Suffolk

Our first stop was at Woodbridge, a beautiful market town with narrow streets of Tudor-framed buildings. It is an ideal location for a walk along the Deben river bank, enjoying the wonderful views or you can visit the museum on Market Hill which reflects the history and life of Woodbridge.

Other attractions include The Tide Mill which dates back to the industrial revolution. In 1973, this mill was restored and is now open to the public with various displays and working models. And, if you are looking for refreshment, The Tide Mill Tea Room opposite will provide you with some of the best hot and cold drinks such as fresh Italian hot chocolate and snacks, which include tasty crumpets, in the area.

From here we drove on to Southwold, a beautiful town with a lighthouse, church and Georgian architecture around Market Place which is where the Swan Hotel is situated.

The beach is beautiful and attracts quite a crowd during the summer months. There is also a new pier which is the first one to be constructed in Britain for more than 45 years and includes an exhibition, gift emporium and an amusing hand-made mechanical clock, with water activated features, which is bound to bring a smile to your face.

Why not pay Adnams Wine Cellar & Kitchen Store in the town a visit for a tasting session? We particularly enjoyed trying out Adnam's latest champagne rose however you will find the staff there will help cater for your tastes with all sorts of alcoholic beverages. Stay at The Swan Hotel and you will not be disappointed. This hotel houses a formal dining room which is complemented by truly mouth-watering cuisine. We were lucky enough to sample the first evening of the hotel's new menu during our visit and thoroughly enjoyed head chef Ian Howell's delights.

This included pan-fried fillet of seabass with sweetcorn fritters, roasted peppers and confied tomato and roast local partridge with root vegetables and juniper scented sauce all produce is local too.

The rooms and suites are delightful and the hotel's manager, Francis Guildea, will make you feel very welcome. He may even invite you to the drawing room on your first night to enjoy a wine reception and mingle with other guests before you sit down to dinner later that evening.

Following a brilliant night's sleep and exquisite breakfast of scrambled egg with salmon, our next port of call was the village of Thorpeness.

This includes a golf course and a boating lake on The Mere that is ideal to keep the little ones amused during summer. You can also feed the ducks, enjoy an ice-cream or a walk to Aldeburgh throughout the year.

Then on to Snape Maltings, famous for its concert hall which features live music from jazz to classical. There is also a complex of good quality shops in the renovated buildings including kitchenware, children's toys and paintings. Boat trips leave from here and if you fancy some lunch why not visit The Plough and Sail for snacks like a roast salmon ciabatta or a three-course lunch for those with a bigger appetite.

On the final day we paid a visit to Easton Farm Park on the outskirts of Woodbridge. This attraction is classed as one of the best family days out in the area. Children can enjoy feeding various farm animals on site and even get the chance to walk into some of the enclosures.

Last but not least, on our way home, we visited Ipswich Haven Marina for a spot of lunch at The Last Anchor which has interesting views of the historic waterfront. Whether you are a boat owner or not, everyone is made extremely welcome here and you will enjoy all sorts of exciting dishes from moules marinieres for lunch to fresh bruschetta with roasted sweet balsamic peppers and sun-dried tomatoes for dinner.

If you would like a truly memorable break, choose Suffolk for a breath of fresh air it really is an ideal place to stay.