Eating Out – as well as some lovely nearby Suffolk pubs (including the Parrot and Punchbowl in the village and The Dolphin in Thorpeness) many of guests like the Lighthouse in Aldeburgh (www.lighthouserestaurant.co.uk) and Regatta Restaurant (www.regattaaldeburgh.com). New on the scene in Aldeburgh is The Suffolk (www.the-suffolk.co.uk) – not cheap but very much the place to be seen.  Other newbies (that are our personal favourites) are The Canteen in Southwold (www.oldhospitalhub.co.uk) and the Greyhound Inn Pettistree (www.greyhoundinnpettistree.co.uk)  If you like fish then definitely head for the Butley Oysterage (www.pinneysoforford.co.uk) and the Pumpstreet bakery (www.pumpstreetchocolate.com) in Orford, The Unruly Pig in Melton (www.theunrulypig.co.uk) has been voted one of the best gastropub in the UK and last but by no means least the excellent Watson and Walpole in Framlingham (www.watsonandwalpole.com).

Arts – The renowned Snape Maltings is just five miles away with a classical programme throughout the year culminating with the festival in June and Proms in July. There is the Aldeburgh festival in August and the not to be missed High Tide theatre programmes in September (www.hightide.org.uk). Love Latitude, hate camping – sleep blissfully whilst everyone else are sweltering in their tents in the July heat. Recently open there is a stunning open theatre in the Thorington woods (www.thoringtontheatre.co.uk).

Create – there are some amazing makers in the part of the country and some provide classes to share their skills. 

If you fancy a go at throwing a pot then we highly suggest Nancy Main’s studio in Yoxford (www.Yoxfordmakers.co.uk) and or the classes at the BlueBird school in Sudbourne (www.Bluebirdpotteryshed.co.uk).

We particularly love contemporary Letterpress printers Mabel &Co (www.mabeland.co) based in Thorpeness. Check out their range of classes. Probably best to book well in advance!

Nature – Located on the edge of an area of outstanding beauty the Suffolk coast’s heath,wetlands and estuaries are brimming with wildlife – the National Trust’s – Dunwich Heath and Orford Ness are not to be missed and RSPB Minsmere – home of the BBC’s Springwatch – is only five miles away.

Beaches – seek out the quiet and unspoilt sand Covehithe, solitary Shingle Street or get out the bucket and spade and tradition seaside of Southwold

Towns and Villages – As well as the ever popular Aldeburgh and Southwold there are also some wonderful villages close by – the now much diminished Dunwich, Walberswick – the choice of many of London’s literati, Orford with its 12th century keep and picturesque streets, and of course the weird and wonderful Thorpeness with its ‘House in the Clouds’ and boating lake. If you love castles or Ed Sheeran then definitely head to Framlingham and if you feel like some therapeutic shopping then we would suggest you check out the many excellent independent shops in Woodbridge (don’t miss Vanil, The Merchant’s Table or Gallery East).  Saxmundham is a little overlooked but if you are passing through then you must go to East of Eden for beautiful gifts and interiors.

Walking – 2016/17 is Suffolk’s year of walking – find out more www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk . We have a number of guides and walking maps for guests to use

Cycling – bring your bike and cycle the winding lanes or hire one locally. We would recommend www.velo-hire.co.uk based in Saxmundham (perfect if you arrive by train).

Golf – we have two superb golf courses on our doorstep – Thorpeness and Aldeburgh. We can arrange passes for guests.

Kayaking – hire canoes, kayaks and stand up paddleboards on the River Alde – for more see www.ikencanoe.co.uk