Local Area Information

The following destinations and links were active at Jan 2024. Please do not hesitate to let us know of any changes you come across and indeed any additions to this page you would recommend.

Things to do and places to visit nearby Hollesley (some ideas but not an exhaustive list):

In Hollesley itself the Suffolk Punch Trust operates a breeding programme to protect the Suffolk Punch horse, which is the oldest English breed of working horse, visit www.thesuffolkpunchtrust.co.uk Check their website for Opening dates and times. 

Down the road at Bawdsey there is a museum on the renovated Transmitter Block of the old Radar Station showing the story of RADAR (the use of radio waves to detect enemy aircraft) www.bawdseyradar.org.uk For walkers and cyclists a foot ferry operates from Bawdsey Quay to Felixstowe Ferry during the summer months www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk/four-foot-ferries-of-the-suffolk-coast/

The Sutton Hoo Anglo-Saxon royal burial site is a short drive away where you can discover the fascinating story of the ship burial of an Anglo-Saxon king and his treasure. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sutton-hoo

Snape Maltings on the Alde River Valley, as well as the Concert Hall which amongst many other events, is home to The Aldeburgh Festival in June, also offers a range of galleries, walks, cafe and the Plough Inn public house sits along its frontage. www.snapemaltings.co.uk

At Orford you can visit the 12th century keep of Orford Castle www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/orford-castle and or take a ferry from the quay to visit Orford Ness nature reserve (pre-booking tickets is essential due to limited capacity on the boat)  www.nationaltrust.org.uk/orford-ness-national-nature-reserve

The Woodbridge Tide Mill offers an opportunity to see a mill where the water wheel still turns to produce flour www.woodbridgetidemill.org.uk

In Leiston the Long Shop Museum reflects the industrial revolution and the Garrett family business which began in 1778 www.longshopmuseum.co.uk

A short drive onward to Thorpeness provides the opportunity to do some boating on the mere http://thorpenessmeare.com

For those keen on bird life the RSPB has local reserves at:

Boyton and Hollelsey Marshes

Havergate Island (Orford)

Minsmere (between Sizewell & Dunwich)

Dingle Marshes (Westleton)

North Warren (Aldeburgh)

EATING OUT (a selection of pubs nearby serving food)

SHOPPING

  • Tesco, Marks & Spencer and Aldi have stores adjacent to the A12 at Martlesham Heath (20 minutes away) and there are local stores in Hollesley and Alderton. The store at Hollesley is open every day from 7am – 9pm. Please note that if you choose to order on-line for a supermarket delivery you will need to be here to receive it.

  • Woodbridge offers a good mix of shops and the main street is pedestrianised (except for deliveries and drivers with Disabled Permits).

  • Martlesham Heath provides a wide range of out of town retail for supermarket food, takeaway food, fuel, clothing, home wares, electricals and DIY.

  • Ipswich offers a full range of shops and is pedestrianised. There is also a park and ride service to the town centre from Martlesham Heath. There are also out of town supermarkets and retail parks to the East, South and North west of the town, easily accessible from the A12 and A14.

ARTS AND CINEMA