The Suffolk Coast's Historic Buildings

Come and sail on board one of Suffolk's historic sailing vessels! Excelsior LT472 is one of the few remaining Lowestoft sailing trawlers, built in 1921 and restored to her original specification on deck. And you can take a hand at sailing her as there's a packed programme of sailings and experiences to enjoy.

Location: Heritage Quay, Lowestoft NR33 0AE

Plan your visit at https://www.theexcelsiortrust.co.uk/

Based in the original Richard Garrett and Sons Town Works, The Long Shop Museum tells an inspiring story of enterprise and innovation. Explore the buildings and the collections and reveal remarkable stories of the Garrett family and the local Suffolk folk that made the factory and its products world famous! 

The museum is open from late March until the end of October and helps visitors from near and far alike to engage with a fascinating and unique piece of history. 

Location: Main Street, Leiston, Suffolk IP16 4ES

Plan your visit at https://www.longshopmuseum.co.uk/

Discover the rich military and maritime heritage of Landguard Fort, one of England's best preserved coastal defences, with a history spanning almost 450 years. 

It is also the site of the last opposed seaborne invasion of England in 1667, and the first land battle of the Royal Marines. You can experience the dramatic story of this important fortification through both audio guides and guided tours. 

Location: View Point Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk IP11 3TW

Plan your visit at https://www.landguard.com/

Woodbridge Tide Mill is one of The Suffolk Coast's most iconic buildings, giving you the unique opportunity of experiencing the life of a miller. The Tide Mill has stood on the banks of the River Deben for over 850 years and is one of only two tide mills in the country still producing stoneground wholemeal flour. 

Location: Woodbridge Tide Mill, Tide Mill Way, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1BY

Plan your visit at https://woodbridgetidemill.org.uk/

Bawdsey Radar tells the story of the first operational radar station in the world where radar was developed that helped win the Battle of Britain. The Transmitter Block, built in 1939. now houses an interactive exhibition and displays that tell the story of the women and men who, in top secret conditions, developed radar that played such a crucial role in the Battle of Britain. 

Location: Bawdsey Radar Transmitter Block, Bawdsey, Suffolk IP12 3BA

Plan your visit at https://www.bawdseyradar.org.uk/

A visit to the quintessentially English seaside town of Southwold is simply not complete without a stop off at the pier! Southwold Pier, built in 1900, was originally built as a landing stage for steam ships that travelled from London. After a long history of being destroyed by violent storms and hit by a drifting sea mine, the pier was privately bought in 1987. Work began to rebuild it and was finally completed in 2001, with the pier reaching its current length of 623 feet. A year later, it was named ‘Pier of the Year’ and now stands as Britain’s only 21st century pier.

Location: Southwold Pier, North Parade, Southwold, Suffolk, IP18 6BN

Plan your visit at https://www.southwoldpier.co.uk/

The Red House is the former home of composer Benjamin Britten and singer Peter Pears. The collections left by the two men richly document their lives as performers and creators who made this place their home for nearly twenty years. Their home in Aldeburgh offers a charming snapshot into the two men's lives.

Location: The Red House, Golf Lane, Aldeburgh, Suffolk IP15 5PZ

Plan your visit at https://brittenpearsarts.org/visit-us/the-red-house

Sutton Hoo is a hauntingly beautiful 255 acre estate, with far-reaching views over the River Deben is home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time, as told in the recent award-winning film 'The Dig'. 

Here you can also visit Tranmer House, the former home of Edith Pretty to see images of the excavation of the burial ship and find out more about this wonderful archaeological story.

Location: Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 3DJ

Plan your visit at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/sutton-hoo

Christchurch Mansion is a magnificent Tudor building packed with fascinating history, located in the heart of Ipswich within the stunning Christchurch Park. Boasting 500 years of history, it is one of Suffolk's most treasured buildings. Explore the period rooms from the Tudor kitchen to the sumptuous Georgian saloon. There is also a large collection of fine art, which includes renowned Suffolk artists John Constable and Thomas Gainsborough.

Location: Christchurch Mansion, Soane Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 2BE

Plan your visit at https://ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/christchurch-mansion/

Walpole Old Chapel is one of the earliest non-conformist chapels in the region. It was created in c1690, by the fiercely independent local congregation, who converted an existing C16th farmhouse. It has changed very little since. Pay a visit and you be captivated by the simplicity and authenticity of the interior.

The chapel now hosts a programme of concerts and events and is open for public viewings, check the website for opening times.

Location: Walpole Old Chapel, Halesworth Road, Walpole, Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 9AZ

Plan your visit at https://walpoleoldchapel.org/

Sailing Barge Victor is a perfect marriage of a majestic and traditionally rigged 19th century sailing vessel with comfortable, modern facilities for guests. A sailing trip on Sailing Barge Victor offers a truly memorable and affordable opportunity to experience living history.

The barge is moored outside the Old Custom House so take a stroll along the waterfront and admire this beautiful old vessel, which has been lovingly restored and maintained, or why not join skipper Wes and his crew for a sailing trip out along the River Orwell.

Location: Sailing Barge Victor, Common Quay, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1BY

Plan your visit at https://www.sbvictor.co.uk/

The Electric Picture Palace is a small but perfectly formed, 70 seat cinema in Southwold on The Suffolk coast. Designed by John Bennett, the award-winning building is owned and run by the Southwold Film Society, a charitable Trust committed to the educational value of film.

Here you will find a commissionaire outside, usherettes, a front of house manager in a DJ, and a “Tiny Wurlitzer” organ rising up mysteriously during the interval.  The National Anthem is even played at the end!

Location: Electric Picture Palace, Blackmill Road, Southwold, Suffolk IP18 6AQ

Plan your visit at http://www.southwoldcinema.co.uk/