Where we are

The area

The site itself is situated amidst stunning countryside, combining farmland, woodland and small village communities – yet within easy reach of Framlingham, Saxmundham and the A12.

We are on the National Cycle Route (National Cycle Network route 1, and the Suffolk Coastal Cycle route – Regional Route 41) and the quiet, picturesque (and mostly flat!) roads in the area are perfect for experienced or novice cyclists alike. We are also surrounded by footpaths offering walks through a diversity of gentle landscapes with a variety of flora fauna. The ‘Sandlings’ (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and Minsmere RSPB nature reserve are not far from us, offering breathtaking scenery and attracting a wide variety of wildlife and bird species to the area. The river Alde runs less than ½ mile from our site, and the vast woodlands of Tunstall and Rendlesham forests are both within easy reach.

The Alde Valley, with it’s rich diversity of soils and abundance of wildlife, has become famous for it’s variety and quality of local foods. Restaurants, farm shops and farmers' markets are bursting with a fantastic array of locally grown seasonal produce.

Local wildlife includes roe, fallow and muncjac deer which can be seen roaming around locally - particularly in woodland areas - we were on a bike ride in the village one day and a group of four fallow deer crossed the road in front of us! Owls can be heard most evenings, and if you listen carefully you might hear badgers and hedgehogs snuffling about in the undergrowth. From sunrise to sunset an abundance of different bird calls can be heard throughout the day. Our close proximity to Minsmere RSPB reserve means we see and hear a wonderful variety of bird speices.

Shopping locally

We are lucky to be in an area which is famous for it's abundance of local produce. Besides the two local supermarkets (Waitrose in Saxmundham & Co-op in Framlingham) we heartily recommend the following farm shops - where you will be amazed at the range of locally made products and locally grown seasonal fruit & veg.

Railway Farm Shop, Benhall Green (4.24 miles)
 - small farm shop selling a selection of locally and nationally grown fruit & veg 

Garnetts Gardens, Hacheston (recommended) (5.07 miles)
 - a well-stocked nursery and farm shop selling local produce including pies, cakes, fruit & veg and lots more. Also has a small cafe area selling tea, coffee and yummy snacks. Cheerful, friendly service. Perfect break during a cycle ride! 

Friday Street Farm Shop, Friday Street (5.27 miles)
 - a large farm shop selling a wide range of local produce including some homegrown fruit & veg. Also has a restaurant attached.

Middleton Farm Shop, Middleton (7.7 miles)
 - lovely farm shop, selling a surprisingly large selection of very local produce (a lot of which is grown by them on site). Lovely setting, not far from Dunwich and Minsmere. 

Eat Anglia Deli & Cafe, Earl Soham (8.03 miles)
 - boasting 70% local produce, this small shop has a deli counter plus lots of other local produce. Also has a cafe attached, and a fantastic pub just over the road - so another perfect stopping place during a bike ride.

Farmcafe & Foodmarket, Marlesford (recommended) (9.05 miles)
 - a fantastic farm shop and cafe, offering a wide range of local produce (and some gifts too) and amazing home-made pies & ready meals. Lovely cafe, serving a wide range of breakfasts and lunches. All brought to you by a cheerful team of lovely staff. 

PLUS, IF YOU DON'T HAVE TIME TO STOP WHILE YOU'RE OUT & ABOUT...

The Suffolk Providore - can take orders in advance online and deliver your chosen selection of local produce to your accommodation! What a service!

The Village Grocer - is our local mobile shop selling a little bit of everything you could need plus a selection of local produce. Visits Alde Garden car park on Fridays at 1pm

The garden

Alde Garden itself is a quiet sheltered site set in just under an acre surrounded by trees and natural hedges. A meandering pathway through wildflowers and trees leads to the various types of holiday accommodation. Ducks and hens wander freely by day, and at night solar fairy lights twinkle in the trees whilst pathways are lit by solar lights, and the crackle of the campfire and the occasional hoot of an owl breaks the silence. It’s the perfect setting for a relaxed break – whether you stay for a weekend or a full 2-week break we feel sure you will go home feeling refreshed and invigorated.