Suffolk is a county of fertile valleys and undulating hills, of woodlands and estuaries, timber framed houses and market towns, of villages that have avoided the ills of modern development and of countless stunning historical sites. It is also blessed with more than 40 miles of unspoiled and untouched coastline featuring crumbling old cliffs and steep shingle terraces and constant reminders of the battle between coast and sea.
Along the coastline are dotted a number of historical ports and fishing towns. Aldeburgh, for example was a medieval shipbuilding and fishing center and is these days host to a famous international festival of music and the arts. It has a number of impressive old Georgian buildings and the wonderful Moot Hall. Similarly, Lowestoft is another historic seaside town worth visiting, both for its award winning beaches and for its ancient maritime heritage.
No visit to Suffolk is complete without a stay in Ipswich, the county town and the oldest continually settled town in England, dating back to the Anglo-Saxon era and packed with tiny medieval streets and hundreds of architectural treasures. In addition, Southwold, Bury St. Edmunds and Lavenham all offer enough to keep visitors busy for days.
Most people head to Suffolk to relax amidst the wonderful countryside and coastline however, and it really is quite special. Suffolk’s shingle beaches are a haven for plants and wildlife and they are perfect for picnics staring out at tiny fishing boats bobbing around the coast. Inland there are a number of rural gems from countless walking trails to woodlands like the fantastic Thetford Forest and the famous landscapes of Constable Country that include Dedham Vale and the Stour Valley. Constable Country, the Suffolk coastline and the charming fishing ports that pepper the shores all offer some of the most tranquil and relaxing spots the UK has to offer. The perfect break from it all.
The Lowry Centre, SalfordThe award-winning comedian, actor/screenwriter (Grandma's House) and presenter (Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Popworld) returns with a brand new stand-up tour for 2012. Intensely vulnerable and painfully honest, Amstell attempts again to heal himself in public, following 2009's critically acclaimed 'Do Nothing'.…
Regent Theatre Ipswich, IpswichThe most miserable man from Wales, Rhod Gilbert takes his hilarious performances to sell-out shows across the UK. Voted one of the Top 50 Comedians, Rhod makes regular appearances on top shows such as Mock The Week. A top-class comedian: buy your tickets early to avoid disappointment.…
Following a string of sold-out intimate gigs to celebrate the release of their fifth studio album Above The Noise, McFly return to play first arena tour in two years. Having recently conquered colossal venues around the world, McFly are excited to return and showcase their infectious and soulful electro-pop sound across UK venues. …
The Lowry Centre, SalfordEnglish author, presenter and stand-up comedian Dave Gorman takes his stories of extreme adventures and experiences to theatres across the length of the country. Born in Staffordshire, Dave first performed live at the 1998 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and soon went on to write and star in hit TV shows including The Mrs Merton Show, Reasons to be Chearful, and Dave Gorman's Better World. Among his listed ambitions are to appear as captain on the quiz show Call My Bluff!…
Plan B, also known as Ben Drew, has recently become a household name, and tickets for his concerts are usually hot property! His critically acclaimed song 'Who needs actions when you got words' was released in 2006 and Plan B hasn't looked back since. Hailing from Forest Hill in London, Plan B continues his concert tour to a packed out audience.…
Thetford Forest, ThetfordWilliam Robert Young 'Will' is a British singer-songwriter who first burst onto the music scene and subsequently, chart success in the TV show 'Pop Idol' in 2002 beating Gareth Gates. Will has gone on to a highly successful pop career selling over 8 million albums world wide and also is now a star of stage and screen appearing in theatre production, TV dramas and movies – all to high acclaim.…
British pop/ska band 'Madness' saw their major success and popularity in the mid 1980s. Members include Graham 'Suggs' McPherson, Mike Barson, Lee Thompson, Chris Foreman, Mark Bedford, Daniel Woodgate and Carl Smyth. They were famed for hits such as 'Our House', 'House of Fun' and 'It Must Be Love' they have released 10 albums in total, the latest of which was 'The Liberty of Norton Folgate' in 2009. The band won an Ivor Novello Ward for the single 'Our House'.…
American born Francis Stephen Castelluccio (1934), Frankie Valli (as he is better known) is perhaps most famous for being front man to the hugely popular 'Four Seasons'and having an impressive falsetto voice. His solo career brought him 9 top 40 hits and his no. 1 hits include 'My Eyes Adored You' and the song 'Grease' (is the word....is the word!) from the 1978 smash hit movie starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John. Valli was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.…
Newmarket Racecourse, NewmarketSince 1962, Francis Stephen Castelluccio aka Frankie Valli as been performing as Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The group has been entertaining audiences across the globe ever since. The band members have changed over the years,but the front man , Frankie Valli, has remained a constant in the band's success. Frankie Vallie's first recording in 1953 catapulted him to fame. Although the Four Seasons did not come together until 1962,the years before helped Frankie Vallie combine the unique sounds of doo wop, pop and his classic falsetto tone into what would become the classic Frankie Vallie …
Ipswich Regent Theatre, IpswichBritish singer/song writer and actress Paloma Faith released her successful debut single in 2009 'Stone Cold Sober' and her album 'Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful? Was certified platinum with a spot in the UK top 40 for 40 weeks! She is said to be currently working on her second album and made her feature film debut in the 2007 remake of St. Trinian's.…
The Floyd EffectSaturday, 02 June 2012The Floyd Effect - genuinely performing the music of Pink Floyd. The Floyd Effect - eight top quality musicians and singers who faithfully recreate the music and emotions of a Pink Floyd concert without recourse to backing tracks, computers or ot
Other concerts, music and gigs in Suffolk are:
Leestock Music Festival3 Jun, SudburyOpen Session Aym8 Jun, SnapeMcFly9 Jun, NewmarketJim White10 Jun, SalfordPlan B15 Jun, ThetfordWill Young16 Jun, ThetfordMadness22 Jun, NewmarketFrankie Valli and the Four Seasons29 Jun, NewmarketBluesFest London Hugh Laurie1 Jul, SalfordEd Sheeran12 Jul, Thetford
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Sport in Suffolk
Corn ExchangeOur spotlight theatre/performing arts centre of the week is Corn Exchange, located in Ipswich. See what shows and performances are on this week at Corn Exchange.
