Local Area & Activities
History, scenery and friendly people – Suffolk has it all. Whether you are looking for great shopping, historical sites, walking and cycling, coastal scenery or a chance to indulge in the local food and drink, Christmas Hall makes the perfect base.
Nestled in the sleepy village of Bildeston, you are surrounded by historic villages such as Chelsworth, Lavenham, Monks Eleigh and Kersey with their half timbered buildings and thatched cottages.
Bildeston itself offers an excellent local store and 2 great pubs including The Bildeston Crown which was named “Best Restaurant” at the Suffolk Food & Drink Awards 2010 and is the only Suffolk restaurant to hold an AA 3 rosette status.
Out and about
If you enjoy messing about on the river, why not take a short boat trip along the River Stour from nearby Sudbury? The Stour eventually passes through the Dedham Vale and Flatford Mill which inspired the world famous landscape artist John Constable. A thirty minute drive from Bildeston will take you to the heart of Constable Country.
One hour fifteen minutes is all it takes to reach the famed shingle beaches of the bracing Suffolk coastline by car. You can explore the bustling seaside resort of Felixstowe and the popular towns of Aldeburgh and Southwold.
Activities
To help you make the most of your Suffolk adventure we have listed below a few of the attractions that are available in the local area.
Days Out
Easton Farm Park
A day out for families with children under 11 years old - come and meet the animals on the farm. There's also an outdoor play area and an indoor playbarn.
Framlingham Castle
A magnificent English Heritage 12th century fortress with a long and colourful past which makes a fascinating family day out in Suffolk.
Jimmy’s Farm
Visit Jimmy’s rare breed farm - as well as the farm you can see the butterfly house, walk the nature trail and look round the gardens.
Kentwell Hall
A stately home, with extensive gardens and a rare breed farm - something for all the family.
Needham Lake
A local spot ideal for family walks and picnics, near to the picturesque village of Needham Market.
Orford Castle
Visit one of England’s most complete and unusual keeps at this fascinating English Heritage attraction.
Mid Suffolk Tourist Information
10 Wilkes Way, Stowmarket, Suffolk
T: 01449 676 800
Coastal & River Outings
Aldeburgh
Aldeburgh is a small seaside town on the unspoilt East Suffolk Heritage coast. The East Suffolk Heritage coast was Britain’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Thorpeness Meare
Thorpeness Meare and surrounds covers over 60 acres, with 40 acres of water. With over 100 boats for hire including rowing boats, kayaks, canoes, punts, dinghies and sailing boats - there is a vessel to suit everyone. The Meare is no more than three feet deep at any point.
Restaurant Cruises from Orford
Lady Florence is a River Cruise Restaurant offering Brunch, Lunch, Dinner & Sunset Cocktail Cruises for a maximum of 12 passengers. Sailing year round from Orford regardless of weather & tides.
Clay Shooting
Suffolk Moto Park, Ipswich
T: 01473 659222. Clay pigeon shooting, quad biking, 4x4 driving and dirt karting
Golf
Hintlesham Golf Club, Hintlesham
T: 01473 652761. Hintlesham Golf Club is offering a tailor made special golf package exclusively for Christmas Hall guests. The packages can be arranged for 2 - 18 people.
Seckford Golf Club, Nr Woodbridge
T: 01394 388000 E: info@seckfordgolf.co.uk
Hot Air Balloon Flights
Virgin Balloon Flights
T: 01952 212750. Fly from a choice of destinations around Ipswich or Stowmarket.
Reflexology & Holistic Massage
We can organise qualified therapists to visit Christmas Hall and give you and your guests relaxing and pampering treatments in the beauty room. Just call us on 01449 740740 to let us know what you need...
You may also be interested in:
Edge Hairdressing
T: 01473 287099. Specialists in bridal and formal hair styling. They also offer packages for hair, spa days and beauty therapies.
Heritage Wellbeing Centre
T: 01284 846800. A wide variety of wellbeing treatments including pamper packages, holistic and beauty treatments.
Riding Schools & Stables
Swifts Manor Farm, Preston St Mary, Suffolk, CO10 9NL
T: 01449 740862
Swimming
Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre, Gainsborough Road, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 1LH
T: 01449 674980 E: midsuffolkinfo@everyoneactive.com