Our Blog Posts

We wrote to our entire database (circa 25,000 people) in February 2023 to ask a whole bunch of questions. We had a phenomenal response, and as we operate in a very transparent way, we are sharing some of our findings with you… Thank you if you are one of those who took part, which was the best part of a thousand humans! We sent the survey to everyone who has ever stayed with us, as well as all those subscribed to our newsletters, ie our VIP Rewards Group. We have five main ’takeaways’ from the results, which we find really…

Click here to continue reading We did a survey thingy, with some amazing results…

In a previous article, we shared some of our favourite places to go shopping for homeware and gifts in Suffolk. Keen to extend on this theme, we thought it would also be helpful to provide a few places that you can stop by to pick up a hamper full of delicious treats and beverages when staying at one of our Barns or Barges for rent in Suffolk. Earsham Street Deli  With locations at Bungay and Snape Maltings, Earsham Street Deli is an independent, award-winning cafe and delicatessen which specialises in unique and artisan hampers. All beautifully presented, there are various…

Click here to continue reading Where to Find Some of the Best Hampers in Suffolk

Though it may seem counterintuitive to be spending time thinking about your home when on holiday, there are so many incredible places to pick up special gifts and homeware in Suffolk that it would be remiss of us not to mention them. What’s more, many guests that we welcome to our Barns and Barges for rent have commented on the superb additions to their home that they’ve collected when out and about. Of course, you won’t struggle to discover boutique homeware and gift stores in Suffolk, but we thought we’d provide a little inspiration all the same. Stag Interiors in…

Click here to continue reading Buying Gifts and Homeware When on Holiday in Suffolk

Whether you’re thinking of buying a home in Suffolk in the short or long term, a visit to one of our Barns or Barges for rent will allow you to gain an authentic experience of Suffolk life. With many of our previous guests making the move here themselves, here’s a few suggestions for how you might blend your research with some fun things to see and do.   Get a taste of town and country living: With such a wide variety of environments, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to exploring homes in Suffolk. If you’re inclined towards towns, we’ve…

Click here to continue reading Thinking of Buying a Home in Suffolk? Why Not Visit Us For a Holiday First?

Exiting the realm of science fiction and propelling itself into the mainstream, artificial intelligence has taken the news by storm over the past month. Debate has abounded around the efficacy and ethics of turning to artificial intelligence when solving our problems. From broadsheet papers to social media, everyone seems to be asking “will it take everyone’s jobs?”, “can it be trusted to drive the car?”, and “was the Terminator a prophetic foreshadowing and not simply the imaginings of paranoid Hollywood hotshots?”. Always keen to test out new things for ourselves, we decided to ask ChatGPT, a sophisticated chatbot, what it…

Click here to continue reading What Does AI Think About Holidays in Suffolk?

In addition to rolling landscapes, picturesque beaches, and all manner of other attractions that can best be described in majestic terms, Suffolk also boasts a range of independent and boutique shopping spots that are perfect for enjoying a little retail therapy when staying at one of our Barns or Barges for rent. Whether you’re on the lookout for designer brands, expert tailoring, or anything in between, the following destinations will provide you with everything you need to source new additions for your wardrobe: Trotter & Deane Putting our best foot forward with the first entry on this list, Trotter &…

Click here to continue reading Where to go Clothes Shopping When In Suffolk

There are hundreds of thousands (at least) of people in this new-fangled world of technology and social media supremacy, all trying to be the next big internet thing. I’m not, I’m just trying to do my job and have fun. What’s my job? To get as many bookings as I can for the Wonderful World of Woodfarm Barns & Barges. I hate ‘selling’ on social media, and in our newsletters, but it is my job to tell as many people as possible about Suffolk and Woodfarm, and pass on some reasons to book with us. I have to really try…

