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. Staying at an excellent 4* boutique hotel, discover Suffolk's quintessential charm with this updated itinerary which takes in a scenic river cruise, Ipswich waterfront marina, a stunning garden and a visit to an Owl Sanctuary. Suffolk is full of surprises!So much to see and do in Suffolk
DAY 1 - After joining your holiday coach take 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. Porterage and welcome drink on arrival DBB\n\nNestled between the Dedham Vale and Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONBs, Ipswich is the perfect base from 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 water's edge with views over the marina\n\nDAY 2 - 4 At leisure in Ipswich with three included excursions and time at leisure in Ipswich\n\n\nINCLUDED EXCURSIONS\nSuffolk by the Sea - Southwold & Aldeburgh\nOff 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. Southwold Pier is a renowned British seaside attraction known for its eccentric charm, seasonal food and stunning views. Rebuilt in the 1990s, it extends 623ft into the North Sea, offering a picturesque sight from the shore. Then head to time-warped coastal Aldeburgh, a neat little seaside resort with its sweeping shingle beach, picturesque streets and charming pastel-coloured houses. Maybe take a stroll along the haunting saltmarsh by misty River Alde creeks and a mightily impressive Martello tower. Aldeburgh is a truly scenic and classy coast-and-culture favourite with a fantastic reputation for fine food and drink, including Aldeburgh's famous fish and chips. It's simply the perfect get-away-from-it-all place to visit\n\n\nHelmingham Hall Gardens & Deben Boat Cruise\nAfter breakfast, head to nearby Helmingham Hall Gardens. 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 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 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 grassy paths and barked area - a map of accessible routes is available on arrival. There is a cafe on site.\n\n\nLater 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 baked scone.\n\nSuffolk Owl Sanctuary at Stonham Barns & Ipswich Waterfront\nThe Suffolk Owl Sanctuary is based at Stonham Barns, where it operates a comprehensive facility for the care and rehabilitation of rescued owls and promotes owl conservation throughout the UK. Enjoy the company of owls and other birds of prey as well as meerkats, red squirrels, ferrets and armadillos on your included visit. There are over 70 birds at the centre, all housed in spacious aviaries and flying free in displays and demonstrations. Admission includes come-and-go access, so you can explore Stonham Barns Park with its many attractions, cafe and Retail Village with a large range of unique and interesting shops. You'll find everything from fabrics, antiques, books, beauty products to crystals, teapots, toys, sweets, pictures and garden equipment. Head back to Ipswich with plenty of time to explore the Waterfront at leisure and relax at the hotel.\n\nDAY 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 & Welcome Drink- Three included excursions as stated- Visit to Southwold & Aldeburgh- Entrance to Helmingham Hall Gardens- Visit & entrance to Suffolk Owl Sanctuary & Stonham Barns- Deben River Cruise with tea & scone- En-route stop in Lavenham (time permitting)Salthouse Harbour Hotel Boutique Hotel on the Waterfront
\nThis 4* contemporary, boutique hotel is set on the beautiful Ipswich waterfront.\n\nEach of the modern bedrooms has been individually designed with a personal touch, with plenty of warm and welcoming tones and smart furnishings. \n\nRooms 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.\n\nSingles are double for sole use. Rooms with harbour view are subject to availability and applicable supplement