Horseshoe cottage

Peter
Horseshoe cottage

Music and entertainment

Although Kelsale is a quiet and peaceful village, there is plenty to see and do within a short distance, including the world-renowned Snape Maltings concert venue and interesting historic sites like Framlingham Castle and the Sutton Hoo Anglo-Saxon burial site at Woodbridge.
There are regular classical concerts at Snape Maltings, which is only 5 miles from Horseshoe cottage. Details of upcomings concerts are available at the Snape Maltings website. https://snapemaltings.co.uk/
215 locals recommend
Snape Maltings
215 locals recommend
There are regular classical concerts at Snape Maltings, which is only 5 miles from Horseshoe cottage. Details of upcomings concerts are available at the Snape Maltings website. https://snapemaltings.co.uk/
Framlingham Castle (English Heritage), 8 miles away, is worth a visit. You can walk the walls overlooking Framlingham Mere, and there is an excellent exhibition. There are also special events held from time to time. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/framlingham-castle/ Framlingham also has an extremely impressive church, St Michael, which has a long association with the Howard family (the Dukes of Norfolk) and contains the tombs of several prominent members of the family. (http://www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/framcofe.html) Consider The Crown (https://www.crownframlingham.co.uk/en-GB/our-menus) or the Castle Inn (http://www.castleinnframlingham.co.uk/), if you are looking for somewhere to eat in the centre of Framlingham.
78 locals recommend
Framlingham
78 locals recommend
Framlingham Castle (English Heritage), 8 miles away, is worth a visit. You can walk the walls overlooking Framlingham Mere, and there is an excellent exhibition. There are also special events held from time to time. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/framlingham-castle/ Framlingham also has an extremely impressive church, St Michael, which has a long association with the Howard family (the Dukes of Norfolk) and contains the tombs of several prominent members of the family. (http://www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/framcofe.html) Consider The Crown (https://www.crownframlingham.co.uk/en-GB/our-menus) or the Castle Inn (http://www.castleinnframlingham.co.uk/), if you are looking for somewhere to eat in the centre of Framlingham.
Woodbridge, 15 miles away, has an excellent selection of shops, pubs and restaurants. The Riverside Theatre Cinema has a good reputation for its varied programme of films (including special screenings of plays from Stratford and opera from the Royal Opera House). https://www.theriverside.co.uk/
131 locals recommend
Woodbridge
131 locals recommend
Woodbridge, 15 miles away, has an excellent selection of shops, pubs and restaurants. The Riverside Theatre Cinema has a good reputation for its varied programme of films (including special screenings of plays from Stratford and opera from the Royal Opera House). https://www.theriverside.co.uk/
The Long Shop Museum in Leiston has a fascinating collection of engineering machinery from the 19th century, developed by the Garrett family of Leiston. It also has information about two of Suffolk's most famous women, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, the first woman doctor, and her sister Millicent Garrett Fawcett, the campaigner for women's suffrage commemorated with a statue in Parliament Square. https://www.longshopmuseum.co.uk/
9 locals recommend
Long Shop Museum
15 Main St
9 locals recommend
The Long Shop Museum in Leiston has a fascinating collection of engineering machinery from the 19th century, developed by the Garrett family of Leiston. It also has information about two of Suffolk's most famous women, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, the first woman doctor, and her sister Millicent Garrett Fawcett, the campaigner for women's suffrage commemorated with a statue in Parliament Square. https://www.longshopmuseum.co.uk/
Sutton Hoo (National Trust) has a collection relating to the Anglo-Saxon burial ship found here. You can visit the burial mounds and there is an excellent collection relating to the finds at the site as well as a National Trust shop. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sutton-hoo
130 locals recommend
National Trust - Sutton Hoo
130 locals recommend
Sutton Hoo (National Trust) has a collection relating to the Anglo-Saxon burial ship found here. You can visit the burial mounds and there is an excellent collection relating to the finds at the site as well as a National Trust shop. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sutton-hoo
