Walberswick, Suffolk
Hiring bikes and dusting off the walking boots was the name of the game, this was a week of back to basics, enjoying the outdoors, with its many marked trails. Many hours were spent messing about near the water, both on the beach (golden soft sand and pebbles) and the river Blyth. A number of boat trips are on offer, or catch the ferry, which is rowed back and forth across the river - only 80p a trip - saving a long walk to the Bailey bridge.
Along the edge of the river the local fisherman haul their daily catch to be sold in a number of black wooden huts. Close to the beach is an area of wetland with ponds and reed beds, which attract many birds. The highlight of the week was to see the very rare Bittern, twice in flight. Another sighting was the Marsh Harrier swooping and diving. Minsmere Bird Reserve is close by and well worth a visit.
Every year the village holds a crabbing festival, where the challenge is to catch as many crabs in a short space of time, with a fishing line and a piece of bacon tied to the end.
One morning we awoke to the sound of heavy rain. So now what? Great Yarmouth is only an hour away, and the Sealife centre is worth a visit. And anyone who enjoys roller coasters and other terrifying attractions would be well catered for. Luckily the sun was back by lunchtime.
A walk or quick bike ride away is Southwold, a traditional English seaside resort home of: Adnams Brewery, the most expensive beach huts in England, a working lighthouse and a pier on the north beach. Freshly picked strawberries and asparagus were available at a number of roadside stalls, yummy.
One of my favorite days entailed an 11 mile walk; we set out along the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Path (a 50 mile walk from Felixstowe to Lowestoft) to Dunwich, stopping at The Ship Inn for the best fish and chips I have ever eaten. We took a quick detour to the local church to view a flower festival which was beautiful. The return trip took us through the Forest, where they have introduced a herd of Dartmoor ponies to assist with grazing.
Travelling further down the coast is the seaside resort of Aldeburgh, famous for its festivals, held in the Snape Maltings.
Conclusion - Should you be looking for a gentle easy going holiday, where the countryside provides most of the entertainment, with beautiful sandy beaches and unpredictable weather, then Suffolk is for you.