Film and TV locations

Chocolate-box Lavenham played its party in the blockbuster movie, The Deathly Hallows Part 1 & Part 2, as Godric’s Hollow, the magical village where Harry Potter was born.

This comedy feel-good film was filmed throughout the Suffolk Coast and Norfolk with scenes in Halesworth High Street and the Ramsholt Arms Pub in Ramsholt. Other stars in the film were Shingle Street and Suffolk’s Latitude Festival.

Suffolk doubled up as Devon for Michael Morpurgo’s affecting tale of Devon farm boys being called to fight on the Western Front during the WWI. Christchurch Mansion, in the centre of Ipswich, was used for some of the scenes.

The Personal Life of David Copperfield

The Angel Hill in Bury St Edmunds was transformed for filming this Charles Dickens adaptation. Other locations in the town included Chequers Square opposite St Edmunds Cathedral, and inside the Theatre Royal, which is the location bookending the film.

Kentwell Hall in Long Melford plays Toad Hall in the updating of this wonderful children’s classic.

In 2019, The Crown, has a scene filmed at Newmarket racecourse. This lavish, Netflix-original drama chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II and shows her love of horses and racing.

Much of the filming for the series about two passionate metal detectorists took place in and around the market town of Framlingham on the Suffolk coast, with its picturesque Framlingham Castle.

Kentwell Hall

There’s a huge range of dog-friendly accommodation in Suffolk, from luxurious hotels to cosy cottages and campsites. Many places where you can stay with your dog provide beds, bowls and tasty treats. Although they are not allowed in all restaurants and pubs, many love to welcome our furry friends.

No great dog walk is complete without a cosy pub and a crackling fire at the end of it. Thankfully, Suffolk is full of dog-friendly pubs, where your dog can dry off from a swim in the sea or river and you can relax with a glass of something brewed here in the county.

With rivers, lakes and 50 miles of heritage coastline, Suffolk is heaven for dogs that love to swim. From October to April, most of Suffolk’s beaches are open without restrictions to dogs, so you and your pup can go from beach to beach and play in the surf. Suffolk’s waterways are perfect for wild swimming for both you and your dog. The River Waveney at Outney Common, the River Ouse at Santon Downham and Knettishall Heath, and the River Stour at Flatford are all great places to take a dip, just check the strength of the current beforehand to make sure it is safe for you both.

Suffolk’s forests and vales are wonderful for long dog walks. From Brandon and Elveden you can explore the Brecks, a mesmerizing landscape of twisted pines. A great place to start your walk is at Brandon Country Park, with five trails taking you through different landscapes. Near the coast is Rendlesham Forest, the site of the mysterious UFO sightings. The circular trails take you through forest and heathland and here you will discover the story of the happenings one night in December 1980, an event now known worldwide as “The Rendlesham Forest Incident.” Dedham Vale, is affectionately known as Constable Country, as this idyllic rural landscape was the inspiration for many of Constable’s most famous paintings. Today you can walk through the Stour valley from Flatford to Sudbury, taking in the picturesque views.

Nestled on the River Deben, is Woodbridge a lively riverside town. It’s home to one of the oldest working tide mills in the country and close-by to Sutton Hoo, home to one of the greatest Anglo-Saxon discoveries of all time. Amble through the town’s thoroughfare with independent boutiques, on-trend coffee houses and stylish restaurants.

Coined the ‘historic jewel in Suffolk’s crown’, Bury St Edmunds lives up to its title with heritage buildings en masse, inviting and tempting you to experience the tragedy, drama, and greatness of its past. Among the old, you’ll find the new: independent shops, eateries, art galleries, and more. Bury is an all year round destination and the Abbey Gardens always has a most impressive display throughout the seasons.

This traditional seaside town is a year-round destination where the long promenade enables you to stroll along the beach whatever the weather. As well as the seaside arcades, you will find plenty of cosy cafes and restaurants nestled along the waterfront and throughout the town.

The town is an urban sprawl of cultural splendour. From visiting exhibitions, fixtures at DanceEast, New Wolsey Theatre, the Regent and Red Rose Chain – there is plenty to entertain you. Christchurch Mansion is a must-visit with the largest collection of Constable masterpieces outside of London. It’s the waterfront which draws much attention with its impressive yachts, cool cafés and renowned eateries and a stay at the Salthouse Harbour Hotel, ideally located to unwind and watch the world go by. 27