Wednesday 21 December 2011

Out Of Season Holidays in Suffolk - A time To Enjoy The Peaceful Suffolk Countryside

Winter is here and it is that time of year when people begin to think about getting away for a holiday or short break somewhere peaceful, relaxing and picturesque. And what better destination could there be, than a self catering log cabin holiday in Suffolk? Close to London and the Home Counties, holidays in Suffolk are near enough to be just a comfortable drive away - and yet at the same time, they provide a delightful change of scenery and some quite beautiful coastal countryside.

For log cabin holidays, Windmill Lodges in Suffolk offers 7 luxuriously appointed traditional style log cabins, which have been thoughtfully positioned around a delightful catch and release fishing lake, deep in the beautiful Suffolk countryside. Each of our log cabins has been built and fitted out to 4 and 5 star standards as bestowed by the English Tourist Council and the quality of the development has also been recognised and rewarded by Tourism in Suffolk, as well as the Cyclists Welcome, Walkers Welcome and Families Welcome schemes.

Lodges are available in the full range of sizes, accommodating parties of up to 8. They come with modern fitted kitchens complete with a full size cooker, fridge and microwave oven and the kitchen drawers and cupboards are stocked with everything you will need. The bathrooms are fully fitted with baths with shower attachments and come with fluffy towels and bathrobes, so you don’t have to worry about packing your own.



In the lounge area there is a wall mounted coal effect fire and throughout the log cabin there is under floor heating to keep your toes warm at night. Home entertainments include a flat screen TV with all the free to air satellite channels, a DVD player and a stereo.  In the bedroom you will find a luxurious 4-poster or a king size bed, depending on the lodge you choose.

Outside, on the veranda, which provides a wonderful view of the fishing lake, you’ll find seating and an outside dining table and away to one side and fenced off, for your privacy, your own luxurious hot tub under the stars! All in all, the perfect self catering holiday accommodation for an indulgent winter break!


Winter Holidays in Suffolk


Winter holidays in Suffolk can be a real tonic and just what the Doctor ordered to chase away those pre or post Christmas blues. The winter months are a joy here, and whilst it may be cold and even on occasion wet, with the right clothes and some sturdy boots, the fresh air and wide open spaces provide a relaxing break from the daily routine.

The countryside here in Suffolk really is breathtaking. It has been an inspiration to many a poet and artist and continues to capture the imagination and awe of photographers, writers, painters and sculptors to this day. Famous names in artistic history who have been inspired here include Betjeman, Blythe, Britten, Constable, Crabbe, Dickens, Gainsborough, Hambling, Rendell and Eric Arthur Blair, better known as George Orwell. More recently they have been joined by the likes of Bignell, Bullen, Crossley-Holland, Davies, James, Lund-Lack, Oxborrow, Pettersson, Pretty and Rumbles.

All of these artists and many more besides have been inspired by what they’ve seen and heard in the Suffolk countryside, on its heathlands and sandlings and you too, can tap into that feeling and experience the true wonder that the Brecks, the ancient woodlands, the valleys and the Suffolk coast have to offer. What better way to enjoy your holidays in Suffolk, than getting out into the countryside to see what you can see.

There are some particularly nice walks in the area, especially around the nature reserve at Orford Ness. This area of importance, being the
largest vegetated shingle spit in Europe. As such, it is an important breeding and stop off point for large numbers of wild birds. This ex-military testing site has been returned to the wild and it is interesting to see how many rare and fascinating species have reclaimed it.

Any walkers among your party will be in their element here. The Suffolk Coastal Path stretches from Felixstowe to Lowestoft and beyond in both directions and the Suffolk Sandlings Walk passes through Martlesham Heath, Woodbridge, Rendlesham Forest and Snape and both these routes have shorter loops, which are ideal for a pleasant afternoon’s stroll. There are some shorter walks following footpaths around Saxtead, Dennington and Framlingham and, if you happen to find yourself in Framligham, you must visit The Mere. This is a 33-acre lake and nature reserve, between Framlingham Castle and Framlingham College, its circular footpath presents you with some wonderful flora and fauna, regardless of the time of year.

