We are so pleased to have been awarded the VisitEngland Dogs Welcome accreditation as we have openly welcomed dogs since the start. All of our Suffolk holiday cottages have enclosed gardens making them very dog friendly. This page tells you more about the criteria that we have in place to conform with the guidelines for Dogs Welcome
Continue reading Dogs Welcome Award for our holiday cottages
We have hundreds of testimonials from our dog-loving guests. All of these are taken from our Guest Comments Books in our holiday cottages. Feel free to scan through and see what our previous guests have thought about our dog-friendly holiday cottages and Suffolk in general
Continue reading Happy dog owner guests at our Suffolk cottages
The ideal first romantic getaway for the new love in your life. Romance is the key here at Woodfarm, with rustic charm oozing out of every oak beam, lavishly equipped and decorated holiday cottages and privacy to simply be together chilling out in front of the log burner.
We have had several proposals here and happily join in with setting your cottage up with flowers, champagne, candles etc. in order for you to pop the question. This is what we did for a proposal in the Granary Barn, along with Champagne waiting on ice for Tom who popped the question to Vic.
With the beautiful Crowfield Church next door to us, as well as some amazing Wedding venues nearby, Woodfarm is the perfect place to accommodate family and friends in the run-up to the great day and over the celebrations.
With Woodfarm House sleeping 7 adults, it is popular with Bride & Groom’s families, with the happy couple themselves often taking the Granary next door and then family and friends occupying the other barns, making a weekend of it. We can sleep up to 19 adults, plus toddlers and dogs.
We always meet with prospective wedding guests to tailor-make the stay to their needs so why not call us to discuss your plans?
“Well, what can we say and where do we start? We booked upon an enthusiastic recommendation from a friend for a mini-honeymoon break (a mini-moon if you will). Carl was immediately friendly and helpful and we knew we were on to something! The place is fantastic and provided us with two days of newly wedded bliss. We will be telling everyone we know about the Granary and Woodfarm. Fantastic Holiday place! Thank you! xxx” – Rosie and Calvin, 8th November 2013
We have had honeymoons in just about all of our barns, as well as the Farmhouse, with some amazing testimonials.
It really is such a special place to unwind and enjoy your first days together as a married couple.
The perfect time to celebrate romance! We are always fully booked for Valentine’s so early booking is advisable. We turn so many people away every year.
We will happily arrange flowers, champagne, chocolates etc. for you. Just ask!
Again, don’t just take our word for it……. “It was beautiful peaceful & blissfully happy on Valentine’s weekend” – Rob & Laura, February 2015
They’ll work with you, whatever your occasion and requirements. We have a number of local independent business people perfectly poised to help out and familiar with working with us here at Woodfarm.
Lucy Jane Flowers
With bouquets & arrangements starting at just £25, Lucy has provided some wonderful floral displays for our guests over the years. Everything is made especially for you so just give her a buzz for a chat on 01728 860190
.
Beautiful Bakes – Bespoke cakes
Local hand-made cakes. Janette Gibbons makes all her cakes to order for a number of local deli’s and coffee shops and now, especially for our guests. Check out her Facebook page for loads of photos and to contact her.
Hampers
Deli-cious Suffolk Hampers put together especially for us, awaiting your arrival. Options starting at just £25 but they will happily discuss your requirements with you according to your own tastes. Check the options on our Blog Post.
We have several cottages with luxurious Hot Tubs; the height of romance. Transport yourself away from the stresses and strains of everyday life, to just kicking back with your loved one, a glass of something nice in your hand and let the jets ease away all thoughts of the daily norm!
We have four-person hot tubs in two-person cottages so you really have the ultimate in decadence. Have a look in more detail.
Have you ever looked forward to staying in a holiday cottage or hotel and been disappointed when you arrived? I have. And that is not what I wanted when I created this development of seven luxuriously appointed, Self-Catering Holiday Cottages in the beautiful Suffolk Countryside.
My secret? Create a comfy, cosy, high quality luxury haven that I would like to stay in. It’s not rocket science!
