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What is there to do around Mettingham Castle House?

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We can promise you one thing…you will not be bored! Whatever you are into, however energetic you are feeling, there is plenty to do.

At Mettingham Castle House

If you come for a long weekend, you need never leave the property. We have…

  • Our very own castle! Or at least some good bits of it!  You can read all about it here.

  • Heated indoor pool - 11m long and 1.8m Deep

  • All weather tennis court

  • Small gym - with cross trainer and rowing machine

  • 20 acres of parkland to walk around

  • A moat - we are actually on an island in  the middle of the moat. You can even fish here if you like

  • A Big Green Egg, a Weber BBQ and a wood fired pizza oven

Within 10 minutes you have
  • The quaint market town of Bungay - with loads of good places to eat, selling local artisanal foods, a great deli, butcher, greengrocer and wet fish shop. And its own castle. Lots of castles around here ya know!

  • The Silo Cafe

  • Some great pubs, of which the most eccentric is https://www.thelocksinn.com/

  • Fen Farms award winning cheese and farm shop

  • St Peter's brewery and shop - in a beautiful mediaeval house

  • Flixton Aviation Museum - an amazing collection of Cold War and WW2 aircraft

Within 45 minutes you have
  • The mediaeval market city of Norwich, with a magnificent cathedral, perfectly preserved medieval buildings (the ones the Luftwaffe missed anyway), a castle, a great outdoor market and a football team supported only by masochists

  • The Suffolk coastline with miles of yellow sand beaches, delightful fishing villages and more fish and chips than you can eat in a lifetime

  • Castles, castles and more castles - Framlingham, Orford etc

  • And some truly lovely walks

  • And some culture - Snape Maltings concert hall and Thorington Theater

If you like…

  • History - then explore 

  • The beach - then you should explore this hidden gem, just 25 minutes away. If you like more populated beaches the whole east coast is full of little fishing resorts - try Southwold, Aldeburgh, etc. Avoid Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft - they are a dump

  • Eating and drinking - you will be spoiled for choice

    • Shopping for food - within 10 minutes we have the amazing Fen Farm stall, (selling their award winning cheeses, bread, raw milk, smoked treats etc) and in Bungay a wonderful deli, fish shop, traditional green grocer and amazing butcher

    • Eating out - Try Source Bistro and Stonehouse Pizza -  wear the elasticated trousers, portions are large, prices are keen and the quality is good. 

    • If you are happy to travel for 45 minutes then the smart restaurants of Southwold and Aldeburgh are in easy reach

    • Nature, try these walks

    • 30 minutes - Around the castle and grounds. Aside from our gorgeous castle ruins, we have 20 acres of parkland, with beautiful woods, wild flowers and plentiful birds. If there is fruit in the orchard please help yourself

    • 1 hour - walk around our block. Small quiet roads, just long enough to get your 10,000 steps in

    • Longer - walk to The Locks Inn, our eccentric community pub, on the Waveney River. Great beers, good food  and a lively weekend atmosphere.

    • 10 minute drive - try this for some gorgeous views across the water meadows

    • Wild swimming - On the River Waveney among others are two lovely spots for some wild swimming: Falcon meadow and The Sandy.

    • Keeping fit - you need never leave the property. We have:

    • All weather tennis court

    • Indoor heated pool - 11m (35 feet)

    • Basic gym with cross country ski trainer and rowing machine

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Bungay Castle

  • What to Expect: The remains of Bungay Castle stand on a hill overlooking the town and offer a glimpse into medieval history. Built by the Bigod family in the 12th century, the castle was later abandoned in the 14th century. Today, visitors can explore the ruins and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the Waveney Valley. The castle is surrounded by parkland, making it a pleasant spot for a walk.

  • Location: Castle Hill, Bungay

  • Tip: It's a great place for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset.

St. Mary’s Church

  • What to Expect: St. Mary’s Church is one of Bungay's most significant landmarks. The church dates back to the 14th century and has a stunning tower, which is visible from miles around. Inside, you'll find intricate stained-glass windows and fascinating memorials, including one for Sir John Falstof, who was reputed to have been one of the inspirations for Shakespeare’s Falstaff.

  • Notable Features: The tower stands at an impressive 100 feet and is one of the tallest in East Anglia. The church also has a lovely interior with ornate woodwork and a serene atmosphere.

  • Location: St. Mary's Church, Bungay

  • Tip: Check out the churchyard, which has lovely gravestones and peaceful surroundings for a quiet moment.

