Thorpeness Regatta & Fireworks

The annual Thorpeness Regatta will again be taking place on the iconic Thorpeness Meare from 10am on Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th August 2012. This is followed by the enchanting and magical Friday evening, whereby lit boats are floated on the Meare, followed by a spectacular fireworks display at dusk.

For accommodation in and around the area, there are plenty of holiday cottages in Thorpeness and Aldeburgh.

Written on February 21, 2012 at 14:33 PM, by rebecca

King Raedwald gets a Makeover as National Trust Spruces up for Spring

Across the county, Suffolk's National Trust properties are a hive of activity, preparing for the new season opening this Spring.

At Ickworth house, dusting the Rotunda's stonework may be one of the chores, followed by restoration work of its old masters by Gainsborough, Hogarth and Titian. At Sutton Hoo in Woodbridge, cleaning preparations are in full swing to launch a new exhibit about the burial of Anglon Saxon King Raedwald, former ruler of East Anglia. King Raedwald is usually treated to an annual "make over" that may include brushing his hair and ensuring that the objects surrounding him are clean and shiny. At Lavenham Guildhall, "Ramesses", the mummified cat, is normally treated to a spring time grooming. Ramesses was originally found in the roof of a Lavenham home, believed to ward off evil spririts.

For more details of each property's activities and spring opening times, visit the National Trust website. If you are combining your visit with a holiday in Suffolk, there are plenty of holiday cottages near to the National Trust sites in Woodbridge and Lavenham.

Written on February 21, 2012 at 14:00 PM, by rebecca

Discover Suffolk - Cycle and Walking Tracks

Whether you wish to explore the Suffolk Heritage Coast, the Brecks, the forests at Rendlesham or Dunwich, or go further inland to Constable Country, there is an extensive range of cycle and walking tracks to be found in this rich and diverse county. With over 5,000km of waymarked paths, two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, long distance footpaths and national cycle routes, Suffolk offers a wealth of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.

The Discover Suffolk website features a number of interactive maps, helping you to plan your route, whether on foot, bicycle or even horseback! Their website also has details of the annual Suffolk Walking Festival - taking place from 29th May - 10th June 2012.

Nearer to the coast, the Sandlings area offers a stunning 60-mile walk between the eastern fringes of Ipswich and Southwold, linking the remaining fragments of the beautiful Sandlings Heath, and journeying through the Suffolk Coast and Heath's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Sandlings walk and maps are broken up into smaller stages, travelling through Martlesham, Rendelsham, Dunwich, Walberswick and Southwold.

If you are planning to stay in the area, Suffolk Secrets has plenty of holiday accommodation in the Sandlings area. There are also options to hire bikes and canoes nearby.

Written on February 21, 2012 at 13:29 PM, by rebecca

Beacon Rally Karts, Woodbridge

For an adrenaline-packed, fun filled day for all the family, why not visit Beacon Rally Karts in Martlesham near Woodbridge. The centre has 3 outdoor, off-road karting tracks available with four different kart sizes available: children aged 5-6, children aged 7-10, juniors aged 10-15 and adults. The racing is fast, powerful and exciting, no matter which track, or size of kart you're driving. For further details the website.

Suffolk Secrets has plenty of accommodation in and arround the Woodbridge area.

Written on February 21, 2012 at 12:58 PM, by rebecca

Enchantress - Waveney River Tours

The Enchantress departs from the quay at Snape Maltings - the very same quay where generations of seafarers have plied their trade. Heading out onto the inland estuary of the River Alde, meander through the Withies to the medieval church at Iken. Along the way, you could spot Curlews and Marsh Harriers or the occasional harbour seal. Departures are dependant on tides so please phone Waveney River Tours for further information on tel: 07910 657903.

Suffolk Secrets has holiday cottages in the area at Snape and Iken.

Written on February 21, 2012 at 12:49 PM, by rebecca

Go Ape! Suffolk

Go Ape! situated in Brandon near Thetford, was Winner of the Suffolk Tourism Award for Best Tourism Experience 2011. Set in the heart of Britain's largest lowland pine forest, the course is centred around 30 miles of bike and walking trails from which to explore 50,000 acres of forest..

