Things to do in Norfolk and Suffolk
Local guide for guests
Discover the natural beauty the local area brings during your stay at Waveney Valley Barn. Our local area guide helps you uncover lesser-known attractions and off-the-beaten-track destinations that will further enhance your stay. Whether you’re seeking the best food scene, cultural landmarks or the best shopping towns, our local area guide provides you with recommendations and featured hotspots.
Sightseeing
Norfolk and Suffolk’s landscapes, culture and local history are a must see during your stay. Enjoy the chance to escape the familiar, discover new perspectives, and create memorable experiences. You can immerse yourself in the local culture and sight seeing hotspots and explore local beaches and coastal paths.
Sightseeing Hotspots
Snape Maltings – 40 minutes away
There is something for everyone here: excellent food & drink, shopping, beautiful views. It even has its own music theatre, or if you want to soak up the views you can walk along the estuary to Iken or even take a boat trip along the river.
Covehithe Beach – 35 minutes away
If you are looking for a gorgeous beach but quieter than Southwold this is the place, but ssshhhh please don’t tell everyone.
Dunwich – 40 minutes away
Whether it’s a stoney beach walk or walking along Dunwich heath, you can be sure to escape the crowds here.
Framlingham Castle – 30 minutes away
If you want some culture during your stay, Framlingham Castle is worth a visit. Explore the towering walls behind which Mary Tudor was proclaimed Queen of England. From the remarkable 10.5 metres high curtain wall, take in breath-taking views of the Suffolk landscape and imagine life over 500 years ago.
Southwold Pier – 35 minutes away
Southwold is a popular coastal destination, its beautiful beach, quirky beach huts, shops and fish and chips is a must!
The Norfolk Coastal Path
The coastal path is an 84-mile trail that follows Norfolk County’s coastline from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea. It passes through picturesque beaches, salt marshes, cliffs, and charming coastal villages like Wells-next-the-Sea and Cromer. The trail also takes you through nature reserves, such as Blakeney Point and Cley Marshes, and the Norfolk Broads. It ends at Hopton-on-Sea, offering stunning views of the North Sea along the way.
Food scene
Local food scene
The Suffolk Jungle Room – 10 minutes away
If you love house plants and coffee then you will love the Suffolk jungle room up the road in Metfield.
Pura Vida – The Creative Garden – 3 minutes away
Awesome food and coffee, plus plants. All here in Wortwell.
The Wildebeest – 25 minutes away
Fabulous restaurant for fine dining.
JD Young Hotel – 7 minutes away
Amazing food in Harleston.
The Buck Inn – 5 minutes away
Recently refurbished and re-opened, a fabulous public house in Flixton, perfect for a meal or a cheeky swift one!
Local towns and cities
Towns and Cities
Norwich – 30 minutes away
Norwich is a fine city which caters for all. A visit to the mediaeval cathedral is a must! You can wander down the cobbled streets looking in all the independent shops or one of my favourite past times, people watch with a nice latte. There is so much to do in shops, bars, cafés and also the castle museum. If you need to escape why not head to the plantation garden, a real piece of paradise in the city.
Harleston – 5 minutes away
A short drive from Wortwell, Harleston is the closest town. This small but bustling town has lots on offer, lots of independent shops on offer including cafés, Delhi’s, butcher’s & it’s very own vegan café.
Beccles – 15 minutes away
Beccles is a quaint market town & is a popular boating centre. A great place to hire a boat for the day or take a picnic and enjoy all the Riverside walks. Also a great place for shops , cafés & eateries.
Woodbridge – 45 minutes away
The ‘gem’ in Suffolk’s crown, Woodbridge combines excellent shops with superb pubs and restaurants and numerous activities both indoors and out. On the edge of an area of outstanding natural beauty, Woodbridge is the perfect base from which to explore the Suffolk Coast and its many tourist attractions.
Halesworth – 20 minutes away
A small quaint ‘alternative ‘ town, a lovely stop on the way to the Suffolk coast. I love stopping for a bite to eat in Focus organics and also in the Theatre Cut.
Explore Wortwell
Wortwell has its own public house, The Bell, which is in walking distance from the Barn. The adjoining village of Homersfield boasts the Black Swan whilst Mendham sports the Sir Alfred Munnings.
We are very lucky to have so many locals eateries and farm shops in close proximity. Wortwell village is close to Harleston and Bungay who have an array of independent shops, including family butchers, delis, cafes and all other essential shops.
A scenic drive takes you to Suffolk’s coastal beauty spots Southwold, Walberswick and Aldeburgh, as well as Snape Maltings. These all make a lovely day out, finished off of course with fish and chips.
The nearest train station to Wortwell is Diss, with its direct links to London whilst Norwich International is the nearest airport.
Featured hotspots
Old Hall Farm
Just 15 minutes away, it’s a great place to get locally sourced food, the Jersey goddesses produce amazing raw milk, butter, cream, gelato and let’s not forget the milkshakes.
Old Hall Farm has a farm shop, delicatessen, butcher, café and their very own vineyard. A great place to visit even just to see the array of animals.
Old Hall Farm
Just 15 minutes away, it’s a great place to get locally sourced food, the Jersey goddesses produce amazing raw milk, butter, cream, gelato and let’s not forget the milkshakes.
Old Hall Farm has a farm shop, delicatessen, butcher, café and their very own vineyard. A great place to visit even just to see the array of animals.
Fen Farm Dairy
Fen Farm Dairy in Bungay, just a 5 minute drive away is famous for its artisan cheese, especially the Baron bigod.
Founders, the Crickmore family have been farming the land for three generations. Their cows graze the beautiful marshlands of the Waveney river.
Why not visit the 24 hour cowshed and fill a bottle from the UK’s first raw milk vending machine.
Fen Farm Dairy
Fen Farm Dairy in Bungay, just a 5 minute drive away is famous for its artisan cheese, especially the Baron bigod.
Founders, the Crickmore family have been farming the land for three generations. Their cows graze the beautiful marshlands of the Waveney river.
Why not visit the 24 hour cowshed and fill a bottle from the UK’s first raw milk vending machine.
Flint Vineyard
Flint vineyard is a short 5 minute car drive from the barn, if you love good wine this is a must!
Winemaker Ben Witchell established Flint Vineyard in 2016, in that short time it has become recognised as one of England’s most exciting new wine producers.
Immerse in their beautiful surroundings, overlooking their vineyard in the Waveney Valley. They can guide you through the vineyards and winery. You could stay for lunch, savouring Flint wine and a selection of local produce.
Why not book a tour and stock up!
Flint Vineyard
Flint vineyard is a short 5 minute car drive from the barn, if you love good wine this is a must!
Winemaker Ben Witchell established Flint Vineyard in 2016, in that short time it has become recognised as one of England’s most exciting new wine producers.
Immerse in their beautiful surroundings, overlooking their vineyard in the Waveney Valley. They can guide you through the vineyards and winery. You could stay for lunch, savouring Flint wine and a selection of local produce.
Why not book a tour and stock up!