Halesworth is about 10 miles away. It has a good variety of pubs and traditional shops. The Cut is the local arts centre, with a range of films, exhibitions and other events. http://newcut.org/
31 locals recommend
Halesworth
42 Thoroughfare
31 locals recommend
Halesworth is about 10 miles away. It has a good variety of pubs and traditional shops. The Cut is the local arts centre, with a range of films, exhibitions and other events. http://newcut.org/
Aldeburgh cinema has a varied and interesting programme of films, including live broadcasts from the National Theatre and the New York Metropolitan Opera. https://aldeburghcinema.co.uk/showtime-calendar/ 51 High St, Aldeburgh IP15 5AU 01728 454884
28 locals recommend
Aldeburgh Cinema Ltd
51 High St
28 locals recommend
Aldeburgh cinema has a varied and interesting programme of films, including live broadcasts from the National Theatre and the New York Metropolitan Opera. https://aldeburghcinema.co.uk/showtime-calendar/ 51 High St, Aldeburgh IP15 5AU 01728 454884

Sightseeing

Horseshoe cottage is a great base if you enjoy walking, with an excellent network of footpaths, or bird-watching (with the RSPB Minsmere reserve only 8 miles away). The quiet lanes are also excellent for cycling. Cycle hire is available in Saxmundham at Sax Velo (https://www.saxvelo.co.uk/) For walkers, the East Suffolk Line is a long distance footpath, stretching from Ipswich to Lowestoft and shadowing the route of the railway line. You can walk sections of the footpath and then catch public transport (train or bus) back to your starting point. More details about the sections near Kelsale, the Garden of Suffolk walk (between Framlingham and Darsham) and the Sailor's Path (Framlingham to Aldeburgh), are available on the East Suffolk Line website. http://eastsuffolkline.com/walks There is also a good variety of shops at Aldeburgh and entertainment and art galleries at the Snape Maltings music centre. Closer to hand (about a mile from Horseshoe cottage), Saxmundham has Tescos and Waitrose as well as a variety of local specialist stores. Maple Farm, just outside Kelsale, is a specialist organic farm with their own farm shop, open every day. http://www.maplefarmkelsale.co.uk/
Dunwich is a good starting point if you are interesting in walking, with footpaths into Dunwich forest, as well as along the coast. Have a look at the remains of the Greyfriars Priory on the cliff top.
55 locals recommend
Dunwich
55 locals recommend
Dunwich is a good starting point if you are interesting in walking, with footpaths into Dunwich forest, as well as along the coast. Have a look at the remains of the Greyfriars Priory on the cliff top.
Aldeburgh is well worth a visit for the interesting sea front (with fresh fish on sale) and the shops with antiques and local products of various sorts. Maggi Hambling's sculpture, Scallop, which is inspired by Benjamin Britten's 'Peter Grimes', can be seen on the beach. The Aldeburgh Museum (open weekends) is housed in the old Moot Hall in the centre of Aldeburgh. It has information about the history of the town and the heritage of the local fishing industry. (http://www.aldeburghmuseum.org.uk/) The Red House in Aldeburgh was the home of Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears and is now a museum. Limited opening times in winter, but check out the website for details of special events. (https://brittenpears.org/visit/whats-on/) For hearty local food, consider the Aldeburgh fish and chip shop (https://www.aldeburghfishandchips.co.uk/).
205 locals recommend
Aldeburgh
205 locals recommend
Aldeburgh is well worth a visit for the interesting sea front (with fresh fish on sale) and the shops with antiques and local products of various sorts. Maggi Hambling's sculpture, Scallop, which is inspired by Benjamin Britten's 'Peter Grimes', can be seen on the beach. The Aldeburgh Museum (open weekends) is housed in the old Moot Hall in the centre of Aldeburgh. It has information about the history of the town and the heritage of the local fishing industry. (http://www.aldeburghmuseum.org.uk/) The Red House in Aldeburgh was the home of Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears and is now a museum. Limited opening times in winter, but check out the website for details of special events. (https://brittenpears.org/visit/whats-on/) For hearty local food, consider the Aldeburgh fish and chip shop (https://www.aldeburghfishandchips.co.uk/).
