From the lost city of Dunwich on the beautiful Heritage Coast, through "Constable Country" and on through the historic Suffolk "Wool Towns", this tour enable you to explore the history, unspoilt coast and quiet countryside that makes Suffolk so special.
On this tour - as with our other tours - we detail the recommended route mileages but longer or shorter alternatives are available.
Day 1 Arrival in Needham Market
After arriving at Needham Market you will be able to explore the area and spend your first night in this small market town.
Day 2 Needham Market to Framlingham (Rec 22: Min 21: Max 38 miles.)
An excellent day’s ride to Debenham, a pretty village with its overhanging houses and antique shops, Saxtead Green’s beautifully restored 18th century post mill and into Framlingham. Here you stay the night with time to visit the massive 12th century castle, the one-time home of Mary Tudor, in this lovely old market town.
Day 3 Framlingham to Aldburgh (Rec 31: Min 19: Max 35 miles.)
Visit the vineyards of Shawsgate and Bruisyard before reaching the coast at Dunwich, the former capital of East Anglia, now largely lost under the sea. You will cycle across the heather clad Dunwich Heath, through the RSPB reserve at Minsmere to Aldburgh for the night.
Day 4 Explore Aldburgh
A day to rest in Aldeburgh, a charming old fashioned seaside resort. Here fishermen haul their boats up on to the beach and there are some highly recommended restaurants to taste the local fare.
Day 5 Aldburgh to Woodbridge (Rec 37: Min 16: Max 43 miles.)
Takes you to Snape Maltings, where the Aldeburgh Festival concert hall sits among the little arts community on the banks of the river Alde. Here there is an option to continue on the recommended route to both Orford, with its impressive castle keep, quaint quayside and boat trips, and Shingle Street, a quiet spot where the River Ore meets the sea. There is a shorter route to the lovely maritime town of Woodbridge, where you stop for the night, with a possible visit to the site of the rich Anglo-Saxon ship burial at Sutton Hoo.
Day 6 Woodbridge to Hadleigh (Rec 24: Min 24: Max 34 miles.)
Gives time to explore Woodbridge and visit the Tide Mill before pedalling along quiet Suffolk lanes, passing through the pretty villages of Bealings, Tuddenham and Kersey. You spend the night in Hadleigh, an attractive market town with fine old buildings and quiet riverside walks.
Day 7 Hadleigh to Lavenham (Rec 30: Min 12: Max 35 miles.)
Heading into the heart of ‘Constable Country’, you’ll explore East Bergholt his birthplace, Flatford Mill where a guided tour visits seven sites painted by Constable including the ‘Haywain’, Stoke by Nayland whose church tower is featured in many of his paintings, and finally to the famous ‘Wool Town’ of Lavenham for the night.
Day 8 Lavenham to Needham Market (Rec 24: Min 16: Max 40 miles.)
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Lavenham before taking a gentle ride back to Needham Market, perhaps visiting on the way the Museum of East Anglian Life at Stowmarket.
Freedom Holiday 