Hidden Heritage Gems of Surprising Suffolk

Check in to the Holiday Inn Colchester in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.

Our first visit takes us to Gainsborough’s House, the elegant Georgian townhouse in Sudbury that was artist Thomas Gainsborough’s childhood home, now a beautifully refurbished museum and gallery dedicated to his life and work. On our guided tour, we explore thoughtfully curated galleries showcasing Gainsborough’s early portraits and landscapes alongside grand society paintings, personal artefacts and a working print studio. The charming walled garden, planted with varieties familiar in Gainsborough’s time, offers a peaceful retreat. We then enjoy a light lunch at The Watering Place at Gainsborough's House.

Afterwards, we continue to Hedingham Castle, one of the finest surviving Norman keeps in England. Set within landscaped grounds, the towering 12^th-century stone keep reflects the power and prestige of the de Vere family, who have lived here for nearly 900 years. There’s time to explore the atmospheric interiors, woodland paths and tranquil gardens, soaking up the castle’s rich and layered history. We return to the hotel in time for dinner and a chance to reflect on a day steeped in artistic and architectural heritage.

This morning we visit Somerleyton, a grand estate renowned for its beautiful formal gardens, considered among the finest in Suffolk. Laid out in the mid-19^th century, the gardens blend Italianate style with romantic English planting and include a glorious walled garden, intricate box parterre, and a celebrated yew maze. With a backdrop of parkland and glimpses of the stately hall, the grounds are a peaceful and elegant retreat. After time to explore at leisure, we enjoy lunch at The Greenhouse, the estate’s welcoming café set within the former Victorian glasshouses.

In the afternoon, we head to the charming Suffolk seaside town of Southwold, almost an island, bounded by the North Sea and two rivers. Famed for its colourful beach huts, elegant promenade, and coastal light, Southwold has long attracted artists, writers, and holidaymakers. We return to the hotel for dinner, followed by an evening talk from a guest speaker.

Today we head south to explore two remarkable Tudor treasures that offer contrasting glimpses into life in 16^th-century England. Our first stop is Ingatestone Hall, a handsome red-brick manor nestled in the Essex countryside. Built in the 1530s by Sir William Petre, Secretary of State to four Tudor monarchs, the house has remained in the same family ever since. We begin with an introductory talk, followed by a guided tour through the Great Hall, Long Gallery, chapel and family rooms—each one rich with original furnishings, portraits and heirlooms. The atmosphere is one of quiet continuity, with every room offering a personal connection to the lives lived here over nearly five centuries. After our tour, we enjoy lunch in the courtyard tearoom before continuing on.

In the afternoon, we visit Layer Marney Tower, the tallest Tudor gatehouse in England. Built in the early 1520s by Lord Henry Marney, a trusted courtier of Henry VIII, the tower is a bold statement of Tudor power and prestige. With its dramatic brickwork, Italianate detail and late medieval features, it offers a striking contrast to Ingatestone’s intimacy. We explore the tower’s panelled interiors, climb for sweeping views across the Essex landscape, and stroll through the surrounding gardens—beautifully laid out with topiary, wildflower meadows and a sense of quiet grandeur. After a day steeped in Tudor splendour, we return to the hotel for our final evening together.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.