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