Category: Things To Do

Photo courtesy of CSG SUP Gear Ltd

Paddle boarding is a great spring or summer activity in Suffolk – or during the colder seasons too, if you’re experienced! 

If you’re thinking about booking a break or holiday in the UK, whether paddleboarding, relaxing or embarking on a walking holiday with your dog(s), Woodfarm Barns is a tranquil spot in the Suffolk countryside where you can call home for a little while! We have eight Luxury Cottages at our Stonham Aspal location (seven of which have Hot Tubs), plus two static holiday barges at Woodbridge and Snape Maltings. All of our Cottages and Barges are Dog-Friendly!

One of the things we do a lot is to write about all sorts of things going on in Suffolk, in order to give you the very best experience when staying with us. So here’s some info on paddling boarding for you.

There are so many water sports that you can try in Suffolk if you’re after more of an adventurous holiday. From sailing down the Orwell river to windsurfing off the Felixstowe coast, there’s no better place to test your sea legs on the east coast! However, if you’re after something for all agility levels and that requires no prior experience or special skill, then paddle boarding is ideal.

Paddle boarding only requires a medium level of agility – balancing on a board on top of water isn’t the easiest task in the world, but you can always sit down and paddle if you can’t get the hang of standing up! It’s something you can do with friends or as a couple (we wouldn’t recommend doing any water sports alone if it’s your first time), and you can enjoy the scenery as you float serenely down the waterways.

If you’d like to try paddle boarding in Suffolk while staying with us at Woodfarm Barns, here are our recommendations on where to paddle:

River Alde

This is a beautiful part of the county, right in the middle of Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB. Stop by Iken Canoe to hire a stand-up paddle board for one hour, £15, or two hours, £25*.

The river makes a pleasant journey and, tide dependent, you may be able to spot our famous grey seals wallowing on the mud flats!

River Stour

Head into Constable Country to the River Stour, and pick up a paddle board at Sudbury Boat Hire. Prices start from £10 per hour, and you can experience the untouched, old-worldliness of the Stour and its surrounding villages.

Southwold

Southwold has one of the best and most popular beaches in the county, and it’s a great place to learn paddle boarding in a coastal environment. Southwold Surf School offers 60-minute lessons for £35 with all equipment included.

Where to stay in Suffolk

If you’re thinking about booking a staycation this summer, whether paddleboarding, relaxing or embarking on a walking holiday with your dog(s), Woodfarm Barns is a tranquil spot in the Suffolk countryside where you can call home for a little while! We have eight Luxury Cottages at our Stonham Aspal location (seven of which have Hot Tubs), plus two static holiday barges at Woodbridge and Snape Maltings. All of our Cottages and Barges are Dog-Friendly!

(*prices correct at the time of writing, March 2021)

Just a 10-minute drive from Woodfarm Barns, Helmingham Hall is a grand private residence opening its garden for a magical light display!

Wondering what to do this Christmas? Although events may be a little more limited than usual this year, there’s still plenty on – especially in Suffolk!

From Christmas markets to festive dinners, there’s plenty to do in the county this season. And if you don’t fancy going to an event, you can always take a wonderful winter walk on one of our many beaches, or in the countryside.

The gardens at Helmingham Hall

Located just five miles away from Woodfarm Barns, Helmingham Hall is a 510-year-old private house in Suffolk. It has been owned by the Tollemache family since it was built, and the current members of the family still reside there today. However, even though it’s a family home, the gardens are often open for events – such as the Illuminated Garden Trail!

If you manage to get tickets for the highly popular Illuminated Garden Trail, you’ll be in for a real treat! The gardens at Helmingham Hall are absolutely stunning, and perfect for exploring on an enchanting winter’s evening.

Consisting of a moat, rose garden, orchard and more, the gardens are spread over 400 acres, and even encompass a red deer park! 

Helmingham Hall Illuminated Garden Trail

Taking place from 2nd to 13th December, the Illuminated Garden Trail at Helmingham Hall is a magnificent event for guests of all ages. Walk around the beautiful gardens and indulge your senses with light displays and sounds – it’s a truly unique experience, especially if this is your first time visiting the hall!

Then, warm up with a complimentary mulled wine in the courtyard, which will be decorated specially for the event. Gather around the fire pits to toast some marshmallows, and browse the handful of independent outlets to find a special gift for a loved one.

