A guide to visiting Saxmundham, Suffolk
Peaceful, picturesque, and perfect for a slow Suffolk holiday, Saxmundham is a hidden gem in plain sight. Located near the coast and halfway down the county, this Suffolk market town makes the ideal central hub for holidaygoers.
In this guide, we’ve put together a list of things to do, places to eat, and how to make your way around this beautiful little town. For those planning a Suffolk break, it’s time to discover why Saxmundham may be the ideal home base for your holiday.
Things to do in Saxmundham
Although Saxmundham is known for its relaxing pace, there is still plenty to see and do.
Saxmundham Market
Many locals and visitors alike of Saxmundham will claim the famous market is the biggest draw to this town.
Saxmundham has had a market charter since at least 1272, and to this day, the town holds a market each week in their historic Market Square. Wednesday is market day, where fresh produce, baked treats and bread, meat and fish, plants, and household goods are sold to shoppers. Additionally, a special artisan market is held once a month, with handmade pieces and local specialities for sale from local artists and makers.
Saxmundham Museum
This lovely little local museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Saxmundham and nearby civil parishes Kelsale-cum-Carlton and Benhall. It’s full of fascinating little trinkets and carefully recreated street scenes, telling the story of the historic town. It also has a fully working cinema on display showing informational films, and a prisoner’s cell in the courtyard. It’s a fun way to spend an hour or so, learning all about the town’s history.
Saxmundham High Street
The town’s high street tells a story of the past. The buildings are a mismatch of eras and styles, with Dutch gables, art nouveau detailing, Georgian façades, Venetian windows, and more featuring along the street. It’s a beautiful sight to behold, and the stores and boutiques themselves are definitely worth a visit. The beautiful Bell Hotel building stands prominent by the Market Square, with the elegant former Corn Exchange building on its other side.
Fromus Green
Craving some open space? Fromus Green is a lush oasis, lying beneath slopes where Saxon settlements used to sit. The River Fromus, which runs through the town, was once a fully navigable waterway, but now it’s a small, peaceful river which threads its way through the green. Bring a picnic and a frisbee and enjoy some downtime, or stroll around the green on the pushchair-friendly paths, shaded by leafy trees.
Fromus Green is home to an enclosed playground with all the usual fun equipment, plus picnic tables and benches. There is also a unique mini sculpture trail to follow, with engraved slate monoliths.
Saxfest Music Festival
Held annually in August, Saxfest is a completely free music festival that draws in guests from across Suffolk and beyond. This is a true community celebration, with live music, food trucks, family activities, children’s workshops, and so much more on offer. An entire weekend of entertainment, this festival is created by locals for everyone, and we highly recommend attending. Check the Saxfest website for the current year’s dates.
Saxmundham is the perfect Suffolk central hub
If you’re looking to spend time at some of Suffolk’s most fantastic destinations, such as the cultural hub Snape Maltings or the seaside town of Aldeburgh, Saxmundham is the perfect place to start. From this town, you have access to the beautiful Suffolk countryside and bustling towns and events.
Snape Maltings, an incredible converted industrial site from the mid-19th century, features shops, cafes, galleries, and almost daily musical performances. Snape Maltings is just a 10-minute drive south of Saxmundham.
Aldeburgh is famous for its culture and stunning pebble beach. The colourful rows of houses, the fantastic restaurants and bars, and the artistic history around every corner make Aldeburgh an unmissable stop when visiting Suffolk. Aldeburgh is just a 15-minute drive south-east of Saxmundham.
Framlingham is another market town worth visiting, home to the grand Framlingham Castle, inspiration for Ed Sheeran’s ‘Castle on the Hill’ hit. The castle is an ideal spot to spend a few hours of discovery, before strolling through the town and grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants or pubs. Framlingham is just a 15-minute drive east of Saxmundham.
RSPB Minsmere is a captivating nature reserve of woodland, grassland, heathland, reedbeds, and coastline just waiting to be explored. The 2,500-acre site is teaming with diverse wildlife and makes the perfect day out for the family. RSPB Minsmere is just a 25-minute drive east of Saxmundham.
Due to its excellent location, some of Suffolk’s best offerings are only a short car ride away. Southwold is 30 minutes away, Woodbridge and Sutton Hoo are 25 minutes away, and Ipswich, the thriving county town, is only 40 minutes away.
Places to eat and drink in Saxmundham
This small town has plenty to choose from when you’re craving a bite or a pint.
As If Turkish Restaurant
Lovers of Mediterranean food must visit As If. This restaurant offers up the most delicious authentic Turkish cuisine, made with fresh ingredients and a lot of passion. Meat and veg are cooked over a traditional charcoal grill for a smoky flavour that will have your mouth watering long after the meal is over.
The Poacher’s Pocket
Just north of the town centre is The Poacher’s Pocket, a family-run pub with a spacious interior, a beautiful beer garden, and a menu full of local beers and pub classics (with some unique dishes added in). This is the perfect family-friendly space for lunch or dinner, with plenty to choose from and a varied children’s menu.
Black Dog Deli
The Black Dog Deli is so popular that it now has four destinations across Suffolk, one of which is found in the centre of Saxmundham. Stop here for an outstanding cup of coffee, fresh sandwiches, and baked goods. Sit inside the unique space, or relax outside in the sun in their small outdoor seating area.
Socialbar
This is a cafe with a twist! Serving coffee and light lunches by day, socialbar transforms in the evening into a wine bar serving small-producer wines and craft beers. You can visit this spot twice in one day for two entirely different vibes, especially if they’re hosting one of their unique events in the evening, which they very frequently do. Check their website for what’s on, but expect stand-up, talks, DJ sets, and games nights.
Getting to and around Saxmundham
As Saxmundham is so central on the Suffolk coast, it’s incredibly well connected via roads. It sits right on the A12, and can be accessed from it via Rendham Road from both directions.
Making your way around the town itself is best done on foot, if you’re able. It takes around 20 minutes to walk from one end to the other, and it is very easy to navigate. So easy, in fact, that you’ll likely find it’s easier and faster to get somewhere by walking than you would driving.
For those using public transport, Saxmundham Railway Station is tucked just behind the high street. The hourly Ipswich – Lowestoft Greater Anglia line runs through Saxmundham, giving you easy access to much of Suffolk, including Woodbridge, Oulton Broad, and Beccles. Getting to Saxmundham from London is also simple: hop on the train to Ipswich (final destination Norwich) from London Liverpool Street, disembark there, then jump on the line to Lowestoft and disembark at Saxmundham.
Where to stay near Saxmundham
Finding somewhere to stay in this wonderful Suffolk market town that suits your needs couldn’t be easier. We have a wide range of stunning holiday homes in Saxmundham and the surrounding villages, offering you the town on your doorstep and the rest of Suffolk just a car or train journey away.
For those looking for something large and luxurious for multiple families or friends, take a look at The Limes, a modern 5-bedroom home with space for 10 guests. For immediate access to the high street and lots of space to park, The Lodge is a bright, spacious, dog-friendly 3-bedroom home perfect for a family to rest and refuel.
For more Saxmundham recommendations, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly local team.
