Ipswich and the Suffolk Coast

Sutton Hoo is one of Britain's most important and atmospheric archaeological sites, the burial ground of the Anglo-Saxon kings of East Anglia. Priceless royal treasures were discovered here in a huge ship grave, and an exhibition hall tells this compelling story of early English history. The Suffolk sandlings heathland and woodland walks are also nearby. Facilities include a licensed restaurant and a gift shop selling exclusive ranges inspired by Sutton Hoo artefacts.

Take a seal watching boat trip from Southwold with Coastal Voyager - an open top speedboat RHIB, Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat. A variety of trips and cruises are available, from seal watching at Scroby Sands, to a high speed boat trip straight out to sea. Have a go behind the wheel yourself under the instruction of the skipper, or enjoy a more tranquil experience on the River Blythe cruise. Combine a walk with a sea voyage with the Walker One Way at Sea package.

Orford Ness is a 7 mile long spit of land and shingle, which has separated the village of Orford from the sea since Tudor times. The Ness is an internationally important nature reserve, with a fascinating 20th-century military history. Rare flora and fauna fight to survive on this wild and remote extremity of eastern England. Orford Ness was also the site of secret military testing, from the early experiments with RADAR to munitions in WWII and missiles and communications during the cold war.

Southwold is a genteel and appealing seaside town, with fine old buildings, a sandy long beach, open heathland, and the local Adnams Brewery. The town offers much of interest, but it is the sea and Southwold's links with it that make this a wonderful destination at any time of the year. With its working lighthouse, beach huts, award-winning pier, busy harbour, cliff top cannons and of course the beach, Southwold is a quintessentially English resort town.

Escape to Aldeburgh and the Suffolk sandlings and let the stress of everyday life evaporate into Aldeburgh's wide atmospheric sky. Aldeburgh is best known for its annual arts festival, the brainchild of composer Benjamin Britten (1913-76) who is buried in the village churchyard. Outside of June, when the festival takes place, Aldeburgh is the quietest of places, with just a small fishing fleet selling its daily catch from wooden shacks along the pebbled shore.

Dunwich Heath consists of coastal lowland heath, sandy cliffs and a beach on a remote and beautiful stretch of the Suffolk coastline. There are heathland and shore-side walks, shady woods, sandy cliffs and from June to September - magnificent flowering heather. This environment provides a home to rare wildlife, like the Dartford Warbler and ant-lion. Stunning views, good food and tea and gifts can be found at the old Coastguard Cottages nearby.

The atmospheric Ancient House - Museum of Thetford Life, is a crooked timber framed building datiing from Tudor times, telling the story of Thetford and the local area. It features the finest examples of the East Anglian tradition of highly decorated plasterwork, or pargeting. Discover rich collections alongside audio guides, films and animations, and meet local people from Thetford's past, from the revolutionary philosopher Thomas Paine to the Sikh hero Maharajah Duleep Singh.

Take to the water for a relaxing journey around the historic waterways of Ipswich, Harwich Harbour and the River Orwell. A purpose built vessel, the Orwell Lady, runs regular, scheduled cruises, leaving from Orwell Quay in Ipswich Wet Dock. Learn about the maritime history of the area, from sumuggling and shipbuilding to industry and warfare.