Click here to continue reading It’s all just guesswork…

As proud providers of dog friendly holidays in Suffolk, it’s no surprise that we’re big lovers of Suffolk Dog Day at Woodfarm Barns and Barges. No doubt the best way of celebrating the joy that our four legged friends bring us, the annual event provides owners with the opportunity to enjoy a vast range of activities. From agility competitions to dog scurries and trade stands, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Hosted at Helmingham Hall in Stowmarket, a short distance from our Barns for rent, the event takes place each July and features the following popular attractions:  Dog classes (complete…

Click here to continue reading A Complete Guide to Suffolk Dog Day

Though Suffolk has plenty of annual events that bring visitors back year after year – we’re looking at you Latitude Festival – there are plenty of new and interesting things to do when planning your holiday at one of our Barns or Barges in 2023. To get you nicely inspired, we’ve brought together a few of our top picks for this year: The Framlingham Country Show: Taking place on our doorstep, the Framlingham Country Show brings together everything from stunt displays to a World of Birds flying demonstration. From parakeets to daredevils, the show also boasts a commendable range of refreshments…

Click here to continue reading The Best Things to See and do in Suffolk in 2023

Whilst the Bard may have surmised that there isn’t an awful lot of significance to names, we’re going to go out on a limb and suggest, politely, that he may have been wrong. Especially when it comes to the names of Suffolk towns.  Due to various pirates from Scandinavia settling in the county during the 8th and 9th centuries, as well as a few native Englishman staking a claim to certain parts of the land, Suffolk has acquired a fair amount of interesting town names due to its unique history. Donning our history hats, we’ve taken a closer look at…

Click here to continue reading What’s in a Name? The Meaning Behind Popular Suffolk Town Names

Hard as it may be to believe, a breed of Suffolk Horses are in fact more endangered than the Giant Panda. With fewer than 80 breeding mares and 23 Licenced Stallions in existence, the Suffolk Punch is at risk of becoming extinct.  What is a Suffolk Punch Horse?  The Suffolk Punch horse breed is the rarest and oldest surviving breed of heavy horse. With roots stretching back as far as 1768, the breed was traditionally used for agricultural work like ploughing and timber hauling. Whilst the breed is still more than up to these challenges in the 21st century, it…

Click here to continue reading How the Suffolk Horse Society is Protecting an Endangered Breed

EDIT – THIS WAS A JANUARY 2023 OFFER AND HAS NOW FINISHED. DO READ ON THOUGH TO SEE WHAT WE DID, AND WHO WON! Every Barn & Barge booking made between now and the end of January for any 2023 break will go into our virtual hat and one lucky winner will get half of the cost of their break back, PLUS we will give the other half to our local food bank! Yup, we are going to retrospectively give away the whole cost of one break, and it could be yours! We’ve decided to get rid of the phrase…

Click here to continue reading Fancy booking a 2023 break and getting HALF your money back?

I’m typing this a week before Christmas Eve 2022, and we now have 500 reviews on Tripadvisor! Tripadvisor used to be a minefield. In the early days, I remember watching a documentary where scores of cottage and hotel owners complained that their competitors were giving them bad reviews. The flip side was they also said that their competitors had tons of great reviews. From their own friends! I simply decided it wasn’t worth the hassle. Then Tripadvisor changed their system and gave property owners the opportunity to confirm whether or not the reviewer had actually stayed. So with massive trepidation…

Click here to continue reading 98% of our Tripadvisor reviews say we are worthy of Five Stars

EDIT – THIS WAS OUR 2022 YEAR END FREE BREAK GIVEAWAY. IT IS NO LONGER 2022 AND WE’VE GIVEN IT AWAY! KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED THOUGH AS WE DO THIS A LOT! DO NOT ENTER NOW. YOU MISSED THIS ONE, SORRY. Yes you could WIN a FREE BREAK! This is our 2022 No Nonsense Crackin’ Christmas Competition! Why do we think you might like to WIN a FREE BREAK at Woodfarm? Thanks for asking! We’ll tell you…. We have six Barns, two Cottages and two Barges. Everything we do is dog-friendly and we have literally hundreds and hundreds of five-star…

