Lifestyle

Here Are 6 of the Top Must-See Places to Visit This Spring

Spring has finally sprung! With the changing of the seasons comes the time to finally really start enjoying the weather again.

Here on the Essex/Suffolk border there are a whole host of days out to enjoy and events for you to attend. From blissful walks among the budding blooms to fun Easter days out and exciting Medieval festivals, it’s time to put your spring coat on and step outside.

Here are 6 of the top places to visit this spring…

Bluebells in spring
Kentwell Hall in Suffolk
Lodges views across Dedham

1. See the snow drops and spring bulbs bloom

With this year’s late winter finally coming to an end (we hope!) now’s the absolute best time to visit Kentwell Hall and take a walk through the snow drops and spring bulbs in the gorgeous gardens.

From daffodils to primroses, cowslips and forget-me-nots, there are an array of beautiful flowers to enjoy, and after your walk, you can indulge in a little tea and cake to perfectly finish off your day.

Information: Gardens open now, check the website for full date and time listings.

  1. 2. Discover the stunning countryside on a guided walking tour

Just a little further down the road from Kentwell is the historic stately home, Melford Hall. Built in the 16th century, it’s certainly worth a visit, not least for the assortment of naval artefacts and Beatrix Potter sketches.

The Hall also plays host to a number of excellent guided walks, one of the most popular being the Railway-themed excursion. The guided walk takes in some of the area’s most interesting railway and village history as well as modern archaeology and the natural beauty of the Suffolk countryside.

Information: Melford Hall’s Railway Walk, 6th of April 2018, 10.30 – 1.30pm. Full details on the National Trust website.

3. Join an Easter egg hunt in the Vale

What could be better than hunting for clues and enjoying a chocolate egg (or two!) as you walk in the springtime sunshine?! If your answer is, ‘nothing!’ then Flatford’s Easter Egg Hunt is going to be for you.

Flatford lies in the heart of the Dedham Vale and is most famous for being the inspiration for artist John Constable’s most well-known pictures. This March, the hamlet will be holding a classic Easter egg hunt for families to enjoy. Follow the trail and search for nature clues among the stunning countryside trail, and you’ll even get a chocolate egg as your prize at the end!

Information: Flatford Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, 30th March 2018, 11:00 – 4:00pm, £2.50pp. All details on the National Trust website.

4. Walk among the bluebells at Arger Fen

One of the local area’s best-hidden spots, Arger Fen is a wild wood which in late spring turns into a sea of beautiful bluebells that you can walk around till your heart’s content.

The wood is home to a variety of trees (like oak, crab apple, maple and wild cherry) and lots of interesting wildlife including butterflies, lizards, and even bats in the evening! Just make sure to pack a picnic so you can feast on food while enjoying the scenic surroundings.

Information: Find out more about Arger Fen, including directions at the Suffolk Wildlife Trust website.

Do you know the name of John Constable's most famous painting? It's The Hay Wain. Finished in 1821 it depicts a rural scene on the River Stour near Flatford. While Suffolk has its very own exhibition in Flatford, The Hay Wain resides in the National Gallery in London.

5. Get inspired at Lavenham Hall

Set in the pretty village of Lavenham, this Guildhall is one of the best-preserved buildings from the days of the Tudors. Walk through the 500-year old home and around the medieval village as you listen and get inspired by the fascinating stories of the men and women who shaped one of the wealthiest towns in Tudor England.

This spring, Lavenham Hall are holding a series of guided narrative walks so you can see the area in a whole new light. After your walk is over, stop for a cup of tea, or have a spot of lunch in the grand Guildhall tea rooms.

Information: Open 11:00 – 5:00pm, visit the website for full information.

  1. 6. Experience a Medieval siege

In May the Medieval Siege Society will be making a return to Hedingham Castle to put on a show that will delight people of all ages. Recreating the hustle and bustle of a camp in the Medieval period, there will be live demonstrations of archery, gunnery, siege engines, and fights. Watch the amazing Coda Falconry displays, dance around the Maypole, and let the children enjoy a donkey ride or two.

Delicious food and drink will be available throughout the day, and The Keep will be open with living historians providing guided tours.

Information: Sunday 6th and Monday 7th of May 2018, 10:00 – 5:00pm, Prices: Adults £14, Over 65s £12.50, Under 18s £10, Family £42, Under 5s £0. Visit the website for more.

In the area this spring and looking for a place to stay? Our luxurious country lodges make the perfect base for you to explore the area and attend all the amazing events. Find out more by visiting our Lodges page now.

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