Four nights dinner, bed & breakfast
A 16th century former coaching inn located in the village of Brome in Suffolk, set in several acres of grounds, and ideally situated for our itinerary. Facilities include Courtyard Restaurant; Knight’s Bar; free WiFi. Rooms are spread over ground and first floor; hotel has a lift though it doesn’t serve all rooms. Porterage is included.
MONDAY On our outward journey we take a break in Ely, a small city full of charm and beauty, and home to a magnificent cathedral. We continue onwards to the hotel, and enjoy tea/coffee on arrival.
TUESDAY This morning we enjoy the knowledge of a guide who joins us aboard the coach and takes us on a tour of the idyllic villages of Constable Country. We include East Bergholt, an unspoilt village and the birthplace of Constable. We see the church at Dedham, and the hamlet of Flatford Mill, both of which were subjects in some of the artist’s works. We then continue to the charming seaside town of Felixstowe for an afternoon at leisure.
WEDNESDAY We visit the historic market town of Bury St Edmunds, with its striking medieval architecture, and today is market day. We have time to explore the town and obtain lunch (at own expense) before heading to Lavenham, one of our best preserved medieval villages – look out for The Crooked House on High Street!
THURSDAY Today our first stop is Woodbridge, considered one of the gems in Suffolk’s crown. Enjoy some time exploring this beautiful and vibrant market town on the banks of the River Deben, before we continue to the charming seaside town of Aldeburgh. Although it has expanded over time from an old fishing and shipbuilding centre, fishermen still haul their boats up the steep shingle beach, and sell their catch each morning. The wide High Street has attractive Georgian buildings housing independent shops, galleries and restaurants – the fish and chips here are considered some of the best in the country! We return to the hotel passing The House in the Clouds, one of the country’s most iconic follies.
FRIDAY A leisurely departure today, and we make the short transfer to Bressingham Steam Gardens. Avid gardener and horticulturalist Alan Bloom combined his passion for plants and gardens with his love of steam, to create a truly unique attraction. Enjoy the impressive collection of steam locomotives, engines and vehicles, hop aboard the carousel, take a narrow-gauge steam ride to best explore the 17 acres of beautifully curated gardens, or visit the indoor recreated 1940s street. From here we continue our homeward journey.