Click here to continue reading WIN a FREE BREAK in our No Nonsense Crackin’ Christmas Competition

Situated in Long Melford – roughly forty five minutes drive from our Barns for rent in Suffolk – Kentwell Hall is a stately home open to the public throughout the year. With origins dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086, the home has appeared in various film and television productions over the years, and has a rich history that makes it well worth visiting during a holiday in the area. Hard as it may be to believe, the earliest record of Kentwell Hall states that the manor belonged to the property of Frodo, the brother to Abbot Baldwin of…

Click here to continue reading The Fascinating Story of one of Suffolk’s Largest Stately Homes

As the nights draw in and we exchange pub gardens for pub interiors, there’s no better time to review all of the exciting performances taking place in Suffolk this winter. A fantastic way of keeping warm and entertained when visiting our Barns for rent, we’ve pulled together a list of things to see and do during your winter getaway. The Australian Pink Floyd: Ipswich Regent Theatre, 29th November Renowned for bringing together the sound and stage show of the genre-defining Pink Floyd, the equally esteemed Australian cover band treats audiences to a truly one of a kind experience. Returning to…

Click here to continue reading The Ultimate Guide to the Best Performances Taking Place in Suffolk This Winter

The national drink of choice for when the nights grow longer, there can be no question that mulled wine is best enjoyed in appropriately cosy surroundings. Of course, we’re confident going on record to say that our Barns for rent provide exactly the kind of comfortable environment to sip on the spiced tipple. However, we know that when visiting Suffolk, our guests enjoy getting out and about to see everything our fine county has to offer. With this in mind, we’ve rounded up a few suggestions for where to get cosy and enjoy a glass of mulled wine in Suffolk…

Click here to continue reading The Cosiest Places to Enjoy Mulled Wine in Suffolk

Having spent the past few years in and out of lockdown, it almost seems strange to think that we ever celebrated the beginning of a new year doing anything more special than a boozy quiz over Zoom. Now that we are out of lockdown, however, it seems the sensible thing to do is to plan a proper return to form and find somewhere special to perform the countdown into 2023. In Suffolk, we’re a little spoiled for choice when it comes to new year’s festivities, with numerous pubs and venues hosting events that range from galas to soirees and everything…

Click here to continue reading Where to Spend New Year’s Eve in Suffolk

When it comes to spotting wildlife along the Suffolk coast, you’d be forgiven for not immediately thinking of seals. Indeed, with around 90% of all seals in Britain belonging to Scotland, Southwold and Walberswick are seemingly quite unlikely beaches for the pinnipeds to hang about on. Having everything to do with the habitable qualities of the North Sea, you’ll be able to visit these beaches to spot the seals between June and August when they quite regularly put in an appearance. Belonging to the Suffolk Coast National Nature Reserve, the coast of Walberswick and Southwold boast large areas of sandy…

Click here to continue reading Where to go Seal Watching in Suffolk

Whilst it may seem surprising, Suffolk is in fact home to a number of speciality restaurants that make it easy to sample the very best international cuisine in the countryside. All easily accessible from our Barns and Barges to rent, we’ve served up a selection of the finest speciality restaurants to provide a veritable smorgasbord of options that cover just about every corner of the globe. Maison Bleue, Speciality: European Nestled in one of the many quaint cobbled streets of Bury St Edmunds, Maison Bleue offers guests the opportunity to experience modern French dining in a decidedly English setting. With…

Click here to continue reading A Guide to Suffolk’s Top Specialty Restaurants

When it comes to Suffolk, two things we do really well are history and pubs. Always keen to combine the things which make the area such a special place to enjoy a holiday, we thought it would be well worthwhile to produce a list of some of the more established drinking holes and see how they compare to some of the newer ones. Of course, historic and modern pubs offer two completely different experiences, but it never hurts to be aware of the best places to enjoy some refreshments when enjoying one of our Barns and Barges for rent. The…

