48 Hours for Adventurers!

Start your trip with a step back in time at National Trust Sutton Hoo...

An awe-inspiring Anglo Saxon Royal burial site set in a stunning 255-acre estate. Visitors can stroll around the ancient burial site whilst learning all about this hugely significant archeological discovery.

Amazing artefacts can be found in High Hall, where you will discover the way our ancestors lived through a variety of interesting displays. Learn more about the mysterious King who was buried with his ship and take a closer look at the intricately carved gold and garnet shoulder clasps, red shield and of course the iconic Sutton Hoo helmet.

Stay in a historic apartment

Explore Tranmer House; a historic country home full of objects of interest and audio and visual exhibits which will transport you back to 1939 when the burial site was first uncovered by archeologist Basil Brown. Visitors will be excited to learn than the National Trust has opened up parts of Tranmer House as accommodation, allowing you and your family to stay there overnight, enjoying the stunning views out over the River Deben from the elegant first floor apartment’s wooden veranda. The chance to stay in this tranquil family home is very special as the interiors include many original features such as the period wood paneling in the living area. Also, it was in this very place that Edith Pretty ordered the excavation of the burial site, so the location is simply steeped in Anglo Saxon history.  The accommodation comprises a kitchen, living area and marble bathroom, as well as two double bedrooms and the aforementioned veranda. 

Find out more about the accommodation on offer at National Trust Sutton Hoo:

Kyson Apartment

Deben View

Wilford Apartment

Explore The Suffolk Coast on Two Wheels

Just a fifteen-minute drive away you will find Rendlesham Forest, a glorious area of woodland and the perfect place to slow down and get back in touch with nature. Youngsters can scramble, slide and swing away on the adventure playground, complete with zip-line, while adults relax and enjoy a picnic.

The best way to take in this area of outstanding natural beauty has to be on two wheels. Bikes can be hired by the hour giving you the choice of an exhilarating spin through the trees or a more leisurely ride to Tanglewood’s sculpture garden - well worth a look. There’s even a UFO trail, which should pique the interest of all budding alien investigators. 

For cycle guides and routes, check out our 'Cycling Guide'. 

Enjoy breakfast at the Blue Rabbit Cafe...

Make an early start and a visit to the unique and innovative Blue Rabbit Café & Smallholding. This unusual café delivers a ‘farm to fork’ experience for anyone who like to know the providence of the food they eat. Chef Claire has created a sustainable and delicious menu where every item has been grown or produced on site- even the honey! Choose from bacon, egg and sausage sandwiches, a full English and even French toast with homemade seasonal fruit compote. After eating, you can stroll around the smallholding and visit the animals who live there- including pigs, chickens and alpacas. Don’t forget to take some of Claire’s lovely home baked goodies with you on your adventures. 

Paddle up the River Deben...

Now that you’re set up for the day, head on down to Iken Canoe Sailing centre where you can hire out a range of paddle crafts and take to the waters of the river Alde to explore several routes, all with fantastic views and wildlife in abundance; you might be lucky enough to spot a Marsh harrier or even seals and otters.

Get the family working as a team to paddle together and you can make it all the way to Snape Bridge, stopping for refreshments at Cafe 1885 at Snape Maltings before making your way downriver to where the estuary widens and you can see the historic Blackheath Mansion and Yarn Hill Wood. Prices start at thirty pounds for a Kayak for two hours and buoyancy aids are provided.

If you’re looking for something a little grander than a canoe or kayak you absolutely must climb aboard Sailing Barge Victor, a majestically rigged 19th Century vessel complete with a bar and striking original features. Victor is an Ipswich dock built ship, which was used during the Second World War, loading munitions out of Chatham Dock- she even survived a direct bomb hit. Nowadays you can book onto one of the popular public cruises and float along the Rivers Orwell and Stour at a relaxing pace, enjoying the peace and quiet and watching the birds. 

Spend a night under the stars...

