Just outside Hoxne, Suffolk

May 2008

GEOGRAPH

We stayed at the Old Ram, Tivetshall St Mary's, which is a civilised pub/restaurant that does a roaring trade as a prominent spot for travellers through south Norfolk. The food, beer and service was excellent!

We found good attractive and varied walks using the Walking World website by entering Diss, which is the nearest town.

We walked with interest around Old Buckenham, Pulham Market, Alburgh; and ate and drank at The Gamekeeper, (newly refurbished April 2008 at Church Green, nr Old Buckenham) and The Swan (Hoxne). The Swan is a fine 16th century in with a very traditional feel to it and sells good Adnams.

During our walks in south Norfolk and north Suffolk we rarely met other walkers or indeed many people at all, though it was a fine bank holiday in May. It's a delightful area of solid churches, rolling countryside and hidden villages. Almost a land that time forgot ....

One place we found was the attractive village of Hoxne which has always claimed to be the true place of King Edmund's death and martyrdom and people here also believe a local bridge is where St Edmund tried to hide from the Danes in AD 870, before being denounced by a passing bridal party. St Edmund's Day is November 20th. There's more about St Edmund here.