On the border of Norfolk and Suffolk in the Waveney Valley, bordering on perfection as a holiday home location, Tingdene Waveney River Centre really is at the centre of so much to see and do.
Where is this wonderful Waveney Valley?
The Waveney Valley hugs the border between Norfolk and Suffolk. The rivers Little Ouse and Waveney effectively separate the two counties, flowing through this truly lovely part of East Anglia. This is a place of tranquil rolling landscape, picturesque villages and characterful market towns. The source of the Waveney is near the village of Redgrave. It flows by places like Bungay and Beccles before stretching out to Oulton Broad and reaching the coast at Lowestoft.
What’s on the Suffolk coast?
Well let’s start with Lowestoft. It’s the UK’s most easterly point and it’s steeped in maritime history. In fact, it’s got lots of other historical links too. It’s the birthplace of composer Benjamin Britten and at the other end of the musical scale it’s where rock band The Darkness were formed.
Its next door neighbour, Oulton Broad, is often called the gateway to the Broads. This also means it’s the gateway to a massive range of things to do. A holiday home at the Waveney River Centre puts you in the middle of boating, walking, cycling, scenery and wildlife - not to mention eating and drinking.
But before we explore The Broads, let’s stay on the Suffolk coast for a while.
Southwold is a must
Southwold is a really lovely town on the Suffolk coast with super independent shops. Plus there’s the iconic lighthouse and Adnams Brewery. There’s the town of Aldeburgh too. Another stunning little gem tucked away in this treasure trove part the world.
It’s a coastline that somehow delivers everything you want near a UK seaside holiday home. Traditional resorts with fish and chips and ice cream are there for you on the days when that’s what you want. Tiny villages, traditional pubs and big open spaces are there for you on the days when want something else. It’s waiting to be explored.
A great way to explore the Suffolk Coast is by walking the Suffolk Coast Path. There is lots of information online so take a look at the maps and guides. Plan some days out - you don’t have to walk it all at once. Take it a bit at a time and savour Suffolk.
Meanwhile, back in the valley…
That’s the beauty of a holiday home at Waveney River Centre - you get the best of both worlds. The coast is close by and the countryside is close too. Waveney Valley countryside is that rich mix of unspoiled views and interesting places.
A few minutes walk from the Waveney River Centre takes you, for example, to Burgh St Peter. An ancient and charming place, it has a beautiful and unique church that’s well worth a visit. The valley is home to some more worldly delights too. Try the Flint Vineyard near Bungay, where there’s wine and tours and tasting. Enough said? And what goes better with wine than a fine cheese? Check out Fen Farm Dairy. You might need to ‘phone ahead if you want to buy some cheese - but it’s a call well worth making.
Explore the broads by boat
Because you’re in a valley, you can explore lots of the area by boat. And you can do that with a holiday home on the lodge park and a boat on Waveney Marina. Little towns and villages like Beccles, Bungay and Geldeston are all accessible by water. Is there a better, more relaxing way to get to know the area around your UK holiday home?
You can also take a foot ferry and walk across to the Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve. It’s a flower filled wonderland - 28 species of dragonfly alone have been spotted here. The wildlife and scenery have to be seen to be believed. It’s truly breathtaking. They say it’s like the whole of Broadland in miniature, at the heart of Broadland.
The art of Broadland
The Waveney Valley is alive with art and culture. There are events, galleries, exhibitions, cinemas and venues all through the valley. Check out the Waveney and Blyth Arts website for example. They have a fantastic programme of events and activities that really highlight the art, history, landscape and wildlife of the region.
And if you want to go a bit further now and again, you’re not that far from Norwich. With its vast cultural heritage and thriving arts and music scene, there’s plenty to do here too. There’s Norwich castle, two cathedrals and plenty of historic streets. And there’s lots of shops too - it’s never a bad thing to balance the culture with a little retail therapy.
Be at the centre of it all at Waveney River Centre
Having your own holiday home at Tingdene Waveney River Centre will put you on the edge of Norfolk, but at the centre of so much. It’s a real piece of real Norfolk; a peaceful place boasting fabulous facilities including a heated swimming pool, and it’s got its own pub - the family friendly Waveney Inn.
Waveney River Centre also puts you on the cutting edge of current thinking. Buying a holiday home here is a sound financial move. With financial issues ever more unpredictable, investing in a UK holiday home is a serious consideration for your savings or pension pot. It’s a great way to build a future plan for you and your family’s holidays. It’s about creating a space where you can all be together. And we know now, more than ever before, how important that is.
And it’s about planning your holiday time in a way that’s friendly to the planet. Cutting down on the air miles and airport usage is going to help cut down carbon emissions and your stress levels.
Right now those airports look more stressful than ever. It’s not to say that it will be like that for ever of course. But then again…