Nature lovers will also enjoy a visit to the RSPB reserve at Minsmere. Here, you can watch the avocets and marsh harriers from discreet hides and listen out for the distinctive call of the bitterns. If you’re lucky, you may even spot one. (they are a bit shy).

So on your holidays in Suffolk you can go for long walks in nature and observe the local wild life but what else can you do?

While holidaying in Suffolk, you can shop in the local towns and villages. The local, ancient and picturesque market towns of Woodbridge and Framlingham offer all of the amenities and facilities you’d expect from small to medium sized towns with the added bonus, that there is a photo opportunity at every turn. Ancient buildings line the streets which themselves are full of local history. With a tide mill and a castle, these two jewels in Suffolk’s crown are filled with local attractions and places of historic interest and throughout the winter months, there is lots to see and loads going on.

The coastal towns of Southwold and Aldeburgh are also lovely to visit. Southwold is perhaps most famous for being the home of the Adnams Brewery Company. Renowned for their passion for producing fine, cask conditioned ales and bottled beers, which they have been doing since 1872, Adnams now produce fine quality Gin and Vodka too. Their products, including Broadside, Explorer and Lighthouse among others, are a staple of many of the pubs in East Anglia and you are virtually guaranteed to find them on tap, if you happen to pop in to one of our local public houses during your stay. Southwold is much more than just a brewers HQ, this beautiful seaside town has been an artist’s muse for centuries. The streets, shops and houses of the town are pretty, in the extreme and the coloured beach huts that line the shore are a postcard manufacturers dream.

Another Suffolk seaside town which you’ve got to see is Aldeburgh. Famed as the home of Aldeburgh music and the legacy of Benjamin Britten, it is a highly fashionable day trip destination and sees regular visits from Londoners, many of which have a holiday home on the Suffolk coast. As a result, the shops, the art galleries, antique emporia and restaurants, are second to none. Fishermen sell their daily catch from huts on the beach, so if you fancy fresh fish for tea, this is the place to come.

Another great joy of taking short holidays in Suffolk at this time of year, is the wonderful produce on offer here. Winter farmers markets occur throughout the region and they are some of the best in the country. For example, the Lavenham farmers market is held on the 4th Sunday of every month and over 30 traders come to the beautiful Lavenham village hall, bringing with them a fantastic range of high quality, local produce. Another farmers market of particular note is held at Alder Carr Farm in the village of Creeting St Mary. Here a large open courtyard is ringed with craft shops and their award-winning farm shop and delicatessen overflows with lovely local produce.

Other foodie days out include The Suffolk Food Hall - probably the largest and best known of Suffolk's farm shops. Started in 2005, this stunning food emporium showcases some of the finest food produced locally. In conjunction with a number of local specialist producers including Hamish Johnston cheeses, Crystal Waters the fishmonger, the Helena Doy bakery, Promotion wines and the Bourne Garden Centre, they provide a great day out for the whole family with quality, traceable, food alongside other local products.

Jimmy's Farm is another must see in the area. Just outside of Ipswich in the village of Wherstead, Jimmy runs his famous pig farm, which has been featured on countless TV shows. The farm is open daily and visitors are invited to come along and learn about farming techniques, food production and nature. There is a woodland trail and an animal paddock at the farm as well as an adventure playground for the kiddies. The farmers market here was recently included in the Guardian's list of Britain's most vibrant food markets.

If one day during your stay, you really don’t fancy cooking, you could always pop into Woodbridge and go on one of their food safaris. Woodbridge food safaris give you the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes at some of Suffolk’s best food and drink producers and gain hands-on experience in one of their fascinating workshops and the day is rounded off with a wonderful gourmet feast.

Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the countryside and enjoy a log cabin holiday in Suffolk with Windmill Lodges - click here to view our accommodation

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Winter Log Cabin Holidays - Get Away to the Suffolk Coast

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