Plan your trip to the Waveney Valley in Suffolk this summer.
Beccles and neighbouring Bungay, are two gorgeous Georgian towns, nestled in the Waveney Valley. Suffolk’s coastal towns may often steal the limelight but if you’re looking for an enjoyable day out or weekend away, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with what the historic towns have to offer.
Boat Hire in Beccles
Beccles is home to the most southerly navigable point of the Broads National Park, perfect for taking to the water with a day hire boat or canoe. Local company Hippersons have a fleet of boats and can advise on routes along the Broads, rivers and waterways. If you prefer to let someone else do the driving, hop aboard the Big Dog Ferry, which offers a 40-minute boat journey along the River Waveney.
If you’d rather stay on dry land, Beccles has many beautiful walks where you’ll still get to take in the beauty of the river and spot some wildlife. The Beccles Marsh Trail is a popular option with a series of walks and cycle routes.
Shopping in Beccles
Keen shoppers will adore both towns delightful mix of stores and boutiques. Books, clothing, jewellery, homewares, crafts and more, independent retailers with their enticing window fronts are located between high street brands, helping the towns to retain a sense of old world charm. Both towns host a weekly market, Bungay’s market is on a Thursday and Beccles’ on a Friday.
Things to do in Bungay
Located 6.5miles west of Beccles, Bungay captivates visitors with its history and folklore. The charming town of Bungay is home to an array of independent boutiques, local produce, beautiful walks, historic architecture and the legendary Black Shuck fable.
A must-visit is the remains of a Norman Castle. Discover the history at the visitor centre, where displays help you imagine what the castle would have been like in the early 12th century. Entry is free but donations are welcomed.
You simply can’t visit Bungay without sampling the local produce. Within the area you’ll find traditional pubs selling a range of local brews. If you want to find out more, St Peter’s Brewery is close by and offers a brewery tour and tastings from Easter to December.
If you prefer grape to grain, book a tour of Flint Vineyard. Learn about the wine making process, sample the award-winning wine and enjoy a tasty lunch created from produce sourced within a 15-mile radius.
For an experience to remember during your trip, book a slot at the Secret Sauna. Perched on the banks of the River Waveney, off-grid and hidden, the cabin allows you to relax with undisrupted views of nature. Two-hour slots for two to four people are available six days week.
The best way to explore Bungay is by walking the Bungay Town Trail, which starts at the Market Place and takes two hours to complete. A more advanced walk starts at the Bigod Way, covering 10 miles, taking in historic sites, rare plants and wildlife.
Where to eat in Beccles, Suffolk
Whether you need a light bite, lunch or dinner, Beccles and Bungay have a fabulous independent food scene. For tea and cake stop by the quirky and very Instagrammable Urban Jungle Café in Beccles. Set in a nursery, the food is just as vibrant as the interiors! Try a pizza that rivals those found Italy at the Royal Oak in Beccles or for tasty traditional ‘pub grub’ visit Bungay’s The Fleece Inn.
Where to stay in Waveney Valley, Suffolk
If you’re making a weekend of your trip, bed down at The Swan Motel in Beccles, which featured on Channel 4s ‘Four In a Bed’. With a warm, friendly and homely feel, it’s great value for money.
Base yourself on the water’s edge at the Waveney River Centre, which offers a choice of accommodation for all budgets; luxury lodges with hot tubs, escape pods, hotel rooms, self-catering houses, yurts and camping facilities.
Antiques in Suffolk
If you enjoy browsing antiques and vintage items, coincide your trip with the bi-annual Beccles Antique Street Market. Held in the town centre every May and August, over 100 general and specialist dealers will be selling a range of goods including furniture, jewellery, books, décor and much more. For the first time, this year will also incorporate street food. Don’t worry if you can’t make one of these dates, the area is home to a number of antique stores including Blyburgate Antiques and Earsham Hall; the stately home hosts annual events and a collection of stores including home furnishings, art and antiques. Don’t leave without a trip to the tearoom.
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