Author: Carl Scott

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River Gipping

River Gipping at Sproughton Suffolk

The River Gipping is the name given to the River Orwell above its tidal limit

The River Gipping flows through Stowmarket to Stoke Bridge in Ipswich via Needham Market, around 4 miles from Woodfarm

We have named all the barns in the meadow after local Suffolk rivers; Alde, Deben, Gipping, Orwell and Stour. The River Gipping is the source river for the River Orwell (the barn next door!), starting in nearby Mendlesham Green and was altered with the addition of 15 locks between Ipswich and Stowmarket. In recent years the navigation, as this section was known, has undergone restoration and offers a great walk known as ‘The Gipping Way’, which uses the towpath for most of its route

Charles Dickens wrote about the rivers Gipping and Orwell

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River Deben

River Deben at Woodbridge Suffolk

The river Deben gives nearby Debenham its name, where it starts its journey through 25 miles of Suffolk to the sea near Woodbridge

Debenham is a quaint little village and a popular place to visit, as many of our guests do. And yes, it is where the department store gets its name as the founder lived here before setting off some 300 years ago to London to set up his high class haberdashery. He did quite well!

We have named all the barns in the meadow after local Suffolk rivers; Alde, Deben, Gipping, Orwell and Stour

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Richardsons Smokehouse

Richardsons Smokehouse Orford Suffolk

Superb traditional smokehouse by the quayside in Orford

They smoke two types of cheese for six days; mature English Cheddar and Long Clauson’s blue Stilton

Garlic Bulbs, locally made sausages, including Pork and Venison, Pork and Garlic and a very hot Chorizo, three different type’s of Pate, Salmon, Kipper and Mackerel as well as Salmon Fish Cakes

My personal favourite is their smoked Hock of Ham, which is phenomenal. They marinate them in a mixture of Cider and Black Treacle, boil them for hours, cover them in Brown Sugar and flash roast in the oven until they are black and crispy! Wow!

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Rendlesham Forest

Rendlesham Forest Suffolk

A great back to nature walk near the Suffolk coast

Miles and miles of footpaths through a fabulous forest as well as lots of ‘off-piste’ rambling

You can even follow the UFO trail! In December 1980 several sightings of a UFO were reported and there is much specualation and controversy surrounding this story. Many people think these ‘mysterious’ events are the most significant UFO incident in the UK. Unbelievably there is no actual evidence but check out the trail and decide for yourself!

I’m no expert but there is an old air force base next door. Hmmmm?

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Red Lion Veggie Pub

Red Lion Veggie Pub in Suffolk

Great country pub just outside Needham Market serving only Vegetarian food

Based in the little village of Great Bricett is East Anglia’s first and only exclusively vegetarian pub!

Vegetarians and Vegans come from far and wide to try their wares and as a meat eater myself I can vouch for the tasty menu!

A wide choice of homemade dishes using fresh and locally produced ingredients, proprietor Jan Wise aimed to realise her dream of providing top quality and varied meat free cuisine in a comfortable and relaxing surrounding. And she has done it!

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Ramsholt Arms

Ramsholt Arms - Suffolk

Great riverside pub near Woodbridge, re-opened in 2013

It’s out on the Bawdsey peninsula, miles from anywhere but worth the trip!

The building was originally called Ferry House and dates back around 350 years. It has a large walled garden and the garden has great views of the River Deben and across the adjacent peninsula to Felixstowe

They are very dog-friendly and have a great menu with many fresh fish dishes and as well as offering the obligatory traditional Suffolk Adnams ales they regularly have guest ales too. Main dishes average around a tenner and they also have a good wine selection

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Rattlesden Gliding Club

If you’ve ever fancied having a go at Gliding, come to Suffolk!

We’ve teamed up with Rattlesden Gliding Club to offer our guests an exclusive short-term membership!

With breath-taking views of Suffolk as experienced only by the birds, why not combine a break here at Woodfarm Barns with the silence and tranquility of a glider flight?

See the earth from a different perspective. We know from taking off and landing during our foreign holidays, is an eye-opener. But to do this at a more peaceful and elegant pace is a real experience. Apparently. Sorry, I’m chicken!