This year’s event is designed with social distancing in mind, which means limited numbers on time slots – so get booking in order to secure your place! And the best part of all? Dogs are allowed! So if you’re staying with us at Woodfarm Barns with your pup(s), feel free to bring them along to this event.

Stay nearby to Helmingham Hall

As we mentioned, Helmingham Hall is a very short car journey away from Woodfarm Barns! Our tranquil slice of countryside paradise is 100% dog-friendly, with six cosy Luxury Barns (five with hot tubs) that are perfect for a couples retreat.

We also have two converted static Holiday Barges – one in Snape Maltings and one in Woodbridge (both in Suffolk!). These are also dog-friendly, and can accommodate families or groups of friends. 

Wherever you decide to stay, we look forward to welcoming you for a fantastic, festive Christmas!

If you’re a fan of nature and wildlife, you’ll love seeing the red deer rut – the amazing autumn spectacle that takes place right here in Suffolk!

What is the red deer rut?

The red deer rut takes place when red deer are getting ready to mate. The males of the herds will battle it out – first with roars, and then with their antlers – to see who becomes the dominant deer.

Where can you see the red deer rut?

Suffolk has one of the highest populations of red deer outside Scotland, so you’re very likely to see the red deer rut here in autumn! RSPB Minsmere is the best location for spotting red deer, and it has now reopened after COVID-19 lockdown measures, so make sure to put a day aside to visit!

If you’re really smart, you’ll stay with us at Woodfarm Barns, or at one of our Suffolk Holiday Barges. We’re not very far from RSPB Minsmere (our Onderneming Barge at Snape Maltings is just a 25-minute drive away).

Find out even more info about the red deer rut on our Woodfarm Barges website here.

Coming to Suffolk for the famous Aldenurgh Food & Drink Festival? We don’t blame you! This event is one of the most popular foodie events in East Anglia – but there are a few changes happening this year.

There’s no escaping it at the moment; the pandemic is still affecting some of our favourite events. Luckily, however, the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival is still going ahead!

The committee have put together a market weekend with around 50 local food and drink suppliers, instead of the usual packed event. This will allow visitors to experience the best of Suffolk’s delicious produce, while keeping a distance from other visitors.

The event will still be located at the glorious Snape Maltings in the open air, and it will take place over 26th and 27th September. Find out more in the full blog post we’ve written about the event over on our Woodarm Barges site.

Many holiday locations have their ‘ideal season’: Some say that it wouldn’t be summer without a trip to Cornwall or the Isle of Wight, while swathes of people head to The Cotswolds for vibrant autumn walks and cosy pubs. However, Suffolk is one of those very unique places that works its magic all year round.

At Woodfarm Barns, we think ourselves very lucky to experience all four glorious seasons in Suffolk – and we are delighted to say that our guests say the same! We are busy throughout the year, which is a testament not only to how popular Suffolk is as a holiday destination, but also to our beautiful Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages. These luxurious cottages provide a charming introduction to the county’s countryside, while our Historic Dutch Barges Onderneming and Twee Gebroeders (also dog-friendly!) offer a unique take on Suffolk coastal life.

We consider ourselves experts in our area, purely as we’ve been doing what we do well for so long, so we’ve put together a guide to Suffolk by season to help you plan your stay. Whatever time of year you choose to visit, we hope you consider staying with Woodfarm Barns and Barges!

1. Spring

Suffolk is rich in agriculture and literally comes alive in spring with hundreds of newborn animals! Easton Farm Park offers an interactive experience for families, where you can walk around the working farm and see adorable young animals, including lambs, chicks, and calfs, finding their feet. If you’re visiting the west of the county, Kentwell Hall is a unique experience not only for its live historical re-enactments, but also for its rare breeds farm where the spring lambing is a truly wonderful sight.

Come to Suffolk at the right time of year, and you’ll be able to witness forests carpeted in blue! Bluebells thrive in certain wooded areas in Suffolk, like Captain’s Wood in Woodbridge, where you can see the sight for yourself on a walk around the area’s three kilometre trail. Photographers and nature lovers alike will adore this sight, which only occurs once a year.

2. Summer

Suffolk beaches are blissful in summer – and each one has its own set of unique characteristics that set it apart from the last. For example, Southwold is known for its historic pier, which stretches 623 feet from the shore. There you’ll find arcades, various eateries and the opportunity to go sea fishing.

