Category: See the Sea

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside.  And I know you probably do too.  Suffolk has an incredibly diverse coastline, much of it is preserved.  Here are just a few of the great places you can see the sea while staying at Woodfarm Barns.

Scroll down the page until you find something that tickles your fancy, then click the title for more information.

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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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Marlesford Farm Cafe’

Farm Cafe Marlesford

Excellent farm shop and cafe’ right on the A12 so easy to get to for anyone visiting Suffolk’s Heritage Coast

The owner sources the best ingredients and strive to produce the best roadside food possible. It’s had high praise in many national newspapers including The Times, The Independent, The Guardian and many others. They use fresh, local produce, using over 100 local suppliers

Not only a great stop off for a cuppa or to pick up some food for supper, they also sell a range of gifts here too

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Iken Canoe Hire

Iken Canoe

A small and friendly canoe and kayak hire centre based on the stunning upper reaches of the Alde estuary between Snape and Aldeburgh, close to the Suffolk coast

They hire out canoes, kayaks and stand up paddleboards (SUPs) for people to explore this wonderful stretch of river at their leisure. Discover creeks and flood waters, or gently glide with the tide at low water and get up close to seals basking on the mud banks as well as observing a multitude of different wading birds

Use of equipment can be arranged from a short hire of 1 hour or more on a SUP, and 2 or 4 hours in a canoe or kayak. All craft are suitable for a wide range of skill levels and ideal for couples, groups or family outings

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The Butt & Oyster in Pin Mill

Butt & Oyster

One of the best known pubs in Suffolk and a firm favourite with Woodfarm guests

Famed for great Adnams beers, fabulous home cooked food and the most stunning location right on the river Orwell

A proper old riverside pub with bare oak floorboards, pints pulled straight from the keg and the smells wafting from the kitchen. This place is popular with locals and visitors alike and in the summer is heaving outside giving it a great atmosphere

A great place to visit when in Suffolk and just a stones throw from the Suffolk Food Hall (see our separate post)

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Southwold

Southwold Pier

Southwold is arguably the jewel in the crown of Suffolk’s heritage coast as far as visitors to our great county are concerned

Home of the Adnams brewery, famous lighthouse and beach huts. Splendid art galleries, fine shops and pubs and the Blackshore harbourside for extremely fresh fish and the ferry across the River Blyth to Walberswick (see our separate post on Walberswick)

Jam packed with great pubs, restaurants, coffee shops, shops and a fabulous beach and pier, with some quirky old things to see and do!

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Walberswick

Walberswick

Walberswick lies on the south bank of the River Blyth, a short ferry ride across from Southwold

It is tucked away amidst a thousand acres of coast, heath and marshland listed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The ferry, which transports people across the Blyth in the summer months, is rowed by the fifth generation of the same family. There is also a foot and cycle path where the old railway ran across the Bailey bridge – but the only way by car to Southwold is back up to the A12 and through Blythburgh, making a trip of some seven miles

You’ll find some great pubs around here. See our separate posts on The Anchor and The Bell. There are great little coffee and gift shops too, and rolling sand dunes for a good walk, with or without dogs

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Aldeburgh

Aldeburgh beach

Aldeburgh is a beautiful seaside town on Suffolk’s heritage coast, located right by a shingle beach, dotted with colourful boats and the iconic Scallop sculpture. There really is something for everyone, with an eclectic mix of family fun, music and drama, art galleries, fine dining and drinking, sailing, and shopping. 

Continue reading Aldeburgh

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The River Alde

River Alde

The River Alde

With its source in Laxfield (Great Pub there – The Low House, see our post under Eat & Drink), Initially a stream, it becomes tidal and widens considerably when it reaches Snape. It meanders East past Aldeburgh (You must go there!) after which this part of the river was named. The river then becomes known as the River Ore as it approaches Orford where it once entered the sea; however the mouth of the river has now been pushed some five miles further south as shingle has accumulated over hundreds of years after which it splits to form Havergate Island and is joined by its tributary, the Butley River, before reaching the sea at Shingle Street
The lower reaches of the river passes through marshland and shingle or sand beaches. The shingle spit that blocks the river, Orford Ness is now some 10 miles in length and is owned by the National Trust. The main area through which the River Alde flows is open countryside in private ownership, much of it arable farmland

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The Anchor in Walberswick

Anchor Walberswick

A fabulous pub & restaurant right on the beach at Walberswick, a stunning little seaside village on the heritage coast

Sophie & Mark Dorber have created a village local that’s family friendly and a welcome retreat for all who enjoy good conversation, food and drink

We’ve been there several times and there is always a warm welcome, beautiful comfy surroundings and a fabulous range of wines and beers (Adnams of course) and a superb menu. It’s no surprise then that in January 2104 they gained the position of 36 in the Top 50 Gastro Awards!

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The Bell Inn in Walberswick

Walberswick Bell Inn

A great pub on the heritage coast overlooking the sea, serving home cooked and locally sourced food, fine Adnams ales, wines and whiskies. What’s not to like?!

Walberswick is a beautiful little seaside village with a number of great pubs, adjacent to the rolling dunes and Harbour. Centuries old, it’s steeped in history and sat smack bang in the middle of an area of outstanding natural beauty

The Bell oozes Suffolk character with quirky snugs, beamed ceilings, hidden alcoves and worn flagstone floors. Well known for their friendly and welcoming atmosphere, The Bell is a perfect all year round destination