Other theatres and performing arts venues in Suffolk are:
Corn Exchange IpswichIpswich Regent TheatreSnape Maltings Concert Hall
Suffolk Ski CentreSki Slopes at Suffolk Ski Centre in Ipswich, Suffolk. Contact venue on telephone number 01473 602347 for Ski Slope opening times, entrance costs and ski hire.…Location: Ipswich
Some other fun family days out in Suffolk are:
Long Shop Steam MuseumLowestoft Maritime MuseumSuffolk Wildlife ParkNational Horseracing MuseumEast Anglia Transport MuseumSuffolk Owl SanctuaryIpswich MuseumNorfolk and Suffolk Aviation MuseumMuseum of East Anglian Life
Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation MuseumHome of The Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum, East Anglia's Aviation Heritage Centre, incorporating the museums of 446th Bombardment Group RAF Bomber Command, Royal Observer Corps, No. 6 Group. Constituting an impressive collection of aircraft and equipment, the Museum also houses the Royal …Location: Flixton
Some other notable historic attractions in Suffolk are:
West Stow Anglo Saxon VillageWeeting CastleNational Horseracing MuseumMoyses Hall MusuemMoyses Hall MusuemLavenham GuildhallBungay Otter TrustIckworth House Park and GardensEast Anglia Transport MuseumIpswich MuseumRSPB Nature Reserve MinsmereOrford CastleKentwell Hall and GardensLong Shop Steam Museum
By Lucy MiddletonAustrian director Michael Haneke has been awarded the Cannes film festival's most prestigious prize …
By Paul ArnoldNorthampton's Phil Dowson will captain England in their match against the Barbarians on Sunday at Tw…
By Paul ArnoldAfter a fantastic start to the Formula 1 season McLaren drivers Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton nee…
By Lucy MiddletonMobile network company Orange have announced it will not be renewing its sponsorship of the book awa…
By Amanda ArnoldThe Stone Roses played a surprise 11 song set at Warrington Parr Hall last night, their first gig in 16 years.
By Amanda ArnoldThe Scissor Sisters are planning to dress regally for their royal bash at the Tower of London in cel…
By Paul ArnoldWith the French Open starting at Roland Garros next week Rafael Nadal has struck an important psycho…
By Amanda ArnoldRonan Keating has announced on Twitter this afternoon that he will be performing a fourteen-date tou…
By Lucy MiddletonStaines in Surrey has officially changed its name to Staines-upon-Thames in an attempt to boost the town's image.
By Amanda ArnoldRobin Gibb one of the three brothers who made up the Bee Gees has lost his fight against liver and c…
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Famous British BridgesYou may think they're a little bit boring, but the some of the bridges that cross rivers, gorges, valleys and waterways have more history and heritage than you would imagine. We take a look at some of the most famous bridges in the British Isles, and cast a little bit of history behind them.
The Nutcracker at the Theatre SevernA classic ballet for the whole family, Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker is one of the most famous ballets since its premiere in 1892. Amanda Arnold goes along to the Theatre Severn to see the ballet performed by The State Ballet Academy of Minsk.
History of British MusicalsIn the first part of the twentieth century, British musicals struggled to compete against the dazzling stage productions of Hollywood musicals. There have been many hit British musicals before and after 'Cats.' How many do you remember?
London Olympics 2012 - be wowedForget about the London 2012 Olympic logo - get ready to be wowed! We look at what the forthcoming games have in store for both athletes and Londoners, detailing some of the venues that will be used for the games, the events that will be held, and what the city will be lifet with after the London Olympics have finished.