146 locals recommend
RSPB Minsmere
Sheepwash Lane
146 locals recommend
Thorpeness, just up the coast from Aldeburgh, has a number of unusual properties, including the House-in-the-Clouds as well as a boating lake and pubs. The Dolphin pub is worth a visit, but be sure to book ahead. https://www.thorpenessdolphin.com/restaurant/
70 locals recommend
Thorpeness
70 locals recommend
Thorpeness, just up the coast from Aldeburgh, has a number of unusual properties, including the House-in-the-Clouds as well as a boating lake and pubs. The Dolphin pub is worth a visit, but be sure to book ahead. https://www.thorpenessdolphin.com/restaurant/
Shawsgate Vineyard, about 7 miles away, is one of the leading vineyards in East Anglia which produces excellent white wines, and you can follow the 'Vineyard Trail' and also sample the products at the shop. https://www.shawsgate.co.uk
6 locals recommend
Shawsgate Vineyard
Badingham Road
6 locals recommend
Shawsgate Vineyard, about 7 miles away, is one of the leading vineyards in East Anglia which produces excellent white wines, and you can follow the 'Vineyard Trail' and also sample the products at the shop. https://www.shawsgate.co.uk
Yoxford is a pretty village about 3 miles away. It has a selection of interesting antique shops. The Yoxford Antiques Centre is open every day except Tuesdays. https://www.yoxfordantiques.com/
10 locals recommend
Yoxford Antiques Centre
10 locals recommend
Yoxford is a pretty village about 3 miles away. It has a selection of interesting antique shops. The Yoxford Antiques Centre is open every day except Tuesdays. https://www.yoxfordantiques.com/
St Mary and St Peter church has one of the best modern lych-gates of Suffolk. It dates from the 19th century and has been described as 'like a dowager's garden party hat'. Inside the church there is the fine memorial to Samuel Clouting, a local benefactor. The stained glass windows were designed by the pre-Raphaelite Ford Madox Brown. Information about Kelsale church and all the other local churches is available on Simon Knott's excellent Suffolk Churches website. http://www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/kelsale.html
Kelsale
St Mary and St Peter church has one of the best modern lych-gates of Suffolk. It dates from the 19th century and has been described as 'like a dowager's garden party hat'. Inside the church there is the fine memorial to Samuel Clouting, a local benefactor. The stained glass windows were designed by the pre-Raphaelite Ford Madox Brown. Information about Kelsale church and all the other local churches is available on Simon Knott's excellent Suffolk Churches website. http://www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/kelsale.html
Orford (10 miles from Kelsale) is an interesting village, with lots to do. Orford Castle (English Heritage) built by Henry II has a complete Norman keep (https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/orford-castle/). Orford has several excellent pubs, including The Jolly Sailor (https://www.jollysailororford.co.uk/). You can also take boat trips across to Orford Ness (National Trust), where there are the remains of Second World War military research establishments (https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/orford-ness-national-nature-reserve). The Jolly Sailor pub does excellent meals (https://www.jollysailororford.co.uk/).
70 locals recommend
Orford
70 locals recommend
Orford (10 miles from Kelsale) is an interesting village, with lots to do. Orford Castle (English Heritage) built by Henry II has a complete Norman keep (https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/orford-castle/). Orford has several excellent pubs, including The Jolly Sailor (https://www.jollysailororford.co.uk/). You can also take boat trips across to Orford Ness (National Trust), where there are the remains of Second World War military research establishments (https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/orford-ness-national-nature-reserve). The Jolly Sailor pub does excellent meals (https://www.jollysailororford.co.uk/).
