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. Or learn how to sail an historic fishing smack with a trip on board Excelsior; Join in with hoisting out the bowsprit, take charge of the tiller or simply sit and enjoy the salty air and the sound of the wind in the sails.

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/ 

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

Home to RSPB Minsmere and RSPB Havergate Island plus award-winning nature reserves, and as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there really is no better place to take up birdwatching in the UK. RSPB Minsmere run lots of sessions for beginners and often invite experts along to advise budding twitchers what equipment they should purchase. For courses, classes and workshops at RSPB Minsmere, go to https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/events-dates-and-inspiration/events/courses.aspx

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 2022 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, 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, Thorington Theatre near Southwold, The Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich and of course the wealth of historical locations and attractions; Suffolk Museums, National Trust Sutton Hoo and Christchurch Museum in Ipswich - make 20201the 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

Kitesurfing & stand up paddle boarding (SUP) are both a fantastic way to have fun, keep fit, learn something new and get your adrenaline pumping. Kitesurf & BlitzKiting in Lowestoft offer a range of lessons to show you the best and safest way to enjoy the water and you could be up and riding in less than 6 hours! 

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!