A guide to Thorpeness

There is so much to see and do in Thorpeness and the surrounding area. View our guide to Thorpeness video here to find out more:



Here are just a few of our favourite things to do in the area:-

Cycling

Hire a cycle from Thorpeness Hotel and explore the coast and cycle paths.

For longer journeys try one of our adult electric bikes.

Thorpeness Meare

From Easter until the end of October, rowing, punting or sailing boats can be hired by the hour from the Meare boathouse.

Visit Wendy's house, the castle, and see the alligator,which are based on J M Barrie's story of Peter Pan ... the boy who never grew up.

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RSPB Minsmere

Situated on the beautiful Suffolk Coast, the Minsmere reserve offers a day out for everyone, whether you are a seasoned birdwatcher or just a beginner.

The Visitor Centre, nature trails, hides and viewing platforms can be enjoyed on guided walks, a safari or a leisurely stroll around the reserve.

Only a few miles from the hotel, hire a bicycle and take the cycle paths around the sanctuary.

Other Nature Reserves include Dunwich Heath and Orford Ness.

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Snape Maltings

Home of the world famous Concert Hall and the Aldeburgh Music Festival, Snape holds events all year round featuring some of the top international musicians.

In 1965, the malting of barley ceased after 120 years. Over the following decades, the site was developed to incorporate not only music, but under the ownership of the Gooderham family, a variety of quality retail outlets showcasing Suffolk products, crafts, and events.

Today, the redevelopment of the site includes art galleries and antique shops, clothing and lifestyle outlets, within the original buildings. The tea shop, deli and new café highlight fresh local produce and food entrepreneurs.

Spend a morning at Snape and you can “browse for hours”.

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Easton Farm Park

Great for smaller children and adults too!

Lots of animals to see and feed, especially in the Spring when lambs, chicks and pigglets are born.

There are special events throughout the year such as "Hug a Bunny", pony rides, farmers markets and craft fairs.


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Castles and historic houses

Visit Framlingham Castle, a magnificent example of 12th Century architecture. Visitors can explore over 800 years of life covering its long and varied history.

The unique Keep at Orford Castle was developed in the 1160s to guard the coast and the power of other East Anglian barons. The Upper Hall houses a display by the Museum Trust, including local finds from the Roman and Medieval times.

Helmingham Hall, built in 1480, has remained in the Tollemarche family for centuries. The stunning gardens include a classic Parterre, Knot Garden and The Apple Walk. The park covers 400 acres and is home to herds of Red and Fallow Deer.

Somerleyton Hall is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful houses in Britain, and one of the best examples of an archetypal Tudor-Jacobean mansion. The extensive gardens are worth a visit and include the famous Maze.


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The Coastal Path and country walks

The local area is fantastic for guests who love walking.
Either follow the coastal path or try one of the inland walks, through pretty woods and villages.

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Boat trips

The Coastal Voyager from Southwold takes you around Sole Bay to Scoby Sands to see the seals, or South to the Alde Estuary and Orfordness.

From Orford take a cruise on the elegant Lady Florence. Enjoy a Brunch, Lunch, Dinner or Sunset Cocktail Cruise, which run throughout the year.

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Clay shooting & fishing

High Lodge at Darsham has one of the finest shooting schools in the UK and is owned by a previous World Champion, John Bidwell, and his family. The school has experienced instructors who can provide individual or group tuition. There are 100 fully automatic traps, enabling the school to host both National and International Championships.

Set in 100 acres of woodland, the site has two lakes stocked with Rudd, Roach, Tench and Carp.

For golfers without a handicap certificate, High Lodge's nine- hole golf course offers an alternative for beginners and occasional golfers.



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Adnams Brewery Southwold

Renowned for its award-winning beers and wines, the company has opened its doors for Brewery Tours. Each tour is limited to twelve people and the cost includes a guided tour, a tasting and a gift to take away.

St. Peter's Brewery at Bungay also offers guided tours, a shop and a restaurant.


Adnams Brewery

Museums

Throughout the Suffolk Coast, many towns and villages have a museum.

One of the largest is the Longshop Museum at Leiston, the home of the Garrett Collection, which exhibits 200 years of local, social and industrial history. There are fascinating exhibits from the first production line for steam engines to the first woman doctor, Elizabeth Garrett.

Aldeburgh Museum is housed in the Moot Hall, one of the best preserved Tudor buildings in Britain; here there is more to learn about the Garrett family. The Snape Anglo-Saxon cemetery and ship and the Aldeburgh Witches also feature.

The smallest museum is probably at Dunwich. The majority of the village was lost to the sea by a hurricane and is known as the Atlantis of the East Coast. The unique museum has models, displays and maps cataloguing the history of what was once a major port.

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Africa Alive

Take your tribe for a great day out at Africa Alive half an hour's drive from Thorpeness.

There are plently of exciting things to see inlcuding birds of prey,safari roadtrain, farmyard corner,lions, tigers, cheetahs and rhinos.

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Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park

If you are seeking thrills,spend a day at Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park just outside Lowestoft.

Fun for all the family, from tinies to adults.

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