Southwold, about 10 miles away, is an interesting place to visit, with plenty to see and do. You can visit the Adnams brewery, explore the Alfred Corry lifeboat museum, or have a bracing walk along the sea-front to the Southwold Pier. The Buckenham gallery in Southwold has one of the leading collections of contemporary art (http://www.buckenhamgalleries.co.uk/index.html). Have a look at Southwold's website for more information. https://www.visitsouthwold.co.uk/services/categories/things-to-do-southwold/
287 locals recommend
Southwold
287 locals recommend
Southwold, about 10 miles away, is an interesting place to visit, with plenty to see and do. You can visit the Adnams brewery, explore the Alfred Corry lifeboat museum, or have a bracing walk along the sea-front to the Southwold Pier. The Buckenham gallery in Southwold has one of the leading collections of contemporary art (http://www.buckenhamgalleries.co.uk/index.html). Have a look at Southwold's website for more information. https://www.visitsouthwold.co.uk/services/categories/things-to-do-southwold/
The Darsham Nurseries is only 4 miles away, just past the Darsham railway station on the A12. It is a great place to while away an afternoon and as well as the extensive nursery there are exhibitions held there from time to time. There is also a licensed cafe that is open every day. https://www.darshamnurseries.co.uk/nursery/
16 locals recommend
Darsham Nurseries, Shop & Café
Main Road
16 locals recommend
The Darsham Nurseries is only 4 miles away, just past the Darsham railway station on the A12. It is a great place to while away an afternoon and as well as the extensive nursery there are exhibitions held there from time to time. There is also a licensed cafe that is open every day. https://www.darshamnurseries.co.uk/nursery/
Saxmundham is a historic market town at the centre of the Heritage Coastal region in Suffolk. Saxmundham has many local shops and businesses, sports and leisure facilities, as well as good rail links and the A12 trunk road that put the town within easy reach of Ipswich, Norwich, London, and the whole of mainland Europe. Every Wednesday there is a market which runs through part of the street and also in the market hall. There is a range of local shops (including Tescos and Waitrose) and some excellent places to eat, like the Bell Inn (https://www.thebellatsax.co.uk/). It also has a full range of local services, including doctors, chemist, laundrette, library and taxi services.
16 locals recommend
Saxmundham
16 locals recommend
Saxmundham is a historic market town at the centre of the Heritage Coastal region in Suffolk. Saxmundham has many local shops and businesses, sports and leisure facilities, as well as good rail links and the A12 trunk road that put the town within easy reach of Ipswich, Norwich, London, and the whole of mainland Europe. Every Wednesday there is a market which runs through part of the street and also in the market hall. There is a range of local shops (including Tescos and Waitrose) and some excellent places to eat, like the Bell Inn (https://www.thebellatsax.co.uk/). It also has a full range of local services, including doctors, chemist, laundrette, library and taxi services.

Food scene

There are plenty of pubs and restaurants in Saxmundham (about a mile from Horseshoe cottage) as well as good pubs in Westleton, Dunwich, Eastbridge, Snape and Aldeburgh. The Poachers Pocket in Carlton is about 1/2 mile (uphill!) from Horseshoe cottage. It serves excellent food, but has limited opening times, so check if planning to visit. Rosemary Ln, Carlton, Saxmundham IP17 2QS. T.01728 602174 (no website).
The popular Eels Foot Inn, at Eastbridge is only 5 miles away. It has a varied menu and is open all day. http://www.theeelsfootinn.co.uk/food-drink/our-menu/
20 locals recommend
The Eels Foot Inn
School Cottages
20 locals recommend
The popular Eels Foot Inn, at Eastbridge is only 5 miles away. It has a varied menu and is open all day. http://www.theeelsfootinn.co.uk/food-drink/our-menu/
The Ship at Dunwich is another popular local pub. https://www.shipatdunwich.co.uk/
19 locals recommend
The Ship at Dunwich
Saint James's Street
19 locals recommend
The Ship at Dunwich is another popular local pub. https://www.shipatdunwich.co.uk/
Saxmundham has two supermarkets (Tescos and Waitrose) and a range of pubs and restaurants as well as specialist local shops. Consider the Bell Inn as a good place to eat hearty local food (https://www.thebellatsax.co.uk/) or the Prince of Bengal for Indian meals.
16 locals recommend
Saxmundham
16 locals recommend
Saxmundham has two supermarkets (Tescos and Waitrose) and a range of pubs and restaurants as well as specialist local shops. Consider the Bell Inn as a good place to eat hearty local food (https://www.thebellatsax.co.uk/) or the Prince of Bengal for Indian meals.
The Cinnamon in Leiston, about 5 miles away, does a good selection of Indian meals. http://www.cinnamonleiston.co.uk/
Cinnamon
104 High St
The Cinnamon in Leiston, about 5 miles away, does a good selection of Indian meals. http://www.cinnamonleiston.co.uk/
The Prince of Bengal is a popular Indian restaurant in Saxmundham. They also do a takeaway service.
7 locals recommend
The Prince Of Bengal
14 High St
7 locals recommend
The Prince of Bengal is a popular Indian restaurant in Saxmundham. They also do a takeaway service.