Click here to continue reading 3 of the Oldest Pubs in Suffolk (And How They Compare to 3 of the Newest)

If you go down to one of our Barges for Rent today, you’re in for a historic surprise. Specifically, you’ll be ten minutes from Glemham Hall, an Elizabethan stately home set inside of 300 acres of parkland. With house tours allowing the public to investigate the rumours of its haunted staircase, and the gardens of this red brick mansion being open to the public, Glemham also plays host to an annual folk festival that makes it a fantastic spot to discover when in Suffolk. Built around 1560 by the De Glemhams, a family that prospered greatly in the Tudor period,…

Click here to continue reading Glemham Hall: The Elizabethan Stately Home Between Our Two Barges

Boasting mediaeval roots and regularly hosting Beatrix Potter, Melford Hall remains one of the most exciting houses to visit when staying at one of our Barns and Barges for rent in Suffolk. Built in the 16th century, the site of Melford Hall was previously held by the abbots of Bury St Edmunds since around 1065. With similar roots to Kentwell Hall – another historic Suffolk home you can read more about here – Melford Hall is now home to the Hyde Parker family under ownership of the National Trust. Whilst it might be suspected that a home passing from abbots…

Click here to continue reading Melford Hall: Inside one of Suffolk’s Most Iconic Historic Houses

A regular feature in our round-ups of the best places to visit in Suffolk when staying at our Barns and Barges to rent, we thought that Ickworth House deserved a little more spotlight by way of its very own blog post. Built sometime between 1795 and 1829, the estate the house belongs to dates back 1467 when it was once the dwelling place of the Marquesses of Bristol. A masterpiece properly attributed to Frederick Hervey, the 4th Earl of Bristol and Bishop of Derry, Ickworth House was brought to life by esteemed Italian architect Antonio Asprucci after he was asked…

Click here to continue reading Ickworth House: A Very Big House in the Country

An English rose between two more English roses, Otley Hall is within short distance of both our Barns and Barges for rent in Suffolk. Nestled within 10 acres of picturesque gardens, this 15th century Tudor Hall has earned a commanding reputation as being “a hidden sanctuary steeped in historic charm”. Offering everything from events and creative workshops, Otley Hall invites visitors to experience its gardens and enjoy plentiful refreshments in its destination cafe. From the opportunity to explore aromatic gardens of a summer’s day, to sitting back and enjoying fireside retellings of iconic ghost stories at Halloween, Otley Hall brings…

Click here to continue reading Otley Hall: The Magnificent Gardens Between Our Barns and Barges for Rent

From mid-fifteenth century beginnings, Helmingham Hall in Suffolk is a Grade I Listed building that opens its gardens to the public, making it a fantastic destination to visit when staying at one of our Barns and Barges for rent. Surrounded by a moat extending just over 60 feet, the house, which is not accessible to the public, was initially constructed in 1510 before undergoing extensive alterations in the 18th century.  Whilst there can be no doubt that the house makes a striking impression, the gardens are every bit as exciting. Open from May to September, there is a range of…

Click here to continue reading Helmingham Hall: Visiting the Gardens of Suffolk’s Moated Manor House

You must be familiar with ‘What3Words’ by now? It’s another easy way to identify precise locations. And we mean precise! Every 3m square has a unique three word combination. Just Google what3words for fun to find your own. Anyway, we’ve got a list of all 11 of our properties to make them even easier for you to find when you come and stay, even though we do give accurate directions ahead of your arrival. Alde Barn – Teardrop Fellow Decorate Deben Barn – Seatbelt Cloak Height Gipping Barn – Strain Blissful Steamed Orwell Barn – Transcribes Bottom Calculating Stour Barn…

