Winter is the perfect time to get out and explore Suffolk. With its picturesque scenery and wide range of exhibitions, workshops, artisan fairs, Christmas markets, and craft fairs, there’s always something going on in this county.
You may not be able to explore every area of this stunning county on foot—there are simply too many beautiful spots for that—but you can certainly take advantage of what’s on offer in the nearby area.
So, get your walking boots ready and pack a few extra layers so you’re cosy and warm, because we’ll be providing a guide to some of the area’s best events, activities, and walks, all just a stone’s throw away from our beautifully refurbished hotel.
Covehithe Beach
If you’re looking for a wild but beautiful beach with few crowds, Covehithe is the place for you. You’ll find this beach littered with sand-blasted tree trunks that once lined the cliffs above. The golden stretch of sand is set amongst a backdrop of imposing cliffs leading to Benacre’s lagoon. Be sure to bring a flask of hot tea as you explore one of the coast’s most remote trails.
Adnams tour, Southwold
If you want to experience the magic of Adnams in Southwold, you can join one of the brewery or distillery tours and take part in a brewing experience. Or, if you’d like to make your own beer or gin, one of Adnams’ inhouse experts will be happy to show you how.
The brewery has been making award-winning ales for over 150 years, so there’s no better place to learn about beer than here!
Snape Maltings
On the bank of the River Alde sits Snape Maltings, just five miles from Aldeburgh. An area of Outstanding National Beauty and home to a world-famous concert hall. Snape Maltings will host a range of concerts over the holiday period including a performance of ‘The Nutcracker and I’, a reimagination of Tchaikovsky’s ballet for the 21st century.
The Concert Hall, on Sunday 18th December, will screen Howard Blake’s The Snowman, continuing a tradition of special screenings brought to life with live orchestral music conducted by Ben Parry. The Suffolk Ensemble and children from Group A and Jubilee Opera Chorus will sing the songs.
Dunwich Heath
Bring out the bid kid in you and visit the Reindeer Trail at Dunwich Heath from the 3rd of December. Collect a trail map and see if you can spot all of Santa’s Reindeer along the route. Once you’ve found Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and Rudolph, why not step back in time at the Tearoom for a hot drink and Victorian-style treats.
Rendlesham Forest – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
If you’re looking for an alternative way to spend the holidays, why not visit the famous UFO trail at Rendlesham Forest. Explore by foot or bike as you make your way to a giant replica of a UFO on this stimulating trek through the forest, heathland, and wetlands.
The area is famous for its connection to an original UFO sighting in December 1980 where US servicemen are reported to have seen red lights shining through the forest. But who knows, at this time of year it may have been Rudolph’s bright red nose lighting the way for Santa himself they saw, and perhaps you will too!
Winter Recharge
After a day spent exploring Suffolk’s natural beauty, what could be more enticing than to return to our beautiful boutique hotel, offering fantastic festive lunches, dinners, and afternoon teas. The Bell Hotel Saxmundham is a charming place to recharge and prepare for your next adventure.
Recharge this winter from 12th December to 31st March and enjoy everything the hotel has to offer, with luxury breaks that start from just £129 per couple and include:
- Luxury accommodation for two
- A glass of sparkling wine on arrival
- Delicious dinner for two (to the value of £25pp)
- Full English breakfast
*Hotel offer excludes 24th, 25th and 31st December and 10th-14th February 2023.
