New Year, New Experiences on The Suffolk Coast

Explore the Waveney River with day boat hire from both Oulton Broad Day Boats and Hippersons Boatyard or take to the water on a beautiful Thames barge with the Sailing Barge Victor based at the Ipswich waterfront. Explore the Orwell River with Orwell Lady River Cruises, the perfect to while away a few hours of peace and calm, seeing the landscape from a completely new perspective.

If you're passionate about all things nautical, then book yourself a place on one of the boatbuilding courses at the International Boatbuilding Training College in Oulton Broad; there are a range of full year, part-time and short courses on a range of subjects including Introduction to Woodwork, Letter Carving, Splicing and Ropework and Traditional Rigging and Wirework.

For full course details, visit https://www.ibtc.co.uk/short-courses

Want to know how to take the perfect wildlife photo? Bawdsey Hall is a quiet retreat with charm and character. The grounds have meadowland, large ponds and mature woods, offering a variety of different habitats for wildlife - so it's the perfect spot to capture Suffolk's rare inhabitants. Choose from a wildlife photography days or evening workshop, owl and badger night photography workshops, bespoke one to one and group photography workshops.

Afterward, hone your skills and check out some of The Suffolk Coast's top photography spots; RSPB Minsmere Kessingland Beach, Shingle Street and Carlton and Oulton Marshes.

For more information on wildlife photography workshops at Bawdsey Hall call 01394 411103 / 07763291026

One of the most rewarding ways to see the beautiful Suffolk Countryside and Coast, along with keeping fit and healthy is to take up horse riding!  This wonderful skill has so much going for it - horses, it can be argued, are up there with dogs when it comes to man's best friend! Pakefield Riding School offers the perfect introduction to this sport, with BHS Qualified Instructors and 25 well-mannered horses and ponies suitable for all ages and abilities they'll be able to get you off to a flying start or provide an appropriate mount for that beautiful beach ride! 

For more information on Pakefield Riding School, visit http://www.pakefieldridingschool.co.uk/ 

Located within the Snape Maltings complex, The Lettering Arts Centre is one of the UK's leading providers of lettering arts training; offering workshops to help people explore the possibilities of the lettering arts. They offer one-day workshops and longer courses for the complete beginner and returning students alike in letter carving, calligraphy, letterpress and linocut. 

To book a workshop visit https://www.letteringartstrust.org.uk/course-calendar

If you've always dreamed of making your own clothes, then Felixstowe Sewing School offers classes, and lessons for the beginner and novice sewer, as well as a series of workshops for the more experienced seamstress, dressmaker or fabric and textile lover. Courses include dressmaking for beginners, pyjama workshops, how to make vintage toys and how make a retro apron. For a fun way to spend a day with friends or a special occasion book a sew-in party; a baby shower quilt workshop, a hen party workshop with garter, lap quilt, knicker bag making or teen pyjama parties.  

If your new year's resolution was to become more active, then pop along to The Cut in Halesworth. The stunning arts centre housed within a converted Maltings buildings, hosts a range of dance and exercise classes including Belly Dancing, Contemporary Dance, Kettlecise, Pilates, Yoga, Booty Barre, Mummy and Baby Pilates, Ballet and Dance/Choreography for Mature People - so there's something to suit all ages and abilities!

For class information, visit http://newcut.org/classes

Likewise, Suffolk Wildlife Trust has a full programme of events for both adults, children and families, get to grips with the stunning landscape and environments around you, make 2020 the year to learn how to recognise all those trees, birds and biodiversity right on the doorstep! For information on events, go to www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/events

The Suffolk Coast has some of the world's finest cultural experiences on its doorstep! From the inspirational Snape Maltings - home of the Aldeburgh Festival, Southwold Arts Centre, The Red House - Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears' home in Aldeburgh, to the wonderful theatres and independent cinemas along the coast including Felixstowe Spa Pavilion, The Marina Theatre in Lowestoft, The Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich and of course the wealth of historical locations and attractions; Suffolk Museums, National Trust Sutton Hoo and Orford Ness - make 2020 the year of digging deep into what's on offer and expand your cultural knowledge on the coast!

To find a comprehensive list of cultural delights on the coast go to, www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk/things-to-do/attractions/arts-music--culture

Check out our guide to both cycling and walking to get a flavour of what's out there ready to be explored!

Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB and Adnams have put together these walking and cycling routes, so all you need now is a flask of tea to take along with you!

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