THINGS TO DO
Hill Farm is ideally positioned between Norwich to the north, Bury St Edmunds and the medieval wool towns of Lavenham, Long Melford and Clare to the west, Snape Maltings and picturesque coastal towns of Aldeburgh and Southwold to the east, and Suffolk's county town of Ipswich to the south. There's lots of local exploring to do!
THE SUFFOLK COAST
Most of the Suffolk coast sits in The Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) - a stunning landscape packed with wildlife. The Suffolk Wildlife Trust has nature reserves all the way along the Suffolk Coast.
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Whether you're in search of a great family day out, a birdwatching haven or a trip back in time, the beaches along the Suffolk coast will provide you with a memorable day out.
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The beaches at Lowestoft, Kessingland, Southwold, Walberswick, Aldeburgh, Thorpeness and Felixstowe remind you why it's so great to spend time by the sea.
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There are outdoor play areas which are the perfect place for the kids to let off steam.
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For the culture vultures, there are over 50 museums in Suffolk and, on the coast near Felixstowe, you can explore the rich military history at the Languard Peninsula.
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Southwold Pier is the coast's most prominent tourist attraction, and there are quaint and quirky shops to enjoy in Southwold and Aldeburgh.
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And nearby is the well-known Snape Maltings - one of the world's leading centres of music and a visitor destination of outstanding natural beauty.
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For more information, visit www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk and www.snapemaltings.co.uk
SUFFOLK'S TOWNS
Suffolk has a large number of pretty villages, historical hamlets and market towns. There are villages offering riverside walks and country pubs and quirky towns filled with antiques emporiums, chic cafes and independent shops.
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It is home to The Wool Town Region, boasting five of the most picturesque places in the east of England - the medieval wool towns of Clare, Long Melford, Lavenham, Hadleigh and Sudbury. Each has their own proud characteristics, and are linked by the history that derives from the medieval industries of wool and weaving. The area is home to award-winning pubs, restaurants, visitor attractions including quaint tea-rooms and beautiful architecture.
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The beautiful market town of Bury St Edmunds is nearby, offering high quality cuisine, shopping and annual festivals. You can admire the magnificent St Edmundsbury Cathedral and stand among the ruins of the 11th Century Abbey of St Edmund, once one of the most important monasteries in medieval Europe, set in the stunning Abbey Gardens.
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Visit www.thewooltowns.co.uk and www.visit-burystedmunds.co.uk for more information.
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Hill Farm is also ideally located for day trips over the county border to the historic city of Norwich, and the gateway to the Norfolk Broads and north Norfolk coast.
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For more information, visit www.visitnorwich.co.uk www.visitnorfolk.co.uk
NEAR HILL FARM
There are beautiful country walks and attractions around Hill Farm itself. Take a walk or cycle to the popular local country pub The Black Horse in Thorndon (1 mile) or the friendly and welcoming White Horse in Stoke Ash (1 mile), or visit the award-winning Bull Auberge (2 miles) for a special meal. For vegetarians and vegans, Suffolk's Veggie Pub, The Walnut Tree, is 2 miles away. Other nearby pubs include The Four Horseshoes Inn (1.7 miles away - turn left at the junction by the White Horse), which is a thatched 12th century inn offering classic British fare.
There are also beautiful Thornham Walks on the nearby Thornham Estate (circa 1 mile), with wood carvings, a playground and cafe.
Visitors to the area can head to Eye Castle or go shopping in the local market town of Eye (3 miles). For rail enthusiasts, Mid-Suffolk's Light Railway is nearby (3 miles) as is the Bressingham Steam Experience (7 miles).
Stonham Barns Wildlife Sanctuary, Bird of Prey Centre and Crazy Golf (7 miles) is a fun day out, offering visitors numerous events throughout the year including classic car rallies, dog shows and the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary. Visit www.stonhambarns.co.uk for information.
Framlingham Castle (15 miles) is one of Suffolk's best known tourist destinations. Once a fearless fortress, it was built by Roger Bigod, earl of Norfolk after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, before being confiscated from the powerful Bigod family by King Henry II in 1157. Visit www.english-heritage.org.uk for opening times.
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Other local attractions include: the Museum of East-Anglian Life, Stowmarket (10 miles), Saxtead Green Post Mill (windmill) (14 miles), the Norfolk Tank Museum (15 miles) and Knettishell Heath Country Park, Thetford (16 miles).