Farm Stay East Anglia

A DAY OUT IN STOWMARKET

Situated between Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds is the historic town of Stowmarket. The town's biggest attraction has to be The Museum of East Anglian Life. The museum, set in 70 acres of land, is a historic portrayal of the life and times of East Anglia. Reconstructed buildings including a watermill and aisled farmhouse. Most summer weekends working demonstrations take place. There are also animals, riverside walks, a shop and picnic area.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, and particularly walking, a footpath runs alongside the river Gipping, through the town and takes ramblers along the Gipping Valley to the Ipswich Docks. Other attractions include several parks, recreation ground, indoor children's play centre and a Leisure Centre with three pools, squash, bowls and a
health suite.

A treasure-trove of goodies can be purchased at the market, which takes place every Thursday and Saturday; alternatively, specialist shops offer variety amongst the more familiar merchandise of the traditional high street stores.

Use the NEEDHAM MARKET Town Trail to explore this lovely town & browse around the old Town Hall packed with antiques & bric a brac. Have coffee or lunch at E & V's Coffe Shop & Restaurant across the road. 77 High St specialises in old wood working tools & books on tools & trades. Needham Lake is an ideal spot for a picnic.

Continue on the B1113 to Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm, home of rare cattle, sheep, poultry, goats & pigs, including New Zealand Kune Kunes. There is a visitors centre, light refreshments and a picnic area. Aldercarr Farm Shop has much acclaimed home made ice cream & local speciality foods. Sample the cakes in the tea room & buy gifts at the Pink Pig Pottery or the new workshops.

Take the B1077 off the A140 to Ashbocking & follow the signs on the B1077 to the Crockery Barn for a huge selection of china & crockery bargains. Stay on the B1077 to Helmingham Hall, home of the Tollemache family, a moated house with wonderful gardens & a deer park (open Sundays only). Take the A1120 off the B1077 for Pettaugh & Stonham Aspall. Stonham Barns country shopping & leisure complex houses a golf driving range, garden centre, kitchen shop, birds of prey centre, tea room and much, much more. If you have time visit the Mechanical Music Museum at Finningham where they have a Wurlitzer Organ (open Sunday afternoons only).

We have B&B properties & holiday cottages near Stowmarket at Great Finborough, Hitcham, Haughley, Woolpit, Elmswell, Wattisham, Baylham.

Back to the itineraries page