Click here to continue reading What3Words of Woodfarm Barns, Barges, and Tuscany

You’ve landed here because a friend or family member has recommended us to you, and we have an exclusive offer for you. We have eight Dog-Friendly Holiday Barns & Cottages, and two Dog-Friendly Holiday Barges, all in wonderful Suffolk. We’re running a ‘Recommend a Friend’ offer, which is why you’re here. We usually charge £15 per Dog, to cover additional cleaning and maintenance, but because you’ve been told all about us by a previous guest, your furry family can come for FREE!PLUS, we will make sure your Dogs have some extra special treats with one of our Doggy Hampers when…

Click here to continue reading The Dog-Friendly World of Woodfarm Barns & Barges

How’re we doing?You may or may not know, but I (Carl Scott, the business owner) am far more transparent than most about how I run the business and possibly a little unorthodox about it too. This blog is a little update for anyone who is interested. So. The purpose of this blog I guess is firstly to allow me a little emptying of my brain as there’s often just too much going on in there. I need the process of off-loading sometimes, just so I can free up some space. It isn’t a very big brain! More importantly though this…

Click here to continue reading Times are tough, but we’re doing ok. Intrigued?…

Every week my long-suffering colleague Andrew and I sit and drink coffee, and crunch a whole load of data. Heck yeah, we know how to party! Along with the rest of the Woodfarm team, we’ve built what we consider to be a pretty successful business over the last 13 years or so (writing Sept 2022). One of the ways in which we do this is to work every single week on our websites, and crunching our data.We look at all sorts of things from the amount of ‘traffic’, where it comes from, how long people stay on which page, what…

Click here to continue reading Mad Dogs & Englishmen – fun Woodfarm stats

Yes, we’re aware that the sun has only just taken his hat off and that we’re not even pulling apart the dress up drawer for Halloween, but it pays to plan when it comes to celebrating in Suffolk. Indeed, with so much on offer, it’s crucial to get things into the diary when heading to our Barns and Barges for rent during November and December. To make sure that you get to soak up the festive spirit in style, we’ve rounded up a selection of 10 of the best things to do in Suffolk this Christmas. Enjoy some festive wreath…

Click here to continue reading 10 of the best things to do in Suffolk this Christmas

At Woodfarm Barns and Barges, we welcome dogs for a holiday, too, and they can be brought to enjoy the stunning Suffolk scenery along with you as you spend a tranquil week enjoying the sights Suffolk has to offer. With this in mind, we have lined up the best things that dogs love to do whilst they enjoy a holiday with their human friends. Walks Yes, this just should be patently obvious and a point that needs no further elaboration, but Suffolk has plenty of walking trails zigzagging across the picturesque countryside for you to take your four-legged friend down.…

Click here to continue reading 5 things dogs love to do on holiday

It is safe to say that Suffolk is a picturesque county, offering what feels at times like never-ending green fields in the depths of the countryside. The place is also positively awash with beautiful landscapes that can be experienced when staying with us at Woodfarm Barns and Barges in the heart of the Suffolk countryside. And, when you have a beautiful landscape, artists may want to paint what they can see, which is exactly what John Constable and Thomas Gainsborough did. Thomas Gainsborough was born in 1727, in Sudbury, a market town in South Suffolk. Gainsborough’s real love was to…

Click here to continue reading How to Visit the Landscapes of Constable’s and Gainsborough’s Paintings in Suffolk

It’s all fun and games at the following comedy clubs in Suffolk, where you can visit and sit and enjoy a laugh along with the amazing acts that take to the stage. A+E Comedy – Ipswich Enjoy a Friday night, the last one of every month, at Ipswich Sports Club, taking in over two hours of non-stop comedic acts. A+E comedy does boast a brilliant line-up where you are bound to have a good time and be left in stitches, with headliners often having a history of being on different radio and TV shows. For Friday 27th January 2023, the…

