Things to do
A stay in Thorpeness is all about loosening up, winding down, having fun and taking time to enjoy the simples pleasures in life. We're lucky enough to have some of the most spectacular coastline, ideal for strolling, skimming and splashing. It's also an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and one of Britains finest landscapes with wildlife-rich wetlands, ancient healths, windswept shingle beaches and historic homes and gardens.
Here are just a few of our favourite things to do in the area:
At the hotel
There are seven tennis courts at the Country Club that hotel guests are welcome to use.
The hotel also has snooker, croquet, cycle hire and our own boats for rowing on the Meare.
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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.
Other Nature Reserves include Dunwich Heath and Orford Ness.
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 retails 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”.Adnams of 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 Peters Brewery at Bungay also offers guided tours, a shop and a restaurant.
Valley Farm Equestrian Centre
A family run equestrian business approved by The British Horse Society a twenty minute drive from Thorpeness Hotel.
Private or group lessons, hacks, carriage driving , cross country, corporate days and special events.
Read moreBoat 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 elegant Lady Florence. Enjoy a Brunch, Lunch, Dinner or Sunset Cocktail Cruise, which run throughout the year.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.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.
At Aldeburgh Museum, housed in one of the best preserved Tudor buildings in Britain, 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.
Aldeburgh Museum
Located on the seafront at the famous Moot Hall in
AldeburghCastles & 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 Tollmarche 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.