Reasons to take an autumn break in Suffolk

September and October are perfect months to visit Suffolk and there’s lots of great value off-peak holiday cottages available too! 

1) Delicious food and drink

Appetite needs whetting? Choose from a number of fantastic foodie events happening in the region including The Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival (28-29 September 2013), What’s Tasty in Woodbridge Festival (21 September 2013), The Woodbridge Shuck Festival (4 - 6th October) or a multitude of Farmers Markets happening in Snape, Lavenham and throughout the region.

Have a passion for all things fungi? Why not join Suffolk Food Safari's Mushrooms In a Day  forage (19 October 2013), which takes place in Rendlesham Forest, near Woodbridge. After the foray, take your finds to the award-winning British Larder in Bromeswell for a wild food cookery demonstration from chef and food writer Madalene Bonvini-Hamel.  Suffolk Food Safari will also be running a Taste of the Wild forage in Thetford Forest (also on 19 October 2013). Here you'll learn all about how to identify edible wild food and how to prepare for cooking and eating.

For seafood lovers, select your own freshly landed catch from Aldeburgh’s shoreline fisherman’s huts, freshly smoked kippers from Richardsons in Orford, or a delicious seafood platter from the Sole Bay Fish Company located in Southwold’s harbour area.

Feeling thirsty? Visit the iconic Adnams Brewery in Southwold and join a tour of their state-of-the-art brewery or Copper House Distillery. All tours include a tasting of course!

2) Wonderful wildlife

Suffolk is the perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts with an abundance of nature reserves to visit. Spend an educational day with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust on an Otter Monitoring & Surveying Trip.  Or maybe you’ll spot an inquisitive seal or two on a visit to the Walberswick National Nature Reserve (NNR), set on the banks of the River Blyth near Southwold.  This beautiful reserve is also home to deer, water vole and many different species of birds and butterflies. For something a little more adventurous, why not join a 4x4 Deer Safari at RSPB Minsmere near Dunwich on Suffolk’s heritage coast. 

3) Fantastic festivals and music

The festival season is definitely still swinging in Suffolk during the autumn months. For a taste of Latin fever, visit the FlipSide Festival (4-6 October) at Snape Maltings - a Brazilian themed literary and musical fiesta. The Halesworth Arts Festival (12 - 27 October 2013) is one of the area's most popular autumn festivals with a packed programme featuring Louis de Berniere and The Brook Street Band, The Cotton Club, 2Faced Dace, London Concertante, an Artists’ Gallery Space plus more. Literary Ipswich (2 - 6 October 2013) will feature readings by Michael Morpurgo, Simon Hoggart and Simon Mayo plus creative writing workshops, a Writers' Café, literary walks, writing competitions and master classes.  The English Touring Opera will be visiting Snape Maltings on 18 October 2013 with their production of Monteverdi’s The Coronation of Poppea. 

4) Rover can finally run along the beach

September and October is the perfect time to bring your four-legged friend! Many beaches lift their seasonal dog bans and there are lots of lovely pooch-friendly holiday properties available. For a day out with Rover, visit Woofbridge – The Bark in the Park, a fantastic celebration of man’s best friend with dog trials, grooming sessions and doggy treats!

5) Beautiful walks to calm the soul…

With miles of peaceful walking tracks through the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a visit to Suffolk may be just the tonic you need. There are many beautiful walks starting from Snape – including The Sailors' Path, which follows the River Alde, past reed beds and through Snape Warren reserve, before reaching Aldeburgh. Another popular long-distance trail is the Suffolk Coastal Path which starts in Kessingland and follows the beautiful coastline to Southwold, Walberswick, Dunwich and beyond.

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