2012 brings about some exciting changes to including a new Tarzan Swing and an Alpine zip.  Don't forget the adventure does not need to stop there. You can get off the beaten track and enjoy our forest adventure with Go Ape! Forest Segway - an epic new experience with a down to earth twist.

For opening hours and further information, visit the website.

Written on February 21, 2012 at 12:41 PM, by rebecca

Iken Canoe & The River Alde

Iken Canoe is a small and friendly kayak and canoe hire centre based on the picturesque upper reaches of the Alde estuary, between Snape and Aldeburgh. Canoe and kayak hire trips can be booked for 2 hours, a half day, or full day, suitable for all skill levels.

Why not explore the River Alde, a rich, natural environment which is teeming with wildlife, and situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The River Alde itself begins as an inland freshwater stream, however the tidal section of the river commences at Snape Maltings, renowned home of Snape Maltings and the annual Aldeburgh music festival.

One mile downstream of Snape Maltings is one of the most stunning locations in East Angliia: Iken Cliff, where Iken Canoe is based. Despite its remote location, historically, Iken Cliff had many trade routes. As well as being an important fishing village, sailing barges used to transport corn from Iken Cliff to London between 1780 and 1868. On its 18 mile journey down to the sea from Snape Bridge, the river passes some of the most significant coastal marshland sites for birds in the country including marsh harrier, avocet and curlew. Other wildlife can also be spotted, such including and seals basking on the mud banks.

For more information or to book a canoe, please call 01728 688267 or 07747761197. Suffolk Secrets has holiday cottages in Aldeburgh, Iken and Snape.

Written on February 21, 2012 at 12:31 PM, by rebecca

Coastal Voyager

Launching from Southwold Harbour, the Coastal Voyager offers an exhilarating ride around Sole Bay, perfect for the adrenalin seeker!

The high speed journey out to sea is one of the most popular trips in which the 400hp Coastal Voyager is put through its formidable paces in a 30 min tour of Solebay.

If you prefer something a little more tranquil, the 30 minute River Blyth cruise passes through a protected area, which includes many important birds including Marsh Harriers, Heron, cormorants, and Osprey. If you are really lucky our resident seal 'Dorothy' may be sunbathing on her island but due to her busy schedule we can't promise that!

The trip includes a stop at the Blythburgh White Hart pub, enough time for a meal on our lunch or evening cruise, the moonlit evening cruises are quite breathtaking! (Meal not included in cruise price).

For more details and bookings tel: 07887 525 082

Written on February 21, 2012 at 12:12 PM, by rebecca

VisitEngland's Gold Classification Awarded to Suffolk Secrets' Holiday Cottages

VisitEngland’s unique Gold Awards are given in recognition of exceptional quality within a property's star rating, or for outperforming a star rating. The Gold Award is also presented to properties that achieve high overall scores in the sectional consistency areas, to include public areas, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen and cleanliness.

Suffolk Secrets is proud to represent many cottages that have been given a Gold Award, following a yearly VisitEngland Self-catering Property Assessment.

To view a selection of Suffolk Secrets holiday cottages that have a current Gold Award (as at 18/02/2012), please visit the following links:-

Pier Lodge, Southwold

The Sail Loft, Aldeburgh

3 Dolphin Close, Thorpeness

Pine Lodge, Aldeburgh

Postmasters, Southwold

Rowan Villa, Southwold

Samphire House, Aldeburgh

Written on February 18, 2012 at 15:18 PM, by rebecca

Southwold Summer Film Festival

20th - 22nd July 2012

Southwold's Electric Picture Palace cinema is gearing up for a two-day event in July focusing on legendary London film-maker, Ealing Studios. It will come just months after this iconic venue marks its tenth anniversary (on the 18th May) and 100 years since a cinema first opened in the town.

At present, the 68-seat cinema on Blackmill Road - opened by Monty Python star Michael Palin - is undergoing a two storey extension consisting of a new-look foyer, toilets, office, film archive and private screening room. The Edwardian-style venue now screens about 100 films a year over four seasons. It also prides itself on preserving the traditions of British cinema by having an organ player during the interval.

For more information on the festival and cinema call the Electric Picture Palace box office on 07815769565.

Written on February 16, 2012 at 16:39 PM, by rebecca