The school holidays are fast approaching, so we've compiled your ultimate guide of things for all the family to do in our region - within easy reach of the pub, of course! Whether you're taking cover on a rainy day or making a beeline to the beach, getting crafty or pulling on your wellies for a festival, this is your one-stop shop for inspiration this season.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
See the city of Cambridge from a scholar's point of view with one of the many popular walking tours around the historic streets. Learn about famous alumni such as Sir Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking, as well as visit locations inaccessible or hidden to the general public. Just make sure to refuel in the garden at The Carpenters Arms afterwards!
Looking for a quieter spot away from the city? The fens between Cambridge and Ely are ideal walking spots and Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve offers sightings of over 9000 species of bugs and birds, and even their Highland Cattle. Over the summer, get involved with their project Listen to the voices of the Fen.
ARTS & CRAFTS
The Museum of Cambridge has a temporary exhibition, The Stories behind the Stitches, running until Autumn that show the community’s self-expression through stitching during times of War, throughout education, and times of celebration. The museum also holds a permanent collection that stretches from the 1600's, so is well worth a visit if you're wanting to know more about the region.
With over 200 artists opening their studio doors and exhibiting their creations, Cambridge July Open Studios is a great way to explore the city by foot and take in some art as you go.
Want to get involved? Rather than just looking at great art, why not get creative yourself. Small and Green is hosting a Terrarium Workshop on 22nd August, or try your hand at ceramics by making your own 'pinch pot' at David Parr House.
MUSIC & REVELRY
Escape the city and immerse yourself in the sounds of summer at Cambridge Botanical Garden's Sounds Green: Cambridge Summer Music nights. The garden opens its gates late for the ultimate sundown experience with the final evening Led by Brazilian singer Caru Lins on 31st July.
One of the longest running folk festivals, Cambridge Folk Festival, has been held every year since 1965 and includes 'contemporary acts, the finest American country, blues and roots artists, acclaimed singer songwriters, famous names and world music stars.' Set in Cherry Hinton Hall Park, the festival takes place on the last weekend of July and attracts thousands of people every year.
Head out of the city and into Huntingdon to visit The Old Bridge for even more summer revelry! Sit back and tuck into a Summer Barbecue beside the river or, if you're feeling like getting dressed up, book tickets for the annual Summer Ball. From live music to magicians, outside bars to Blackjack, it's set to be another fabulous evening on Friday 13th September.
SUFFOLK
TIMELESS FAVOURITES
Bury St Edmunds Farmers Market has a host of stalls selling locally produced and handmade products in the centre of the historic market town. Held every second Sunday of the month, why not make a day of it and visit the Abbey Gardens for a spot of tennis.
If you would like to source your own produce, you can pick your own bunch of sunflowers at Rougham Sunflower and Pumpkin Field - just 3 miles east of Bury St Edmunds - towards the end of July. This Instagrammable spot is ideal to visit as a group of friends, but also offers a bug hunt and sandpit for little'uns if you're visiting as a family.
With Formula 1's Drive To Survive series continuing its popular success on Netflix, car shows appear to be having a resurgence, and this one is one of our favourites. The Festival of Classic & Sports Cars at Helmingham Hall had over 1100 cars exhibited last year, and is set to be just as big this year with live music and their award winning gardens to take in too.
MUSIC & FILM
Just a hop, skip and a jump from The Packhorse, Newmarket Nights kick-starts on 19th July with Busted taking to the stage after an evening of racing. James Arthur and Becky Hill are among other artists to perform later in the summer.
Every summer thousands of people flock to Southwold for beach trips and fish and chips, but the seaside location is also known for its close proximity to Latitude. Listen to music from the likes of Duran Duran, watch theatre, take part in dance and enjoy this family friendly festival.
For just £6 per guest, The Crown in Stoke By Nayland are showing screenings of classic films throughout the school holidays as part of their Tipi Cinema Nights. From Mamma Mia! and Barbie, to Toy Story and Bohemian Rhapsody, there's something for the whole family.
ANIMALS
Open seven days a week, Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park has everything from guinea pigs to polar bears! Book an exclusive animal experience with your favourite breed or go on a wander through the woodlands to see the rare breed pigs.
Prefer bigger animals? Visit some of Africa's finest, such as rhinos, giraffes and lions at Africa Alive. On August 3rd, the conservation zoo is open late into the evening for Africa By Night; expect wild entertainment, a ride on the safari train and keeper talks.
Who would have thought that the only place in the UK that visitors can get up close to camels would be in Suffolk...?! Just half an hour from The Westleton Crown, find Oasis Camel Park. Great for families with young children, have fun on the go-karts, play a round of crazy golf and bounce on the 'jumping pillow'.
FOOD & DRINK
Just a two minute walk up the high street from The Black Lion, is Nethergate Brewery. For over 30 years, Nethergate have been brewing beer in the community and have the only beer to ever win CAMRAs' Winter Beer Championship twice. We'd recommend going along for a brewery tour this summer before walking back down the road to our walled garden for a spot of alfresco dining - and maybe another pint on tap!
