What Shall We Do This Weekend?

Cold winter days are not necessarily bad days and here in Suffolk, we know how to deal with them. The answer is to go for a bracing walk (wrapped in a kagool, just in case) and then head off to a tearoom or hotel with a big roaring fire to settle down for a cream tea.  Here are a few ideas..........

There are plenty of walks in this lovely part of Suffolk (contact our Tourist Information Centres  for walks leaflets and maps) and here is a selection of eating places with open fires that serve afternoon tea:

The Lavenham Swan springs to mind - this gorgeous, 15th century hotel has fires, squishy sofas and a delicious menu. Take note in particular, of their high tea served on silver tiered platters.

Hintlesham Hall is another venue that ranks high on the cozy scale.  Enjoy a high tea with delicate sandwiches and cakes galore.

The Secret Garden, a tearoom in Sudbury, has open fires and wonderful pastries and cakes made by the French owners (not open Sundays) and their coffee is superb.

The Bull Hotel, Long Melford has open fires and serves traditional cream teas as well as toasted teacakes, chocolate brownies and other delicacies.

And just to prove there is more to the  South & Heart of Suffolk than eating delicious food and lolling about in supreme comfort, here are a few other things you could do this weekend:

There is a lovely exhibition at Gainsborough's House in Sudbury, of some of the artist's drawings that are not normally on view to the public.  The museum also has some of his furniture and other artefacts. A real gem of a place.

What about booking a seat at the picturesque and cosy Quay Theatre in Sudbury?  There is lots going on this weekend and tickets are still available.

If shopping is your thing, check out Bridge Farm Barns in the pretty village of Monks Eleigh,  Alder Carr Farm, near Needham Market for something a bit different or Stonham Barns with it's owl sanctuary, nine hole golf course and range, fishing lakes and garden centre. All centres are in the countryside and have a selection of small shops and tearooms.

You could easily while away an hour or two at the Crockery Barn, nr. Ashbocking, a large, retail barn offering colourful china ceramics from England, Italy and Portugal as well as copperware. Why not stop for lunch or tea at the Barnyard Cafe?

The Chilli Company  just off the A140 near Mendlesham is hot stuff! From seeds to ceramics, fiery foods to fine clothing, gifts and gourmet delights - you'll find pleanty to warm you. Visit the new farm shop, coffee shop, nursery and visitor centre. 

 Finally, don't foget it's lambing time. Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm opens on Saturday 13th February 2010, from11 to 5. 

Whatever you decide to do this weekend, have fun!