Local Attractions in Suffolk

Local Attractions within 5 – 20 minutes drive

Jimmy’s Farm - Pannington Hall Lane, Wherstead IP9 2AP
www.jimmysfarm.com

As seen on TV! At Wherstead on the edge of the peninsula, Jimmy’s Farm is only a few minutes drive away. There’s the farm and wildlife park for children with plenty of play areas and a bouncy pillow, the butchery, shops and a restaurant so plenty to see. There are also several events which run throughout the year such as quiz nights and the annual Sausage & Beer Festival so take a look at their website to plan your visit.

Suffolk Food Hall – Wherstead Road, Ipswich IP9 2AB
www.suffolkfoodhall.co.uk
Tel: 01473 786610

Just a couple of minutes drive from the property, just before the Orwell Bridge is the Suffolk Food Hall. Lots of local produce, meats, cheeses, bread, fruit & veg can be bought here and enjoyed at home. There is also a gift and homewares shop, ceramic painting, garden centre and a Café. On a nice day, the little ones can let off steam on the play area and bouncy pillow and cool down with an ice-cream whilst the adults relax with a coffee and enjoy the views. 

The Cookhouse
www.suffolkfoodhall.co.uk/restaurant
Tel: 01473 786616

Next door to the Food Hall is The Cookhouse Restaurant which is a fantastic spot to have brunch overlooking the River Orwell. A cookery school also operates on the premises and there are function rooms available for private hire and special events.

Alton Water Reservoir – Holbrook Road, Stutton IP9 2RY
www.anglianwater.parks.co.uk/alton-water
Visitor Centre & Café Tel: 01473 328268
Sports Centre Tel: 01473 328408 

Set in 400 acres of beautiful Suffolk countryside, this is the perfect spot for walks, bike rides, wildlife spotting, fishing and picnics. The café and visitor centre provides everything you need to enjoy your day and the Sports Centre runs many sailing and windsurfing courses. Activities include an eight-mile rambling route and an eight-mile cross-country cycle track. Fishing permits and bikes are available to hire from the Visitor Centre. There are a number of annual events which take place here, such as the Great East Swim and the Outdoor Theatre.

Pin Mill – Chelmondiston, IP9 1JW
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/pin-mill

This little hamlet is located on the South bank of the River Orwell and is worth a look. It is part of the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and home to a small art gallery and the Butt & Oyster pub (Tel. 01473 780764), part of Deben Inns which serves lovely food.

Shotley Marina – Shotley Gate, IP9 1QJ  
www.shotleymarina.co.uk

If you drive through the villages of Chelmondiston and Shotley you will reach Shotley Marina in Harwich Harbour. The Shipwreck Bar & Restaurant (Tel. 01473 788865) offers homecooked food and real ales in an ideal location where the River Stour meets the River Orwell.  You can also take the ferry across to Harwich or Felixstowe and explore further afield.

Manningtree and Mistley
On the other side of the peninsula these two places are well worth a visit. Located on the South bank of the River Stour is the large village of Mistley and England’s smallest town, Manningtree which used to be brewing centres and ports. Today this area is known as the gateway to Constable Country. Manningtree station provides direct services to Colchester, Harwich and London.

Other useful websites

Visit Suffolk
www.visitsuffolk.com/explore-the-shotley-peninsula

Suffolk Coast & Heaths – Explorer Walking Guides
www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org/exploring/visitor-guides/walk-guides/

Suffolk Coast & Heaths – Cycle Guides
www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org/exploring/visitor-guides/cycle-guides/

All About Ipswich
www.allaboutipswich.com

Flatford Mill – Flatford, East Bergholt CO7 6UL
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/flatford
www.thetouristtrail.org/guides/suffolk-guides/flatford-mill/

Dedham Vale
www.dedhamvalestourvalley.org

Local Activities within 5 – 20 minutes drive

Horse Riding – 01473 780406
Hill Farm Equestrian Centre, Chelmondiston, IP9 1JU
www.hillfarmec.co.uk

Ipswich Museum – 01473 433551 – UNDER REFURBISHMENT
High Street, Ipswich IP1 3QH
www.ipswich.gov.uk/services/museums-and-galleries

Golf

Hintlesham Hall Golf Club - George Street, Hintlesham IP8 3JG
www.hintleshamgolfclub.com
Tel. 01473 652761

Fynn Valley Golf Club - Witnesham IP6 9JA
www.fynn-valley.co.uk
Tel. 01473 785267

Seckford Golf Club - Woodbridge IP13 6NT
www.seckfordgolf.co.uk
Tel. 01394 388000

Dry slope skiing, snow boarding, sledging & ringos

Suffolk Ski Centre - Bourne Hill, Wherstead, Ipswich IP2 8NG
www.suffolkleisurepark.co.uk
Tel. 01473 602347

Childrens play centres

Soft Play & Laser Tag - Play 2 Day, Gloster Road, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich IP5 3RJ
www.play2day.biz
Tel. 01473 611333

Soft Play & Trampolining - Jump In, Anglia Retail Park, Bury Road, Ipswich IP1 5QP
www.gojumpin.com/locations/ipswich-adventure-park
www.gojumpin.com/activities/jump-in-soft-play-park-ipswich/
Tel. 0800 098 8212

Bowling

Tenpin - Gloster Road, Ipswich IP5 3RJ
www.tenpin.co.uk/our-locations/ipswich/
Tel. 01473 611111

Superbowl - Buttermarket Centre, St Stephens Ln, Ipswich IP1 1DT
www.superbowluk.co.uk/ipswich
Tel. 01473 552963

Swimming & Gym

Crown Pools Leisure Centre - Crown Street, Ipswich IP1 3JA
www.ipswichfit.co.uk/crown-pools/
Tel. 01473 433655

Go karting

Anglia Indoor Karting - Farthing Road Ind. Estate, Ipswich IP1 5AP
www.angliakarting.com
Tel. 01473 240087

Cinemas

Empire Cinema - Buttermarket Shopping Centre, Ipswich IP1 1DT
www.empirecinemas.co.uk

Cineworld - Cardinal Park, Grafton Way, Ipswich IP1 1AX
www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/ipswich