It’s not only Boatmans’ own riverside location in a Special Landscape Area that’s magical! This much-loved cottage near the Suffolk coast sits close to the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and just a short drive from the RSPB flagship bird reserve at Minsmere near the long-lost port of Dunwich.
Explore sand and shingle beaches; river estuaries, haunting marshlands and forests full of waymarked walks and cycle tracks. Happen upon silvery flint churches, glorious village greens and inviting historic pubs, or head for heritage cinemas and open-air theatre offerings; antiques, auctions, river trips, bustling market towns and must-see museums…
From brilliant birdwatching to exhilarating outdoor activities, Suffolk is full of wild surprises. And there are plenty of spots for culture vultures too: Anglo-Saxon Sutton Hoo; stately homes and climb-worth castles; Benjamin Britten’s world-renowned Snape Maltings with concerts for every taste…
In fact, whatever floats your boat, this beautiful little cottage near the Suffolk coast has it all within easy reach. Ah, Boatmans – the clue’s in the name!
Framlingham 4.5 miles Woodbridge 7.25 miles Aldeburgh 15 miles Southwold 25 miles
Nearest Train Station: Wickham Market (at Campsea Ashe) 5 miles
Time seems to stand still in Letheringham and its layout says it all. Little lanes and tiny cottages keep the River Deben’s lazy meanders company here, near an early medieval hunting park and remains of an historic priory. By the moated manor house, a watermill has stood on same site since Domesday times.
Walk by them all to the charming old estate village of Easton, with its unrivalled 2.5 mile ‘crinkle-crankle’ wall, thatched roundhouse cottages, pub, church and Victorian model farm – now a fab Farm Park, complete with famous Suffolk Punch rare breed horses.
Don’t miss Framlingham castle for stunning views across the Mere towards Suffolk’s very own ‘Hogwarts’ look-alike – or St Michael’s Church, full of fine tombs and royal connections. Edged with independent shops and with twice-weekly markets, Market Hill is ideal for gifts and holiday treats!
Likewise Wickham Market – a large village with Roman connections and secrets from Suffolk’s golden Victorian age of engineering, all topped off with an ancient, tall and quirky church tower. The world’s first roller mill (1893) was designed and forged here, and worked at Deben Mills by Wickham Bridge.
Spot the House in the Clouds at the fascinating Edwardian seaside village of Thorpeness, or the iconic ‘Scallop’ on Aldeburgh beach, where the Moot Hall sits practically on the prom and reputation rests on Benjamin Britten connections and first class fish and chips. Nearby RSPB Minsmere has to be on any birdwatcher’s flight path – a wetland wonderland for migrating waterfowl, booming bitterns, avocets and even the occasional flamingo!
With its lighthouse, great greens, pier and lines of bright beach huts, Southwold has an air of sophisticated elegance about it, plus nostalgia, good eateries and great shopping by the bucket-load.
Explore Suffolk’s lanes and miles of footpaths at your leisure. Take a 2-3 mile circular via the Priory Church of St Mary Letheringham. Extend it around Easton, following the serpentine wall which once encircled a Queen Anne Great House or up to the fine church at Kettleburgh.
Enjoy a riverside station-to-station stroll near Woodbridge to see the Sutton Hoo site from a different perspective, or head for haunted gallows hills from Wickham Market.
From long distance paths (Sandlings Walk /Suffolk Coast Path) to short directed walks, our guest information will keep you on the straight and narrow – as well as the most scenic paths!
Suffolk Coastal Cycle Route waymakers lead from Boatman’s front door – either south to Felixstowe via Woodbridge and its tide mill, or north to Dunwich on the coast via the castle-topped Framlingham. Detours and short-cuts easily convert this 88 mile (142kms) route into delightful day rides. There are connections with the Heart of Suffolk Cycle Route too to explore historic Debenham and market town, Halesworth.
Into off-roading? Head to Rendlesham Forest for some superb sandy-track cycling and biking challenges.
The superbly equipped, Suffolk pink cottage makes an ideal base for cycling, walking, birdwatching, enjoying the coast and its beaches, plus gentle river adventures from the cottage itself. Sleeping 3 people in 2 bedrooms, this cottage near the Suffolk coast is ideal for couples, friends and small active families.
