Scenic Suffolk

A county filled with natural beauty situated on the east coast of England, bordered by 50 miles of glorious coastline and topped with breathtakingly beautiful open skies, it's the perfect holiday and short break destination. Suffolk, full of genteel appeal, is dotted with picturesque villages, magnificent churches and lavish Tudor buildings seemingly lost in time. Discover Suffolk's quintessential charm with this new itinerary which takes in the Anglo-Saxon burial ground of Sutton Hoo (filming location for the recent film 'The Dig'), a scenic river cruise, Ipswich waterfront marina and a stunning garden. Suffolk is full of surprises!

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.So much to see and do in Suffolk
DAY 1 - After joining your holiday coach, head east with a little en-route diversion for sightseeing and refreshments in medieval Lavenham. This former wool-trade centre is one of the UK's best preserved towns with its exquisite collection of 300 listed half-timbered and thatched buildings which have been left virtually untouched since the 15th century. Continue on to the stunning Ipswich Marina, your holiday base in Suffolk to check into your hotel for your 4-night stay. DBB

Nestled between the Dedham Vale and Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONBs, Ipswich is the perfect base form which to discover the country of Suffolk. From early Saxon settlers and Viking invasions, to global maritime trade and luxury yacht building; the Waterfront has been the at the heart of Ipswich's transformations over the town's 1,500 year history. Today, the Ipswich Waterfront is one of the most recognisable areas of the town, popular for the many bars, cafes and bistros perched along the waters edge, and with views over the marinas.

DAY 2 - 4 At leisure in Ipswich with two included excursions and one optional excursion

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Stowmarket (market day) & Helmingham Hall Gardens
After a leisurely breakfast, head to the market town of Stowmarket. Edward III granted the town a market charter in July 1347 and the traditional market continues to serve local people every Thursday in the Market Place. After time to look around and maybe a snack, head to nearby Helmingham Hall Gardens, today's highlight. The moated manor house of Helmingham and the Tollemache family have been together for many hundreds of years and it is hard to exaggerate the effect this beautiful park, with its red deer, spectacular moated Hall in mellow patterned red brick with its famous gardens will have on the visitor. The whole combines to give an extraordinary impression of beauty and tranquillity. A classic parterre flanked by hybrid musk roses lies before a stunning walled kitchen garden with exquisite herbaceous borders and beds of vegetables interspersed by tunnels of sweet peas, runner beans and gourds. On the other side lies a herb and knot garden behind which is a rose garden of unsurpassable beauty. The colour combinations in all these are in immaculate taste and are both subtle and very beautiful. The gardens today have been extensively redesigned by the current Lady Tollemache, a Chelsea Gold Medallist (There is no access to the house) Helmingham is a Grade I listed garden with mostly grassly paths and barked area - a map of accessible routes is available on arrival

Sutton Hoo & Deben Boat Cruise
Enjoy a visit today to Sutton Hoo, England's Valley of the Kings and one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time. Left undisturbed for 1300 years, the hull of an enormous Anglo-Saxon ship was uncovered here in 1939, buried under a mound of earth. The vessel was the grave of Raedwald, an East-Anglian king, and was stuffed with Saxon riches, reflecting a sophisticated culture. The 27m oak boat no longer exists, having rotted away leaving an imprint in the sand. A full-scale reconstruction of the ship, burial chamber and many of the original finds can be seen in the visitor centre. There is an accessible outdoor walk to the burial mounds (approx. 20 mins on flat ground) or you may prefer to stay at the exhibition, cafe and shop. Later head to Waldringfield where you will be welcomed aboard the all-weather 'Jahan' for a 2 hour boat journey along the river Deben, one of the most beautiful and scenic spots on the East Coast (3 steps down to board the boat). The tidal Deben Estuary is a Special Protection Area and within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB. An onboard commentary will tell of its rich wildlife and history whilst you enjoy a cup of tea with a freshly backed scone. (Cruise may be in the morning before the visit to Sutton Hoo)

OPTIONAL EXCURSION
Suffolk Coastal Tour - Aldeburgh & Southwold
Head to time-warped coastal Aldeburgh, a neat little seaside resort with its sweeping shingle beach, picturesque streets and charming pastel-coloured houses. Then on to upmarket Southwold, set on a low cliff, with a sandy beach, pebble-walled cottages, rows of colourful beach huts and pier. Once a bustling fishing town, it is more famous nowadays for its brewery and it has attracted artists such as Damien Hirst, Lucian Freud and JMW Turner.

DAY 5 - After a leisurely breakfast, check out of the hotel and head off homeward via interchange, arriving during the evening. An interesting stop will be made en-route to stretch your legs and have a break.

Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights with dinner & breakfast- Porterage- Two included excursions as stated- Entrance to Helmingham Hall Gardens- Visit to Stowmarket- Visit & entrance to Sutton Hoo- Deben River Cruise with tea & scone on board- En-route stops in Lavenham (time permitting)Salthouse Harbour Hotel Boutique Hotel on the Waterfront
Salthouse Harbour Hotel
This 4* contemporary, boutique hotel is set on the beautiful Ipswich waterfront. Each of the modern bedrooms has been individually designed with a personal touch, with plenty of warm and welcoming tones and smart furnishings. Rooms are equipped with TV, hairdryer and tea / coffee making facilities. The sleek and stylish public areas include the Salthouse Eaterie, bar and lounge areas and feature contemporary decor dotted with pieces of artwork.

Hotels
• The Salthouse Harbour Hotel (Ipswich) - View Information