The Suffolk coast and the surrounding villages and towns all seem to have a majestic charm and have long had us under their unique spell. 

Last month we picked Southwold as a highlight but this month we wanted to give a virtual whistle stop tour of our other favourite Suffolk places too. 

Woodbridge

Woodbridge is set in the River Deben, about eight miles from the coast and has often been referred to as the Jewel in the Crown of Suffolk. It is home to some really beautiful shops including Vanil, and The Merchants Table. Both of which are well worth a visit!

Another firm favourite of ours is The New Street Market which is full of an inspiring mix of locally sourced and handmade clothing and homewares combined with exclusive brands from around the world. Its situated in a beautiful Victorian building and its a must for us when we visit.

There a vast array of eateries too choose from, and if you like a bit of history, then you definitely need to visit The Tide Mill too. 

Woodbridge is also home to Sutton Hoo - Owned by The National Trust, the Anglo Saxon Royal burial ground is considered to be one of the most important archaeological discoveries ever made and was recently featured in the Netflix film,The Dig too! 

Orford

Home to the renowned Pump Street Bakery, Orford Ness and Orford Castle. This beautiful little village is well worth a visit if you’re in the area. It is so beautiful all year round - whether you're picnicking in the summer sunshine or warming up with a coffee after a winter walk - It’s got you covered. 

Aldeburgh & Thorpeness

Aldeburgh is a firm favourite amongst us here at M&F. Its a great base to stay if you’re planning a trip and has a lot to offer for the whole family. Award winning fish and chips, Two Magpies Bakery and of course miles of beautiful pebbled coastline. Not forgetting the beautiful little shops all along the main high-street too.

There are no shortage of food and drink venues - some obvious, and some real hidden gems like Thai Street Cafe which serves the most amazing Thai food… Its one that you won’t want to miss! You can also walk the coastal path which is a very accessible stretch suitable for prams and wheelchairs taking you all the way to Thorpeness.

Thorpeness is a quaint little coastal village with a magical history. The village was built by Scottish playwright Glencairn Stuart Ogilvie in the Edwardian period as a private place for his friends and family to stay. It was the here that author JM Barrie who was a friend of Ogilvie, began writing his famous Peter Pan novel. You can hire a row boat and take it out on the man made Mere, where you’ll find Wendy’s Island and crocodiles (not real!) waiting to snap the Captains hand off! 

When you’re done boating, The Kitchen has a good range of food to keep you replenished and fuel you up ready for the walk back. There is also a real gem of a vintage shop called The Emporium which is situated next door to the car park and I’ve often lost an hour in there, searching for hidden treasure!

Walberswick

Situated on the River Blyth, this peaceful little seaside village neighbours Southwold. The village green is home to a collection of beautiful little gift shops and eateries and also has a tiny little play park for the little ones.  My family and I have spent many a morning crabbing down at the waters edge and I would go so far as to say that it wouldn’t feel like a Suffolk holiday without checking that off the list! And if that’s not enough to tempt you there, it also has a glorious stretch of sand dune lined beach, which is perfect for sandcastle building or winter walks. 

The Walberswick Ferry is also a Suffolk must. Incredibly, there has been a ferry boat ride of one form or another offering safe passage from Walberswick to Suffolk for a modest sum since 1236.  The ferry in its current for was resurrected in 1940 by the Church family who still run the ferry today. Its a great way to visit both Southwold and Walberswick on foot, and I would thoroughly recommend!

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