when it feels as though we never got to enjoy summer, it certainly pays to plan ahead when visiting Suffolk in autumn. Thankfully, with restrictions being lifted and life going back to normal, this autumn presents a fantastic opportunity to truly appreciate the many things that make Suffolk an exciting place to holiday in. It is with this in mind that we’ve put together a list of events and goings-on to enjoy when staying on board one of our Barges or at one of our Barns over the next few…

Click here to continue reading What’s On in Suffolk in Autumn 2021?

We often get asked where our Suffolk Holiday Cottages are located, where they sit in relation to each other, if the gardens are fully enclosed (yes they are), and questions about our fully enclosed Doggy Meadow ‘Woof-Farm Barns’. Well, here’s all the answers in one very simple page… We have a ‘Location’ page HERE, but as you can see from the map below, our Suffolk Holiday Cottages are in the Heart of the Suffolk Countryside. Our lovely Barges are moored on two Suffolk Rivers (The Alde and The Deben), both in iconic locations, at Snape Maltings and The Tidemill in…

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We have always believed in being very open and honest, and have written extensively about how we do our marketing. We do it in a very legitimate way, in a world unfortunately inhabited by scammers, scoundrels, ne-er do wells, and vagabonds. Have a read of this and if you’re still not comfy, then just don’t give us your details. That’s ok. We are writing this to explain in a very transparent way, how we market ourselves to people just like you. We have eight Holiday Cottages in the Heart of the Suffolk Countryside, and two Dutch Barges in iconic locations…

Click here to continue reading Why do we ask for your email address, and how do we protect your privacy?

Suffolk really is quite a large county – it is the 8th largest in England, to be precise – which helps to explain why there is so much to do here! From sightseeing, to exploring the heritage and history of Suffolk, to then going out and exploring all of our magnificent towns and villages, there is something for everyone throughout the magnificent county of Suffolk. So, what can you ONLY do in Suffolk? Visit our spectacular towns and villages Suffolk is full of idyllic towns and villages which stretch from every corner of the county – all with their own…

Click here to continue reading 5 Of the Best Things You Can Only do in Suffolk

Nature can always be depended on to create an attractive retreat that allows us all to relax and to soak up the sunshine on a lovely summer’s day. Especially those ones which have a lovely essence to them, with a water feature, or something that makes those long summer’s days even more memorable. With so many green spaces to choose from in Suffolk, we have whittled them down to a list of 5, allowing you to easily streamline your choices and enjoy the Great British Summer for however long it’ll last this time around. Thetford Forest – Around Thetford Straddling…

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As if being asked to sit on command wasn’t embarrassing enough, I’ve now been asked to write a blog about my holiday at Woodfarm Barns. Don’t get me wrong, I had exactly the kind of holiday befitting a dog of my superior pedigree, but really, a blog post? My writing style is positively Dickensian in its attention to detail and is much better suited to the traditional hardback than anything that lives on the internet. Alas, I’ll consent to writing this blog because if there’s one thing I detest more than poorly written sentences, it’s bad manners. The humans and…

Click here to continue reading A Dog’s Day At Woodfarm Barns

Yes folks, our Bug Hotel has expanded, providing yet more luxury accommodation for the creatures we share this little planet with! Actually, truth be told, it’s not really aimed at the little creature market, as it’s a Hedgehog House. But, Bug Hotel sounds cooler, and to be honest, I’m sure that some Bugs have already found their way in. I feel I’m digressing somewhat. If you follow us diligently (and why wouldn’t you?) you may recall in November 2019 that we blogged to tell you about our business expansion into the Bug & Hedgehog world. You can read all about…

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Thanks ever so much for your interest in a Staycation at Woodfarm Barns & Barges. When we answer an enquiry, there’s so much that we’d like to say, but we try to keep it short & sweet. Now you’re on this page though, why not put the kettle on, make a cuppa, and read some more?… Reviews & StuffWe’ve got tons! Around 700 Five Star Reviews on Tripadvisor, Facebook and Google in fact. We could make all sorts of claims about how awesome we are, but why not see what actual humans who have paid to stay with us say?…

Click here to continue reading A Staycation at Woodfarm Barns or Barges: What’s it all about?

