A long weekend in Essex/ Norfolk/ Suffolk

[dillite]

I am looking at booking a long weekend in either one of those counties- or even elsewhere- the only criteria is that it needs to be no further than a 2 hour drive away from Kent. Is there anywhere in those areas that you have been to and could recommend? When it comes to activities and all that, I am am open minded- it can be a village location with fields/ park to walk in or a beach/ historic town. I have been looking at Norwich and the surrounding areas- but not knowing what's nearby it's hard to pinpoint the exact location, if you know what I mean?

So if you have been somewhere that could be described as a hidden gem or you just simply loved, please be so kind as to share those places with me.

[MsAdorabelleDearheartVonLipwig]

Framlingham is lovely, my kids go to school there. The Castle on the Hill, or Framlingham Castle as the rest of the world knows it, is nice and dog friendly, including the cafe. There’s a nice walk round the lake between the castle and the college. You’re only just over an hour away from Long Melford and Lavenham from there, both really pretty towns, well known for their medieval timber framed houses. There’s Long Melford Hall which is NT although they don’t allow dogs in the tea room garden anymore.

You’re definitely not too far from Aldeburgh, Southwold and Snape Maltings. Snape is just gorgeous, the Maltings has brilliant shops and cafes. It tends to attract the well-heeled London crowd so is a little pricey but well worth a mooch. It sits right on some fabulous walks along the river and is fab for a nice walk and back for a meal afterwards.

Definitely google them all before you go, there’s loads to do, you’ll want to make sure you fit it all in. Have a nice time!

[Yika]

In addition to the lovely places recommended above, what about Sudbury or Saffron Walden?

[DoctorTwo]

Like @Yika said Saffron Walden. The market square is beautiful, 2 minutes walk away is St Marys, the largest church in Essex and the burial place of Rab Butler. 2 minutes from there is the Fry Gallery showcasing local artists from the early to mid 20th century. A minute from there is Bridge End Gardens, which I could walk around every day.

Go and see Freshwell Street just up from The 8 Bells (1 minute walk from Bridge End Gardens) and marvel at the lack of straight lines.

Have a drink and a meal at the Old English Gentleman in Gold Street, then walk up the road marvelling at the plaster work on Dolphin House and the house opposite the (former) Sun Inn. Whenever I'm there I glory in the town centre and its environs.