Conversely, quieter beaches such as Covehithe will attract those looking for some real rest and relaxation. Its sandy surface is perfect for a peaceful, barefoot walk with nothing but the sound of the sea to fill your ears.

If you’re a festival-goer, Latitude is not one to miss. Getting bigger every year, the Henham Park-based festival has played host to some of the biggest acts in music, including Suffolk’s own Ed Sheeran, Mumford and Sons, and The Killers. Latitude is known as a family friendly festival, and there are many activities available for children, including rides and play areas, workshops, discos and performances.

3. Autumn

Witness the falling foliage across Suffolk’s forests as the county transforms into a sea of reds, oranges and yellows. There are many walking trails which provide stunning views of the countryside; however, RSPB Minsmere is ideal for its diverse collection of plants and rare wildlife. Visit in October for the red deer rut – it’s the star attraction during the autumn months!

Suffolk is a foodie county, with an excellent selection of fish, meat, cheese, confectionery, condiments and drinks produced right here on our doorstep. You’ll find that most pubs, restaurants and cafes will utilise a wide selection of quality Suffolk food, so you won’t have to look hard to find a good, locally-sourced meal.

4. Winter

Just because it’s cold, doesn’t mean you have to stay inside! There is plenty to do in Suffolk in winter, especially in the run-up to Christmas when things can get really festive. Christmas fairs are aplenty here, with tourists and locals flocking to town centres to make the most of the festive season. Bury St Edmunds hosts a very popular market each year, with over 300 stalls, plus rides, workshops and fireworks. If you’re searching for unusual gifts, Woodbridge market is full to the brim with quirky creations made by local craftspeople. Foodies will adore the Christmas Fayre at Jimmy’s Farm, which offers tasty grub and food-related gifts from local producers in amongst the art, fashion, homeware and more.

However, if you’re not in the festive mood, nothing beats a trip to the pub – and Suffolk has many quality establishments. With excellent beer and cider from local breweries Adnams and Aspall, as well as all the fantastic food mentioned above, you’ll be well looked after. All you need is someone to enjoy it with – luckily, there are many dog-friendly pubs in Suffolk if you’re struggling to find a human companion!

We at Woodfarm Barns hope you have a relaxing holiday, wherever you decide to go. Hopefully, our recommendations have inspired you to visit Suffolk, as there is much to see and do here, with new activities popping up all the time. 

Spring is on the way! That means warmer weather (hopefully!), yummy seasonal food in the local pubs and restaurants and a sudden abundance of daffodils. For us, in the heart of the Suffolk countryside, it also means that we’ll see a big rise in wildlife, and our once lonely winter fields will be teeming with farmyard animals.

March and April are the ideal months for spotting young and newborn lambs, in particular. However, if you don’t want to go on a wild sheep chase in the countryside, then a trip to Kentwell Hall will almost guarantee you a sight of these woolly creatures taking their first steps. 

Where and what is Kentwell Hall?

Kentwell Hall is a Tudor mansion near Sudbury in west Suffolk, just over a 45-minute drive from our Luxury Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages in Stonham Aspal. It’s a great day out at any time of year for all the family (especially when they’re holding a Tudor recreation event), but it’s particularly magical in the spring when the Hall’s flock of sheep suddenly start multiplying! 

Head on over to the Hall to see newborn and young lambs at the lambing yard in the Tudor Stables, as well as older lambs out in the paddocks. You might even see a lamb being born! 

These adorable animals are right at home against the backdrop of snowdrops, aconites, primroses and violets, as well as the swathes of daffodils on the front lawns and the moat banks. It’s ‘spring’ here in every sense of the word! 

Once you’ve had a good gander at the lambs, it’s highly recommended that you have a look around the house. This 500 year old private residence opens up to the public on special event days, allowing us all to take in the secrets of its long history. Originally built by wealthy local wool merchants (Suffolk was a prominent wool county!), the house retains marks from the many families who have owned it, including decorative embellishments, paintings and furniture from various periods of time.

Where to find wildlife elsewhere in Suffolk

Suffolk is a wildlife haven! Not only do we have two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Suffolk Coast and Heaths, and Dedham Vale) which are full of untouched flora and fauna, but we also have several nature reserves and countless sanctuaries where you can view animals in rehabilitation and help raise funds for conservation. We’ve actually written a blog post about the best places to see wildlife in Suffolk, which you can read here.