If you’re out and about, especially meandering through the beautiful villages and towns of Suffolk, a café will likely be a much-needed pitstop. The only problem, of course, is that there are so many to choose from. So, to help you out, we’ve put together a list of five of our favourite cafes from different corners of Suffolk so that you’re not short of them for when you’re visiting our fine county David’s of Sudbury Located in the heart of South Suffolk, David’s of Sudbuy is not just a café but a branded bar and bistro. With an extensive menu…

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Whether you’re out and about in the town centres, or simply fancy a nice, relaxing refreshment, we’ve got you covered with our selection of fantastic coffee shops located around the magnificent county of Suffolk. Applaud Coffee – Ipswich Located just a short walk away from the main shopping centres of Ipswich, and tucked away in the back streets of the town, you’ll find the quaint coffee shop of Applaud Coffee. Established in 2013, it quickly rose up the ranks after being awarded the ‘Best Coffee Shop in Suffolk’ by the East Anglia Daily Times in 2020. If this wasn’t enough…

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Boutiques form a beautiful addition to Suffolk’s high streets and remain a popular choice for today’s shoppers. You’ll find many spread across the county and they promise to offer a pleasant experience when it comes to taking a stroll and upgrading your wardrobe. With so many to choose from within the historic county of Suffolk, we’ve whittled the vast amount to 5, so next time you’re out and about in the towns below, be sure to take a look around these gems! Collen & Clare – Southwold Sat on the beautiful High Street, in what could arguably be the most…

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As well as being blessed with countless pubs, restaurants and sites of interest, Suffolk is also home to a number of impressive fish and chip shops. Thanks to its proximity to the coast, visitors to our county are invited to enjoy some of the finest and freshest Cod, Haddock and chip shop chips you’ll find just about anywhere. To help you enjoy Britain’s favourite dish in Suffolk, we’ve rounded up five of the best fish and chip shops to visit when staying at Woodfarm Barns and Barges. Debenham Fish & Chips A family-run traditional chippy nearby our Barns for rent…

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We have a little batch of these Limited Edition fridge magnets with our funky retro design on. These are to leave in all our Barns, Cottages, and Barges for guests to take home, but we are happy to send you a couple too! It may be that you are a previous guest, or somebody who is intending to book a break with us at some point soon. Either way, we’re happy to pop a couple in the post for you, just because we’re nice! We’ll send you a Woodfarm Barns and a Woodfarm Barges magnet to make your fridge look…

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Yes, you read that correctly. How d’ya fancy winning the competition that keeps on giving? Yup, a prize of some cheese from Suffolk (and some beyond to be honest), every single month for the next 12 months to celebrate our 12th year in business! Just a little hint though, you will need to give us permission to contact you otherwise we can’t tell you if you win. Details below. Ok, we kinda had most of a year off recently due to COVID, but we’ll still send you 12 prizes every month for a year! It’s 12 years since Woodfarm fell…

Click here to continue reading WIN SUFFOLK CHEESES EVERY MONTH for a year to celebrate our 12th Birthday!

Beaches are, unsurprisingly, what many people place at the top of their list when it comes to planning a holiday. Thankfully, Suffolk isn’t short of them. Along the North Sea coasts, you will find a range of different seaside resorts, ranging from tiny villages to large towns, all with different features. Some have picturesque British piers, others have amusements and fish & chip shops. Many have fantastic beaches. However, if you want to bring your four legged friend along you’ll need to head to one of the dog-friendly options. Fortunately, there are quite a few beaches which welcome pooches in…

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There are quite a few things which put Suffolk on the map, which include the picturesque scenery, the beautiful beaches on the coastline and the amazing activities which take place, as well as the stunning towns. One of these stunning towns in question is Bury St Edmunds, which features the only cathedral in Suffolk and the magnificent Abbey Gardens. However, there is a lot of boozy heritage in Bury, with the Greene King Brewery located in the heart of the town, where you can take a tour around and see how the beer is produced and then around the corner…

Click here to continue reading In A Nutshell: A Brief History of The Smallest Pub In Britain

Suffolk is a marvellous county located in a beautiful part of England. With ever-lasting fields stretching on for miles, only to be interrupted by bustling, vibrant historic villages or towns, Suffolk has a lot to offer. From town life to country life, there is something for everyone. We’ve lined up five of the best things to do, to get out and about this summer, and to enjoy the best that Suffolk has to offer.1) Visiting the towns and villagesSuffolk towns and villages all have their own wonderful history and very different architectural styles, as well as a variety of activities…

