A Suffolk that’s not for the faint-hearted

It's true that Suffolk is a county known for its tranquility and beauty – a place to relax and get away from the stresses of everyday life. The Suffolk landscape has been the inspiration of many a poet, composer and novelist over the centuries and its wildlife has been highlighted and celebrated in more recent years through the broadcast of BBC Springwatch from nature reserve RSPB Minsmere. 

But a trip to Suffolk is not just about moving over to the slow lane for a few days.  You can take life at whatever pace you like, and for the thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies out there, there’s plenty of action awaiting. 

Nomad Sea KayakingWhy not take to the water for a few hours and enjoy a sea kayaking tour that really highlights the diversity of the Suffolk landscape.  Available as a holiday extra with Suffolk Secrets there are a variety of tours lead by qualified instructor Kurt Finch. I recently took part in a tour, departing from Shotley Marina, sharing the water with the huge and rather awesome cargo vessels departing from Harwich.  From industrial surroundings to idyllic beauty, we paddled 5 miles along the river to the picturesque setting of Pin Mill, where we enjoyed a delicious pub breakfast at the Butt & Oyster before the challenging paddle back.  With slightly aching arms but a tremendous sense of achievement the group enjoyed a pint of Aspalls at The Bristol Arms to finish a thoroughly enjoyable morning.

Coastal VoyagerBased at Black Shore Harbour in Southwold, the Coastal Voyager offer rib rides and excursions.  If you feel the need for speed, then a 30 minute ‘blast’ along the Southwold coast is the ride for you.  If you’re in it for the long haul you can take a 3 hour trip to see the wind farm further up the coast at Scratby, Norfolk, or along the River Blyth to spot some seals.

Learn to Sail at Aldeburgh Yacht ClubGive something new a try during your Suffolk holiday, and take a sailing lesson at Aldeburgh Yacht Club.  Available to add to your stay as a holiday extra, receive 2 hours tuition from an experienced RYA sailing coach for £85.

Beacon Rally KartsIf you prefer wheels to water a race around a go cart track could be the perfect activity for your action-packed holiday. Beacon Rally Karts, near Ipswich has been run by the Abbott family since 2002 and offers ‘arrive and drive’ packages at weekends and Tuesday to Sunday during the school holidays.  They have karts suitable for ages 5 up. If you're away celebrating a big birthday, anniversary or pre-wedding ‘do’ this could be a great addition to your getaway.

Beccles AirsportsA view of Suffolk not seen by many is that from the sky, but that’s something that brand new company Beccles Airsports hopes to change.  Based at Shipmeadow, near the market town of Beccles, they offer affordable aviation experiences including microlight trips.  £49 will get you a 30 minute experience taking in the beauty of the countryside and waterways of the Waveney Valley.  For £99 you can enjoy an hour in the air, taking you towards the coast.

UK ParachutingAnother heart-pumping aerial activity is available just the other side of Beccles – skydiving from UK Parachuting, Ellough.  As I sit writing this blog in my sunsoaked back garden, I’ve heard the billow of opening parachutes and I’ve watched as they glide down to land just a mile or so down the road at the airfield.  Surely skydiving has to be the ultimate adrenaline experience?  It’s something that you would always remember about your holiday in Suffolk that’s for sure!

So there you have it – plenty of opportunity to get your heart racing in Suffolk.  Which activity do you fancy?