Things to See in Suffolk
Suffolk offers a plethora of activities and tourist spots to suit pretty much everyone’s taste. The historic burial ground of Anglo Saxon Kings, Sutton Hoo is managed by the National Trust and features an exhibition hall replete with video samples and a life-size construction of the ship’s burial chamber. There are numerous guided tours and events to help you out during the summer when tourist population is largest. Suffolk has some well preserved castles which towers above its quaint countryside. The prominent amongst them being Orford Castle and Framlingham Castle. Both of which are managed by the English heritage. Orford Castle as the famed keep of Henry XI. You can enjoy the castle’s mazes and rooms with a free audio tour. The altitude of the castle makes for some beautiful scenery from its top.
Hedingham Castle is located on the Suffolk/Essex border and is an awesome place to squander your time. Hedingham boasts of the best Norman at height of 110 feet. It was crafted by Aubrey de Vere and is still owned by one of his relative. The castle offer four magnificently decked floors to explore, including a banqueting hall which is spanned by a massive 28 foot arch, this makes it one of the biggest Norman arches in the whole of England. The castle is a must see category, especially if you are traveling with your family as there are quite a few special events for everyone to partake in.
Kentwell is a quaint Tudor mansion set in a tranquil setting. All around are beautiful gardens where rare breeds of animals roam about. The mansion also houses an open air theater where plays are staged during the months of July and August. Every year there is a Re-creation day when men, women and children recreate the everyday life of the Tudor Times. A host of musicians, farm workers, cooks, dairymaids, blacksmiths, and bakers complete the picture.
Long Melford is set in the heart of the Valley of Stour River and is famed for its stunning sceneries. These were the inspiration for John Constable, the painter who made some stunning paintings of the place some two hundred years ago. The countryside is peppered with numerous villages, all huddled together in a hollow enclosure so that from a distance you will only see the church spires. A mile to the North lies the quaint village of Glemsford, popularly referred to as “Little Egypt”. It houses some fine churches, numerous 16th century houses and of course the Morris Men troop who perform the Morris dancing in the dew of a May Day morning. Bury St.Edmunds is the cathedral town of Suffolk; it’s steeped in a vibrant history and is home to numerous historic churches. Euston Hall is the residence of the Duke and Duchess of Grafton. It is thrown open to the public to display their stunning collection of rare painting depicting the court of Charles 11. The National Trust manages many sites in Suffolk including the stunning Ickworth Park and Gardens, Dunwich Heath and the massive Guildhall in Lavenham.