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Welcome to Suffolk!

The Suffolk and Norfolk borders have a great deal to offer.

Whether you're looking to relax in the countryside or experience the breathtaking coastline, this area has something for everybody.

Bungay (5 minutes drive)

The historic market town of Bungay lies in the Waveney Valley, boasting a variety of quaint shops and eateries. Bungay hosts popular garden street markets and antique fairs. Situated on the edge of The Broads, this town is partly encircled by the River Waveney.

Beccles (8 minutes drive)

Made up of traditional market squares and winding streets, the town of Beccles serves as host for many community events, festivals, and entertainment held throughout the year.

There is a fantastic ferry service, by 'Big Dog Ferries', that runs between Beccles Lido and the idyllic Locks Inn Pub at Geldeston. The tranquil 3 mile boat journey along the River Waveney provides the opportunity to enjoy the local wildlife including kingfishers, otters, and marsh harriers.

Harleston (16 minutes drive)

With a huge variety of unique speciality shops along it's high-street, Harleston is another charming town with so much local history it even has it's own small museum. Every summer Harleston holds it's popular 'Antiques & Vintage Street Market' which boasts street food and entertainment.

Halesworth (17 minutes drive)

Perfectly located for exploring both the coastline and countryside, Halesworth sits just North-East of Suffolk. The town boasts many fascinating buildings dating back as far as the sixteenth century and offers a wide variety of antique shops.

Norwich (25-30 minutes drive)

The ancient city of Norwich caters to a huge variety of interests. Whether you enjoy discovering the independent art galleries, vintage shops, and quirky cafés of the Norwich Lanes; or would prefer to visit landmarks such as Norwich Castle or Cathedral - there's always something to explore.

Snape Maltings (40 minutes drive)

The beautiful Vicorian Maltings have been converted into a world-famous arts complex and concert hall. Host to the Aldeburgh Food Festival in late September, the Maltings has it's own extensive antiques centre, food hall, art galleries, and distinctive house & garden shop. With it's outstanding natural beauty, Snape Maltings boasts an amazing backdrop of reeds on the banks of the River Alde.

Walking, Wildlife & Beaches

Walking

There are a variety of local walks ranging from a couple of miles to 10 or more miles. The Angles Way is located along our lane, and there are many delightful walks in and around Bungay. Linked below is a useful website for walkers:

https://bungay-suffolk.co.uk/walks-trails-suffolk-walks-bigods-way/

RSPB Minsmere (30 minutes drive)

Was for many years the home of BBC's 'Springwatch' programme, Minsmere is a popular

nature reserve covering vast areas of reed beds, lowland heath, acid grassland, wet grassland, woodland, and shingle vegetation. The spectacular winter starling murmuration at Minsmere is a sight you won't want to miss.

Dunwich Heath and Beach (32 minutes drive)

Maintained by the National Trust, is a treasure that sits tucked away along the Suffolk coast. It offers breathtaking landscapes of bright purple heather and a seemingly never-ending shingle beach, as well as providing residence to a variety of rare species such as the Dartford warbler, nightjar and woodlark.

Southwold Beach (28 minutes drive)

Southwold is a 'Blue-Flag' awarded beach due to it's variety of amenities, quality, and fantastic cleanliness. It's colourful beach-huts sit over-looking the beautiful sand and shingle beach, spanning the entire length of the promenade. Southwold boasts an assortment of both luxury and high-street shops, as well as independent eateries that are all a stones-throw from the beach and famous pier.

Pubs, Cafés & Restaurants

Pubs

Here on the Suffolk/Norfolk borders we are lucky to have some fantastic real ale pubs with an abundance of locally brewed ales, some offer occasional live music and serve a variety of home-cooked food. There are year-round brewery tours available in the area, with plenty of tastings!

Linked below are a few of our favourites:

The Green Dragon - www.greendragonbungay.co.uk
The Locks Inn - www.instagram.com/thelocksgeldeston
St Peters Brewery - www.stpetersbrewery.co.uk
The Artichoke - www.facebook.com/theArtichokeatBroome
The Fleece Inn - https://thefleeceinnbungay.co.uk

Cafés and Restaurants

Situated in Bungay, there are many places to eat including:

The Old Bank Tearoom - Quirky, old-fashioned tearooms with great cake and light lunches.
Earsham Street Café - Friendly, charming café with homemade cakes and delicious lunches.
Suffolk Stonehouse - Dine in or takeaway at this unique stonebaked pizza restaurant, the name of each pizza is inspired by the local area.
The Fleece Inn - A welcoming, 'posh' pub offering local ales, an appetising seasonal menu, and a real log fire.
The Three Cooks - Family run restaurant serving locally sourced, homemade food at reasonable prices.
Earsham Hall - A beautiful country mansion serving afternoon teas and lunches. You can also take a tour of the house and be inspired by their interior shop.

If you don't wish to go out in the evening, you are welcome to order a takeaway and use our dining room with the wood burner lit or, weather permitting, sit in the garden.

Vicarage Farmhouse B&B

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