All Eyes on Eye

If you’re looking for a Suffolk cottage holiday this summer you’ll probably find that availability is pretty limited in the more well-known coastal resorts.  But don’t despair!  Cast your net wider and you’ll soon discover some real holiday beauties.

Taking your Suffolk holiday in the countryside offers the opportunity to explore far more of this beautiful county, leaving you with even more memories to treasure.  (You’ll also be away from the sea breeze, which will make enjoying a drink of something chilled in the garden after a busy day out all the more enjoyable!)

Eye is a perfect example and one of North-Suffolk’s most delightful market towns.  There is a good selection of shops, especially antiques and home furnishings boutiques in the town and places of interest include the Victorian flint and brick town hall, the church of St Peter and St Paul and the Norman castle ruins that overlook the River Dove. The Pennings Nature Reserve is close by and the Thornham Estate is ideal for those bringing their walking boots on holiday.

The spires and entertainment of beautiful Bury St Edmunds are just 26 miles away.  A day in this historic town is not to be missed – a great selection of shops, beautiful gardens, a spectacular cathedral to visit, plus a huge choice of cafes and restaurants await.  For a step back in time, take the 12-mile drive to Framlingham where you can wander around the town and visit the castle, which is where Mary Tudor was proclaimed Queen of England.  Managed by English Heritage, the castle is a great day out for the family and there are often events during the school holidays.

A day trip to the coast is of course an essential. The ‘Lost City’ of Dunwich is just 25 miles away, where you can enjoy a breathtaking walk along the coast to Minsmere and beyond.  For a more relaxed day by the sea travel a few miles further to Aldeburgh and Thorpeness to take a rowboat on the Meare and taste the freshest fish and chips on the Suffolk Coast.

Even neighbouring Norfolk is within easy reach when on holiday in Eye.  A half-hour drive brings you to Thetford Forest, where you can explore on foot, hire cycles or visit Go Ape to take a Segway adventure or climb up into the trees.  Alternatively you can just take a picnic and relax, making sure you stop at the town of Diss for a wander around on your way home.

The Eye family fun day takes place on Sunday 28th August at the Community Centre.  Bigger and better for 2016 there will be plenty of fun for all ages including donkey rides a bouncy castle and zorb balling for children, classic cars, model railways, a traditional dog show, food and refreshments and much, much more.  The event also coincides with the Annual Eye Art Exhibition which will be open all bank holiday weekend.

Another event to note for Eye is the Heritage weekend, which is scheduled to take place 10th and 11th September. A popular fixture in the towns calendar last year, visitors enjoyed costumed guided walks of the town and the castle, a special portraits exhibition in the bank and crafts and activities for children.

Take a look at our Suffolk Countryside and Eye holiday properties to find your secret holiday beauty!