Featured Events 2017

There's a packed programme of events in Suffolk this year, with some fantastic highlights, such as Latitude in July, FolkEast Festival in August, Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival and Maui Waui Festival in September. For later in the Autumn there is Ways with Words in Southwold a literary festival and Flipside Brazilian Festival at Snape Maltings Concert Hall.

Here is a list of events on in the area for Suffolk throughout the year. For more inspiration, it's also worth taking a look at the Suffolk Tourist Guide 'What's On' Listings.

Featured Events 2017

  • Steam train at platform

    Steam Railways & Museums in Norfolk & Suffolk

    15 February, 2017

    Norfolk and Suffolk are home to some of the most magnificent vintage steam railways in the country. They offer a nostalgic experience, away from the electronic world that we live in today – and is one that many people have not had the opportunity to enjoy.

    We’ve put together a list of the heritage and steam railways and museums to visit while you’re on holiday in Suffolk or the Norfolk area.

    North Norfolk – Near Sheringham

    Poppy Line – North Norfolk Railway: Easily accessible from Cromer, the North Norfolk railway at Sheringham, offers much more than just a train ride, it offers an insight into the world of yesterday. The route will bring you along some of the finest coastal countryside you could wish to see, and you’ll be riding along one of their professionally restored coaches. All stations on the line have been restored and have a range of attractions for you to enjoy, with lunch and evening meals available so you can make the most of your day. Take a look at our cottages in Cromer and find the perfect place to stay.

    Website: http://www.nnrailway.co.uk

    Address: Station Approach, Sheringham NR26 8RA, England

    North Norfolk – Aylsham

    Bure Valley Railway: Halfway between Cromer and Norwich, the Bure Valley railway runs between Aylsham and Wroxham, in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. One of Norfolk’s longest gauge railways, there are a number of quaint villages along the line, where you can stop and explore and board again simply by waving down the driver as the steam train approaches.  The station itself features a café offering cakes, treats, snacks and homemade hot meals.

    Website: http://www.bvrw.co.uk

    Location: Bure Valley Railway, Aylsham Station, Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6BW

    North Norfolk – Wells Next-the-Sea

    The Wells & Walsingham Light Steam Railway:  Running between Wells and Walsingham, all stations along the line have been restored and the two locomotives that run on this railway are well known within the steam industry. Overall, the location is one of Britain’s best little railways, and is a must visit if you’re in the area.

    Website: http://www.wellswalsinghamrailway.co.uk

    Location: Wells to Walsingham Light Railway, Wells Next-the-Sea, Norfolk. NR23 1QB.

    Mid Norfolk - Dereham

    Mid-Norfolk Railway: Running between Dereham and Wymondham Abbey, this line offers dining experiences on selected days of the week – so you can enjoy a cream tea or fish and chip supper while trundling through the heart of the Norfolk countryside.

    Website: http://www.mnr.org.uk

    Location: Station Road, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 1DF

    South Norfolk/North Suffolk border – near Diss

    Bressingham Steam & Gardens

    Less of a steam railway, more of a heritage museum – the 4km track winds its way through the 20 acres of landscaped gardens, passing locomotive sheds, the galloper carousel and the Dad’s Army Collection. There is something for all of the family and is a great day out.

    Website: http://www.bressingham.co.uk/home.aspx

    Location: Low Road, Bressingham, Diss, IP22 2AA 

    Take a look at our holiday cottages in Suffolk to find the ideal place for your stay.

    If you have any other insights or updates regarding our list, please do email us and let us know, so that we can keep our information up to date.

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  • Minsmere @ 70 Wildlife Walk

    21 March, 2017

    Explore the seasonal sights and sounds at Minsmere, discover some of our amazing wildlife and learn about key moments in Minsmere's 70 year history during this guided walk with our friendly and knowledgeable guides. With regular dates throughout the year, it's a brilliant opportunity to get in touch with nature on your holiday.

