History and Heritage

Saxtead Green Postmill –  the windmill Windmill Lodges is named after, and literally a minute’s walk from the lodges!  It’s an historic corn mill, whose whole body revolves on its base. Now an English Heritage property, it is still in working order. Climb the stairs to various floors, which are full of fascinating mill machinery. Or take a walk to see it at night when it’s lit up to an eerie brilliance against the night sky.

Framlingham Castle is a fantastic 12th century castle, the largest in East Anglia – and just five minutes’ drive away. The view from its 60’ high battlements is incredible, and the English Heritage audio tour really gives you an idea of life in this area several centuries ago. There’s also an excellent shop, packed with English Heritage goodies.

The unique polygonal tower keep of Orford Castle is fascinating. Visitors can explore the basement with its well, the lower and upper halls and a maze of passages, leading to the chapel, kitchen and other chambers in the turrets. From the roof there are magnificent views seaward to Orford Ness. And Orford itself is a lovely village, with two splendid pubs (great food), the Crown & Castle hotel’s restaurant and a tearoom down by the water’s edge.

The burial ground of Anglo Saxon Kings, Sutton Hoo, is now run by the National Trust. It includes an exhibition hall with video and a full size reconstruction of the ship’s burial chamber. It makes a fascinating day out – or can be combined with a trip to Woodbridge, an elegant small town with great shops.

In addition, East Suffolk has some wonderful old churches, reminiscent of former wealthy eras when the size of a church was proportionate to the wealth of its community. And we have one famous one virtually on our doorstep – St Michael’s Church – a stunning 14th century church, with world-famous Thamar organ.