Click here to continue reading Top 3 best Comedy Clubs in Suffolk

It’s no secret that we enjoy a little tipple every now and then at Woodfarm Barns and Barges. We’re also partial to a nice evening out. With both these things considered, we thought we’d round up our selection of favourite wine bars in Suffolk. Number 10 Wine Bar & Kitchen Based in the heart of the picturesque village of Lavenham in a magnificent 15th century house is where you’ll find this beautifully decorated wine bar. On offer are a range of different wines, so there is bound to be something for everyone to enjoy, by the glass or by the…

Click here to continue reading 4 of the best wine bars in Suffolk

Top notch quality pun title from Woodfarm Barns. Read on so you can make sense of it yourself. The big RAF bases in Suffolk are undoubtedly Lakenheath and Mildenhall, but once upon a time, there was RAF Bawdsey on the east coast of Suffolk, facing out towards the North Sea. So, how did RAF Bawdsey place Suffolk on the radar? The year is 1936, and some scientists have made the move to Bawdsey Manor (which still stands today, at the site of a residential site), upping sticks from Orford Ness located just a little further up the Suffolk coastline. After…

Click here to continue reading How RAF Bawdsey put Suffolk on the radar

If you’re watching the pennies and you would like to book a Woodfarm Barn or Barge break and pay in instalments, then here’s how you can spread the cost and make life easier. This is a simple guide to spreading the cost of a well earned break. If we haven’t explained it very well, then please just pick up the phone and let us do the leg-work for you. Our number is 01449 710032. As we always say, this is a small, independent business, doing everything we can to ensure that you have a great stay with us. When you…

Click here to continue reading Interest Free instalment plan for your Woodfarm break

We asked thousands of people on our database about their Holiday habits right now, to get a feel for where people’s heads were at regarding holidays and short breaks at the moment. This is a report on the findings of some questions we posed to our database in July 2022 (for future readers). Fortunately, as I write this in July 2022 we’re still extremely busy, but we know things are a bit strange out there. We wrote to say that we were scratching our heads a little to see what people were thinking. We are always looking to stay ahead of…

Click here to continue reading We asked you about your Holiday habits…

At Woodfarm Barns, we’re blessed with some truly great neighbours. Indeed, we’ve got some fantastic bars, restaurants and parks all within a short drive from our Barns for rent in Suffolk. In addition to such standout local attractions, our visitors are also just around the corner from Stonham Barns Golf Park. Committed to making golf fun and accessible to all, Stonham Barns Golf Park features everything from a traditional 9 hole course to adventure golf, indoor golf and footgolf. There’s also a dedicated big hole golf course which takes the basic principles of golf but adds – you guessed it…

Click here to continue reading A Guide to one of Suffolk’s Best Golf Parks

Suffolk is full of great places to eat, including the many food festivals that pop up around the county during the year. We have put together a list of the best food festivals for you to enjoy during your visit to Suffolk. Aldeburgh Food and Drink FestivalHosted along the enchanting river Alde you can enjoy a mouth-watering amount of food flavours at the Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival. Not only this, but they offer children’s workshops for cooking and have a range of visiting chefs each year. They offer a vast variety of food including seafood and a selection of…

Click here to continue reading Top 5 Food Festivals in Suffolk

In this article, we’ll be delving into the history of Suffolk, and seeing where can you go in modern day Suffolk to see how the history has shaped this area that we know and love. Of course, we’d highly recommend doing so when you’re enjoying one of our Barns or Barges for rent…The county of Suffolk was formed in the 5th century after the Romans had packed up and left Britain due to their empire falling apart. In the early 5th century, Suffolk was located in the Kingdom of East Anglia where the Angles, one of the main Germanic people,…

Click here to continue reading A Brief History of Suffolk

Across the whole of Suffolk there exists a range of National Trust destinations to visit. To let you in on the best of the best, we have narrowed down the selection to the top 5 that are most worth visiting in Suffolk. Ickworth ParkIckworth Park houses around 1800 acres of land full of formal gardens and wonderful woodland to admire. With all that is in the gardens, it’s a great place to get back to nature for a day. Not only this, but the gardens are even enjoyable during the whole year, so be sure to wrap up warm and…

