Saxmundham is a small, friendly market-town (market-day Wednesday) on the River Fromus, a tributory of the River Alde. Restored to tranquility since the A12 bypass was built some years ago, Saxmundham is like stepping back in time to a more relaxed pace of life.
Both cottages are just 500 yards (5 mins walk) from the High Street, where there are a number of interesting independent shops to browse around plus those catering for all essentials – including… a newsagents; a bakers – selling bread and cakes baked here in the town; a stationers – also selling a good range of postcards with local scenes; a pharmacy; a traditional butchers shop - selling locally-reared meat and hand-made sausages and pies; two bookshops – both stock a range of local maps and guide books; an old-fashioned haberdashers (with yarns galore!); two hairdressers; a traditional barber-shop; a florist; a hardware shop (which also sells sacks of logs & kindling for the fire); two banks (Barclays and HSBC – both with 24hr cashpoints); and a pet shop. Saxmundham even has its own Museum and two small art galleries – with regular exhibitions by local artists (including some very well-known artists, such as Maggi Hambling).
Gallery
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The local farm shop – Railway Farm Shop - is about 1 mile out of town – on the main route into Saxmundham, near Benhall village, and close to the A12 junction. It sells a whole range of locally-grown seasonal produce, plus home-made jams and sacks of logs.
A medium-sized (Waitrose) supermarket is discreetly positioned in the town, yet still within easy walking distance. It opens on Sundays and late in the evenings, making it convenient for grocery shopping.
There is also a wide variety of cafes, restaurants and take-away outlets catering for all tastes and pockets. For a sumptuous meal, try The Bell - renowned for its cuisine and featured in the Times, Observer, Guardian, Telegraph and good food guides. The food is superb and, amazingly, so reasonably priced! The Table d’Hote Menu is 2 courses for £12.95 or 3 courses for £15.75 at lunchtime, and £19.50 for 3 courses at dinner. There is also an A La Carte Menu, and a ‘Market-Lunch’ Menu (changes daily) – 2 courses for £7.50 or 3 courses for £10.00. The Bell Restaurant is open Tuesday to Saturday.
Other highlights are… The ‘Bistro at the Deli’ is a continental-style cafe (open daytime only) serving speciality coffees, cakes, light-lunches, and sandwiches/baguettes/paninis with interesting fillings made to order (excellent for easy picnics!). The ‘Prince of Bengal’ is a very popular Indian restaurant which has won awards for its food. The ‘Queen’s Head’ appears to be a ‘traditional’ English pub, but its original function room is now an excellent Thai and Chinese restaurant. And, for traditional take-away Fish & Chips, we recommend the ‘Trawler’s Catch’ - freshly-caught fish daily, and superbly cooked!
The Local Area
For an evening stroll or Sunday walk, Carlton Country Park is just 10 mins walk away. From the town, you can take a bus or taxi for the short journey into Leiston, Snape or Aldeburgh - for an evening at the cinema, theatre or a concert; or a train to the cinema in Woodbridge, or the Arts Centre in Halesworth.
Of course, you may decide not to wander too far... particularly as the “Poacher’s Pocket” - a quaint, traditional country pub serving real ales and home-cooked meals - is just 5 minutes away by car, or a pleasant 30 min walk through the Country Park. Once there, you’ll find that ever-popular traditional English favourites such as beef & ale pie and steak & kidney pudding are often on the menu, as are the (all homemade) traditional desserts, such as blackberry crumble, apple pie, bread & butter pudding and (a favourite in summer) sherry trifle!
