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Secret Suffolk

Discover the Waveney Valley
 
Discover beautiful Suffolk on this self-guided walking holiday, with luggage transported. Explore medieval churches and crumbling Norman castles, spot an abundance of wildlife, wander beside tranquil riverbanks, visit the glorious coast and enjoy stays in three charming market towns.
Secret Suffolk. 4 nights
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
Secret Suffolk. 4 nights
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
 

Holiday information

 

A walking holiday in Suffolk

What could be more delightful than a leisurely walk beside a gently flowing river as it meanders through a lush green landscape of fertile arable fields and shady woods, broken only by peaceful villages and fascinating historic sites? Wildlife abounds along the riverbanks – from water voles and moles, to kingfishers and coots – evoking fond memories of literary characters we all read about as children. Discover, too, a rich history of long-forgotten medieval wall paintings in ancient churches; crumbling Norman castles that once stood proud in the landscape, and memorials to heroic bomber squadrons from the Second World War.
You stay in three small market towns so typical of the area – unspoiled and traditional, yet providing high-quality accommodation and an eclectic mix of fine eateries in which to sample the excellent local produce. On the first two days, you walk from village to village, while on the third you are free to explore at leisure. We provide notes for a circular walk that discovers more of the Waveney Valley or a linear walk from the nearby market town of Diss. Alternatively, you can explore by car, perhaps visiting the city of Norwich, the charming Suffolk coastal towns of Southwold or Aldeburgh, or the beautiful gardens at Bressingham.



 
 

Book now for 2021

Our flexible booking arrangements, commitment to safety and financial protection mean that you can book with confidence. We are also keeping our prices the same next year, so you can book for summer 2021 at 2020 prices.

What we’re doing so you can book and travel with confidence >
 
Gallery
 

Itinerary

The key to Inntravel holidays is flexibility. You can start on almost any day of the week, and are free to add extra nights. There is a good local bus service in the Waveney Valley (except Sundays and Bank Holidays), giving you the option to shorten several of the walks should you wish (pay locally).
  • The average maximum daytime temperatures and monthly rainfall relate to the nearest weather station and are intended as a guide only.

    East England is less prone to rain than the west, but you should always be prepared for wet weather.
    Average temperatures and rainfall
      Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    °C 6 6 9 11 15 19 21 21 18 15 10 7
    mm 54 40 46 48 46 50 53 54 50 57 65 59
  • Arrival in Beccles
    Night 1: at Waveney House Hotel (where you spend one night).
    As your first night’s accommodation is on the day of travel, Day 1 is your first day of walking.
  • Beccles to Bungay: 16.5km (10 miles), 5.5hrs; shorter option: 9km (5.5 miles) 3hrs
    Explore the pretty streets of Beccles, with its fine array of red-brick Georgian town houses, independent shops, colourful Friday market – and an unusual church tower, which is not attached to the church. Leaving the town, you follow the north bank of the meandering River Waveney as far as Geldeston Lock, the furthest navigable point on the river and home to a characterful pub, The Wherry, named after the traditional sailing barges that once plied these waters. Heading south over the river via The Locks Inn, which dates from the 16th century, you reach the quiet village of Shipmeadow (from where you can choose to catch the bus into Bungay). The walk continues along field edge paths, rising briefly out of the Waveney Valley to reach the ruins of Mettingham Castle, before descending into Bungay, where you stay one night at The Castle Inn.

    Additional circular walk from Bungay: 5.5km (3.5 miles), 1.5hrs
    Depending on your time of arrival into Bungay, you can take time to discover this small, historic market town, which contains many independent shops, plus the picturesque ruins of Hugh Bigod’s Norman castle. Should you wish to explore further, there is a delightful additional riverside circuit that follows a wide meander in the river round Outney Common, where wildlife abounds. You may be lucky enough to see a flash of orange and turquoise as a kingfisher darts by…
    Beccles to Bungay: 16.5km
    River Waveney - Beccles to Bungay
  • Bungay to Harleston: 18.5km (11.5 miles), 6hrs; shorter option: 11km (7 miles), 4hrs
    From Bungay, you initially follow the meandering river through water meadows, before rising away from the valley to cross wide expanses of rich agricultural land. The joy of walking through flat terrain is that you are treated to big, big skies and far-reaching views. It's little surprise that this area was the site of an American Air Force base during the Second World War.
    En route you have the option of a short there-and-back detour across fields to visit St Peter’s Brewery for welcome refreshments (add 2.2km, 1.5 miles); or to wander down a quiet country road past the US Air Force memorial, the ruins of an Augustinian Abbey and St Mary’s church with its unique tower, to reach the village of Flixton, home to a little-known but truly fascinating aircraft museum (free entry) (add 2.5km, 1.6 miles).
    The route then descends to the valley floor and a series of sand and gravel pits, one of which is now a bird reserve, before arriving in the pretty village of Homersfield, with its colourful thatched cottages, historic church and pub – and a nearby bus stop should you wish to shorten the walk.
    Following the river once more, you reach Mendham, birthplace of the famous artist Alfred Munnings, where you cross the River Waveney, climbing the ancient floodbank to end your walk in Harleston – an ancient market town straddling the Norfolk/Suffolk border which offers a wonderful mix of historic buildings, unusual shops, and cafés. Here, stay two nights at Rooms at No.3, Chameleon House.
    Bungay to Harleston: 18.5km
    Country lanes - Bungay to Harleston
  • Choice of walks from Harleston: 6.5km-21.5km (4 miles-13.5 miles)