Click here to continue reading Top 5 National Trusts to Visit

We never shy away from the opportunity to talk about our green friends here at Woodfarm Barns and Barges. Indeed, as we’re only a short distance away from an alleged UFO hotspot in Rendlesham, it should come as no surprise that we like to talk up the martians whenever we get the opportunity. Whilst the idea of aliens is broadly accepted across the globe – and perhaps the universe at large – the notion of green children may be a little confusing to anyone unfamiliar with Suffolk myths and legends.Allow us to explain.It is believed by many that at some…

Click here to continue reading Did Green Children Really Visit Suffolk?

Besides moaning about the weather and respecting the legitimacy of queues, the traditional Sunday roast is perhaps the most English thing next to the Queen. Whether it be beef, chicken, or a vegetarian or vegan option, we’re rather spoiled in Suffolk when it comes to dining out somewhere special for a Sunday roast. When staying at one of our Barns and Barges, our guests have a tremendous number of options to choose between, which is why we’ve taken the time to whittle the list down to five of our favourites. The Plough & Sail, Snape No distance at all from…

Click here to continue reading Where to get the best Sunday roast in Suffolk

At Woodfarm Barns and Barges, we’ll never pass up the opportunity to use the oft-repeated phrase that “there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats”. Coined by Scottish writer and author of The Wind in the Willows Kenneth Grahame, the quote perfectly captures the playful spirit that makes boating such an enjoyable pastime.  Whilst our neighbours in Norfolk might have the Norfolk Broads, we have plenty of boating destinations to shout about in Suffolk, and plenty of places for our visitors to get out and experience for themselves when staying…

Click here to continue reading Where to go boating in Suffolk

Suffolk is, in many respects, a bit of a curiosity shop. Abounding with uniquely quirky things to see and do, it has a camel park, a living museum, and a UFO trail all inside of its 1,500 square miles. In addition to these unusual destinations is the Little Hall in Lavenham. No doubt better known as the setting for Godric’s Hollow in the Harry Potter franchise, Lavenham is a beautifully preserved village that proudly bears traces of its mediaeval past in the form of half-timbered wonky cottages and cobbled streets. One of the standout attractions of the village is Little…

Click here to continue reading Spotlight on: The Little Hall in Lavenham

At Woodfarm Barns and Barges, we’ve never been shy about our love for the beaches in Suffolk. Confident that they rival even the bluest of Caribbean beaches, we were naturally encouraged by the recent news that Felixstowe South and Pier and Southwold have been awarded Blue Flag status. For those not in the know, the Blue Flag award was launched in 1987 as part of an initiative to improve the quality of England’s coastline, and is awarded to only the best maintained beaches which have a superior water quality.  In addition to this criteria, it is necessary for beaches to…

Click here to continue reading Suffolk Beaches Earn Distinguished ‘Blue Flag’ Award

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 six of the best places to take your clubs out when renting one of our Barns or Barges in Suffolk. 1. Stonham Barns Golf Stonham Barns Golf Park is in every respect a golfer’s paradise. From a traditional 9 hole short golf course to an offbeat adventure golf course, Stonham Barns Golf Park also features an…

Click here to continue reading 6 places to go golfing in Suffolk

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…

Click here to continue reading 22 things to do in Suffolk in 2022

Click here to look for availability of dates and bookings for Newmarket Racecourse events. 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 Horse Racing.’ 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 of…

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 another, 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 travel…

Click here to continue reading Are Staycations Here to Stay?

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! PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW ENDED AND WE HAVE A WINNER. DO NOT ENTER NOW 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…

Click here to continue reading WIN A FREE BREAK for you & friends for 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: Onderneming voyage from Snape 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 theatres, 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…

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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!…

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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…

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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’,…

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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…

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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 soundsystems! 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 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 70…

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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…

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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. Escape Rooms Suffolk – 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 whatever 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’ entrant 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 from, 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…

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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…

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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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