Waveney Valley

From the quiet village of Redgrave, the River Waveney meanders through picturesque market towns and tranquil countryside to the fishing port of Lowestoft, the most easterly point in the UK. Situated on the county border, the Waveney Valley is known as the ‘Gateway to the Norfolk Broads’, part of the Broads National Park, which is famous for it's waterways, fens, marshes, woodland and open countryside . A holiday in this particular area of Suffolk (and Norfolk) is ideal for those wishing to explore East Anglia as a whole- as well as the delights that Suffolk has to offer, the 'fine city' of Norwich, the Norfolk Broads and the Norfolk Coast are all within easy reach.

No matter what pace you want to take your Suffolk holiday, the Waveney Valley is the place to be, with everything from pleasant riverside walks, pleasant market towns and quiet country pubs to skydiving and go carting. You can even visit Camels during you stay here at the Oasis Camel Park!  

Beccles is the largest of the towns in the Waveney Valley.  This riverside town is pretty as a picture, it's church bell tower sitting proud at the heart of the town.  It has an excellent town museum and very good shopping area and market and several places to eat. The streets and lanes are peppered with fine Georgian town houses. Down by the river is the quay and a series of landing stages – a wonderful place for a walk or a boat trip.  Neighbouring town Bungay, just six-miles away is again on the river, is home to the ruins of 12th century Bigod's Castle, the ancient Buttercross - where a market is held each thursday, and the old Borough well. The Fisher Theatre, a 19th century building currently being restored to its former use, lies in Broad Street. Bungay has many fascinating specialist shops including a wealth of antique shops, fine restaurants, coffee shops, cafes and bars.

Travelling further towards the heart of the county you'll discover Harleston, a well-kept old fashioned market town with a wealth of interesting architecture, made famous by the local painted, Sir Alfred Munnings; Halesworth, a bustling little town whose reputation as a centre for the Arts is growing rapidly thanks to the fabulous work done at former maltings, The Cut; Diss, a small town built around a rather lovely mere, the banks of which are home to recreational ground and band stand; and Eye where you'll find the peaceful ruins of one of the UKs few remaining Normal  motte-and-bailey castles.

Photo: The town of Eye.