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Suffolk is a mixture of different hives of activity. From the rolling hills and the beautiful scenery, which you find mostly throughout the villages to the bustling, vibrant towns which are dotted around the county. Music festivals are, of course, an amazing way to experience what the local countryside has to offer. With most of them being set in beautiful locations, and with your favourite music blasting through the speakers as you relax, enjoy and dance to your favourite tunes, and on this list, there is something for everyone to enjoy listening to.1) Newmarket NightsSituated on the Suffolk-Cambridgeshire border, Newmarket…

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Ipswich – a vibrant town located in East Suffolk and not a far drive from our Barns and Barges for rent, offers just about everything that Suffolk has a reputation for. With quite a bit of history around the area, including the famous findings of Sutton Hoo at the neighbouring town of Woodbridge, and a great range of things to see and do, you may want to consider the following options when planning a visit of your own.1) Alton Water Located only five miles south of Ipswich town centre, you will find the manmade reservoir at Alton Water, and there…

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As well as being home to plenty of historic houses and landmarks, Suffolk is also home to an impressive range of vegan and vegetarian restaurants. From classically inspired eateries to more chic and modern offerings, there’s an outstanding amount of choice when it comes to tucking into some meat-free dishes when you’re out and about in Suffolk.   To help you navigate the available options, we’ve rounded up a list of five of our favourite vegan and vegetarian restaurants to check out when staying with us at Woodfarm Barns and Barges: The Walnut Tree Serving up some delectable dishes, the Walnut…

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You may have noticed that at Woodfarm Barns and Barges, we like to shout about Suffolk. In particular, we like to shout about how great all of its villages and towns are, and how they’re full of some seriously exciting things to see and do. Whilst we recognise that many people rent a Barn or Barge in Suffolk to enjoy a spot of R&R, we’re also aware of the many people who join us each year looking for something that gets them out and about. It’s with this in mind that we got to thinking about all of the fantastic…

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Every county in the UK has its best things to see and do, but we think the best things to see and do in the country can be found right here in Suffolk. Whilst this might sound like a bit of a stretch, we’re hoping that you’ll stick with us (and be suitably convinced) by our list of 21 of the best places to visit in Suffolk in 2021: The beaches Suffolk is home to a range of amazing beaches up and down its coastline on the North Sea. With stunning seaside towns, such as Lowestoft, in the north, Felixstowe…

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Modern life can be stressful – there is no doubt about that. It’s all bills, taxes and traffic. Even thinking about all of that is stress-inducing. Sometimes, you just need to take a step back and breathe.  Or, more properly, you need to rent a Barge or Barn in Suffolk and enjoy a day out at a spa during your visit.  To remove the stress of looking up the best spas and salons available to relax in around Suffolk, we’ve rounded up a selection of five of the best. Heritage Beauty & Wellbeing – Near Bury St Edmunds Nestled away…

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To get you inspired ahead of the summer, we’ve rounded up five of the most exciting towns and villages to explore in Suffolk. With plenty of destinations to meander around, areas to explore, and restaurants and bars to discover, we’re confident that our list of two towns and three villages will provide something for everyone renting a Barn or Barge in Suffolk to enjoy. 1: Aldeburgh Situated on the stunning Suffolk shoreline and surrounded by beautiful scenery, Aldeburgh is undeniably one of the most charming destinations to explore in East Suffolk. Boasting a blue flag shingle beach and a beautiful…

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When it comes to visiting our Barns and Barges, couples will no doubt be keen to get out and explore everything that Suffolk has to offer. Whilst we’ve previously produced articles on all of the various activities which are available to couples, we thought it would be worth focussing in on all of the best things to see and do in Bury St Edmunds.Affectionately and rightly described as “a jewel in the crown of Suffolk”, this historic market town has an impressive collection of bars, restaurants and grounds for couples to get stuck into.To get stuck in, we’ve compiled a…

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As I type this, we are a year into a global pandemic, meaning our schools are pretty much closed. I don’t want to make this all political, but we know there’s a big shortfall in the need for Laptops for children, so I decided to do something about it. I’m asking for your help too, so please give me a few minutes of your time and read on… I can’t make much of a dent in the problem, but figured if I could buy just one laptop that could go directly to a child in need of one, then you…