It’s vital to me that guests love it here, want to come back time and again and bore their friends with how amazing it is. That’s why we work tirelessly on keeping everywhere looking good, nice and clean, well maintained and with quality furnishings.
We get loads of repeat business and recommendations so we must be doing something right. Don’t take my word for it though, have a look here at our thousands of guest testimonials if you haven’t already.
Breakfast Basket
Every Luxury Self-Catering holiday starts with having a nose at your brekky basket which includes eggs, bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, bread, butter, milk, fruit and even a jar of cookies. Yes it is Self-Catering so you will have to cook it yourself!
With the emphasis on Luxury we supply you as standard with bath sheets, hand towels, spare loo rolls, luxury hand soap in the bathroom and kitchen, quality shower gel and shampoo, quality bedding comprising duvet & duvet cover, quality pillows, pillow cases & fitted sheets. To me, these items should be standard rather than thinking of them as luxury but that’s why we include them.
Mattresses – Some people will find them hard, some will find them soft but providing you with hotel quality luxury mattresses we have done all we can to make your self-catering holiday as comfortable as we can.
So do you need more to make it a self-catering holiday with all the luxurious touches you could want? Well, we give you more anyway!
Woodfarm House has three bathrooms; two of which have superb roll-top slipper baths and yes we include Radox, allowing you to luxuriate and totally relax. All the Holiday Barns have a modern powerful shower, with a bottle of quality shower gel and shampoo. We don’t have the fiddly little bottles that one finds in many hotels.
BBQ and patio furniture in your enclosed, private garden
Bikes – for all ages and we even have a tandem with a third kiddie seat!
Smart TV
Central Heating (included in your price)
Clothes Airer
Cooker and Hob (Woodfarm House has a large Aga-style range oven)
Fridge with ice box (Large fridge-freezer in Woodfarm House)
Ground Floor Shower room
Ground Floor Toilet
FREE Wifi
Luxury hand soap with all sinks and basins
Internet Access (FREE)
iPod docking station
Microwave oven
Off Road Parking
Open Fire or Wood-Burning Stove
Television – Large flat-screen
We also have:
High Chairs & Travel Cots available free of charge to all holiday cottages
Iron and Ironing Board (There are a few in a central point for the barns – Woodfarm House and the Granary Barn have their own)
Washing Machine facilities – Woodfarm House has its own and there is a laundry room that guests are welcome to use upon request
You can pre-order one of a selection of deli-cious hampers crammed with tasty foodie treats. Check out the options on our separate post here.
Find out more about our luxury holiday cottages in Woodfarm Life Magazine.
Fuss & Food – that’s what we all like when we want pamper breaks. Whether it’s a Hen or Wedding Party weekend or simply a well-earned pamper break we have it covered with Beauty Treatments, Luxury Deli Hampers and our very own Michelin Star trained Chef providing bespoke catering as a great add-on to your most luxurious self-catering break in the heart of the Suffolk Countryside. We have it all waiting for you.
How about the right mix of luxury and relaxation for your pamper breaks, without the stuffy confines of a hotel?
If you fancy chilling out with your mates in your PJs, whilst the scrummy food treats and beauty package comes to you then have a good read of this and then take our Google Virtual Tour where you can have a look round each room of each cottage!
That’s exactly what Tansie the Hen and her friends Dawn, Laura, Lainey, Megan, Lindsey and Linda did to celebrate Tansie’s forthcoming wedding early in 2015. This was the lovely message they left us:
“Well, what can we say? We are totally chilled, relaxed and de-stressed. No Bridezillas here! Thank you for letting us use the cottage.”
Even after I’d teased them about finding an empty Moet bottle complete with security tag after the first night!
Down a rural lane in the Heart of Rural Suffolk Countryside, the main ‘Hen House’ is a 500 year traditional old thatched, timber-framed Farmhouse, accommodating up to 7 guests (we can squeeze a couple more) with a spacious dining room, comfy lounge with squashy sofas, farmhouse kitchen and three bathrooms. We have a further six Suffolk barns, all sleeping 2, allowing for up to 19 (or a couple more) in your group.
