Last Updated on March 9, 2023
Another of our suggestions for a great day out for you. This one is full of fresh air, beautiful scenery and fabulous food! As so many of our Suffolk holiday cottage guests love walking, with or without dogs, I thought it was about time I told you about one of our most amazing forests, then take you to nearby Orford, popular yet still very unspoilt, taking you into one our local designated ‘Areas of outstanding natural beauty‘. On the way there you’ll go right past The Froize Inn; rude not to stop for lunch!
My guests really seem to be enjoying the Grand days out from our holiday cottages in Suffolk that I put together, and I’m writing them as often as I can. I’ve been away to UK holiday cottages elsewhere in the past and found fairly scant info on the area, yet we want to explore! The next thing is that you like the look of two or three places but have no real concept of how far apart they are or how long you’re likely to spend there. So in this series, I’m simply pulling together some ideas for a ‘packaged’ day out. I have tons to write about still so bear with me!
This Blog is all about fresh country air, food heaven and a beautifully unspoilt little riverside village. Heading out from our holiday cottages in Suffolk, through Woodbridge on the Orford road. The first stop is just over half an hour away and all three of these places are within a very short drive of each other.
Rendlesham Forest, Suffolk, IP12 3NF
OK, the first thing to tell you about Rendlesham Forest is that in 1980 there were reported UFO sightings. I cannot confirm or deny these but from experience, all I have ever seen in the forest since I arrived on your planet is earthlings. There is a UFO ‘trail’ there but it’s only part of the woodland walk with some info on the alleged incident. Hardly anyone has since been taken away. Aside from all that, it is a wonderful natural forest with acres and acres of woodland.
Walking and cycling trails
There are also a couple of other circular walks; one little one of about a mile and a longer one of 3 miles, going through plantations, heathland and wetlands.
Rendlesham Forest is also very popular with cyclists and there are two trails, one of 6 miles and one of 10 miles. You can see details of all the trails on the Forestry Commission website
There’s parking (£3.50 all day at the time of writing) and there are play areas and picnic areas too, as well as bike hire. The Forest is open from 8am til 8pm
The Froize Inn, Chillesford, Suffolk
One of the friendliest restaurants you’ll ever find, serving hearty, locally & responsibly sourced food to die for (well, not quite but you know what I mean!)
David Grimwood has owned the Froize since the turn of the Century (this Century, not the last one!) and has built a superb reputation for quality and service, the envy of many others in his field. Not only is he the Head Chef behind the mouth-watering dishes coming out of the kitchen, but you will also usually find David serving and chatting with his clientele too. And this is how we became friends, as I’m sure he is with most of Suffolk.
The Froize is a restaurant with a difference; the main courses are all served from a hot counter but do not think carvery cos it isn’t. Nothing wrong with that of course but David’s style offers far more than that. You’ll find a superb selection of local produce, cooked with imagination and flair, often with the old boy himself on hand to tell you all about it and to suggest what to have. And it’s a real mix n match affair too so there’s a true feast of flavours to be had.
David and I also share a passion for music and I was honoured to be part of the lineup playing at ‘Davestock’ for his 60th in 2014. He now hosts regular Sunday evening live music events too so do check out details of Folk at the Froize too
They are open for lunch Tuesday to Sunday and for supper on Friday & Saturday. Go to The Froize Website to check out sample menus and get yourself in there!
Orford, Suffolk
A tiny little historic fishing village on our stunning heritage coast, full of rural charm and feeling very much like the land that time forgot. The peace, tranquility and architecture in Orford just say “quintessential England”.
Walking, cycling, sailing, art, history, food, bird watching. It’s got em all!
The first sight that’ll greet you is the beautiful old castle on your right-hand side as you approach Orford itself. Dating back to the 12th Century, the castle nowadays is just part of the original structure. It now houses a museum and is owned and operated by English Heritage.
Orford is perhaps most well known for oysters and smokehouses and you can buy some amazing produce to take home. There’s a great butcher here, as well as a great little antiques shop and the award-winning Pump Street Bakery. They have a cafe’ and bakery and no trip to Orford is complete without taking some of their wares home. It isn’t cheap by any means but it is very good!
Wander down to the quay and you can pick up fresh fish caught by local fishermen, sold where it comes in! Orford’s economy is very much dependent on the tourist pound and you do get a sense that you are contributing to a vibrant community when you are there.
The River Ore, and the surrounding Salt Marshes are a mecca for bird watchers and you’ll see lots just standing on the quay, forgetting the clock. There’s a National Trust Site on Orford Ness, documenting many of the activities from the Cold War.
There is of course a great pub, as you would expect in Suffolk. The Jolly Sailor serves Adnams so another ‘must’ whilst you are here.
I hope you enjoy your grand day out!
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