Things to do in Suffolk , Group Holiday in Southbourne Dorset

The County of Suffolk is a combination of gently rolling woodland, river valleys and estuaries, home to busy market towns and pretty timber-framed villages.

The forty miles of coastline is largely unspoilt, with steep shingle terraces and low crumbling cliffs, a sign of constant battle with the sea.

Suffolk is famous for its vast skies, stunning coastline and delightful countryside.

Whatever your interests there is much to enjoy in Suffolk all year round

There are many attractive towns around the coastline, now designated a world heritage site of 'outstanding beauty'.

A distinctive feature of the Suffolk coast is its many shingle beaches, which are a haven for a fascinating mix of wildlife and plants.

Fishing boats can be seen resting on the raked banks of pebbles or out at sea trawling the waves and fresh fish can be purchased from the fishermen's huts on the beaches.

The Edwardian resort of Felixstowe has retained much of its original charm, with beautiful south facing gardens, pier, theatre, four miles of beach, historic fort and nature reserve.

The historic town of Aldeburgh situated on the site of a medieval fishing and shipbuilding centre is host to the International Aldeburgh Festival of music and the arts at Snape Maltings Concert Hall. The High Street has many attractive Georgian buildings. Historic buildings include the Moot Hall (c. 1520) and the 15th century church.

Southwold lies in the centre of the Heritage Coast, the River Blyth to the south and the Buss Creek to the north form the town boundaries, virtually making Southwold an island, limiting development and helping to retain Southwolds old world charm. The Suffolk Tourist Information Centre is in the High Street.

Lowestoft is Britain's most easterly town, famous for its maritime connections and award winning beaches. An important piece of Lowestoft's history has been recently revived in the shape of Lowestoft Porcelain. In production from 1757-1801, original examples are highly prized by collectors around the world. The new factory and gallery are open to the public.

Ipswich is the County town and England's oldest continuously settled town since Anglo Saxon times, with medieval streets and architectural gems. The tourist information centre is in St. Stephens Church.

The Heart of Suffolk is an ideal base for exploring the peaceful countryside and historic towns like Stowmarket in the Gipping valley, home to the Museum of East Anglian Life.

Bury St.Edmunds grew up around the powerful Abbey of St Edmund in medieval times. For five centuries it was visited by pilgrims who worshiped at the shrine of St Edmund, the martyred King of East Anglia.

Lavenham is one of several wool towns in Suffolk and is one of the best preserved medieval towns in the country; its appearance remains relatively untouched by time.

In the west of the County an area of rural hideaways include Thetford forest and countryside treats in peaceful surroundings. Newmarket, famous as the headquarters of British racing, is a thriving town with the excellent shopping facilities.

Sudbury, in the south of Suffolk, is the birthplace of the painter Thomas Gainsborough, and a fine collection of his works can be seen at Gainsborough's House.

Constable Country offers the chance to explore Dedham Vale and the Stour Valley where John Constable, one of England's most celebrated painters, found his inspiration. Walking in his footsteps offers visitors a chance to experience rural England at its most peaceful.