Summer holidays are here and we have put together some suggestions of what to do around Butley. For hot days the nearest swimming place is Butley Creek at Butley Ferry jetty (just over a mile away). Check the tides, jelly shoes and only for strong swimmers. Or to keep cool head for Shingle street or Thorpeness beach which has some sand.  Or stay in the peaceful shady gardens at the Priory or the Farmhouse with book under a tree.

Suffolk Punch Trust, Hollesley, IP2 3JR (01394 411327)  A jolly family outing, open six days a week (not Tuesdays), 10 – 5pm. The Barthrop family introduced the Suffolk Punch to their farm in Hollesley in 1759. These majestic horses have been part of Suffolk farming life for over 260 years. Plenty to keep you occupied with farm walks, pets paddock for children, heritage garden, café, shop, and museum but of best of all the horses (and sometimes foals) to admire.

Sutton Hoo, Sutton, Sutton, Woodbridge, IP12 3DJ (01394  389700) National Trust gem, the site of  the 6th century undisturbed ship burial discovered by amateur architect Basil Brown in 1938. The stunning Anglo Saxon artefacts are now in the British museum. There’s an excellent visitor centre (and restaurant), a 27m long life size replica of the ship, with replicas of the treasures in the museum. Visit the arts and craft house where Mrs Edith Pretty lived, and of course the burial mounds with observation towers

Poplar Park, Poplar Farm, Hollesley, IP12 3NA 01394 411023  Riding school with direct access into Rendlesham Forest . Our favourite two horses are gentle giant Bud (former race horse, measures 17 hands) with the best canter and Mylo (31 years old cob, and retired). We fostered them during lock down.

Butley Ferry – Sponsored by the Alde & Ore Association (07913 672499) the ferry (a rowing boat, takes up to 4 passengers and 2 bicycles per crossing)) has been in operation for centuries ferrying passengers across Butley Creek to the ancient river walls that wind and stretch 40 km. From here it’s two miles to Orford by foot along the river wall or bicycle along a sandy track past Pinneys fish huts and down Gedgrave Road.  Manned by volunteers the ferry runs from 11- 4pm at weekends and bank holidays during May to September, but not on windy days.

Rendlesham Forest  - There are wonderful walks through the forest. Follow the UFO trail to find the crash spot where allegedly a UFO crashed in December 1980.  It’s the most famous and written about UFO sighting in the UK. Strange flashing lights were seen in the forest by airman from the American airbase in Woodbridge including their commander Lt Col Charles Halt. A crashed aircraft and little green dead aliens were seen dangling in the trees. Halt’s report was taken seriously, thoroughly investigated and classified.  However, nothing was ever found. The US airman may have been confused by Orford lighthouse, poachers and a satellite coming down into the sea, all fuelled by some wacky baccy…… it was concluded to have been a hoax.

Orford Castle run by English Heritage (0370 333 1181) was built between 1165-1175 by Henry II.  The perfect rainy day outing. The keep is in excellent condition with five layers to explore connected by winding spiral staircases, including dank dungeons, where a mythical merman was held captive until he escaped. From the roof there are terrific views over Orford Ness and out to sea. Museum and a tiny shop (geared for children) for a little bit of retail therapy.

Orford Ness –  National Trust Nature Reserve owned by the National Trust. The Ferry runs every day from 10am from Orford quay. (You need to book)  Take a picnic, WCs but no other facilities. The waymarked trails meander through the landscape, shingle and brackish lagoons, mud flays and marshes. There’s a herd of Herdwick sheep looked after by the TV star, border collie, Sweep. The only dog allowed on Orford Ness. Birds, seals, wild flowers an extraordinary wilderness. Orford Ness is also famous for its curious pagodas where cold war military activities took place, including testing the atomic trigger. A group of artists are exhibiting their work “Afterness” until the end of October – visit artangel.org.uk for information and booking.

Crabbing on Orford Quay Buy your crabbing lines, net and bacon from the Orford Village shop and head down to Orford quay. Once your bucket is full, empty the crabs gently out on the slip way and watch them race down back to the sea. Our record is 12 crabs. Butley Ferry is also an excellent spot for crabbing and just a 30-minute walk from the Priory/farmhouse. 

Quayside Orford river trips

Regardless, 07900 230579 Take a hour long river trip on this old fishing boat, and circumnavigate Havergate Island, the RSPB reserve, a 7-mile cruise with commentary on the area. Maximum 29 passengers (private trips available). See daily blackboard on the quayside for times, hourly during peek times.

The Lady Florence, Craig or Chris: 01473 558712 or 07831 698298.  A very pleasant way to cruise the River Alde on this 1944 former admiralty supply boat. She takes up to 12 passengers, for breakfast, dinner or lunch (private groups available). She operates all year round. A good commentary about nature and history.

Tilly, 07793 307337 This small fishing boat takes up to 12 passengers around Havergate island, an hour’s voyage with commentary. Expect to see seals, curlews, avocets, terns, godwits and sandpipers enjoying the mud flats. Bring binoculars.  Trips run between April and October. (Private hire also available).

Snape Maltings – Snape, IP17 1SP, 01728 688302 World-class music and concert hall, pub (Plough & Sail) café, independent shops, galleries, home store, food store and garden shop. Farmers Market first Saturday of every month.

Aldeburgh Golf Club, Aldeburgh, IP15 5PE 01728 452890 Founded in 1884, par 68, a top-notch heathland course (two courses), stunning situation overlooking the River Alde.

Thorpeness Golf Club 01728 452176 Created in 1922, the legendary golf architect James Bird designed this 70-par heath land course and 5 times open champion James Bird.

The Meare at Thorpeness An idyllic place for children (and adults) to while away an afternoon. This shallow 60-acre lake was built in the 1913 when Thorpeness was developed as a holiday resort. Canoes, kayaks and rowing boats to explore the tiny islands and Peter Pans Neverland. Open from 8.30 to 5.30pm daily until October half term.