BURY ST. EDMUNDS

 This charming market town has much Georgian and medieval architecture, arranged on an original Norman layout. Bury (pronounced "berry") developed around its abbey (now in ruins but with pretty gardens) which was founded in AD 945 to house the shrine of King Edmund. St. Mary's Church, with its magnificent hammer-beam roof, is more noteworthy than the cathedral. Also worth seeing out are the 15-th century guildhall, the town hall, the Georgian playhouse, and the Queen Anne manor house, which has a large collection of watches and clocks.

Abbey Gateway. Angel Hill. Abbey Gardens.

 

DICKENSIAN ASSOCIATIONS

Before the abbey in Bury St. Edmunds is a sloping plain called Angel Hill, where Angel Hotel can be found. This was made famous by Charles Dickens as his character Mr. Pickwick stayed here in the novel The Pickwick Papers.

SUFFOLK COAST

 The Suffolk coastline has plenty of sleepy, old-warm charm. Its shingle beaches, low cliffs and marshes fight a constant battle with the sea's eroding power. The 40-mile Suffolk Heritage Coast, which wanders northward from Felixstowe up to Kessingland, is one of the most unspoiled shorelines in the country. The lower part of the coast is the most impressive; however, some of the loveliest towns and villages, such as Dedham and the older part of Flatford, are inland.

OULTON BROAD *  FELIXSTOWE
LOWESTOFT * KESSINGLAND

  

The best way to experience the countryside around here is to be willing to get lost along its tiny, ancient back-roads. Try to avoid the coastal area between Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth; it has little to offer but run-down beach resorts.

Sandy Lowestoft combines a mainstream seaside resort with a large, commercial fishing port. There are guided tours of the fish markets and docks in summer.