Our Beer & Cider Festivals at The Ship, The Weeping Willow and The Crown are set to be weekends full of live music, bar snacks, sunshine (fingers crossed) and pints! Savour a selection of beers, ales and refreshing ciders with our pre-paid stamp cards; Enjoy 2 pints for £10 or go all out with 5 pints for £20.
At the end of summer, join us at Aldeburgh Food & Drinks Festival. Last year our Field Kitchen teamed up with Fen Farm Dairy to produce the ultimate ex-dairy cow burger with Baron Bigod cheese fondue on the top and it went down a treat, so keep your eyes peeled for what this year has to offer!
ESSEX
ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Summer Lates at Colchester Zoo mean you can experience all the wildlife that's on offer until as late as 9pm in the evening. This gives you a better chance of seeing the animals that may find the summer heat (when it arrives!) too much during the day.
If you're nearer The Eight Bells, Linton Zoo is just 5 miles down the road and will be opening its doors all week during the summer holidays. On a smaller scale than Colchester Zoo, it may not have elephants and giraffes, but you'll still see the likes of tigers and leopards - and dinosaurs!
Talking of dinosaurs, you can travel through time at Mountfitchet Castle near Stansted. Overlooking the Stort Valley and on the original Norman site, the castle and village has everything for a great family day out; animals roam freely, you can visit the House on the Hill toy museum and Haunted Manor.
PARKS & GARDENS
For those who are green fingered, Beth Chatto's Plants & Garden is a must-visit just half an hour from The Crown. Created by award-winning plantswoman Beth Chatto OBE, the world-renowned gardens - including Water Garden, Gravel Garden and Woodland Garden - come to life in the summer, with many workshops and courses to also seek out.
Prepare for an unforgettable clash of courage in the gardens of Hedingham Castle as The Knights of Albion return for a final joust of the season on Bank Holiday weekend! Other medieval pastimes will also be available on the day, such as axe throwing and archery.
If you enjoy seeing the knight's horses, why not visit Audley End for a day at the races as His Majesty’s cavaliers charge into view over the front lawn. Soldiers from the Restoration period will compete against the hall's brilliant backdrop to create an immersive theatre experience.
MODES OF TRANSPORT
Celebrating 30 years, Clacton Airshow will be taking place once more at the seaside destination over August bank holiday weekend. As well as daylight aerial displays and land-based entertainment, there will also be twilight flights lighting up the evening sky.
A highlight in the calendar; visit Hedingham for their annual Classic & Vintage Car Show that includes a huge range of vehicles including pre 1940's. And what's better? Dogs are welcome too, so bring them along to the pub for a spot of Sunday lunch afterwards.
On the border of Suffolk and Essex is the River Stour. Running through an AONB it makes for an idyllic backdrop to hire a boat and head out on an adventure. So, gather your brood and head to Dedham Vale Boathouse to pick up your boat for an hour or two.
NORFOLK
KEEPING ACTIVE
Whether you're heading to Holkham for one of their free weekly Parkruns or enjoying some gentle exercise and conversation at Walking Women every first Tuesday of the month, there's a morning activity for everyone. Why not join us at The Globe Inn for breakfast beforehand?
If you're looking for an activity for the whole family, try Stand Up Paddle boarding along the breathtaking Norfolk coast? You'll be so in awe of the views that you won't even realise that you're doing exercise. Plus, if you've got a four-legged friend who enjoys a spot of swimming, you may want to take them along too.
Prefer to stay on land? Get out on two wheels and explore the parkland around Blickling Estate with their Cycle Hire. Explore over 4000 acres, including the striking pyramid Mausoleum and lake views.
BEACH BUMS
A trip to North Norfolk wouldn't be complete without a visit to the beach of course. Whether you're looking for somewhere to build sandcastles or sunbathe, or to walk along a coastal path and see the local wildlife, there's a shoreline with your name on it and we've got a list of our top six spots to visit here.
We're also excited to be opening our Big House, The Maltings, on August 5th, which is just a short walk from Weybourne Beach. So, if you book a stay here, be sure to pack your flip flops and a good book for a beach day.
We're not the only ones who like to spend long afternoons on the beach; Catch a boat from Morston Quay to visit the seals this summer. During breeding season you aren't able to reach the seal colony by foot, but a boat trip around Blakeney Point is just as fun and doesn't disturb the seals nearly as much!
RAINY DAYS
Catch a ride on the world's smallest light railway, the Wells & Walsingham Light Railway. Open daily until November, this family-friendly experience takes you on a half hour trip between the Norfolk seaside town of Wells-next-the-Sea and the Abbey village of Walsingham.
It's not all about the coast in Norfolk; take a short trip inland to Norwich on a rainy day and visit the vibrant market and independent shops. With over 180 stalls trading Monday until Saturday, it's one of the largest markets in the country. And, if you enjoy discovery, make for Norwich Castle to learn more about the region.
A 3-minute drive from The Wiveton Bell is a real treasure, The Shell Museum. Not only is this independent museum the oldest purpose built museum in Norfolk, it also houses one of the finest collections of sea shells, as well as pottery and fossils. It is open from Tuesday - Saturday throughout the summer months and is looked after by a small private trust.
To find out more about our pubs with rooms and book your summer staycation - or if you just fancy a bite to eat in the garden - take a look at the collection here.
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