48 hours on a budget

Arrive and stay at The Westleton Crown...

The gorgeously rustic and cosy Westleton Crown is the perfect place to start your trip away, with a range of rooms for couples and also spacious family suites, you’ll find yourself feeling immediately at home. The Crown’s restaurant boasts an AA 2 rosette restaurant award and uses the freshest ingredients from local suppliers to create sophisticated yet hearty cuisine.

There are seasonal offers available to help you plan your stay and save some pennies - The ‘Rambler’s retreat’ package includes dinner for two alongside your stay, as well as breakfast and afternoon tea to look forward to after a long walk along the beach. If you fancy a bit of bird watching, why not try the ‘Spotters hideaway’ package which includes Prosecco on arrival, dinner for two and packed lunches for your trip to the nearby RSPB Minsmere Nature Reserve. Just don’t forget your binoculars! 

Enjoy an afternoon walk at National Trust Dunwich Heath and then explore Dunwich village on two wheels...

After a relaxing start it’s time to get out and about, stretch those legs and breathe in some fresh sea air. Dunwich Heath is a stunning coastal nature reserve complete with swathes of pink and purple heather and bright yellow, sweet smelling gorse. There are a whole range of winding walks for all energy levels and plenty for families to do, including ranger-led walks, geocaching and nature trails. The paths are also accessible for pushchairs and there are conveniently placed toilet facilities and parking - best of all it's all free to enjoy (parking charges apply to non National Trust members). 

Head to The Ship at Dunwich for dinner...

Situated just a short walk from the sea, The Ship is a unique and very special place for a leisurely, delicious meal. The roaring fire and homely interior offers relaxation and escape to weary travellers. Choose from a menu that is influenced by the nautical surroundings; classic fish and chips with mushy peas, Lowestoft smoked Mackerel and horseradish pate, crispy fried whitebait and traditional fish pie will please fans of seafood. There are also tempting offerings for meat eaters with slow braised Blythburgh pork belly a stand out favourite. Vegetarians will enjoy the beetroot and red onion tart served with honeyed goat’s cheese or the spiced mixed bean Scotch egg with home made spiced tomato chutney. 

The next morning travel to The Bell in Saxmundham for breakfast...

Rise and shine and head to The Bell in Saxmundham to start your day the right way. There’s something for every appetite, including a cold buffet table with cereals and juices, toast and home preserves, yoghurts and fruit. Jumbo filled baps, poached smoked salmon, omelettes and of course, The Bell full English with local Blythburgh free range chipolatas and bacon, eggs cooked your way, mushrooms, tomatoes, hash brown and black pudding. All in the relaxed surroundings of this charming hotel, you’ll be set up for the rest of the day.  

Continue on to Snape Maltings for a walk across the hen reedbeds...

The hen reedbeds at Snape are home to a plethora of birds, wildfowl and other creatures. The rich tapestry of wetland habitat, fens, dykes and pools are the best place to spy a rare dragonfly, hear a Sedge Warbler and perhaps even spy a Heron. The more elusive Otter and Water Vole also reside here as well as the beautiful Kingfisher. Linger long enough and perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to spy some rare creatures in their natural habitat.

Children will especially love the nature trail which starts at Snape Maltings. Collect an activity sheet and youngsters can follow the Spring nature trail to cataloguing everything you spot.  

Travel on to Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Foxburrow Farm...

The family friendly Foxburrow Farm Nature Reserve is an exciting place for youngsters to explore all that nature has to offer. A mix of arable and grazing land, the farm has a whole range of wildlife as well as their own sheep. Entry is free and there are a range of activities for families if you book ahead. 

Travel back to Westhall and stay at Valley Farm B&B...

All the accommodation at this family-friendly B&B forms part of a grade II, 15th century Suffolk farmhouse set in 4 acres of grounds in rural Westhall. The stunning suites contain between them a woodburner, a roll top bath and even a romantic 4 poster bed. The sumptuous bed linen, designer bath products and fluffy robes complete this experience. What’s more, the accommodation is right next to the stables and threshing barn which houses the chickens and the horses so the children can make some furry friends during their stay. Youngsters will also enjoy the chance to go egg collecting in the morning and a complimentary breakfast pack is provided with orange juice, yoghurts, pain au chocolat, toast, jam and marmalade as well as rare breed eggs. For a taste of Suffolk, you can also buy the home reared sausages and bacon from the farm pantry.

Take a morning trip to Southwold for a walk along the prom and the pier...

Take in the sea air in beautiful Southwold as you stroll along the prom or even the beach, towards the pier. On a windy day, kids and adults alike will enjoy flying a kite on the golden sands and in sunny weather a dip in the sea is tempting, if a little refreshing! The Pier is very curious, with a cheeky water clock that performs every half hour. There is also a wacky walk of mirrors, and a whole collection of eccentric and interactive automatons in the ‘Under the Pier show’. There are also several shops stocking nautical and stylish trinkets and home ware, perfect for a quiet browse. 

In the warmer months, the Pier offers a range of live children's entertainment; from magicians and pirates to crafts and Punch & Judy - all free to enjoy!

Head to Oulton Broad for a stroll and time to play...

With your feet still sandy, hop into the car and drive towards Oulton Broad; a gateway to the expanse of water and marsh which forms the man-made Norfolk Broads. As well as the views and the wide-open space, there is plenty for the kids to do in Nicholas Everitt’s park. Feed the ducks and the seagulls, play on the adventure playground or bounce on the trampolines in the summer.

In less fair weather there is plenty to explore inside Lowestoft Museum, which charts the history of the town from the prehistoric, through to Anglo Saxon and Victorian times, up to the present day. The museum houses a fine collection of Lowestoft porcelain and even antique toys. There are some lovely shops selling local handicrafts and a small café for refreshments. 

End the day in Beccles with a delicious wood fired pizza!

After such a busy few days an easy supper is in order, so make your way to Beccles for a fresh and authentic wood fired pizza from Oak fired at The Royal Oak. As well as a wide selection of toppings and flavours to choose from on your pizza, there is also a pizza of the day and delicious starters such as arancini, olives and doughballs, made fresh daily. There are fabulous desserts also, such as panna cotta and limoncello tiramisu. But, if you’re not quite up to a sit down meal, you can always call ahead and takeaway, munching straight from the box as you travel home again with a head full of memories.