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Kenneth Grahame, celebrated author of The Wind in The Willows, once famously declared that “there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as messing about in boats”. Whilst the Barges available to rent Woodfarm Barges are moored, we’re still confident that our guests are able to discover the truth of this wisdom when enjoying a holiday on board either Onderneming or Twee Gebroeders.   Dating back to the 1800s, our converted Dutch Sailing Barges are comfortably furnished and equipped with everything guests would expect from modern holiday accommodation. From cozy cabins to comfortable saloons and all the…

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At Woodfarm Barns and Barges, it will come as no surprise to learn that we believe renting a Cottage or Barn for a holiday in Suffolk is the best thing you can do in summer. Providing you with everything you need to relax in comfort and style, our Cottages and Barns allow you to experience everything that our fantastic county has to offer from a comfortable and superbly equipped base.   To put forward a case for why you absolutely have to rent a Cottage or Barn in Suffolk this summer, we’ve assembled a list of the top five reasons for…

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At Woodfarm Barns and Barges, we’re committed to providing the best possible experience for couples looking to get away for a holiday in Suffolk. Situated amidst beautiful countryside surroundings and equipped with hot tubs and cosy bedrooms, we’re fairly sure that our accommodation has everything you could possibly require for a memorable romantic break. We’re confident, too, that the location of our Cottages, Barns and Barges make it easy for guests to do all of the things they could possibly want to do when taking a break, whether they’re celebrating a special anniversary or simply enjoying a summer holiday.   Recently,…

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Every county in the world has its hidden gems and Suffolk is no exception. Behind every one of its standout attractions, there are various exciting destinations tucked away just waiting to be discovered by the more informed traveler.  From a forest and walking trail rumoured to be visited by UFOs, to a farm full of rare breeds, there’s a lot more to our floral and historic county than meets the eyes.   Giving you the lowdown on some of these lesser known spots, we’ve rounded up five of the best hidden gems you should know about when renting one of our…

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We’re pretty confident that Suffolk rivals the big boys when it comes to romantic holiday destinations. We’re so confident, in fact, that we previously mentioned it in the same breath as Paris and Venice when describing the best place to take a couples holiday. Doubling down on this suggestion, we’re back to provide you with a detailed plan for the perfect romantic staycation in Suffolk. From fine dining to long walks on the beach and even horse riding, we’ve got everything you could possibly desire from a couples holiday right here in our beautiful county.  Whether you’re marking a special…

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We are pleased to say we are up and running with a sense of ‘new normal’, having been forced to close for 227 days during 2020 and 2021. Clearly we have to hope that we remain open. However, if the worst happens again, you will not lose your money. We are happy for you to book a future break on the basis that it may be affected if there are further national lockdowns. In that event we will credit the money you have paid to a future break. There will be no restriction on when you have to book it,…

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Here at the Woodfarm Marketing Department, we have weekly Zoom meetings during lockdown. Andrew (Mr. Tech Geezer) has an enormous jar of Jelly Beans in his office, so we thought it would be a fun idea to get you lot to guess how many are left in there, and WIN your own tub of Jelly Beans, along with some ‘money can’t buy’ Woodfarm goodies! SIMPLY SHARE THE POST ON FACEBOOK, AND FILL THE FORM IN LOWER DOWN THIS PAGE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!!! We are working on our magazine ‘Woodfarm Life’, which is challenging over Zoom, but we’re almost…

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As well as online shopping, video streaming and a whole host of other exciting things, the internet has made it possible to find out the questions everyone is asking.  Indeed, Google regularly publishes a list of the most frequently asked questions on their platform, making it easier than ever to read the minds of internet users around the world.    In 2020, the search giant revealed that the five most popular questions asked by Brits were: 1. Who won the election? 2. Where does vanilla flavouring come from? 3. How many cases of coronavirus in the UK? 4. What is VE…

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Thanks to its historic cathedrals, unusual architecture, and bountiful countryside, Suffolk has provided filmmakers with a rich variety of backdrops over the years. From period dramas to sagas about boy wizards, sites around Suffolk feature in more blockbusters than you might expect. Largely open to the public, many of these film locations can be visited during a holiday and make for a truly unique day out.  To spark a little inspiration, we’ve gathered up five of our favourite spots to visit when holidaying at one of our barns or barges for rent. The TV Show: The Crown The Location: Newmarket…

