Around Swattesfield
The beauty of staying at Swattesfield campsite is that you can leave your car behind the entire time you’re here.
There are a surprising number of eateries, water-holes, experiences and activities that can be reached directly from the campsite by foot. Many of them have no roads to cross and those that do are minimal.
So what are you waiting for, strap on your pedometer and get going!
THORNHAM WALKS
12 miles of way-marked walks lead directly from Swattesfield taking in the woodlands, flowers, fields and wide open skies.
It’s mostly level so suitable for all and can be broken up with a drink or ice-cream at the Forge Cafe. Check the website for Events on the walks throughout the year.
Detailed walks maps are available for £1 at the Walks entrance or from us at Swattesfield with the money going directly to the Thornham Walks upkeep.
http://thornhamestate.com/thornhamwalks.html
Tel: 01379 788345
THE THORNHAM PLAYGROUNDS
Adjacent to the Forge Cafe is the first playground, a wonderfully fenced play area for big and small kids, some lovely carved animals to play on, a slide and a variety of swings with tables to have a picnic.
Only 15 minute easy walking direct from Swattesfield. There is a carpark located here also at £2 per day.
The second park is located next to Thornham Magna village hall and has a set of swings, climbing frame and slide, this is about 25 minute walk from the campsite.
THORNHAM FOUR HORSE SHOES
The Four Horseshoes Pub in Thornham Magna is open every day serving food and drink and is said to be the oldest pub in Suffolk dating back to the 11th Century and listed in the Doomsday Book.
It’s an easy walk through woods and along fields from Swattesfield and takes around 25 minutes - just long enough to work up a thirst!
We cannot recommend their Sunday Carvery enough, but you MUST call and book this in advance as it is almost always fully booked on the day.
http://www.thefourhorseshoes.net
Tel: 01379 678777
GISLINGHAM VILLAGE STORES
You can either walk the 15-20 minutes over the field foot path or drive the 2 minutes into the next village where you will find our friendly local village store selling newspapers and magazines, fresh meat and vegetables, bread, booze, milk and much more local produce.
Monday - Friday 07:00 - 20:00
Saturday 08:00 - 20:00
Sunday 08:00 - 18:00
Tel: 01379 788522
THE STOKE ASH WHITE HORSE
This charming hotel and coaching Inn has been run by the same family for over a decade, offering homemade, quality food in a friendly and comfortable environment.
This is complemented by well kept Local Ales, cider and Lager.
Located just outside the village next to the A140 this is about a 5 minute drive from the campstie, they serve food all day (including a lovely breakfast!)
http://www.whitehorse-suffolk.co.uk/
Tel: 01379 678222
THORNHAM FISHERY
Would you like even more peace coupled with the challenge of fresh water fishing? Then you must try Thornham Lakes. Only a mile and half away, there are three mature and well-stocked lakes with carp ready for your bait.
Don’t forget your rod and try floating bread as bait on the hot summer days when the carp like to surface!
http://www.thornhamfishery.co.uk
Tel: 07810 653600
Prices: £5 for one rod and £6 for two rods.
BEYOND THE WALL
Beyond The Wall is a charitable project based in the heart of Thornham Estate, working primarily with young people with mixed disabilities. They often have events and The Walled Garden will be open at weekends or during the holiday periods when staff or volunteers are on site.
http://www.beyondthewall.org.uk
Tel: 01379 788700
ROSCOE'S DELI
Roscoe's Deli and Farm shop showcasing the very best of British produce from every corner of the British Isles.
We offer beautiful British produce, from traceable and sustainable farmers and producers, delivered to your door and available in our new deli and farm shop on Thornham Walks.
This can be visited by walking directly from Swattesfield, along Thornham Walks and takes around 20 minutes.
Tel: 01379 430450
THE FORGE CAFE
As the name suggests this is the old forge at Thornham Magna and the forge and huge bellows can still be seen inside.
Open most days it’s really handy and next to a lovely playground for the kids.
Only 15 minute walk directly from the campsite and along the Thornham Walks
Tel: 01379 783035
THORNHAM PARVA CHURCH
The tiny Saxon church of St Mary's is in the neighbouring hamlet of Thornham Parva and has early 14th century wall paintings depicting the early years of Christ and the martyrdom of St Edmund.
There is a circular Saxon window as well as the famous retable. Not forgetting its stunning thatched roof. It makes a lovely stop when cycling through the local villages.
If you have a local event, activity or business that is within easy reach of Swattesfield then feel free to contact us and we can add this to the site