Tale of Two Rivers

Tidal rivers are magical places. At low tide meandering streams cross hining mudflats. At high tide vast expanses of water reflect the changing light of wideskies. We visit two of the most beautiful tidal rivers in East Anglia beginning with morning coffee and a Danish pastry included in the ticket price at a farm overlooking the River Orwell.

We mix sightseeing from the coach with a visit to the attractive heart of Ipswich and an afternoon tea cruise on the peaceful River Deben.

We start at 10.30am at a working farm high on a hill with breathtaking views over the River Orwell in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Once famous for pedigree Punch horses, Suffolk sheep and Red Poll cattle, known collectively as the Suffolk Trinity, today the farm is a showcase for Suffolk foods. Following time for morning coffee and a Danish pastry (included) with wonderful views over the Orwell River there’s time to stroll through the

Suffolk Food Hall to see the immense variety of local produce. Why not bring a chiller bag on the coach so you have the option of taking home a treat for tea? We’ll drive across the impressive Orwell Bridge – from high up in a coach there are magnificent views. The Orwell gave 1984 author Eric Blair his pen name and Arthur Ransome the inspiration for Swallows and Amazons.

One of our oldest towns, Ipswich took shape in Saxon times as a prosperous port on the Orwell for the Kingdom of East Anglia, whose 7th century King was probably the man laid to rest with all his treasures at Sutton Hoo on the banks of the Deben. Ipswich is undergoing a major transformation and is still a little ragged around the edges but those who venture into the old town are richly rewarded. We’ll with the guide (not far and all on the flat)

to see some Ipswich gems including the incredible cake-icing exterior of the Ancient House on the Buttermarket before we break for free time to buy lunch near two of the town’s twelve mediaeval churches. Now deconsecrated, one is the local heritage centre and the other is a beautiful and inexpensive restaurant. Oh and there are lots of shops to enjoy, if you like that sort of thing.

After lunch by coach to the Deben and a well-equipped all -weather cruiser for a ninety-minute cruise down river towards the estuary and port at Felixstowe or up river to elegant Woodbridge on the slopes above the Deben near the Sutton Hoo burial site. Both are attractive cruises – it all depends on the tide. Tea and a scone with butter and jam (no cream today – good for your waistline!), which is included in the ticket price, will be served on board We return to the quay where our coach will be waiting to head home at 4.45pm.

Price includes your tour, coffee and pastry, tea and scones and luxury coach travel.
Please note that tickets/trips purchased are non refundable, but can be transferred to alternate passengers