Our team of local ‘partners’ to ensure great pamper breaks, is a fab Beautician just around the corner, an award-winning Deli and a Michelin Star trained Chef! Three other great local independent businesses working with us and all motivated to ensure you have the most enjoyable girlie mini-break or Hen Weekend.
Complete bespoke packages from our local partners to ensure your stay here is extra special:
Since the start, our guests have enjoyed being pampered by Debbie and the team at the Beauty Barn. We are now working closer than ever with them to bring our guests a real alternative to the traditional spa break. So rather than staying in a hotel and going across to the spa for your treatment, your treatment can come to you!
So now you can relax in the beautiful surroundings of Woodfarm and the experts will come and pamper you right here!
Continue reading Pamper breaks in the heart of the Suffolk Countryside
We have seven luxury self-catering holiday cottages in the heart of the rural Suffolk countryside.
From our stunning 500-year-old luxurious thatched farmhouse to our six holiday cottage Suffolk barns, we can accommodate anything from a romantic weekend for two, to a full on family celebration for up to 19 adults. All in sumptuous luxury, in a beautiful, rustic country setting.
Woodfarm House and all six of our Suffolk barn holiday cottages are dog friendly so your dog can feel at home too as he or she holidays with you. Now you can have a luxury self-catering holiday in the beautiful Suffolk Countryside without leaving your dog in kennels or faffing around getting sitters as you can bring them to our dog friendly cottages in the heart of rural Suffolk.
Meander down the lanes right from here on your morning dog walk down to the church. It’s just next door and has a public footpath round it back to the lane so your dog can have a good old root around in the hedgerows. It’s a great leg-stretcher for both humans and dogs.
Then enjoy your complimentary breakfast basket, full of lovely Suffolk goodies. It’s a self-catering holiday cottage but so many of our guests are surprised when they discover the lovely provisions we leave at the cottage. But we don’t leave the dog out as we leave a dog biscuit (Don’t cook it though). The dog may appreciate a bit of smoked bacon though!
Taking the dog out in Suffolk is easy. So many pubs welcome dogs and there are countless walks, many of which are in the books and maps we have in your self-catering holiday cottage and also highlighted on our guide to all things Suffolk Where Do We…
After a long day out exploring Suffolk with the dog, you can come back and relax in your self-catering holiday cottage in front of a lovely log fire. Woodfarm House has a gorgeous open fire and all the barn holiday cottages have great little woodburners, which dogs love curling up in front of.
As we said, at all our Suffolk holiday cottages we have OS maps and great books on “Walks in Suffolk” with loads of dog walks, pinpointing local dog walks & dog-friendly pubs. We have dog bowls at each holiday cottage too, as well as providing our four-legged friends with a dog biscuit or doggie treat as we’ve said.
Our welcome folders in the self-catering holiday cottages also have additional doggie info, including details of local vets, which of course we hope you never need! We also have a number of groomers locally that come highly recommended so your dog can be pampered too.
We normally accept two dogs in each self-catering holiday cottage though we are happy to discuss more with you. After all, they are your dogs so it’ll be up to you at the end of the day. We probably won’t accept 101 dalmations though! Woodfarm House is obviously the largest holiday cottage we have and we have happily had four dogs in there at one time. If you just have little dogs then I’m sure we could accept more! Just discuss your own dog collection with us! The barn cottages are great for two dogs. If you have another dog then do give us a call.
Each of our luxury dog-friendly self-catering holiday cottages is geared up well, with fully enclosed gardens to keep your dog safe. All the barns have oak flooring so are very practical where dogs are concerned and much of the downstairs of Woodfarm House is tiled.
We keep spare dog towels to wipe down mucky mutts after a day’s dog-walking around the picturesque Suffolk Countryside. They are in our bike shed, at the centre of all our holiday cottages, which also houses lots of tourist information on everything you could possibly wish for to guide you around Suffolk and its dog-friendly attractions. There are loads of DVD’s in there too so you and the dog can curl up in front of the log-fire in the evening!