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The British writer T.S Eliot once claimed that “immature poets imitate; mature poets steal” and the very same goes for anyone trying to write about the brilliance of a holiday in Suffolk.  Indeed, why try to describe the excellence of the county when more successful authors have  done a much better job of it before? To make this point more clear, I’ve unearthed four notable works of literature that refer to the towns and coastline of Suffolk in far more exciting ways than I’m capable of.  If they don’t inspire you to take a holiday in Suffolk, I’m not sure…

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When it comes to taking a holiday at one of our barns or on board one of our barges, one of the best things you can do is bring along your furry best friend. Totally dog-friendly, our holiday accommodation in Suffolk makes it easy for you to bring the whole family with you to explore the many beautiful walks around the county. Whilst you’ll no doubt be looking forward to settling into the hot tub and enjoying a bottle of something special, your pooch will be keen to stretch their four legs whilst on holiday.  With this in mind, we’ve…

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As a county established back in the fifth century it’s no wonder that Suffolk has a fair few relics hiding out amongst its towns and countryside. Besides historic houses and early century churches, Suffolk also boasts various ruins and well preserved castles that make for a fantastic day out.   Rounding up five of the most exciting historic sites to visit in Suffolk, we’re confident that you’ll schedule a little time travelling into your next holiday. Each easily accessible from our barns and barges for rent, we’re sure that you’ll enjoy these unique destinations when staying with us.      Bury St Edmunds…

Click here to continue reading Travel Back in Time in Suffolk: 5 Historic Sites To See During a Holiday

When it comes to history, Suffolk has something of an enviable reputation. From thirteenth century churches to abbeys and stately homes, Suffolk competes with the very best when it comes to sites of historic interest.  Perhaps the best way to get immersed in the rich history and heritage of Suffolk, however, is to visit one of its many historic houses. Largely open to the public, it’s incredibly easy to travel back in time and discover something special in the towns and villages around the county.    1: The Red House Located in the coastal town of Aldeburgh, the Red House was…

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Nothing can be certain in life, except death and taxes.  And winter.  Arriving the same time each year, the shorter days and longer nights are an inevitability which we would all probably rather do without.  This year, winter poses a few additional challenges with restrictions making it difficult for us to escape to the pub for some proper ales and mulled wine with friends. That will have to wait until next year. But fear not, there’s always a silver lining. Whilst it might not have the festivals and concerts of summer, there’s still plenty to see and do in Suffolk…

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Going on holiday overseas is great, but it involves an awful lot of hassle. Airports. Delays. Jet lag. Airports. Sunburn. Did we mention airports?What’s far less stressful and just as great is a staycation in Suffolk. Boasting miles of countryside and fringed by a remarkable coastline, there’s so much to see and do that it’s no wonder many people return year after year to this part of East Anglia. To make sure you’re fully prepared for your escape to Suffolk at one of our barns or on board one of our barges for rent, we’ve assembled a list of nine…

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Forget Paris, forget Venice, and start considering Suffolk for your next romantic couples holiday. Think we’re being overly ambitious in dismissing some of the world’s most iconic couples destinations? Far from it; we’re confident that the county has something for every couple to enjoy.      In this article, we’ll put forward 6 very good reasons for why Suffolk is the best place to escape to for a romantic couples holiday. 1. You can do something adventurous together  Suffolk abounds with things for couples to see and do together. Whilst plenty of the activities on offer are characterised by a certain rural…

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Looking to escape somewhere that boasts plenty of leafy countryside, is fringed by a beautiful coastline, is of historic significance and is full of great places to eat and drink? It sounds like you might be looking for a holiday in Suffolk. To help explain exactly what makes the county a cut above the rest, we’ve assembled a list of six reasons to visit Suffolk. 1. The Unique Collection of Attractions   Some holiday spots have beaches, others have quaint country pubs, some have towns that feature in history; Suffolk just happens to have all of them. From the nearby Framlingham Castle…

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PLEASE DON’T ENTER NOW, THIS HAS BEEN DRAWN AND WE HAVE TWO HAPPY WINNERS. HERE IT IS FOR YOU TO READ ABOUT THOUGH…. Yes, the elders of Woodfarm have decided that it’s time for another competition! And this time we are giving away a magnificent Christmas Hamper from our friends at Earsham Street Deli in Bungay so you can enjoy some fab festive treats, whether you have a Christmas Holiday Cottage with us or not. “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”. Ok, ok, I know it’s month or so away as we launch this, but we were looking…

