Suffolk

Big Skies

Choose a town or city below to view all business in that area

Overview

Big Skies launches from Woodbridge winding east through the countryside to emerge upon the unspoilt Suffolk coast at Orford, heading through Snape and onto Southwold. This is a trip to blow away the cobwebs where you will feel the sun on your face and breeze in your hair beneath Suffolk’s expansive skies.

Woodbridge

A bustling market town on the banks of the River Deben with a collection of restaurants, pubs and independent retailers in the pedestrian Thoroughfare. Historical sites include Buttrums Mill, the Tide Mill Living Museum and the nearby Sutton Hoo ship burial. Spend time soaking up the historical sites, or head to Bawdsey Hall to take some time out and watch the wildlife before continuing on to Orford.

Orford

A small, peaceful fishing village situated in Suffolk’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Enjoy the local catch, take a walk, visit the 12th century Orford Castle overlooking the River Ore or enjoy the Orford Ness shingle beach, nature reserve and early radar site.

Snape

Historically rich and standing on the River Alde, Snape is a best known for its world renowned acoustic concert hall, Snape Maltings. The surrounding restored Victorian buildings house galleries, craft workshops, retail shops and places to eat.

Aldeburgh

Aldeburgh, home of composer Benjamin Britten, is a bright lively seaside resort town on the Suffolk coast. Walk the beach, browse the galleries and boutiques or succumb to the local food in one of the tempting restaurants. Booklovers will love the annual Literary Week celebration.

Thorpeness

The quaint coastal village of Thorpeness is centred around The Meare, a beautiful boating lake with enchanting Peter Pan themed islands. Sites of interest include the Almshouses, windmill and the famous House in the Clouds as well local pubs and restaurants.

Westleton

An idyllic village between Aldeburgh and Southwold, with a converted chapel – Westleton Chapel, Bookshop, a traditional village green and the lovely Westleton Crown pub. The village is very near to RSPB Minsmere, whilst Westleton Heath is famous for the red deer rut.

Dunwich

Once the unofficial capital of East Anglia Dunwich thrived until being severely flooded and partly lost to the sea. Today you can walk the coastal path and shingle beach, visit the museum and enjoy local food, including fish and chips!

Southwold

Quintessentially British, Southwold at the mouth of the River Blyth is one of Suffolk’s premier seaside resorts. Visit the lighthouse, sandy beach, pier, electric cinema or browse the high street shops and boutiques before enjoying food and drink in the local restaurants.

Framlingham

Explore the magnificent late 12th century moated castle. Take in the splendid towers and enjoy the panoramic views across the mere from the rampart walk. Investigate other attractions including Market Hill, the village pump, The Mills Almshouses and The Tomb House.

Animals / WildlifeChild FriendlyCulture+6 more

Overview

1

Woodbridge

2
12.1 miles

Orford

3
6.5 miles

Snape

4
4.7 miles

Aldeburgh

5
2.1 miles

Thorpeness

6
7.6 miles

Westleton

7
2.5 miles

Dunwich

8
8.8 miles

Southwold

9
20.0 miles

Framlingham

What to see and do…

View type:
Sort by:

Scarffs Farms Burnt House Vineyard | Suffolk

Bildeston Road , Little Finborough, Suffolk, IP14 2NF

Doves Barn | Suffolk

Stowmarket Road, Badley, Needham Market, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP6 8RJ

The Limes Hotel & Bar | Suffolk

99 High St, Needham Market, Suffolk, IP6 8DQ

Landguard Fort | Suffolk

View Point Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 3TW

The Foxes Den Coffee House & Rooms | Stay | Suffolk

Further Street, Assington, Suffolk, CO10 5LD

The Foxes Den Coffee House & Rooms | Eat | Suffolk

Further Street, Assington, Suffolk, CO10 5LD

The Angel Hotel Lavenham | Suffolk

The Market Place, Lavenham , Suffolk, CO10 9QZ

The Limeburners | Offton

Willisham Road, Offton, Suffolk, IP8 4SF

About the Big Skies Trail

Distance:64 miles
Cities / Towns:9
Number Of Businesses:240

Cross the River Deben at Woodbridge and pass the Anglo Saxon ship burial at Sutton Hoo en route to the coast at Orford with its 12thc castle keep and fresh seafood. Take a stroll along the shore from bustling Aldeburgh to the quaint village of Thorpeness with its boating lake. For a more modern twist take in the Sizewell visitor centre before crossing Westleton Heath towards the RSPB reserve at Minismere. Southwold offers peaceful seclusion or atmospheric pubs together with stunning views and local food. Inland, the castle town of Framlingham leads back to the A1120 Suffolk Tourist Trail. Be sure to read our Suffolk guides and our useful What’s on in Suffolk article to find out more about the local area.

Animals / Wildlife
Child Friendly
Culture
Free to Do
History
Pet Friendly
Rainy Days
Shopping
Wheel Chair Access

Coastal Walks

Step out into the fresh air and clear your head with a series of Suffolk coastal walks. Whether it is the shingle beach at Dunwich, a stroll round Thorpeness Meare or an amble through RSPB Minsmere there is plenty to see and help you build up an appetite.

Suffolk Heritage

Enjoy the heritage of the Suffolk coast set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Visit the Norman castle at Orford, the birthplace of radar at Orfordness and the ever popular Framlingham castle.

Foodie's Delight

Big Skies is a foodie’s delight with Dingley Dell pork, oysters at Orford, Suffolk Meadows ice cream, fresh fish at Aldeburgh and Southwold. Fish and chips are a local favourite! Take an Adnams brewery tour to sample the local beer and spirits.

Also Nearby

Scarffs Farms Burnt House Vineyard | Suffolk

Bildeston Road , Little Finborough, Suffolk, IP14 2NF

Doves Barn | Suffolk

Stowmarket Road, Badley, Needham Market, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP6 8RJ

The Limes Hotel & Bar | Suffolk

99 High St, Needham Market, Suffolk, IP6 8DQ

Landguard Fort | Suffolk

View Point Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 3TW

The Foxes Den Coffee House & Rooms | Stay | Suffolk

Further Street, Assington, Suffolk, CO10 5LD

The Foxes Den Coffee House & Rooms | Eat | Suffolk

Further Street, Assington, Suffolk, CO10 5LD

The Angel Hotel Lavenham | Suffolk

The Market Place, Lavenham , Suffolk, CO10 9QZ

The Limeburners | Offton

Willisham Road, Offton, Suffolk, IP8 4SF

☀️ Book a Holiday?

You can book accommodation right here on The Tourist Trail!

Explore our range of fantastic accommodation now. 👇

Search Accommodation

Book Now
Close
Search Accommodation