The Westleton Crown (about 5 miles from Kelsale) has an excellent menu. It is very popular and it's a good idea to book ahead. (https://www.westletoncrown.co.uk/) Chapel Books in Westleton has a fascinating collection of rare and unusual second hand books, and is well worth a visit. https://www.chapelbooks.com/
12 locals recommend
The Westleton Crown
The Street
12 locals recommend
The Westleton Crown (about 5 miles from Kelsale) has an excellent menu. It is very popular and it's a good idea to book ahead. (https://www.westletoncrown.co.uk/) Chapel Books in Westleton has a fascinating collection of rare and unusual second hand books, and is well worth a visit. https://www.chapelbooks.com/
The Queen's Head at Bramfield (about 7 miles from Kelsale) is a bit out of the way, but well worth seeking out for its excellent menu. They also have a good choice of vegetarian dishes. (https://queensheadbramfield.co.uk/)
11 locals recommend
The Queen's Head at Bramfield
The Street
11 locals recommend
The Queen's Head at Bramfield (about 7 miles from Kelsale) is a bit out of the way, but well worth seeking out for its excellent menu. They also have a good choice of vegetarian dishes. (https://queensheadbramfield.co.uk/)
The Jolly Sailor in Orford has an excellent menu and is popular with locals and visitors. Just the place to relax after a bracing walk along the coastal path! (https://www.jollysailororford.co.uk/)
14 locals recommend
Jolly Sailor at Orford
Quay Street
14 locals recommend
The Jolly Sailor in Orford has an excellent menu and is popular with locals and visitors. Just the place to relax after a bracing walk along the coastal path! (https://www.jollysailororford.co.uk/)
The White Horse Inn in Westleton is an unpretentious country pub, with a range of hearty meals on offer. http://www.westleton-whitehorse.co.uk/
The White Horse Inn
Darsham Road
The White Horse Inn in Westleton is an unpretentious country pub, with a range of hearty meals on offer. http://www.westleton-whitehorse.co.uk/
An excellent pub to eat at if you are going to a concert at Snape Maltings. The pub is only a few yards away from the concert hall. But be sure to book a table, as they are very popular with concert-goers. https://www.theploughandsailsnape.com/
17 locals recommend
Plough and Sail Snape
17 locals recommend
An excellent pub to eat at if you are going to a concert at Snape Maltings. The pub is only a few yards away from the concert hall. But be sure to book a table, as they are very popular with concert-goers. https://www.theploughandsailsnape.com/
Cheap and cheerful, the Aldeburgh Fish and Chip shop is great place to go for a hearty meal after a day out walking on the beach at Aldeburgh. And the fish has probably been caught locally! https://www.aldeburghfishandchips.co.uk/
49 locals recommend
Aldeburgh Fish & Chip Shop
226 High St
49 locals recommend
Cheap and cheerful, the Aldeburgh Fish and Chip shop is great place to go for a hearty meal after a day out walking on the beach at Aldeburgh. And the fish has probably been caught locally! https://www.aldeburghfishandchips.co.uk/
The Dolphin Inn is a good place to eat, if you are visiting Thorpeness. https://www.thorpenessdolphin.com/
17 locals recommend
Dolphin Inn
17 locals recommend
The Dolphin Inn is a good place to eat, if you are visiting Thorpeness. https://www.thorpenessdolphin.com/
Seriously posh, the Wenthworth Hotel is the place to go in Aldeburgh if you fancy a meal with all the trimmings in terms of fine dining. Make sure you book in advance! https://www.wentworth-aldeburgh.com/eating
The Wentworth Hotel
Wentworth Road
Seriously posh, the Wenthworth Hotel is the place to go in Aldeburgh if you fancy a meal with all the trimmings in terms of fine dining. Make sure you book in advance! https://www.wentworth-aldeburgh.com/eating
The Crown is right in the centre of Framlingham and so it's very convenient if you are visiting Framlingham Castle or St Michael's church. Probably a good idea to book ahead, because they do get very busy. https://www.crownframlingham.co.uk/en-GB/our-menus
57 locals recommend
The Crown
Park Street
57 locals recommend
The Crown is right in the centre of Framlingham and so it's very convenient if you are visiting Framlingham Castle or St Michael's church. Probably a good idea to book ahead, because they do get very busy. https://www.crownframlingham.co.uk/en-GB/our-menus