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RSPB MINSMERE

EXPLORE SUFFOLK

The Westleton Crown is the perfect base to explore the Suffolk countryside and coast. Whether you come for the scenery, the wildlife, or Suffolk’s fantastic food and drink scene, there is truly something for everyone.

Many of our guests come back time and again as we’re in easy reach of the wonderful RSPB Minsmere. It’s possible to spend several days exploring trails, spotting rare wildlife and taking in coastal scenery. The wildlife you can see changes with the seasons, but some favourites are the bittern, avocet, or perhaps even an otter or two.

 

Why not make your visit to Minsmere extra special?You can hire-a-guide or book a unique 4x4 wildlife safari (suitable for groups of up to four)! You must book at least one week prior to your visit. An expert guide will show you around areas of the reserve not usually accessible to visitors and help you find some of Minsmere’s more elusive creatures.

Scenic RSPB Minsmere marshland.
Dunwich beach on a sunny day.

WESTLETON TO DUNWICH
THE ROUND ROUTE

For a delightful ramble we highly recommend our Inn to Inn circular walk. Begin at our front door and head off for an adventure that will take you through Westleton woods, skirt the edge of RSPB Minsmere, over Dunwich heath and through Greyfriars wood and on to our sister inn, The Ship.

 

The Ship is the perfect coastal pub. Just a 3 minute  stroll from dog friendly Dunwich beach, with open log fires in winter, a light and airy restaurant in summer, a large pub garden with sheltered sun traps outside in autumn and spring to enjoy off-season sunshine. Ideal for a lunchtime pitstop.

Once you have enjoyed a rest at The Ship, fully fuelled for the final leg, head off for a ramble through the stunning Westleton Heath and back to our postcard picture village. Retire to our pub bar or take a nice bubble bath before joining us for supper.

WESTLETON TO DUNWICH CIRCULAR
RSPB MINSMERE

SOUTHWOLD
SUFFOLK SEASIDE TOWN

The quintessentially English seaside town of Southwold, with its historic pier, is a must visit when you are in our neck of the woods. A 20 minute drive from us, Southwold is bursting with charm, from the beach huts to the cobbled streets, to the abundance of independent shops! 

Enjoy shopping at foodie favourites, like Slate Cheese and the Two Magpies Bakery, or browse the collections at coastal brands like Joules and Seasalt Cornwall. For the beer lovers and gin connoisseurs we recommend taking a look at the Adnams Experiencesor simply wander and explore the bookshops followed by an ice cream on the beach. 

Southwold is perfect for families, couples, friends and solo explorers - there truly is something for everyone.

 

Southwold beach on a sunny day featuring colourful beach huts.
SOUTHWOLD
River reflecting the sun with a small bridge in the background.

HISTORICAL SUFFOLK

AND BEYOND

Framlingham is a 25 minute drive, a little longer in the saddle but a scenic ride. Framlingham Castle in an English Heritage site surrounded by parkland and home to a beautiful lake.

Sutton Hoo, an important National Trust Anglo-Saxon Royal burial site, is a 20 minute drive from Framlingham (30 minutes from us). There are 18 burial mounds in total, one of which was the burial site for a 7th century warrior or King who was laid to rest in a 90ft ship.

A short way from Sutton Hoo is the pretty riverside town of Woodbridge. On the banks of the River Deben, you can explore the town by foot. With plenty of pubs, restaurants and shops the town is certainly worth a visit - even if it is just for a coffee by the river.

Onwards from Woodbridge, around a 30 minute drive, you can find the beautiful village of Dedham, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Dedham is at the heart of Constable Country (named after the renowned landscape artist John Constable) with the River Stour running through. Famed for its beauty Dedham offers stunning walks through river meadows or you can hire a row boat for the afternoon! Once you have worked up an appetite head to The Crown at Stoke-by-Nayland - you won't be disappointed.

HISTORICAL SUFFOLK
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