    Circular walk from Mendham: 14km (8.5 miles), 4.5hrs
    This leisurely route takes you via the restored watermills of Needham and Mendham – once so vital to the area's economy – and to riverside water-meadows where white egrets, herons and kingfishers can be seen. En route there are several interesting old churches to visit, particularly those at Needham and Weybread with their unique flint-built round towers.

    Linear walk via Diss: 21.5km (13.5 miles), 7hrs; shorter options: 6.5km-14.5km (4-9 miles), 2-5hrs
    Alternatively, take the bus to the market town of Diss, a favourite of Sir John Betjeman, and follow the Angles Way through lush grazing meadows beside the river Waveney back to Harleston. On this walk there are old churches to explore, villages of thatched cottages to pass through and the chance to see a wide variety of wildlife from Muntjac deer to kingfishers and green woodpeckers. Again, it is possible to shorten this walk by alighting from the bus at either Brockdish or Billingford and joining the Angles Way for the return to Harleston. Both villages have fine country pubs should you arrive at lunchtime or be in need of refreshments.

    Explore by car
    If you prefer not to walk on your last day and you have your car with you, you could always explore further afield. The genteel resort of Aldeburgh and the picture-postcard pier and beaches of Southwold make for a wonderful day out to the coast; while the small market town of Diss has managed to retain its traditional ways of life and unique character. Here, you will find boutique shops selling everything from designer clothes, books and organic produce; and bustling cafés and restaurants offering locally sourced food. Continue on to the Bressingham Gardens and Steam Museum, before exploring the ‘foodie’ towns of Attleborough and Wymondham. The city of Norwich, with its fine cathedral, castle, and medieval streets and churches, is also well worth a visit.
    Circular walk from Harleston: 18.5km
    Circular walk from Harleston shorter option: 14.5km
    The river Waveney near Mendham
    Linear walk via Diss: 22km
 

Accommodation

You start at a smart hotel by the river in Beccles, then stay on subsequent nights in two smaller guesthouses, both of which have only a few rooms.
 

Summer 2021

We are keeping our prices the same, so you can book for summer 2021 at 2020 prices.
 
Prices & travel options
All prices are in £ sterling (GBP). If you'd like to see what they equate to in your currency, use the converter. For general information on pricing, see the 'your holiday price explained' page.
Currency converter

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  • 4 nights: 01 September 2020 - 30 September 2020, 01 October 2020 - 31 October 2020, 01 April 2021 - 31 May 2021, 01 June 2021 - 30 September 2021 & 01 October 2021 - 31 October 2021

    Start varies according to season | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    1 - 30 Sep 2020 £420 £210
    1 - 27 Oct 2020 £395 £200
    1 - 30 Apr 2021 £435 £200
    1 May - 30 Sep 2021 £420 £210
    1 - 27 Oct 2021 £395 £200
    3rd & 4th person discount -£35
    Single traveller supplement £35

    Please note: dogs are not permitted on Inntravel holidays

    Start dates
    1 Apr - 31 May: Tue, Wed, Thu & Fri
    1 Jun - 30 Sep: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu & Fri
    1 - 31 Oct: Tue, Wed, Thu & Fri

    Included travel: transfer Harleston-Beccles (if driving) OR to Diss railway station

  • Room upgrades (£ per person per night)

    Waveney House Hotel, Beccles
    Deluxe with river view: 01 Sep - 31 Oct 2020 £14
    Deluxe with river view: 01 Apr - 31 Oct 2021 £14
    Suite with river view: 01 Sep - 31 Oct 2020 £34
    Suite with river view: 01 Apr - 31 Oct 2021 £34
  • Prices below are based on 2 people travelling together. If you are travelling solo or as a party of 3 or more and our arrangements include a taxi, please contact us for prices; additional passengers often pay less.

