Secret Suffolk: 5 of the Best Hidden Gems You Should Know About

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 Cottages, Barns or Barges for a holiday in Suffolk.

1. Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm

A working livestock farm dedicated to the breeding of rare breeds, Baylham House is undoubtedly one of the most unique places to visit when taking a holiday at Woodfarm Barns. It’s one of Suffolk’s best kept secrets, too. Family owned, the farm has been operational since 1985 and welcomes visitors to get up close to its lambs, goats and calves. Complete with an onsite cafe, visitors can also enjoy some light refreshments and food when visiting Baylham House. Only a fifteen minute drive from our cottages for rent, this hidden gem in Suffolk comes highly recommended. 

2. Rendlesham Forest

For years now, sceptics and scientists have been trying their level best to dismiss the idea that Rendlesham Forest was visited by a UFO in 1980. Legend (or truth) has it that forty years ago lights appeared above the forest that couldn’t be explained away by anyone official. Witnessed by nearby US Air Force Personnel, the incident has earned itself a respectable place in history by becoming the most-famed UFO sightings in the United Kingdom. 

Occasionally referred to as “Britain’s Roswell”, the forest has since become something of a hidden gem in the tourist world. Equipped with picnic areas and boasting walking and cycling trails that are all dog-friendly, this location is a great choice for a bit of an alternative day out. Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Rendlesham Forest is a ten minute drive from either of our Barges, and just a half hour drive from our Barns and Cottages and promises to set the scene for a memorable walk, with or without the green men in the sky.  

3. Landguard Fort

Located at the mouth of the River Orwell, Landguard Fort is another hidden gem in Suffolk that promises to make for a great day out. Originally designed to protect the entrance to the port of Harwich, the fort and its various defensive structures are now open to the public for tours. Providing visitors with a behind the scenes look at a fortification that has served the country in just about every conflict since it was first established back in 1667, this attraction is around forty minutes drive from our Barns and Cottages for hire in Suffolk, but just fifteen minutes from Twee Gebroeders.

4. Red Rose Chain Theatre 

An independent theatre company based out of Ipswich, the Red Rose Chain Theatre hosts annual outdoor performances each summer. Regularly drawing in crowds of around 8,000, these events are refreshing and modern interpretations of Shakespeare’s plays that make it easier than ever to enjoy the Bard’s celebrated works. Full of quirky characters and colourful set designs, attending one of these performances in the forest on a summer’s evening has all the hallmarks of entering into a secret club. Hosted at a purpose-built venue in Sutton Hoo, visitors at our Cottages will only need to take a half hour drive to enjoy this hidden gem in Suffolk, and it’s a stone’s throw away from Twee Gebroeders, our Barge in Woodbridge.

5. Lavenham Falconry

The phrase “bird of prey experience” isn’t one that you encounter often. But when you do, it should make you sit up and think “well, that does sound kind of interesting!”. Such an experience is exactly what’s on offer at the Lavenham Falconry. Inviting visitors to choose from a range of options, it’s possible to enjoy a two hour owl encounter, a hawk experience, or even a four day training course for those properly committed to birds of prey. Certainly a hidden gem in Suffolk, the chance to enjoy the rolling countryside in the company of such large and unusual birds isn’t something that gets talked about as much as it probably should! What’s more, the falconry is situated in the uniquely beautiful village of Lavenham that is full of sights and cozy pubs to enjoy after a visit.   

Now that you’re in on the secret:

If all of this inside information has made you eager to discover Suffolk, why not get in touch with us today to book the perfect Barn, Cottage or Barge for rent to get out and discover it all.