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The bucket list of things to see and do on The Suffolk Coast

This year challenge yourself to East Suffolk's bucket list of things to see and do. From stargazing and cold water swimming to distilling and fine food, the area offers something for everyone.

Here's the top ten bucket list things to see and do in East Suffolk.

1. See the sunrise over the sea

Be the first to see the sun rise over the North Sea! Ness Point in Lowestoft is the most easterly point in the UK and offers stunning coastal views bathed in glorious sunlight. For a very special sunrise, book a lighthouse tour with Adnams and watch the sun rise from Southwold's most magnificent landmark. 

2. Visit a local festival

Latitude, First Light Festival, Folk East and Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival are all well-known, but there's so many festivals in East Suffolk to explore. Check out the Black Shuck Festival in Bungay (31 July – 2 August) which celebrates local folklore. Halesworth offers the INK! play writers festival (16-19 April) plus a scarecrow festival (October), which bring in visitors from far and wide.   

3. Stargazing – 'stay and gaze'

Stay and gaze breaks are very on trend and East Suffolk's wide open dark skies provide the perfect backdrop. Step into the great outdoors with your binoculars in hand to wonder at nature's biggest light show. View the constellations, planets and celestial events along the coast or try Westleton Common, a dark sky discovery site!

4. 'Lording' it up in East Suffolk

There are so many stately homes to visit in the area from Somerleyton to Heveningham Hall. However, this year why not step into a Bridgerton-style world and live like Lord and Lady for a day or two? Henham Park offers a beautifully refurbished Gate House for a very luxurious stay. Or head over to the Sotterley Estate near Beccles for a relaxing break in acres of stunning parkland. Their perfectly thatched East Lodge has recently been renovated and is the most instagrammable stay on the estate.

5. Go glamping by the sea

The Suffolk Coast and countryside offer the rural idyl. What better way to escape the stresses of modern life than treating yourself to a glamping experience. 'Still Southwold' are adding more 'Dragon House' cabins to their collection, which sit perfectly on the town's cliff tops. Enjoy a morning yoga while looking out to sea. Or head to Hippersons Boatyard in the Waveney Valley and chill out in a floating cabin for a relaxing short break. For a weekend away under canvas opt for a beautifully dressed yurt with comfy double beds and a wood burner at Suffolk Yurt Holidays in Woodbridge.

6. Learn the art of winemaking, brewing and distilling!

Whatever your tipple, the area is jam-packed with vineyards, brewers and distillers keen to share their passion. Adnams offers tours and tastings, plus the chance to make your own gin in their Copper House Distillery in Southwold. Fishers Gin by the beach in Aldeburgh also runs tours and tastings, visitors can also make their own botanical tea! St Peters Brewery in Bungay is ideal for the real ale enthusiast, learn how their stouts, beers, lagers and ales are created on a tour. Visitors can pop a cork at Flint vineyard near Bungay and see firsthand the art of winemaking. Book for tours, tastings and enjoy cellar door sales.   

7. Go cold water swimming

Enjoy an invigorating cold water swim with friends at one of the beaches along the Suffolk Coast from Felixstowe to Lowestoft. Or head over to Beccles and take the plunge into their lido! The 'chill swim' is from 15 ºC but offers a safe place to embrace the waters.

8. Explore East Suffolk's artisan food makers

East Suffolk is a foodies paradise. Tuck into some of the finest artisan foods made by local people across the region. Enjoy the freshest catch of the day at fishmongers and seafood huts at Aldeburgh, Felixstowe and Pakefield. For the finest selection of locally produced, cheese, meats, chocolates, jams and chutneys explore the area's network of farm shops and delicatessens.   

9. Visit the Broads and heathlands

The Suffolk Coast stretches into beautiful Broadland. Hire a boat, jump on a paddleboard or sit and relax among the reeds as nature ebbs and flows. Or walk or cycle through the heathlands, such as at Sutton Heath, an area of outstanding natural beauty. View the changing seasons and look out for the ponies and sheep which are used to graze the land.  

10. Explore one of the 180 villages in East Suffolk

East Suffolk is home to some of the prettiest villages in the UK. Take a drive, or cycle from village to village uncovering historic churches and a welcoming pub. Why not check out some of the villages with the most unusual names, such as Monewden (meaning: 'valley of Munda's People') and Dallinghoo (meaning: hill spur of Dalla's people').  

To discover more, go to www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk. 

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NOTE TO THE EDITOR

Press trips are available as well as high resolution promotional images.

The Suffolk Coast DMO is the official destination management organisation for East Suffolk, promoting the region as a premier visitor destination. Through its website - visited by over 1 million people annually - and strong local business network, The Suffolk Coast champions tourism, culture, food, and heritage, ensuring a sustainable and successful future for the area.

For further information

Hilary Collins, Big Wave PR, Tel: 01206 231807, hilary@wearebigeavepr.co.uk