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We’ve been featured on various platforms over the years, so here’s a few of our favourites, pulled together in one place for you. We’ve been on The BBC, ITV, LBC, The Times, Dog Friendly Magazine, and a handful of other places too. BBC Five Live: Find out more HERE BBC Five Live were doing a piece on Brexit on their Wake up to Money programme and asked for contributions. I was surprised and pleased that Sean Farrington read out the name of the business but he did, so I was pleased about that as it doesn’t hurt for more people…

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Woodfarm Barns has become synonymous with specialising in Dog Friendly Holiday Cottages with Hot Tubs, and we have just ‘upped our game’. Again! Woodfarm House has always been advertised as a ‘large, 500-year-old Farmhouse’. Over the years it has been popular with families and groups of friends, and has served us well. However, most of our guests are couples looking for a romantic getaway. For many years now our Barns for couples have been incredibly popular, thanks in no small part to the fact most of the cottages have their own luxurious Hot Tub. We like to give you guys…

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Here’s some extra information such as how to get to us, links to things to do, arrival & departure info, deposit and balance info etc. You might want to save it to you your phone. DirectionsOur postcode is IP6 9TH but some Sat Navs don’t like it so don’t rely on it. Most people come in from the A140: You want the A1120 Suffolk Tourist Route through the village of Stonham Aspal. Once you go past the Church on your right and the village School on your left, go through the village and take the first right, signposted ‘Crowfield Church’.…

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From lockdown to John O’Groats! I have decided to do a little bike ride to raise some money for charity. I say little bike ride, but I’m going to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Full disclaimer from the outset: I literally do not have the time now that we are so busy again after lockdown, to properly cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats, however, I am going to do the distance. All 839 miles of the length of Great Britain. Start date: Saturday 22nd August 2020. EDIT: I have now done this but you can still sponsor…

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With staycations becoming very much a part of our ‘new normal’, we’ve seen the UK domestic holiday industry boom over the past few months. That means there’s only one course of action – prepare now for your autumn holiday in the UK, before everyone else gets there first! If you’ve been late booking your summer holiday, you’ve probably already experienced the frustration of trying to find the perfect staycation before the summer ends. Here at Woodfarm Barns, we’ve got barely any spaces left for the rest of the summer in our Luxury, Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages with Hot Tubs and Holiday…

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Woohoo!!! We’ve hit 400 Five Star Tripadvisor reviews! Why don’t we celebrate with a little competition then, just cos that’s what we do? (EDIT: THIS HAS NOW CLOSED AND WE HAVE A DELIGHTED WINNER. DO READ ON THOUGH DEAR READER) Due to a pesky pandemic, life hasn’t been a picnic for most of us lately, so we figured we’d set one lucky winner up with an awesome picnic to make up for it.  Our friends at Earsham Street Deli have done what they do best and come up trumps yet again, with the most fabulous picnic for one of you.…

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We all love telling our friends back home about our fantastic holiday experiences, and it’s even better when we’ve stayed somewhere really unique! If you’re looking for that one-of-a-kind holiday experience, we’ve got just the ticket. Our Historic Dutch Holiday Barges in Suffolk are just like our beautiful cottages – but floating! They’re moored on two of Suffolk’s most beautiful waterways, and they make ideal locations for those in search of a more quirky holiday style. Complete with all the home comforts you need, our Barges don’t force you to compromise. They’re comfortable, spacious and relaxing, with plenty of kitchen,…

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We now have electric car charging capabilities at Woodfarm HQ! Stay with us and you can charge your car (for free!), while recharging yourselves in one of our Luxury Holiday Cottages. Electric cars are much more common these days (in fact, the UK Government plans to ban sales of petrol, diesel and hybrid cars by 2035!), but places to charge them are few and far between in the countryside – so we decided to change that. We have just installed outdoor sockets so that you can charge your electric or hybrid car at no extra cost during your stay. Although…

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At the start of lockdown in the UK in March 2020, I somehow stumbled into doing an online Pub Quiz at our virtual pub that I sort of made up, the Woodfarm Arms. And it kinda snowballed into an ongoing thing. It was a very strange few months for all of us, and as I write this in the middle of July I am sure it is by no means over yet. For over 100 days I had no business to run, as it had disappeared overnight. So my little brain went off at a tangent and ended up deciding…

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