Piggy Suffolk

It’s often said that there are more pigs in Suffolk than people.  Whether this is fact or fiction remains to be seen, but it does make you wonder.  

2019 is the Chinese Year of the Pig, a creature that symbolises wealth and good fortune, so what better time to talk about all things ‘piggy’ about Suffolk!

Pig Watching!

Many a time I’ve slowed down whilst driving along the A12 at Blythburgh or on the road to Westleton to take a look at the pigs and their adorable new piglets enjoying life at Blythburgh Free Range Pig Farm where animal welfare is at the heart of everything they do.  This is one of the many pig farms in Suffolk and their award-winning pork is served in many local restaurants.  
You’ll find several fields of pigs whether you’re driving, walking or cycling around our beautiful countryside and I can never resist stopping to watch them for a while (keeping at a reasonable distance away so as not to scare the pigs, of course.)

Up Close and Personal with Pigs

There’s some top-notch farm attractions in Suffolk that let you get up close and personal with pigs!  Jimmy’s Farm near Ipswich made famous by Jimmy’s TV appearances with Jamie Oliver over the years, is home to several rare breeds of pig including the British Saddleback, Tamworth and Berkshire pig.  There’s also a delightful farm shop and restaurant there.
Other family farm attractions in Suffolk include Easton Farm Park near Framlingham and Hollow Trees Farm, near Ipswich.

Pigs Means Prizes

Agricultural shows play a big part in the events calendar in Suffolk but they’re not all about looking at pigs, cattle and horses!  May is the big month with the Suffolk Show taking place at the county showground in Ipswich on 29th and 30th May 2019 and the South Suffolk Show being held at Ampton Racecourse near Bury St Edmunds on 12th May 2019.  There’s so much to see and do at these events, but for the local farmers it’s all about hard work and commitment to their finest livestock to win prestigious awards.
The Whole Hog Race 
You’ll be happy as a pig in mud if you’re the athletic type at this obstacle course and mud race that takes place near Woodbridge on 13th October 2019.  Take part in a 5-mile or 7-mile muddy running race with up to 40 obstacles along the way.  Sound like fun?  You can find out more here

The Unruly Pig

We couldn’t write a piggy blog without mentioning this award winning pub restaurant.  Located just outside Woodbridge, not too far from Orford this traditional 16th Century inn has a contemporary feel and offers outstanding locally sourced food and a large wine list.  The Unruly Pig is a gastronomic treat whatever the season.  Enjoy a warming winter meal by the fire, or in the summer enjoy a long, relaxed lunch in the garden.

Piggy Living 

So we’ve told you about some ‘piggy places to go’ but what about ‘piggy places to stay’?  
Well, how about Piglet Cottage in Uggeshall?  This cosy and traditional holiday cottage can accommodate up to 5 guests and is perfectly located for exploring the Suffolk Coast.  It’s not far from the Blythburgh Pigs either!  There’s three bedrooms – a super-king, a double and a single, a country-style kitchen with wood burner and a family bathroom with luxurious roll-top bath.  A three-star property, Piglet Cottage has everything you need for a comfortable Suffolk holiday at an affordable price.

If you’d like to live with pigs for a week, then take a peek at Rowhedge Farm Cottage near Alphteton which is available to book with Suffolk Cottage Holidays. The owner has recently welcomed two Gloucestershire Old Spot Pigs to the family and guests can visit them during their stay at the cottage.   This picture that a recent guest drew in the guest book is just adorable!

So there you have it.  Our perhaps rather random list of piggy things about Suffolk to celebrate the Chinese year of the Pig.  Can you think of any others?