There’s an outside tap with each of our holiday cottages to hose ’em down too!
So in summary, all our dog-friendly holiday cottages have a pet welcome pack including: a pet washing station outside, local dog walking maps, pet waste bags, dog-friendly pub info, information on local vets, info on local pet suppliers, dog bowls, dog towels and that ever welcome dog biscuit.
So many of our dog-owning guests are amazed at the luxury and high-quality of our dog-friendly self-catering holiday cottages, so rarely found in accommodation accepting dogs. So whether it’s a romantic weekend for two, accompanied by your dog, or a full on family holiday with a handful of dogs, we have the ideal self-catering holiday cottage for you.
We do respectfully ask that your dog is kept off the beds and furnishings and is not left alone. Please be mindful of other guests, with or without dogs, particularly with regards to barking etc. We hope you enjoy your stay at one of our dog friendly self-catering cottages in Suffolk.
Don’t just take our word for it, have a read through our testimonials from our previous dog-owning guests here
We’ve always been dog-friendly here as so many of our guests are dog-owners but we’ve now stepped it up a gear. One of our loyal guests works for Wood Green, The Animals Charity and we have long since offered a donation when anyone books a break, having seen us on their website.
I figured it was about time I went over to their Cambridgeshire site and it was quite an eye-opener. They do amazing work within the community, educating people on animal welfare and re-homing dogs, cats, small animals and also field animals.
This is me with Katja & Dawn from Wood Green, with a sign we appropriated from their vast gift shop! The top pic is us with Hamish and Haggis, two brothers currently looking for new homes.
And who could possibly resist this little fella below? This is Toby. Despite his sad look he is a very happy chappy and was all over us when we met him.
We now have lots of goodies to give away to our dog-owning guests, from Wood Green car stickers, lapel pins and magazines, to travel bowls.
It was a real treat having a look round and we are very proud to be working with such an amazing charity as one of the three we currently support.
Many thanks to Tony Bell Photography for the pics. Tony will soon be offering exclusive but very affordable portrait packages for our guests. With or without dogs!
Blue skies, open landscapes, country lanes and public footpaths, mixed with picture postcard villages, beaches, marshland and a large dollop of eccentricity, Suffolk is an ideal Autumn holiday escape. All the pics on this page were taken from our holiday cottages and down our lane in October 2012
Continue reading Autumn breaks in our luxurious Suffolk Holiday Cottages
With the farmhouse sleeping 7 adults, plus toddlers, and all six of our barns sleeping 2 adults, plus a toddler, we can cope with large groups of family and friends, right down to intimate, romantic breaks for 2 so whether it’s a big family holiday or a romantic countryside break for couples, we have a luxurious self-catering cottage to suit you!
Birthdays
We have played host to many special birthdays, from 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th, 70th even to 80th. The more ‘mature’ celebrations onwards tend to be larger family holidays in Woodfarm House, with a smattering of children and grandchildren. You are more than welcome to put banners, bunting and balloons up on the oak beams, which are in all the cottages.
First holidays
The ideal first romantic getaway for the new love in your life. Romance is the key here at Woodfarm, with rustic charm oozing out of every oak beam, lavishly equipped and decorated cottages and privacy to simply be together.
Don’t just take our word for it… “A great little barn. Perfect for seeing in our 1st New Year together” – Paul & Penny, January 2012.
We are also a very popular destination for ‘Baby’s First Holiday’ as we provide Travel Cots and High Chairs so we do get a lot of parents coming for their first proper outing as a family with new arrivals.
Proposals
We have had several proposals here and happily join in with setting your cottage up with flowers, champagne, candles etc. in order for you to pop the question. This is what we did for a proposal in 2012 in the Granary Barn, along with Champagne waiting on ice.
Staying here in July 2012, Conor & Amanda wrote: “The perfect balance of hospitality and privacy in a beautiful location. We were so taken by the place we even got engaged here last night! We cant wait to come back.”