    Start at 9.15 am (3-4 hours)

    Price: Adults £8, children £4 (plus normal reserve entry fees for non-members)

    Booking essential

    Dates: 

    April: Sat 1, Sun 9, Sat 15, Sun 23, Sat 29

    May: Sun 7, Sat 13, Sun 21, Sat 27

    June: Sun 4, Sat 10, Sun 18, Sat 24

    June- Start 9.30, 3 hours: Tues 6, 13, 20, 27

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  • Things To Do In Southwold

    12 May, 2017

    Suffolk is the perfect location for families, couples and friends, with plenty to see and do in an area full of natural beauty. The iconic town of Southwold, on the “Suffolk Riviera” offers relaxing strolls on the golden sandy beach and a bustling town packed with independent boutiques, shops, cafés and restaurants. 

    Top 10 Things to Do In Southwold

    Southwold Lighthouse Tour
    The Southwold Lighthouse has been an important landmark since 1890, guiding vessels safely into the harbour. A visitor centre is open on specific days and offers 20-minute tours, showing off some of the most breath-taking views in the county.


    Southwold Summer Theatre
    The Southwold Summer Theatre offers a range of productions throughout the season. Ranging in genre, there is something for everyone, with some real class acts and truly fascinating plots to get your teeth into.


    The Amber Museum 
    The only museum in the UK dedicated to the history of the gemstone, amber. Whilst visiting you will learn about how amber was formed over 50 million years ago, and its uses throughout history.


    Southwold Maize Maze
    The perfect family day out, open from July through to early September. Navigate your way through the maze; let the kids expend some energy on the 'jumping pillow', pedal tractors and climbing the tower before relaxing for a family lunch in the picnic area. The ice creams come highly recommended!


    The Coastal Voyager 
    For a high-speed race across the water, try the Coastal Voyager’s ‘Sea Blast’, a 30-minute high-speed tour of Sole Bay, which is not for the faint hearted! They also offer other, more relaxing trips including grey seals at Scroby Sands or a three-hour River Blyth Cruise, with breath-taking views and the chance to see marsh harriers, heron, seals and, possibly even an osprey.

    Southwold Pier
    The Victorian pier hosts a range of entertainment, including wacky mirrors, the waterclock and quantum tunnelling telescope! The iconic beach huts, with their creative names, are closeby, as are food, drinks, shops and much more.


    The Electric Picture Place 
    A throwback to the early 1900’s, offering a traditional cinema experience, combined with modern day films. A traditional booth is run to book tickets, and you will be personally cared for, with comfort being the top priority.


    Alfred Corry Lifeboat Museum 
    The museum tells the story of Alfred Corry’s rescue career, from 1893 to 1918 and details the rich history of the area. Admission is free, although donations are welcomed.


    Adnams Distillery Tours
    The Copper House distillery is the most energy-efficient of its kind in the UK, with water and steam generated being used by the brewery. Since their launch in 2010, their spirits have won award after award. Tours operate daily and there is an onsite shop, so you can pick up some tasty treats before you leave.


    Under The Pier Show
    The Under the Pier show is among the most unique arcades in the UK, with a range of handmade retro and modern coin and entertainment machines. The magic remains, with an incredibly rich atmosphere and free feel throughout. Not one to miss!


    Our Team’s Top Food Choice
    The Team here in the office have unanimously chosen the Little Fish and Chip Shop on the High Street. It offers competitively price “proper” fish and chips that won’t disappoint!

    Our Southwold Area Guide offers additional information on places to eat in the town. Alternatively, Aldeburgh is a short distance further down the coast and should also be visited during your stay.

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  • Birdwatching for Beginners

    25 June, 2017

    Many people have begun birdwatching at Minsmere over the last 70 years. Out RSPB guides will take you through all the steps for bird identification as well as showing you how to use binoculars and which field guides are best for you. They'll then help you to spot some of the reserve's seasonal highlights. no previous experience needed. 

    Start: 10.30am (2.5 hours) 

    Price: Adults £8, children £4 plus normal reserve entry fees for non-members.

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  • Forest Live 2017, Thetford Forest, Suffolk

    29 June, 2017

    Forest Live takes place in June and July every summer and attracts an eclectic mix of acts performing in a spectacular forest location. Forest Live is an independent programme organised by the Forestry Commission to bring forests to new audiences. Income from ticket sales is spent on protecting, improving England’s forests and woodlands and increasing their value to people and widelife.

    The line-up for this year’s series of events includes:

    Elbow, Olly Murs, Rick Astley and Clean Bandit.

    Thetford Forest is in Brandon in Suffolk – view our range of countryside cottages in Suffolk here.

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