    Connecting travel options - out via Beccles, home via Diss

    Outward route Price per person Latest train
    arrival time
    walk Beccles station to Waveney House (0h10) n/a flexible
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest train
    departure time
    Taxi Chameleon House, Harleston to Diss station (0h30) included flexible
What is included
  • 4 nights
  • 2 picnics
    4 breakfasts
  • luggage transported
  • route maps and notes
  • transfer back to first accommodation to pick up car
 
Reviews

If you've experienced this holiday first hand, why not write a review?

We are keen for as many customers as possible to review their holiday. To make it easier to do so, we include a specific review section on our post-holiday questionnaire, and this is what we publish here, unedited. Read our full review policy >

All 10 reviews
  • Mr C Pope
    Ryde
    06 October 2020

    The countryside was disappointing. We were expecting more of the walk to be by the Waveney river. We didn't do walk 2. It didn't sound very interesting so we took the bus to Harleston and did the circular walk from there which we enjoyed. The last day we took the car to Southwold which we found crowded and not very Covid secure. We went on to Hen Reedbed Wildlife Trust reserve, Walberswick and Blythburgh and they were all excellent. We found that the Waveney valley is not the best place for scenic, interesting walks but with a vehicle (and use of the bus) it possible to visit interesting places although they are scattered. Despite this, it was really nice to have a holiday in current times and we really enjoyed it by modifying the walks and places to suit us and the B&Bs were lovely. 

  • Anon
    08 October 2019

    There were short scary bits on main roads – but we took care and lived to tell the tale. Amazing farmland and flocks of birds over vast ploughed fields. Our day on our own was wonderful as we went on an extensive Norfolk and Suffolk church crawl: Hempnall churches (8), north of Harleston then to Wingfield to an historic de la pole church.

    Inntravel
    response

    Thank you for your constructive feedback, and we are pleased that you enjoyed your holiday in Suffolk. We are sorry that you found the two sections of road walking on this itinerary to be daunting. One short section follows the official Angles Way; the other is a short diversion due to a footbridge repair that is scheduled for completion in autumn 2020, and there is a verge on which to walk.

  • Anon
    07 May 2019

    The evening meal at The Waveney House Hotel was very good.

    We also ate at JDYoungs in Harleston which also provided very good meals; but the restaurant section is a lot quieter than the pub side.

    The Hungry Cat Cafe in Harleston turns out to Vegan but doesn't advertise the fact! It was only when we came to ordering a lunch that we found out.

    Take binoculars to see the bird life; the lakes on the disused gravel pits are worth deviating from the path to see. And watch out for hares and otters!

  • Mr I Brown
    Edinburgh
    30 April 2019

    Loved seeing unusual birds like a kingfisher on the banks of the Waveney and plenty of butterflies including peacocks and the orange tip which we do not see in Scotland. The orange tip is remarkably well camouflaged with its wings closed on cow parsley flowers. Spring is a really good time for this walk when the undergrowth is not too tall and there are plentiful spring flowers like primroses and cowslips to admire. We got a real feel for the land use of this area and enjoyed seeing lots of really old thatched houses, quirky village signs and finding out about the history of some of the places we passed. We also enjoyed staying in a restored Tudor building in Chameleon House.

  • Mike and Jenny
    03 October 2018

    Waveney House hotel delightful.  Dinner at Castle inn delightful.  Rooms at 3 Chameleon House quirky but fun.  The only place we can recommend for dinner in Harleston is JD Youngs.

  • Mrs M Foley
    Australia
    13 September 2018

    The hiking on all of the days was great (we did have exceptionally good weather as well). We were delighted with the accomodation and the meals provided in the package.

  • Mr P Ketteringham
    Hampton
    11 September 2018

    The Air Museum at Flixton was the highlight. Very friendly and enthusiastic volunteers. A 'must' visit even if you are not 'into' old aircraft.

  • Jan OMalley
    16 July 2018

    We loved the variety of the terrain and the boat trip on the river. We walked through wheat, maize and rape seed fields, through green tunnels and by the river with lots of butterlies and dragonflies.

    The variety of the accommodation was great too. We really enjoyed our first evening meal beside the river at the Waveney House Hotel with swallows swooping and twittering around us. The notes about the history of the area were interesting.