Honeymoons
We have had honeymoons in just about all of our barns, as well as the Farmhouse, with some amazing testimonials.
In June 2013 we even had the happy bride setting off from Stour Barn. Congratulations to Stacey & Barry.
Valentine’s
The perfect time to celebrate romance! We are always fully booked for valentines so it’s worth booking early.
Don’t just take our word for it… “It was beautiful, peaceful and blissfully happy on Valentine’s weekend.” – Robbie, February 2012.
Christmas & New Year
This is an extra special time of the year here at Woodfarm and we have always been fully booked. From the first year when we just had one holiday cottage, Woodfarm House, the following year when we added the Granary Barn and then the following year when we had the five new barns all up and running.
Our holiday cottages all lend themselves to the cosy charm you would expect from a yule-tide break in the country.
Book early to avoid disappointment!
Hen Parties
We have had a number of hen parties in Woodfarm House now, which is great as they tend to be more ‘girly weekends’ than rowdy bashes. With a DVD collection in excess of 500 here for our guests, there’s plenty to accompany a few bottles of wine and a roaring log fire in the colder weather.
Anniversaries
Whatever the Wedding Anniversary, we have a holiday cottage for you to celebrate in style. From a romantic getaway for two in one of our Suffolk Barns, to a full family celebration in Woodfarm House, sleeping seven adults, as well as toddlers.
To make it all extra special we have a fabulous team of local ‘Business Partners’
To work with you, whatever your occasion and requirements, we have a number of local small businesses perfectly poised to help out:
Elizabeth Tunstall – Florist
With bouquest & arrangements starting at just £20, see our blog post on some floral displays that she has done for guests here already.
Vicky Dreher – Photographer
Vicky specialises in portrait photography and has taken some fabulous photos around Woodfarm House & Barns. Full Blog Post coming soon but check out Vicky’s Facebook page.
Beautiful Bakes – Bespoke cakes
Local homemade cakes for every occasion. Janette Gibbons makes all her cakes to order for a number of local delis and coffee shops and has offered a range of bespoke bakery treats for our guests. Full Blog post coming soon but check out some of her wares.
Deli hampers
We have mouth-watering Suffolk Hampers put together especially for us, beautifully presented in your holiday cottage, awaiting your arrival. There are options starting at £25 but they will happily discuss your requirements with you. The standard options are on our Blog Post.
Mark Peters – Michelin Star Chef
Mark works closely with us, providing bespoke, exclusive dinner party menus to suit any occasion. He hosted Suffolk’s first-ever ‘Pop-up Restaurant’ here at Woodfarm House in 2013 – check it out.
Tracey Starie
We have teamed up with Tracey Starie, who started her business ‘Fizzy Bubbles’ as a complete career change from accountancy to producing hand-made, 100% natural soap and beauty products (gotta say I would too!). Have a look at our Blog Post on Tracey.
The Beauty Barn – Massage, Hair and Beauty Treatments
Based just two minutes from Woodfarm Barns, the Beauty Barn (there are a lot of barns in Suffolk) are excited about offering some great packages for our guests.
Debbie, the owner has had a good nose around Woodfarm to get a feel for what experience our guests have here, so she can understand what they would want from her and has put together some great ideas for those that love a bit of pampering.
Check out our Beauty Barn Blog Post.
Luxury Holidays in the beautiful rural Suffolk Countryside in our self-catering cottages. We have now developed a specific website, called Where Do We?… for this as there’s lots to do when you holiday around the area but have a scroll through here for just a few ideas. Check out www.wheredowe.co.uk
Walking, Nature reserves & Bird Spotting – We have a separate page for all this here
Cycling
Golf
Equestrian activities/ Horse riding
Art- Local Galleries, local exhibitions and craft shops
Theatres
Kids activities
Ski-ing & Snowboarding
Gliding
Sailing
CYCLING
We have a selection of bicycles here, free to use for all of our guests. We have ladies and gents mountain bikes, as well as a couple of racers and a couple of kids bikes too. We also have a fabulous tandem too, called Daisy! She is sure to make your holiday memorable! Some of the bikes in our shed, along with hundreds of DVD’s, books, CD’s and Tourist Information
You can cycle straight down the lane to Coddenham as mentioned above and there are some great circular routes around the nearby villages of Helmingham, Ashbocking, Framsden and Pettaugh
We have local OS maps available to you and there is one up in the shed on the wall with some of the local routes marked out
There’s a 15m cycle route either turning left or right out of here, known as the Gosbeck route. You can view the route on www.cycle-route.com
If you click on Suffolk you can see the nearest ones to here;
They are The Stowmarket County Tour (18m), the aforementioned Gosbeck Route and the Ipswich Loop South Route (18m) – There’s also one in Southwold on there (43m!)
