Get Active in Suffolk
Suffolk is a lovely place to come and enjoy a quiet time in the countryside, and our lodges offer the perfect place to chill. With the addition of a hot tub, relaxation comes as standard. But there's also plenty of choice for those who want to be a bit more active whilst they are here. Our countryside is flatter than most counties, though dotted with charming villages with their many historic houses, churches and country inns. This means that for those who want to engage a bit more, perhaps on two wheels or on foot, the travelling is easy with lots of interest along the way.Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Cycling for Everyone
The Suffolk landscape is more about rises and falls rather than steep hills and valleys. This means that gentle cycle rides are very popular, and for this reason we have bikes for guests to borrow (there's a choice of four). From Upthorpe Lodges there's a choice of country lanes in all directions. With a number of cafes and pubs within easy cycling distance there are numerous opportunities to replenish energy levels too. Each lodge has a whole host of visitor information including maps and recommendations. For safe off-road cycling there are two particularly good options close by. Thetford Forest has a cycle hire shop for mountain bikes, which are ideal for the miles and miles of forest tracks. At Ickworth House (National Trust) there's a new hire centre for hiring bikes to explore the many acres of estate grounds.
Easy Walking in Suffolk
Suffolk's many footpaths and bridleways present a rewarding way to get to know parts of our county. They are generally well signed and well maintained. Our maps and walking guides are well used by our guests, who often take the off-road route into Stanton or Walsham le Willows. Expect to see some of our local wildlife, such as Lapwing, Buzzards, Woodpeckers, Muntjac and Roe Deer, Hare and maybe a 'country' fox. Larger areas of beautiful countryside can be found within just a short drive away. Nearby Knettishall Heath County Park is managed by Suffolk Wildlife Trust, where they are restoring areas of natural heathland, encouraging butterfly species amongst others. Redgrave & Lopham Fen is one of the very few sites where you can see the Raft Spider, and Nowton Park on the edge of Bury St Edmunds is a mix of mature trees and open parkland.
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