  • Anon
    11 June 2018

    We especially enjoyed our visit to the Aircraft Museum at Flixton which took at least a couple of hours to look round.

  • Elfbrook
    05 June 2018

    Highlights for us were the location of Waveney House Hotel, your recommended trip on the Big Dog Ferry, dinner at the Castle Inn and breakfasts at No 3 Chameleon House. Plus having our luggage transferred.
 

FAQs

If you have any questions relating to this or any other Inntravel holiday, our friendly travel experts will be happy to help. You might also find our General FAQs section helpful.
  • We sincerely hope that your holiday experience will be as enjoyable as it would have been before the pandemic – walking holidays are ideal in these times of social distancing, and we’re not operating holidays if the key highlights can no longer be delivered – but, naturally, there will be some changes to ensure your and other people’s safety.
    Your holiday experience: what to expect >
    Safety measures being taken by hoteliers & others >
  • We’ll send you route notes and maps 2-3 weeks before your holiday. The route notes not only contain directions to get from hotel to hotel, but also include practical information about places of interest and eateries along each route, plus cultural information about the area. If/when you are moving between hotels, you leave your luggage in reception as you leave, and it will be transferred ahead to your next accommodation, meaning that all you need to take with you are a camera, sun cream, drinks, food and waterproofs.

    For more detailed information, see our walking holidays in Europe page.
  • Yes, absolutely. Over the years, we have arranged a great many walking holidays in the UK for customers living in the USA, Canada, Australia and beyond.

    If you've never travelled with us before, it's worth reading the web pages which explain how we can cater for customers who live outside the UK. The main thing to bear in mind is that our tour operator's licence doesn't allow us to book flights that originate outside the UK, and nor are we able to book rail travel in the UK, so we can't make travel arrangements for you, other than pre-arranging taxis between the local railway station and the accommodation – see the ‘prices & travel options’ section for the options available.

    As regards entry requirements, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents, with the correct validity. Our essential travel information page provides links to websites where you can find out about the applicable requirements, along with general official travel advice.
  • Since our holidays are self-guided, we recommend calling us for a chat about your plans before making a booking, especially if it’s the first time you’ve booked with us.
    The price panel shows the supplement for a single room and also the single traveller charge (this covers (luggage) transfers and other costs which are usually shared between two people).
  • Once you’ve decided on your exact itinerary (our travel experts will be happy to offer advice), you need to provide us with your party’s details, either by phone or via our booking form. At this point we also ask you to pay a deposit so that we can secure a room for you immediately on confirming availability with the hotel(s). If it turns out that we can’t secure the accommodation for the holiday you’ve requested, or offer an acceptable alternative, we’ll refund your deposit promptly and in full. After booking your accommodation and other key elements, we'll then book your travel (or you can do so if you’re making your own arrangements) and send you a Booking Confirmation and Invoice.

    More information about the booking process >
    Information about accommodation, general practicalities and more >
    Booking conditions >
  • Yes, it’s something we insist on, even for holidays in the UK. The vast majority of holidays go smoothly, but when things go wrong, it can be expensive to put them right. Buying a new pair of walking boots after your suitcase is stolen mightn’t seem so bad, but the bill for being airlifted down from a mountain with a broken leg or flown home while still recovering from an illness or accident can cost tens of thousands of pounds.

    You don’t have to take out our recommended travel insurance policy (if you live outside Europe you’ll definitely need to make your own arrangements, as the policy is only for residents of the UK and Europe, but not Switzerland), but you do need to make sure that you’re covered for medical emergencies – including falling ill with Covid-19 while on holiday – and repatriation. We also recommend that you are covered for other eventualities, such as cancellation and loss of luggage and passports.

    We'll ask you for the details of your policy (insurer, policy number and medical emergency phone number) so that we can help out if the worst happens while you are on holiday. It's up to you, though, to check that your policy covers the activities you'll be doing on holiday and that it is adequate for your own individual needs; we don't check alternative policies.
  • The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides up-to-date, country-by-country travel advice, as well as information on security, local laws, passports and visas for UK citizens.
    If you live outside the UK, see our essential travel information page for a list of relevant websites.
  • Unfortunately not. The Inntravel team includes many dog owners, but the extra considerations – such as whether taxi firms accept dogs for transfers to the start of walks, whether routes cross private land on which dogs are not allowed, and proximity to a vet’s – would add another layer of complexity to what are already quite complex holidays.
Last fetch time is : 11/27/2020 11:39:41 AM