GOLF
There are a number of golf courses and driving ranges around us;
Stonham Barns Golf Centre
Literally 2 minutes round the corner from Woodfarm, a 9 hole golf course, 28 bay floodlit driving range, mini-golf putting, Golf Direct UK golf store and PGA professional golf tuition – 01449 711545
Stowmarket Golf Course
A mature course, with a wide variety of trees that provides a wonderful spectrum of colour throughout the changing seasons. A course set amongst trees with an array of wildlife that makes one feel part of nature. At 6107 yards, Stowmarket is a par 69 that is rarely beaten, even by the most accomplished of players.
It is challenging enough for the English Golf Union to designate it as a “Centre of Excellence” to use on a regular basis to develop and train the county’s best Junior Golfers
You do need to be a member of another course to prove you are ‘serious’ enough to play – 01449 736473
HORSE RIDING/ EQUESTRIAN ACTIVITIES
There are lots of riding schools and liveries nearby. The following is a list of those within 10-15 minutes of Woodfarm House;
Topthorn
Grove Farm, Debenham Road, Stonham Aspal, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 6BX
Tel: 01449 711962
Contact: Mr Nigel Foulger
Clint Farm Livery
Clint Rd, Eye, Suffolk, IP23 7JE
Tel: 01379 870659
Contact: Mr R Owen
Copdock Riding Centre
Mace Green Stud Farm, Wenham Rd, Copdock, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP8 3EY
Tel: 01473 730678
Contact: Mrs A Withy
Haag R
Birds Lane, Framsden, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 6HR
Tel: 01728 685717
Contact: Mr R Haag
Hawkins Farm Riding Stables
Hawkins Farm, Mendlesham Green, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 5RB
Tel: 01449 766264
Contact: Mrs F Harrison
Henley
Ashbocking Rd, Henley, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP6 0SA
Tel: 01473 785055
Contact: Ms Sarah Cole
High House Riding Centre
High House Farm, Mendlesham Green, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 5RQ
Tel: 01449 766716
Contact: Mr D Nunn
ART – Local Galleries, local exhibitions and craft shops
The Grainger Gallery – Round the corner from Woodfarm on the A140/ A1120 crossroads
Pete Grainger was born and grew up in Nottingham but now lives in Suffolk. Pete has always had an interest in drawing, which led him to study an art foundation course in Ipswich. The following year he enrolled at Norwich School of Art where he studied for a degree in Fine Art. He found that he could not get enough of learning and believes he did 5 years in 3 as he would invariably arrive at university first thing in the morning and would be last to leave in the evening, with the caretakers locking up behind him!
Pete appreciates all art and is never short of ideas, he makes a mental note of anything that catches his eye, from chickens and pigs to a Suffolk cottage in the moonlight, and then sketches them down to work on later. His love of art stems particularly from his liking of people whether it is a group of people laughing in a restaurant or someone stood looking in a shop window. He is extremely inventive and enjoys trying new ideas and techniques. For the last couple of years he has been experimenting with plaster, which he calls his modern day version of frescos. Pete feels quite excited and positive because when they work they are quite beautiful.
Pete is approachable, friendly and enjoys chatting. He loves to get feedback from people who come into the Gallery where there is always a cup of tea on the go!
