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