Location
Getting there
The Dune House is located on the southern edge of the village of Thorpeness, on the Suffolk coast, a protected area designated as being one of exceptional natural beauty.
Thorpeness was developed as a small seaside resort in the early 20th century, aiming to offer its visitors an escape from the pressures of modern industrial life. It has a picturesque lake or ‘mere’ at its center, where one can rent boats and feed swans, a handful of excellent pubs, tennis courts, a swimming pool, a golf course and a succession of holiday homes built in Jacobean and Tudor styles.
Transportation
- Nearest train station is Saxmundham (approx. 20 min drive to Thorpeness)
- Also Ipswich train station (approx. 40 min drive to Thorpeness)
Things to do
- The Dune House is close to some of Suffolk's most beautiful coastal towns & villages including Thorpeness
- Boating on Thorpeness Meare (inspired by J.M. Barrie)
- Thorpeness beach, including coastal walks along the beach south to Aldeburgh or north to Sizewell beach
- North Warren Nature Reserve for bird watching (situated behind The Dune House, and beautifully visible from some of the first floor rooms)
- The world-famous Aldeburgh Festival for music and the arts, and Snape Maltings for shops, galleries and restaurants
- Nearby Minsmere nature reserve for walking and bird watching
- National Trust owned Dunwich Heath - for spectacular coastal walks and nature watching (birds and seals)
- National Trust Sutton Hoo
- National Trust owned Orford Ness Nature Reserve and English Heritage Orford Castle
- Holy Trinity, Blythburgh - a beautiful church hosting seasonal summer concerts
- Crabbing in Walberswick
- Bike hire from locations around Suffolk (including from The Dolphin Inn in Thorpeness)
Places to eat
- The Meare Shop and Tea Room, Thorpeness - a popular cafe for tea and cakes
- The Dolphin Inn in Thorpeness
- Aldeburgh Fish and Chip Shop - enjoy fish and chips on the beach from this world-famous shop
- The Light House Restaurant, Aldeburgh
- The Reggata, Aldeburgh
- The Butley Orford Oysterage, Orford
- The Crown, Westleton
Places to buy local produce
- Thorpeness has a small local shop selling newspapers and local provisions (seasonal opening times)
- Aldeburgh - the nearest town to Thorpeness. Fishing huts on the beach sell fresh fish caught by local fishermen. Aldeburgh also has a supermarket, local delicatessens, world-famous fish & chips, homemade ice cream, a chemist, post office, cafes, art galleries and a cinema.