Top Treats in Suffolk for Mother's Day

Don’t forget that Sunday 18th March is Mother's Day.  Suffolk Secrets have a few suggestions to help you treat your Mum to a really special day.    

Seaside & Chocolate Loving Mum -

A visit to Southwold on the Suffolk Heritage Coast

Why not combine a plethora of Guilty Pleasures in one go by visiting Southwold for a Chocolate / Ice Cream / Shopping extravaganza!  First take a stroll on the seafront followed by an Ice Cream at the iconic Southwold Pier.  Then head for the High Street for some shopping in one of the brilliant independent retailers, toping of the day by a visit to Adnam’s Cellar and Kitchen store for a mouth watering selection of chocolatey treats.  Adnam’s chocolate selection includes an indulgent Mini Pyramid by Pralus Chocolatier, one of France's greatest chocolate makers, which features 10 dark chocolates from around the world. There’s also an Organic Pralus Chocolatier Pyramid featuring 5 different Organic Chocolates in a 250g pack.    

Cake Loving Mum - Walk and Afternoon Tea at Snape Maltings, near Aldeburgh

Home to the world famous Concert Hall and Aldeburgh Music, Snape Maltings is the perfect attraction for a Mother’s Day out. Why not stroll along the River Alde - a haven for birdlife and wildlife, then take an amble through the lovely shops before treating your Mum to a traditional afternoon tea. The Snape Maltings Afternoon Tea is served with a three tier cake stand, a silver pot of tea or coffee and fine bone china.  A real treat for all ages!  Bookings essential and to reserve a table, telephone: 01728 687 175.    

“Downtown Abbey” Loving Mum - 

A Visit to Ickworth House, Bury St Edmunds rust Spring Clean - Ickworth Rotunda

If your Mum is a fan of Downtown Abbey or Upstairs Downstairs, why not visit Ickworth House, a former Georgian Palace surrounded by 900 acres of parkland with beautiful Italianate gardens. Their new exhibition “Ickworth Lives” gives you an insight into what 'Upstairs Downstairs' domestic life was really like.  Set in the servants' quarters of the Rotunda basement, visitors are able to view the finishing kitchen, servants' hall, cellars, house-keeper's room, bells and other rooms needed to run the affairs of the grand reception rooms above.

Ickworth House is open from 11am - 5pm on Mothering Sunday 18th March 2012. Normal National Trust admission prices apply.

Oyster Loving Mum - A stoll around Orford visiting Smokehouses and Castle

Famous for its castle, Orford has always been a popular Suffolk tourist spot and is the perfect destination for a Mother’s Day excursion. Orford has a great selection of eateries and locally sourced produce including the Pump Street Bakery which specialises in traditional, hand-baked sourdough bread.  The town also boasts two smokehouses:  featured on BBC’s “Country Tracks” programme, Pinneys of Orford have grown oysters at Butley Creek since the 1950's, supplying freshly smoked seafood every day. Nearby, Richardson’s Smokehouse shop in Baker’s Lane stocks smoked cheese, garlic, sausages, ham, gammon and game using locally sourced Suffolk oak wood in their smoking process.    

After you’ve treated your Mum to Orford’s Gourmet delights, why not visit the Castle  with its unique polygonal tower. Orford Castle is remarkably intact allowing visitors to explore from the basement, through the lower and upper halls to the roof where there are magnificent views seaward to Orford Ness. Orford Castle is open from 10am – 4pm on Mothering Sunday. Normal English Heritage admission fees apply.    

History Loving Mum -

A Visit to Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge - Free Entry for Mum’s on Mothers Day

If your Mum’s a history fanatic, why not take her to the hauntingly beautiful Sutton Hoo estate - home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time. Sutton Hoo, with far-reaching views over the river Deben, is home to the incredible story of a burial site of an Anglo-Saxon king, his ship and treasured possessions.    The award-winning exhibition includes a full-size reconstruction of the burial chamber, replica treasures and original finds from one of the mounds.  Other onsite attractions include “Edith Pretty’s Edwardian Home”, walking trails through beautiful woodland and a tea room serving locally sourced food.    The normal admission fee for Sutton Hoo is waived for Mums on the 18th March, and is open from 11am - 4pm on Mothering Sunday.

Longer Suffolk Stays

If you fancy treating your Mum to a real getaway, Suffolk boasts a lovely selection of Suffolk holiday cottages, with everything from farmhouses, luxury apartments to the traditional seaside cottage.