Open Sat & Sun 10 – 5 (Closed Jan & Feb)
Tel: 01449 711813
The Crooked House is in the heart of Lavenham – a Suffolk village famous for its preserved medieval timbered buildings built by wealthy cloth merchants in the 15th century
The Gallery is in the medieval building of the Crooked House, one of England’s most vertically challenged structures! Originally built by a wealthy cloth merchant around 1395, The Crooked House is the service wing of his grand hall house: one of many historic homes in Lavenham, Suffolk
The Gallery is run by Clare Calder-Marshall and artist/writer Alison Englefield. It is a treasure trove of original and inspiring artworks – many of which are by East Anglian artists and can be purchased by mail order
Opening hours: 10 – 5.0 daily except Wednesdays
(Summer holidays they stay open to 5.30 – 6pm)
01787 247 865 – Have a look at their website here
CRAFTS
Some crafts & gifts are available at The Alder Carr Farm, The Chilli Company and the Deben Rose in Debenham – all withing 10 minutes fo Woodfarm Barns. There are also craft items available within the Stonham barns complex just round the corner on the A1120
Other outlets nearby include;
Brook Farm, Buxhall, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 3DH
01449 736 363
C and S Crafts
20-22 Bury Street, Stowmarket IP14 1HH
01449 675 918
They make their products at home and sell them throughout East Anglia at craft fairs, via their website and also an e-bay shop
E-mail – info@candscrafts.co.uk – 01449 616838 or 07936 683239
Bridge Farm Barns – A great complex South of Needham Market – Well worth a visit
01449 740456
Monks Eleigh, Suffolk IP7 7AY
Bridge Farm Barns incorporates Corn Craft (01449 740456), Black Barn Toys & Games (01449 740456) and Bridge Farm Plants (01449 740502)
Click here to have a look at Bridge Farm Barns website
THEATRES
Corn Hall, Diss, IP22 4LB – Half an hour away to the North on the A140
The Corn Hall is a fine example of a 19th Century corn exchange, located in the heart of the historic market town of Diss, half an hour up the A140 from here
It is managed by local volunteers, ‘The friends of Diss Corn Hall’ and stages a wide variety of theatre, music, dance, cinema and comedy
The box office can be contacted on 01379 652241
or by email; boxoffice@disscornhall.co.uk Monday – Saturday 11 til 4
For the latest activities, productions and events at Diss Corn Hall click here
Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QR – ½ an hour away, A14 (West)
Now that the theatre is fully restored to its original 1819 glory, their Revisit programme will offer our visitors a unique theatrical and heritage experience.
As the sole surviving example of a Regency playhouse in this country, the Theatre Royal has a fascinating story to tell. A story not just about its own eventful past, but also about a previously missing link in the history of English theatre.
Under the banner of their restoring the Repertoire series, they’re going to be rediscovering much of the undeservedly forgotten theatrical repertoire of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries
You can also take a guided tour of the Theatre or take a more leisurely look during one of the regular Open Doors sessions. They plan to establish a programme of lectures and workshops, as well as a comprehensive library archive
Theatre Royal website – Click here
01284 755127
Box Office (for all ticket bookings and enquiries
01284 769505
New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich – ½ an hour away
Spine tingling plays, critically acclaimed aerial and music theatre, comedy confections with some of the finest comics from around the world; there’s always something for everyone
Call the Box Office on 01473 295 900 or visit their website here
KIDS ACTIVITIES
Debenham Leisure Centre
Leisure centre and community hall, facilities include a multi-use sports hall, squash courts, dance and fitness studios, sauna, bowls green, football pitches, astroturf tennis courts, and a lounge bar with satellite television. The centre also offers a range of regular sports and fitness, and cultural and social activities.
