Summer in Suffolk, Constable country

Summer in Suffolk……

Constable country

 

7 Days 21^st July 2024

 

Suffolk’s picturesque villages and unspoilt coastlines have been the inspiration for many painters including John Constable. On this tour we are including a boat cruise with tea and scones, the stunning Helmingham Hall gardens, The Suffolk Punch trust farm for a guided tour, a steam train with a fish & chips supper and visits to the glorious coastline towns and villages. Staying in superb boutique hotel on the beautiful Ipswich waterfront, why not join us and treat yourselves to this packaged holiday filled with treats!

 

Tour Itinerary

 

Sunday – Our luxury coach departs this morning and heads to Ipswich and our hotel for the next 6 nights. Comfort stops on route.

 

Monday – We begin our day with a visit to see the oldest English bread of working horse the ‘Suffolk Punch’. The Suffolk Punch Trust was founded to protect this critically endangered breed and to raise public awareness through an established breeding programme. We will enjoy a scenic ride in a traditional tractor trailer around the farm, see demonstrations on mane braiding and harnessing these gentle giants with experienced guides around the 120 acres. After this unique experience we travel to Waldringfield for a 2hr cruise along the River Deben. We are including scones with jam and tea & coffee to enhance your trip with commentary throughout as you enjoy one of the most beautiful and scenic areas on the east coast. Back to the hotel late afternoon to relax before dinner.       

 

Tuesday – This morning we travel to one of the best-preserved medieval villages in Britain, located in the heart of the Suffolk countryside, ‘Lavenham’. With over 300 listed buildings dating back to the 14th century this village is one of the wealthiest in England. The streets of Lavenham were also used as a background for the scenes in the ‘Harry Potter’ films. Free time to explore the wealth of delightful shops and galleries and its magnificent church of St Peter. This afternoon we visit the stunning setting of Helmingham Gardens. This beautiful park with its red deer and collection of different gardens including the Rose Garden, the Orchard, the Apple Tree Walk, the walled garden connected by a small bridge to the wildflower garden, all amongst herbaceous borders to delight and inspire you. An afternoon in this tranquil setting owned for hundreds of years by the Tollemache family and has even been painted by John Constable. The oak tree in his painting ‘A Dell’ still stands today as some of the oaks in the park are up to 900 years old!

 

Wednesday – A free day for you today to explore Ipswich Waterfront with its harbour, bistros on the quay and independently run marina and boatyard located on the River Orwell.

 

Thursday – Today we visit the coastal town of Aldeburgh. This charming seaside town which grew from a fishing village and shipbuilding centre is now a thriving attractive town with its wide high street housing Georgian buildings and independent shops. We continue to the prettiest seaside town of Southwold in the heart of the Suffolk heritage coast known for its colourful beach huts and iconic pier. An environmentally friendly beach, Southwold is the top spot for taking a paddle in the sea and a stroll along the prom!

 

Friday – This morning we visit Norwich in neighbouring Norfolk with its impressive cathedral and castle. A whole morning to explore at leisure before we continue to Cromer for the afternoon and an opportunity to sample its famous freshly caught crab! A different dinner tonight as we are joining the ‘Norfolk Fryer’ for an hour and a half steam train journey with freshly cooked ‘fish & chips’ followed by a locally made tub of ‘Ronaldo’s ice-cream. A perfect end to your week enjoying this beautiful part of the English East coast.

 

Saturday – Time to leave Suffolk and return to Wiltshire after a memorable scenic tour.

 

Your Hotel

 

Salthouse Harbour Hotel – Ipswich Waterfront

 

This contemporary boutique hotel is set on the beautiful Ipswich waterfront. Each of the modern en-suite bedrooms have been individually designed with a personal touch and contemporary furnishings. All have TV, hairdryer, and hospitality trays. There are sleek and stylish public areas, a bar, restaurant, and a lift.

 

Price Includes

Luxury Coach Travel with Extra Leg Room

Home Pickup, Full Hostess Service

6 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast (One Night is The ‘Fish & Chip’ Steam Train)

Welcome Tea/Coffee on Arrival

Tea/Coffee after Dinner

River Cruise with Scones, Jam, Tea/Coffee

Visit to Suffolk Punch Trust with Tractor Ride

Entrance to Helmingham Gardens

Steam Train Ride with ‘Fish & Chips’ Supper

Visits to Norwich, Cromer, Aldeburgh, Southwold Beach & Lavenham

 

7 Days £969.00

Single Supplement £225 (Limited)

Double for Sole use