Settle down for the night in one of the luxury glamping pods set on the private estate at Wantisden Park, be at one with nature and enjoy all the excitement of camping under the stars safe in the knowledge that you can climb into a warm bed with everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Inside the pods you have everything you in in a small but perfectly formed home-from-home complete with kitchen (including wine cooler!), bathroom with toilet shower and basin and a bed decked out with luxuriously soft linen. The cosy ambience of the oak interior as well as the wood fired hot tub on the decked area ensure that you can find a moment of true relaxation in amongst the ancient woodland and wake up refreshed the next day.

There are other options too, such as the compact and stylish Birch Lodge which includes futuristic bunk beds set into the walls as well as a double bed room and sofa bed, allowing it to sleep up to six people. 

Take a look at the fantastic range of places to stay on The Suffolk Coast with our 'Where to Stay Guide'.

Head out on a wildlife adventure!

Budding photographers and nature enthusiasts should make a beeline for historic Bawdsey Hall where they can hone their skills under the expert tutelage of award winning wildlife photographer David, whose in depth knowledge and years of experience will ensure you get the perfect shot. The day-long wildlife photography workshops can be taught one to one or take place in groups and include opportunities to capture pictures of a range of wildlife such as Muntjac deer and red foxes, as well as a many different bird species.

There is also a nighttime session where you might be lucky enough to snap an owl, bat, badger or mole. David’s work has appeared in ‘Wildlife photographer of the year’ and ‘Countryfile’ so you are guaranteed to pick up some expert tips along the way. 

Watch the sunset over the River Deben...

End your trip away by tucking into a seafood supper at The Ramsholt Arms on the edge of the River Deben. This classic restaurant and pub is perfectly situated for picturesque views and lots of natural light. Choose from a delicious and varied menu which includes highlights such as Eggs Royale with Salmon and hollandaise or crispy whitebait with paprika aioli to start, followed by pear, blue cheese and pecan tart or their famous open fish pie which is packed with cod, crayfish, salmon and haddock and is served with mash and green beans.

Treat yourself to dessert and indulge in a rum and white chocolate bread and butter pudding with custard or the classic poached pear with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. 

Take your time watching the sunset while discussing all your favourite moments from this precious time spent together. 

For more food and drink inspiration take a look at our 'Places to Eat Guide'. 

Anglia Indoor Karting - With indoor racing karts and their professionally designed, exhilarating multi-level circuit, Anglia Indoor Karting brings the thrill of motorsport to all adrenaline-seekers!

High Lodge Leisure - If you love a challenge, you're sure to enjoy a day at High Lodge Leisure! Offering archery, clay shooting, foot golf, golf, fishing and air rifle experiences. 

Hippersons Boatyard - Offering day boats, canoes, kayaks and bikes, Hippersons Boatyard are on the southern reach of the Norfolk Broads in Beccles. In a day you can cruise from the Boatyard up to Oulton Broad. Once at the broad there's a choice of pubs for lunch or cafes by a play park. Or if you're feeling energetic, opt for a canoe or a kayak. Alternatively stay on dry land and explore the Waveney Valley with lots of lovely cafes to stop at en route to provide well deserved sustenance.

Pakefield Riding School - What better way to start a day of adventure than to wake up and enjoy an early morning ride along the beach! Situated close to the countryside and Pakefield beach, Pakefield Riding School offers a wide range of activities to novices, experienced and advanced equestrian enthusiasts including pony hire for a day, lessons from 2 years of age and beach rides.

Southwold Cycle Hire - Of all the ways to explore Southwold and the surrounding areas, one of the best is on the saddle of a bike! Southwold Cycle Hire offers a wide range of mountain bikes and all cycles, plus locks, pumps and helmets to ensure a smooth ride! If you're an adventure-loving family, bicycles with child seats and tag-alongs are also available on request so even toddlers and young children can still see the county in the best possible way.

Plan your adventure and check out our 'Attractions Guide'.