| As the damp and disappointing summer of 2007 | | | | beach are traditional fishermen's huts where the day's |
| fades as a bad memory, we need reasons to look | | | | catch is brought in from the sea and then delivered |
| forward to the coming autumn. The season of 'mists | | | | straight to the kitchen door of the town's |
| and mellow fruitfulness' has much to recommend it | | | | restaurants, such as the AA rosette rated Brudenell |
| and we can always hope for a long, mild Indian | | | | and White Lion. Seafood this fresh is a good enough |
| summer. | | | | reason on its own to take a break on the coast. |
| We have so many beautiful areas in England, the | | | | A brisk walk along the coastal path, passing the RSPB |
| choice for a quick getaway is vast. Are you looking | | | | reserve, leads you to the very original and quirky |
| for a city break to explore top museums, great | | | | Thorpeness. The whole village could be described as |
| theatre or indulge in some serious shopping? Are you | | | | a 'folly', giving every appearance of having buildings |
| looking for a change of pace by pottering around the | | | | hundreds of years old - half-timbered, Tudor even - |
| countryside, enjoying the spectacular change in | | | | but in fact the whole place was created as an |
| autumn foliage before retiring to a cosy pub? Or do | | | | upmarket holiday retreat at the beginning of the last |
| you feel the pull of the sea taking you to those | | | | cenury. Today's village is built around the 'Swallows |
| unspoilt little coastal hideaways, which offer | | | | and Amazons' lake - or Meare as it is known locally. |
| surprisingly sophisticated pleasures and wonderfully | | | | With boats to hire and islands to explore, it's a |
| fresh air. | | | | fantasy land in every respect. The Thorpeness Hotel |
| It is worth taking a look at East Anglia which can | | | | and Golf Club offers accommodation, an excellent |
| satisfy your choice with a diversity often overlooked. | | | | restaurant (enjoy your aperitif on the balcony |
| Take a look at the vibrant city of Norwich, the | | | | overlooking the Meare as the sun sets - magic!) and |
| classic countryside of Constable Country in the | | | | a very highly rated heathland golf course. |
| Dedham Vale and, my own favourite, Aldeburgh, a | | | | So... the choice is vast but with easy access from |
| classic coastal town on the Suffolk Heritage Coast. | | | | London and the Midlands, you won't be disappointed |
| On a recent visit, I loved walking along the shingle | | | | with a trip to East Anglia and particularly Aldeburgh |
| beach with the sea to one side and buildings of all | | | | and Thorpeness. |
| shapes, sizes and colours on the other. On that | | | | |