Great Swim

Alton Water

Just south of Ipswich, Alton Water is the largest area of inland water in the picturesque county of Suffolk and is the perfect setting for a Great Swim.

Alton Water reservoir, owned by Anglian Water, offers the opportunity to do far more than swim. It is set in 700 acres of beautiful countryside, providing the perfect location for walks, cycle rides, wildlife spotting and family picnics.

The British Gas Great East Swim will take place next to the sailing centre-the grassy banks slope down to a pebbly beach which leads into the water-creating a natural auditorium. The perfect place to watch all the action unfold from.

Find out more about Alton Water here http://www.altonwater.co.uk/index.php?pid=1

Make a weekend of it in Suffolk

If you are planning to participate in the 2010 British Gas Great East Swim and you’re not from the immediate Ipswich area, why not turn your trip into a great weekend away.

Alton Water is a beautiful setting in itself, and offers the opportunity to do far more than swim.

It provides the perfect location for walks, cycle rides, wildlife spotting and family picnics.

And with miles of unspoilt countryside, numerous award winning beaches and scores of enchanting towns and villages within reach of Alton water, Suffolk makes an ideal choice for a short break.

Top five attractions in Suffolk

Here are the top attractions recommended by Visit Suffolk:

1) Woodbridge

Woodbridge is an attractive riverside town - close to the Suffolk Coast, and set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Tide Mill, now fully restored and in working order, sits majestically on the quayside. Built in the 18th Century and powered by the rising tide, the mill was in commercial use until 1957. The original millpond has become a marina, but, as part of this meticulous restoration, a new pond has been created, which feeds the water wheel that still turns at high tide.
Built in 1575, the Shire Hall has been beautifully restored in recent years. The first floor houses The Suffolk Horse Museum, a fascinating exhibition celebrating the history of the Suffolk Punch, the world's oldest breed of heavy working horse. Although now very rare, Suffolk Punches are still bred and a few of these beautiful horses graze the water meadows just outside Lower Ufford and the marshes at Shingle Street.

2) Snape Maltings

Combine the great outdoors with high culture.
The River Alde at the Maltings is a haven for birdlife with its expansive estuary. Being tidal it's a place of glistening mud and shallow open water, filled twice a day by the incoming tide and rich in wildlife during migrating months.
You can take a lovely 30-minute river trip in the summer months or join a 90-minute RSPB guided walk.
The Maltings is also home of the Aldeburgh Festival as well as a farmers’ market and a whole raft of special events.

3) Africa Alive

This stunning wildlife park lets visitors get close to the animals and discover the sights, sounds and smells of the world’s most vibrant and exciting continent!
The Plains of Africa attraction offers a safari experience across an authentic landscape that recreates the African plains, complete with rhinos, giraffes, zebras and numerous other animals.
There’s also a great discovery centre, an adventure playground, a birds of prey centre and a farmyard – plus lots more.

4) High Lodge Forest Centre

This Forestry Commission-run facility in Thetford Forest offers numerous walking and cycling routes that will appeal to all the family.
With a cafe, a shop and a children’s playground, High Lodge makes a great day-out – and if the weather is good, it’s the perfect place for a picnic (you can even hire a barbecue).

5) Suffolk Coastal cycle Route

Set within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the route takes in many of Suffolk’s well known landscapes, attractions, market towns and villages of this side of the county.
Using mostly quiet roads and tracks, the main circular route is fully signed in both directions. There is no designated starting point and cyclists can begin their journey anywhere along the route, with the full circuit of 88 miles (142 km) designed to take between two and four days to complete.
Within this, there is an extensive range of short cuts and off-road options available, allowing plenty of scope for shorter rides.
For more information, take a look at www.visit-suffolk.org.uk

Accommodation

There are plenty of accommodation choices to suit all budgets.

For more information, take a look at: http://www.visit-suffolk.org.uk/