Discover Suffolk’s Historic Gems

If you love history, Suffolk is an excellent place to visit – or live. Many of our Hopkins Homes new build homes are close to fascinating heritage sites, making it easy to spend your weekends exploring Suffolk’s many historic places and visitor attractions.

Discover historic Suffolk in our guide to the county’s rich heritage.

Suffolk’s Historic Coast

Suffolk’s stunning coastline stretches for 50 miles, from family-favourite Lowestoft to the commercial Port of Felixstowe. It takes in sandy beaches, clifftop paths and nature reserves, dotted with traditional seaside resorts, historic fishing ports and pretty little villages. It’s a paradise for walkers and nature enthusiasts.

From Viking invasions to the invention of radar, the Suffolk coast has a varied history. Stand on the beach at Dunwich and imagine the sunken medieval town, Suffolk’s own Atlantis, long lost to the sea. Look out for scars from the Suffolk coast’s past as a line of defence, as well as its commercial successes as a centre for fishing and wool. Stroll along piers and proms, just as the Victorian visitors did. We know it’s a cliche, but there really is something for everyone along this beautiful coast.

Find out more at: Explore the Suffolk Coast.

Our homes at Wickham Gate, Chediston Place and Barsham Vale are all close to the coast.

Bury St Edmunds

Beautiful Bury St Edmunds has played a central role in Suffolk’s history for over a thousand years. It’s home to St Edmundsbury Cathedral and Bury St Edmunds Abbey, and different architectural styles jostle for prominence along its historic streets.

Come here to stroll around the centre of the old market town, enjoying the variety of independent shops and places to eat. It’s also the HQ of Greene King Brewery, founded in 1799, and there’s a good choice of welcoming old inns.You’ll find plenty to entertain you in this bustling old town: read our guide to the best family-friendly things to do in Bury St Edmunds.

Find out more at: Visit Bury St Edmunds.

Hopkins Homes new development at Abbots Vale is just on the edge of Bury St Edmunds.

Woolpit

Woolpit’s unusual name is first recorded in the 10th century as “Wlpit”, meaning a pit for trapping wolves. Today’s village is a pretty little spot with some beautifully well-preserved old buildings and Suffolk’s smallest museum.

It’s also the setting for one of the strangest events in the secret history of Suffolk. In the 1100s, centuries before Wicked, two green-skinned children appeared in the village. They couldn’t speak English and would eat only raw broad beans. The boy soon died, but when the girl learned English, she explained that they’d come from a land where the sun never shone and everything was green. The mystery of the Green Children of Woolpit has never been explained…

Find out more at: Things to Do in Woolpit.

The Elms is an attractive Hopkins Homes development in Woolpit village.

Framlingham Castle

This spectacular structure is in the market town of Framlingham, and was originally a Norman motte and bailey castle. After a turbulent few centuries, it became a luxurious home rather than a defensive castle, hence its stunning sweep of parkland. However, life wasn’t exactly quiet at Framlingham: for instance, Mary Queen of Scots was proclaimed Queen of England here.

Now in the care of English Heritage, Framlingham Castle is one of the best-loved historic attractions of Suffolk. Take the walk around the curtain walls for wonderful views across the estate and town (and some excellent medieval chimneys). You can also visit Framlingham’s old workhouse inside the castle walls, and brush up on your Suffolk history in the exhibition space.

Find out more at: English Heritage Framlingham Castle.

Hopkins Homes’ development at Wickham Gate is just 7 miles from Framlingham. You’re also just 10 miles from English Heritage Orford Castle.

Sutton Hoo

In the summer of 1939, archaeologists uncovered a ship under a mound, with a burial chamber in its centre. This was found to be an Anglo Saxon royal burial, filled with the most incredible treasures.

Today, the site is managed by the National Trust. You can visit the site in the grounds of Tranmer House (the viewing tower helps you get an idea of the scale, and see the astonishing finds in the High Hall Exhibition. The house is also open to visitors, and this being the National Trust, there’s also an excellent shop and cafe.

Find out more at National Trust Sutton Hoo.

Sutton Hoo is 6 miles from Hopkins Homes at Grundisburgh Vale.

If you love the idea of living in historic Suffolk…

Here at Hopkins Homes, we have a selection of appealing new-home developments in Suffolk. Take a look at our new build homes in Suffolk, and get in touch to book an appointment.