2018 Favourites

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas! I thought I’d write a fun little post during those strange days between Christmas and New Year when we’re all feasting on leftovers and watching as much Netflix as we can.

Here’s a list of my favourite places in Suffolk in 2018– drop me a comment and let me know what have been your 2018 favourites and where I should go in 2019!

Favourite Place

I’ve always loved Orford – spending time at the Castle, wandering around the little village whilst eating pastries from the Pump Street Bakery. This autumn we finally visited Orford Ness and it was every bit as eerie and fascinating as I thought it would be!

Favourite Restaurant

The Regatta in Aldeburgh has been our family’s favourite restaurant in Suffolk for years. We love the seafood dishes, especially when they have scallops or halibut on the menu.

I’ve also tried some other great local restaurants this year. We visited The Dolphin Inn Thorpeness recently and had a delicious meal, and the Cosy Club’s Christmas dinner was fantastic!

Favourite Pub

I have so many favourite pubs in Suffolk, but the Walberswick Bell has to be up at the top. We always have a great time when we go there, the food is yummy and the atmosphere is super friendly.

I’ve also found two new favourite pubs this year, the Laxfield Low House and Sweffling White Horse. I’m sure we’ll be going back to both lots more in 2019.

Favourite Café

When I was still working in Ipswich, I used to pop into Fishface for a treat at lunchtime. It has lots of veggie and gluten-free options and I like the cosy nature of the café. I would definitely recommend the brownies!

 Favourite Dog Walk

This year I’ve mostly been walking the dog at Sizewell. Sizewell beach has the option of walking on the stones by the shore or on the sandy path behind the beach if you don’t want the dog jumping in the sea!

Favourite Town to Shop

Woodbridge has been a favourite of mine this year as there are lots of indie shops to explore. I’ll often head to Woodbridge if I need to find gifts for a birthday.
I’ve also made a few dedicated trips to Bury St Edmunds to shop for gifts and clothes from independent stores during the year.

Favourite Places to Stay

I’ve been lucky enough to go on a number of staycations within our county this year, it’s going to be tough to pick just one as they are all so different!
I stayed at Hintlesham Hall earlier in the year for a wedding and the rooms are so comfortable. The service is fantastic and the food was brilliant too.

In terms of bed and breakfasts, my favourite had to be Five Acre Barn near Aldeburgh. Five Acre Barn is the perfect combination of hotel luxury and home comforts. Its location is surrounded by trees creating a sense of privacy and tranquillity.

Alde Garden Campsite in Sweffling near Framlingham was also amazing. We stayed in a yurt and had a thoroughly relaxing visit. You can read more about my visit by clicking here.

Favourite Event
This was definitely a tough one to choose between Latitude and Jimmy’s Festival. Latitude had an amazing line up, but I loved going to Jimmy’s Festival as it was one of the few days in the summer that I spent with my partner (he was working a lot!). We went foraging on the farm, learnt how to make cocktails with Patron and ate a lot of delicious street food. You can read more about our day on my blog post back in July.