Gracechurch Street, Debenham, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6BL
Tel: (01728) 861101
Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre
Leisure centre with swimming pool, spa bath and sauna, well equipped fitness studio, climbing wall, squash courts, indoor bowls and a selection of exercise classes. Centre facilities also include registered creche, cafe, licenced bar
‘Ocean Adventure’ indoor play centre for children
Gainsborough Road, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1LH
Tel: (01449) 674980
Ten-pin Bowling – Solar Bowl – Sproughton Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 5AQ
01473 241242
Colchester Zoo – 35 mins away – CO3 0SL
A brilliant day out for all the family. The zoo has had millions spemt on it over the years and a great deal of emphasis has been placed on animal welfare
Tel; 01206 331292 – Colchester Zoo Website
Banham Zoo – Kenninghall Road, Banham, Norfolk NR16 2HE (45 mins away)
Tel: 01953 887445 – Banham Zoo Website
Crazy Golf @ Stonham Barns round the corner – Check out their website here
Suffolk Ski Centre, Bourne Hill, Wherstead, Ipswich, IP2 8NQ
The focus for Ski & Snowboard Activity in Suffolk, South Norfolk and North Essex with their main slope at 180 metres long incorporating a contoured ‘red’ run, a softer ‘blue’ run; and a new 40m junior slope they can accommodate beginner’s improvers and experienced skiers & boarders The main slope is serviced by 2 lifts, and all slopes are fully floodlit…..
Toboggan Fun!
If you want the chance to try something fun, fast and fabulous then tobogganing has to be it. Their plastic toboggans are great fun especially for kids, and are used on a safe carpeted slope away from the ski slopes, close to the ski lodge.
Learn to Ski & Snowboard
Whether you want to learn or improve your skiing or snowboarding they have a course to meet your needs, availability and skill levels, all provided by a first class team of qualified and certified instructors.
Closed on bank holidays.
Telephone 01473 602347 – Suffolk Ski Centre Website
Easton Farm Park, Grundisburgh, IP13 0EQ – East along the A1120 (25 minutes)
There are lots of animals to see: kid goats, bunnies, guinea pigs, little piglets and two new Suffolk Punch foals to meet. Activities take place every half hour and are included in the entry price, including pony rides, cart rides, hug a bunny, hold a chick, pig fun, barrel bug ride and the family train.
Easton Farm Park is open every day from 10:30am to 6pm – 01728 746475
Carters Teapot Pottery, Stonham Barns (2 minutes away)
Enjoy Painting at the Teapot Pottery and relax in a friendly atmosphere and create your own design. They will glaze and fire it for you, simply return in a few days and collect your creation. The Studio Fee is around £5 per person and the pots range from £3.00 – £50.00. Booking is not normally essential but preferable!
01728 860475 – Have a look at their website here
Baylam Rare Breeds – A wonderful day out with all the family. Spend a day in the country by a lovely river and a lake and enjoy feeding their friendly animals. Have a light lunch or bring a picnic and why not indulge yourselves with a Suffolk clotted cream tea or homemade cakes. You can meet breeds that were well known 80 years ago, White Park, Old Gloucester, Shetland, Berkshire, Middle White, Large Black, Norfolk Horn, Greyface Dartmoor, Balwen, Llanwenog, Herdwick, Ixworth, Scots Dumpy, Scots Grey. Meet the foreigners; the Kune pigs and the Ouessant sheep and let the children spend their pocket money in the Visitors Centre
GLIDING
We’ve teamed up with Rattlesden Gliding Club to offer our guests an exclusive short-term membership! For breath-taking views of Suffolk as experienced only by the birds, why not combine a break here at Woodfarm Barns with the tranquility and silence of a glider flight?
See our Blog Post here on the exclusive offer from Rattlesden Gliding Club
SAILING
We’ve also teamed up with Suffolk Coast Sailing for those guests wishing to enjoy a sailing adventure on board a modern Beneteau yacht. The skipper is RYA Yachtmaster Simon Read, based just down the road from Woodfarm Barns on the River Orwell (so good we named a barn after it!) at Woolverstone Marina between Pin Mill (great Pub there – The Butt & Oyster) and Ipswich
Have a look at the Blog Post we did on Suffolk Coast Sailing here
We have only covered a handful of things on this page but suffice it to say that there are lots of things to do while on dog friendly holidays at Woodfarm Barns and Suffolk in general. For lots more ideas have a look on Where Do We?…