Bungay Town Walk

  • What to Expect: Bungay is a town steeped in history, and a walk around its streets will reveal its hidden gems. The town is known for its mix of medieval, Georgian, and Victorian architecture. You’ll pass through charming narrow streets and see old houses, small independent shops, and cozy cafes. Some highlights include the Bungay Buttercross, an iconic market cross that dates back to the 17th century, and the Angel Hotel, which has been around since the 16th century.

  • Location: Start at the marketplace, where you’ll find Buttercross and explore the town from there.

  • Tip: Stop for a coffee at one of the local cafés and chat with the friendly locals about the town’s history.

  • 4. Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

  • What to Expect: Just a short drive from Bungay, you can immerse yourself in nature in the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB. This area offers stunning landscapes, from heathlands and marshes to forests and beaches. There are plenty of walking and cycling routes, including around Haddiscoe Island and Oulton Marshes, where birdwatching is a popular activity. Look out for rare species of birds, butterflies, and wildflowers.

  • Location: The AONB stretches across the Suffolk coastline and into the hinterland.

  • Tip: If you enjoy walking, head for Dunwich Heath, where you'll find excellent walking trails and spectacular coastal views.

Flixton Aviation Museum

  • What to Expect: Just a short drive from Bungay, the Flixton Aviation Museum offers a fascinating collection of aviation history. It houses a range of aircraft from the Second World War, along with various aviation artifacts, including uniforms, engines, and other memorabilia. Some of the exhibits include military aircraft, such as a Hawker Hurricane and a De Havilland Vampire, as well as a range of World War II military equipment.

  • Location: Flixton, Suffolk (near Bungay)

  • Tip: It's a small museum, but the volunteers are very knowledgeable, so make sure to ask questions and learn more about the history of aviation.

The River Waveney

  • What to Expect: The River Waveney is a calm and beautiful waterway that runs through Bungay. It’s perfect for a peaceful walk along its banks, or you can hire a canoe or kayak to explore the river. The area surrounding the river is home to several nature reserves and wildlife habitats, making it a peaceful spot to enjoy some quiet time. The Waveney also offers some great opportunities for fishing.

  • Location: The river runs through Bungay, and there are several points along it where you can access walking trails or river activities.

  • Tip: For an active day, consider hiring a canoe from Putney Meadow Caravan Park and paddling along the river for a unique experience.

Local Pubs and Cafés

  • What to Expect: Bungay is home to a few cozy pubs and cafés where you can relax and enjoy locally sourced food and drink. The Green Dragon is a well-known pub in the town, offering traditional ales from their own brewery, while The Fleece is a great place for a more refined dining experience. There are also plenty of charming cafés like Earsham Street Café for a relaxing coffee and a slice of homemade cake.

  • Tip: The local pubs often host quiz nights, live music, or other community events, so check the schedule for something special.

Thursday Market under the Buttercross

  • The first official market in Bungay was established in the 13th century during the Bigod family’s occupation of the Castle. Originally held on Saturdays, the market was moved to Thursdays in 1382 by royal permission from Richard II, a tradition that continues today. When the Howard family inherited Bungay Castle and surrounding properties in 1483, they also gained control of the market and its income. Initially, traders set up stalls around a central stone cross, but by Tudor times, permanent shops and homes were built around the market, and the cross was replaced with a roofed structure to offer shelter during bad weather.

  • The Great Fire of 1688 severely damaged Bungay, and one of the first structures rebuilt was the Market Cross, later known as the Butter Cross due to the goods sold there. It featured wooden steps where traders displayed produce such as butter, eggs, and cheese. In 1754, a statue of Justice was added atop the dome, symbolizing fair trade and law, as offenders were imprisoned beneath or near the Cross. Public punishments such as stocks and floggings occurred here, with wrist irons still visible today. In 1871, the Town Reeve and Feoffees purchased market rights from the Duke of Norfolk for £40, and the Town Trust has managed it ever since. Though smaller now, the market still brings life to the town every Thursday with stalls offering fresh produce and local goods.

Norfolk Broads

  • What to Expect: Just a short drive from Bungay, the Norfolk Broads is a vast network of rivers and lakes perfect for outdoor activities like boating, birdwatching, and hiking. You can rent a boat and explore the serene waterways, or enjoy a peaceful walk or cycle ride along the trails. There are several nature reserves within the Broads, and the area is known for its abundant wildlife, including swans, herons, and kingfishers.

  • Location: The Norfolk Broads are about 30 minutes from Bungay by car.

  • Tip: If you enjoy boating, hire a small electric boat or canoe for a more immersive experience on the water.

  •  a relaxing stroll.

  • Location: Southwold, Suffolk (about 18 miles from Bungay)

  • Tip: Visit Adnams Brewery in Southwold, where you can tour the brewery and sample some of their famous local ales.

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