You may already know some of the many and varied places to visit in the surrounding area, here are some brief details of a few with some links for further information that might be helpful.
Suffolk has a wonderful heritage coastline with beautiful quiet beaches and famous coastline attractions like Southwold with its pier http://www.southwoldpier.co.uk, lighthouse, funny amusements and Sailor's reading room, then there is Aldeburgh a pretty coastal town famous for good food, great fish and chips, Maggi Hambling's Scallop on the Beach & vibrant art and music scenes & Snape Maltings which hosts the world renowned music venue http://www.snapemaltings.com with an emphasis on the work of Benjamin Britten. Sail down the estuaries of the Orwell or the Deben and visit the ancient town of Woodbridge where you will find a range of independent shops, an old cinema, cafes & a fantastic selection of restaurants.
If your interest in music is more contemporary then you may be interested in the John Peel Centre in Stowmarket which hosts a variety of original music, from established acts to emerging talent http://johnpeelcentreforcreativearts.co.uk/ or the very civilised annual music festival Latitude http://www.latitudefestival.com/ held near Southwold which is only 1 hour away.
Visit Suffolk's countryside with its big skies and beautiful landscape which inspired the great 19th century artist John Constable, walk along the banks of the River Stour and step back in time into one of Constables paintings and the unspoilt tranquility of Flatford Mill. Hire a rowing boat and travel Constable country down the River Stour.
Explore the old wool and market town of Dedham and be inspired by Sir Alfred Munnings' as you can view his paintings in his home and studio at Castle House, Dedham. Whilst on the trail of artists we are close to the birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough at Gainsborough House, Sudbury. Dedham Vale is also a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.
If ancient history is your interest you will want to experience the special atmosphere of the anglo-Saxon burial ground at Sutton Hoo near Woodbridge where the remains of a large burial ship of an Anglo Sxon warrior king was found ttp://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sutton-hoo/ or the magnificent 12th Century Framlingham Castle, once a fearsome fortress, you can explore its towering walls and breath-taking views. this castle is where Mary Tudor was proclaimed Queen of England. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/framlingham-castle/
Discover the many local craft and antique shops in some of the finest and picturesque medieval villages in the country. In the nearby wool town of Lavenham you will find a market place with a timber framed guildhall, fine medieval merchants' houses and the Little Hall where the Gayer-Anderson brothers once lived withntheir collection of pictures and artefacts, some of these can now be found in the British Museum. The towns magnificent church is one of many to be found in the surrounding villages all of which benefited from the generous donations of rich wool traders.
Love food, love drink, love Suffolk! With the rich soil of the region you will enjoy the freshest produce. From arable to orchards, beef to pigs and vines to vegatables, the local food and drink produced here is world-class.
Close to Upper Langdales you can find such quality at Alder Carr Farm in Needham Market where sumptuous fresh produce can be purchased. http://www.aldercarrfarm.com At Alder Carr you will find:
the Barn Cafe in a converted Suffolk barn serving breakfast, lunch, Sunday roasts and fabulous homemade cakes with a seasonally changing menu.
Paddy Peters Ceramics - which is a wonderful local craft shop producing a wide range of pottery.
Halfpenny Home Haberdashery - run by Nicola, you will find a fantastic selection of art and craft supplies and lots of different classes.
Country Studio - selling a lovely range of jewellery, artwork, handbags, scarves, designer cards and many more beautiful items.
Sugarcraft - run by Pauline you can order your celebration cakes and buy cake decorating items.
Don't miss The Suffolk Food Hall and the Cookhouse an experience to behold with breathtaking views across the River Orwell.
For further information for farm shops, farmers' markets and local food producers .go to http://visitsuffolk.com/food-and-drink
Get involved with the children and make some Dens at Jimmy's Farm (as seen on TV); with the many activities on offer http://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/family-fun/Jimmys_Farm/1581. In the same region the more adventurous can visit the Suffolk Leisure Centre where there is a dry Ski run offering various activities from Skiing, snowboarding to golf and the daring High Rope trail http://suffolkleisurepark.com also nearby is Alton Water Park is set in 400 acres of beautiful countryside and provides the perfect location for walks, cycle rides, wildlife spotting and family picnics. There is also a wide array of water sports including excellent sailing and windsurfing facilities. http://www.altonwaters.com
Upper Langdales is so wonderfully situated and is surrounded by an abundance of things to do. We musn't forget to mention the many and varied sporting activities, from thought provoking golf courses http://www.1golf.eu/en/golf-courses/united-kingdom/cities/ipswich/, fishing lakes http://www.quietsports.co.uk/index.html with information on the local Creeting Lakes, cycle routes http://www.routeyou.com/location/bike/47302307/biking-in-creeting-st-mary-overview-of-all-cycling-routes.en#c=52.16660849606672;1.0825600000000577&z=14, rambling trails http://www.ramblers.co.uk/walksfinder/walkInfo.php?id=339802 and equestrian centres. http://www.nhec.co.uk/
There are plenty of footpaths directly from the cottages around the local countryside and if you feel like a wander further afield, there are many, varied walks to choose from to enjoy the different aspects of Suffolk life. Pub Walks with Darcy http://www.essentialsuffolk.com/dog-walks/ offers a good variety of circular routes around Suffolk.
With lakes and rivers reflecting big skies; golden fields edged with wild flowers; and heathland, fens and forests full of wildlife, it's no wonder that people choose Suffolk as a place to enjoy the great outdoors.
