Sotterley’s distinctive attractions range from a park unusually densely wooded for Suffolk, with ancient oaks, to the architecture of St Margaret of Antioch and Sotterley Chapel. For planning, there is a clearly marked footpath to the church, a riding trail in two lengths and Cycle Route 31. This makes it easy to shape your stay around specific interests: landscape, church architecture or outdoor activities. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can use these highlights as a starting point for your choice.

Parkland and history

Sotterley Park covers around 420 acres and lies in a shallow valley. Its unusually dense woodland for Suffolk and the large number of ancient oaks shape the landscape. There is also a historic lake with two islands. The woodland, old trees and water give the park several distinctive features. Its development dates back to the mid-18th century: Sotterley Park was laid out for Miles Barne around that time; Sotterley Hall was built for him in 1745. The dates belong to the same period but differ in precision: the park’s creation is dated approximately, while the Hall’s construction has a specific year.

Churches and distinctive architecture

St Margaret of Antioch in Sotterley dates from the 14th century and is Grade I listed. Features of the church include a 15th-century rood screen and brass memorials. This distinguishes the church’s medieval origins from later details of its fittings. Sotterley Chapel offers a different architectural feature: this Gothic building is octagonal, built of local red brick, and has stone buttresses and a tiled roof. The Chapel was consecrated in 1883. It was one of the facilities provided at the request of the Barne family to replace the burial space in the churchyard of St Margaret’s Church.

On foot, on horseback or by bicycle

A clearly marked footpath leads through the park to St Margaret of Antioch. This provides a specific route linking the parkland with a visit to the church. For riders, the Sotterley Horse Trail covers 12 miles off public roads around the Sotterley Estate, and also includes a shorter five-mile loop. The difference in route lengths can help you plan how far you want to ride. Check the trail’s current availability before planning your visit.

Sotterley Chapel lies on Route 31 of the National Cycle Network. This route also includes a section between Beccles and Southwold. As routes and signage can change, it is advisable to check the current route before setting out. Another seasonal attraction is the gardens at Sotterley Hall: they open to the public each May alongside a garden fair. Check the event dates if you would like to plan your visit around it.

Plan your stay to suit you

When looking for a holiday apartment in Sotterley, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your stay. If you are visiting in May, the garden dates may be a deciding factor; if you are planning a bike ride, you can consider including Route 31. For a horse-riding trip, the two route lengths and the trail’s current availability are relevant. If you mainly want to experience the church and park, the marked footpath can serve as a specific planning point.

Discover more destinations: Brandon, Haverhill, Occold, Clare, Tannington, Saxmundham, Bungay, Melton.

For the main travel guide: Suffolk.