Where to stay if you’re visiting Kentwell Hall

As we mentioned earlier, Kentwell Hall is just over 45 minutes from our Luxury Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages. Our comfortable, self-contained cottages each sleep two people plus up to three dogs, and five of the cottages also feature luxurious hot tubs. We also have a stunning Thatched Farmhouse which sleeps two guests and three dogs very comfortably. Alternatively, we also have two Historic Dutch Barges – one moored at Snape Maltings, and the other at Tidemill in Woodbridge. If you would like to find out more about these, visit woodfarmbarges.com.

Whether you live in Suffolk and are looking for a special day out, or you’re planning a staycation in one of the UK’s most beautiful counties, there is plenty to do in Suffolk. Lying in the east of England, the historic county of Suffolk is bordered by Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex and the North Sea to the east, and boasts glorious rolling hills in the west and the famous broads in the east.

If you are looking for days out in Suffolk, there is an abundance of things to do, and here are some of the best:

1. A Sumptuous Spa Day

Why not spoil yourself with a spa day in Suffolk? At Seckford Spa you can relax and recharge your batteries whilst enjoying a steam, sauna, massage or treatment, then sit back and enjoy the breath-taking Suffolk countryside, have a swim and then enjoy a light and healthy meal or a classic afternoon tea.

A spa day gives you the chance to indulge whilst giving your well-being a lift so you can walk away refreshed and ready to face the days and weeks ahead.

2. See the Sunrise

You can be the first person in the UK to see the sunrise from Britain’s most easterly point – Ness Point in Lowestoft. Unlike some of the country’s other extremes, Ness Point is quiet and understated, a little more remote and perfect to be able to sit peacefully and enjoy everything that mother nature can show you.

You are a short walk away from the town of Lowestoft and its beautiful beach with a little more activity – the ideal place to go and have a cup of tea or coffee and tuck into some breakfast.

3. A Visit to Sutton Hoo

The National Trust’s Sutton Hoo is an Anglo-Saxon royal burial ground on Suffolk’s east coast. There are two cemeteries from the 6^th and 7^th centuries, one of which contained a burial of a ship that was completely undisturbed. The site has been very important to historians as it comes from a period where myths and reality are confused.

Sutton Hoo has recently been undergoing a project worth millions of pounds to enhance the experience of their visitors, with additional features in the High Hall exhibition hall and Tranmer House.

4. Amble in Abbey Gardens

Bury St Edmunds’ Abbey Gardens are another important historical location in Suffolk. They were the grounds of Bury St Edmunds’ abbey – a powerful monastery going back to the 13^th century. The abbey now lies in ruins but the grounds feel wonderfully spacious, with delightfully attractive floral displays and the perfect place to have a wander. 

With over 50,000 plants planted each year, the Abbey Gardens are a sight to behold and a joy to experience.

5. Fun at Stonham Barns

Nestled in Suffolk’s beautiful countryside, Stonham Barns describe themselves as being a “leisure and shopping village”. There are activities for all the family and a visit here is a great way to spend the day for everyone. Some of the activities which you can get up to here include:

• Soft play (inside)
• Adventure golf
• An abundance of shops
• Meerkat castle
• Own sanctuary
• Fishing lakes
• Golf course

They also host events throughout the year, including classic car shows, dog shows, Christmas events, and fireworks.

6. Enjoy Jimmy’s Farm

Jimmy’s Farm is a working farm and wildlife park located near to Ipswich, giving all the family the chance to see animals which are well looked after, get up close and personal with butterflies in the butterfly house, help to feed the animals, and learn about looking after them. There are also two crazy areas, a hobbit house, den building, a zip wire, and a lot of climbing!

There is a restaurant, tea-room, farm shop, and a whole host of other family-friendly fun to be had at Jimmy’s. They also host events throughout the year so it is recommended to have a look at their website to see what else is going on.

7. The Land of Constable

For lovers of England’s traditional countryside and one of the UK’s favourite artists, a trip around the Suffolk and Essex border will show you some of the wonderful landscapes which inspired Constable in his paintings. You can visit the famous Flatford Mill and enjoy the Constable Country Walking Trail which leaves from East Bergholt.

Whether you are looking to enjoy a day out on your own or you have a longer family holiday to plan in 2020, there is plenty to do in Suffolk. In fact, the difficulty will be finding enough time to do everything that you want to.