Places to see, things to do
Hill Cottages are situated on the edge of the small village of Bramfield. The village is close to an area of outstanding natural beauty and is a perfect location from which to explore all of the Suffolk Heritage coast and the Suffolk countryside.
Bramfield
- The Village Church – turn left by the Queen’s Head. A historic and unusual little church. The main fabric of the church is 14th century. Whilst round towers are fairly common in Suffolk, the village church tower is separate from the church itself, which makes it unique in Suffolk. It has an extraordinary tombstone inside which is worth seeking out.
- The Wavy Wall – a traditional Suffolk construction – is a little further on from the church on the other side of the road.
- There is a new village green, Bridge Meadow in Bridge Street, which was acquired by the village in 2024 and plans for an open space plus play area are in progress.
- Footpaths – There are several footpaths and bridleways around the village.
Halesworth
Halesworth is a small, historic market town with plenty to explore. You’ll find a good mix of independent shops, from antiques and gifts to food, clothes, and homeware, plus a handful of art galleries. The Thoroughfare – once the town’s main road – is now a pedestrianised street lined with many of these shops and cafes.
At one end, you’ll come to the Market Place, with its lovely old buildings, St Mary’s Church, and the former Almshouse just beyond. At the other end is the library, and from there it’s only a short walk to The Cut Arts Centre – a converted maltings that now hosts performances, exhibitions, and has a great café/bar. Find out what’s on at www.newcut.org.
The town’s railway station is nearby, with direct trains to London Liverpool Street. It’s also known for its unusual moveable platforms, which used to double up as the crossing gates. The station buildings now house the town’s museum – though we’ll admit, we’ve not yet managed to catch it when it’s open!
As you wander around, keep an eye out for the small circular duck markers set into the ground. They’re part of the Halesworth Town Trail, which is a great way to explore and learn a bit more about the town as you go.
Also close by or in the village you will find:
- Golf
- Fishing
- Riding
- Bird watching at Minsmere
Pubs and Restaurants
There are so many good pubs and restaurants within a short drive its impossible to mention them all. The area is well known for its good food and many pubs base their menu on locally sourced seasonal food.
In the village, within a 5-10 minute walk, we have our own award-winning pub and restaurant The Queens Head. The menu is planned around local seasonal produce and the food is very good. Service is efficient and friendly, we highly recommend you try it.
We all love to be beside the seaside
Why stay in one seaside town when you can have several seaside towns all within a short drive? Each with its own unique character. We are spoilt for coastline with some of the most unspoilt (and un-busy) beaches in the country.
Many of the beaches are dog friendly. From October – April nearly all beaches allow dogs. Here are some of our favourites :
Southwold
Southwold is a classic British seaside town with a lot going for it. Its colourful beach huts stretch along the shore, and the sandy beach is great for sunbathing, making sandcastles, or braving a quick dip in the (often chilly!) North Sea.
The pier is a favourite with visitors of all ages – whether you’re into arcade games, quirky attractions, or just grabbing an ice cream and enjoying the view. Around town, you’ll find pretty cottages, independent shops, and local goodies, from handmade crafts to tasty treats.
One of Southwold’s best-known spots is the Adnams brewery, where you can try a pint brewed just down the road. With its relaxed pace, friendly vibe and timeless charm, it’s easy to see why people come back again and again.
Walberswick
Just across the water from Southwold, Walberswick is a peaceful little village with a lot of charm. It’s known for its unspoiled landscapes and laid-back feel – the kind of place where time seems to slow down.
From the sweeping marshlands to the sandy dunes that border the sea and wide open skies, it’s a great spot for walking, crabbing off the bridge, or simply soaking up the scenery. Whether you’re after a quiet escape or a bit of nature, Walberswick is a lovely place to spend some time.
Sizewell
While Sizewell may be best known for its nuclear power stations, its stunning beach is one of our favourites. Even in summer, it rarely get very busy. The nearby Sizewell Belts Nature Reserve is a haven for birdwatchers, with its diverse habitats supporting a wide array of avian species throughout the year.
Dunwich
Dunwich Heath is a beautiful stretch of coastline on the Suffolk Heritage Coast, looked after by the National Trust. With its wild heathland, sea views, and peaceful walking trails, it’s a great place to get close to nature.
It’s a real favourite with walkers, birdwatchers, and anyone who enjoys a bit of fresh air and space to roam. And when you’re ready for a break, there’s a National Trust tea room where you can sit down with a cuppa – and maybe a slice of cake too.
Covehythe
Tucked away off the main tourist trail, this tiny hamlet really does feel like a hidden gem. It’s home to our absolute favourite beach – the kind of place you only tell close friends about because you’d rather keep it to yourself!
St Andrew’s Church – a small, thatched building set within the ruins of a much larger medieval church. is a surprising and special sight. From there, you can follow the footpath down to the beach. The coastline here is always changing, shaped by the sea as it slowly erodes – a beautiful, wild stretch that feels like a world away.
Things for the young and not so Young
There are many attractions a short drive away to keep the children entertained during their holiday. Many of which will appeal to adults too. These are some of our favourites:
- Go crabbing at Walberswick.
- Visit the lifeboat station at Aldeburgh and Southwold.
- Let Danni, ferry you across the Blyth from Walberswick to Southwold or vice versa.
- Eat fish and chips on Dunwich or Aldeburgh beach.
- Row on the lake at Thorpeness or go fast on the Coastal Voyager at Southwold.
- Spend a few coins at Southwold Pier – amusements/food /shop, see the special clock on the hour! Or walk the “dog”!
- Hire cycles at Southwold.
- Walk through Reydon Wood or in Dunwich Forest.
- A little further afield, Pleasurewood Hills, about 40 miles away on the outskirts of Lowestoft is a great family theme park with all the usual thrills and spills to suit all ages from the youngest tot to the bravest teens. A great way to get them off social media for a few hours!
Also in the area
- Sutton Hoo iThis spot is home to one of the most important archaeological discoveries ever made – a place full of history, mystery, and stories of buried treasure. It’s a brilliant day out for all ages.
- Visit the Royal Burial Ground, climb the 17-metre viewing tower for a great view across the site, and learn about the incredible discovery made here. Here round 1,400 years ago, a king or warrior from East Anglia was buried in a 90-foot ship, surrounded by his treasures – a real glimpse into the past.
- Framlingham Castle – Packed with history – from medieval nobility and a Tudor queen to Georgian poorhouse children. Take the wall walk around the top of the castle and you’ll get great views, along with info panels pointing out the key sights, like the market town, the earthworks, and the Mere. While you’re up there, don’t forget to look up at the tall Tudor chimneys. Each one has its own unique brick design.
- Orford Castles – Step inside Orford Castle and explore its rooms – from the chapel to the kitchen. There are hands-on displays and multimedia guides to help bring the history to life, plus a model showing what the castle would have looked like when it was first built. Make sure to head up to the roof for amazing views across Orford Ness and out to sea – it’s well worth the climb.
- Minsmere RSPB reserve – Minsmere nature reserve is a special place, home to some of the UK’s rarest wildlife. Take a peaceful walk through the reedbeds or along the coastal lagoons, where you can spot all kinds of birds – from Avocets and Bearded Tits to the elusive Bittern.And if you’re really lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of an otter by the reedbed pools.
- Africa Alive – Set in 100 acres of Suffolk countryside, Africa Alive Zoological Reserve is a conservation hub for some of Africa’s most vulnerable species of animal.
