Saturday, June 13, 2009

Suffolk


With a few clicks and a couple of phone calls I managed to find a fantastic place to stay in Yoxford, Suffolk. The owners, David and Jackum Brown moved into the Old Methodist Chapel about twelve years ago after leaving London. (They have recently started found themselves back on the publishing bandwagon with their "501 must see" guide books.) Needless to say we were delighted with the accomodation and hospitality they showed us.
I found Suffolk surprising in many ways: The countryside is expansive and yet varied; the villages are beautiful but not too quaint; the pace of life is unhurried but does not feel backward.
It was refreshing to find a part of the world not too eager to rush forward with progress but rather choose the best bits once someone else has tested the water. We did not see one Tescos (or other major high street chain come to think of it) and felt all the better because of it!
As usual, our budget break included an assortment of National Trust and English Heritage sites including Wimpole Hall, Sutton Hoo, Orford Castle, Framlingham Castle, and Ickford Rotunda.