“Stunning bedrooms with the most beautiful attention to detail. Fabulous food, excellent service and friendly staff. Excellent location in the heart of the town, close to the river and the tower. The 3 course breakfast is just yummy, so much food and beautifully presented”. TripAdvisor review

“Just got back from a last minute get away with the husband and it was absolutely perfect. Everything from the beautiful room amazing food and very friendly staff where nothing is too much to ask. Stayed in the Eln room which had a stunning open fire place that the staff lit for us before we went back to our room after our meal JUST PERFECT!!” TripAdvisor review

“Just had a weekend there for our wedding anniversary. I echo the other positive reviews on this site- everything was perfect. Beautiful, individually styled bedrooms with a real fire (how we needed that, with the blizzard going on outside); and a lovely lounge bar with an even bigger fire and comfy sofas for a quiet hour or so with a glass of wine and a good book. Food also excellent. Roland and his wife are great, friendly hosts; and the finishing touch was a cosy bar room showing old movies – what a lovely, unique feature, and perfect for a romantic weekend away.” TripAdvisor review

“We spent a great night away here – to chill out and get away from everything. We stayed in William room – nice size (bigger than it appears online), very clean and super decor.The overall feel of the house is relaxed – all staff were very helpful, with lots of tips for visiting. We had decided to eat elsewhere for our evening meal but with hindsight and following the wonderful breakfast we were served we wished we’d eaten at the Swan. We will definitely do so when we return.” TripAdvisor review

“Thanks for the lovely food both in the evening and for breakfast on March 8th and 9th 2013. The room was super, clean, and the bed was brilliant. All the staff were very nice and attentive. The music played was good too. The log fires were burning brightly, unusual films were being shown on the TV screen in the foyer, and the whole hotel was welcoming and warm.” P C, Gillingham

“This boutique hotel is brimming with cosiness, tradition and character with the advantage of the most up to date technology incorporated within it; Old meets new – The best of both worlds. The restaurant is also fantastic.” TripAdvisor review

“Exceptional attention to detail and exquisite furnishings make the rooms a delight to stay in.” TripAdvisor review

“Wow! What a hotel, the rooms were fantastic, clean, spacious, cosy! Not a thing out of place! The staff were so friendly and nothing was too much to ask for! Such a fantastic meal and a wonderful breakfast!!” TripAdvisor review

“The food was great and reasonable, and the rooms beautifully finished off and very unique.” TripAdvisor review

“The experience was amazing. We have stayed in several first class hotels around Europe and can honestly say this hotel on our doorstep is equally as good.” TripAdvisor review

“I would say that the Swan House is quite simply the best place to stay for miles and miles around. The friendly welcome and attention to detail is outstanding and leaves you feeling that you’ve been truly spoilt!” TripAdvisor review

“I was totally awed from touring each individual room, each one stunningly decorated from a different period, bespoke detailing to such a high standard.” TripAdvisor review

“Good sized, clean room with fantastic facilities. We stayed in Eln’s room – beautifully decorated, great wet room, Smart TV and integrated entertainment and a separate dressing area.” TripAdvisor review

“The rooms are stunning quality showcases of how well a guest-room can be specified and presented if the desire is there… Really good quality art, hand-made furnishings, bespoke materials used in every point, very nice detailing down to the smallest feature and all in a historical building and setting of merit. I was impressed.” TripAdvisor review

“Absolutely delicious meal!”
Roger Gowon, Haddiscoe, 15th May 2013

“Lovely meal, fab staff. Please don’t change anything”
Steph Rogers, Norwich, 15th May 2013

“Great music set and food with an extensive wine selection. Top hosting with a warm welcome and smile”
Graig Giuespie & Andrea Bailey, Falkirk, 13th May 2013

“Excellent service from staff, nice to see service with a smile! Beautiful atmosphere, food was exquisite!”
Pamela Fort, Kessingland, 11th May 2013

“Lovely atmosphere, good food and friendly service”
Chris Wood, Cambridge, 10th May 2013

“Love the meals here. One of the best I had in the UK”
Peter Jesensky, B.Bystricia Slovakia, 8th May 2013

“Wonderful, very beautiful”
Pamela Fort, Kessingland, 5th May 2013

“The most amazing meal ever! Food tasted wonderful. Fed up of being disappointed elsewhere”
Natalie Hewitt, Norwich, 5th May 2013

“It was all completley lovely and looking forward to breakfast”
Molly Parkin, Colchester, 5th May 2013

“Wonderful, very beautiful”
Pamela Fort, Kessingland, 5th May 2013

“Great food and service…loved it!”
Tom Kirion, Jersey, 4th May 2013

“Fabulous menu and beautifully matched with wines by Nyree who made us very welcome”
Guy Sellars, London, 4th May 2013

“Both had fillet steak. Absolutely fantastic, superbly presented. Only disappointment is finding food this good anywhere else”
Maria Amplett + Paul Childs, Beccles, 27th April 2013

“Little short of perfect”
S Sunderland, Towcester, 27th April 2013

“Service and food was amazing and our room was beautiful”
Nicola Dobson, Gt Yarmouth, 27th April 2013

“Simply wonderful”
John Smith, Wrentham Southwold, 15th April 2013

“Fantastic food. Well presented, tantalising the tastebuds to new levels. Wonderful service”
McShane, Cambridge, 15th April 2013

“Amazing cuisine and extensive wine list. Beautiful room with great decor and attention to detail”
Deb Wood, St Alban, 15th April 2013

“Quite frankly an amazing meal! Thank you so much for tonight. Your place will be highly recommended!”
Ollie Potter, Loddon, 13th April 2013

“Delicious. Will recommend and come again”
Liz Cannell, Raveningham, 13th April 2013

“Warm friendly service…scrummy food”
Ray Goodman, Walberswick, 13th April 2013

“Fabulous food and service”
Gary Athey, Melton Mowbray, 5th April 2013

“Warm friendly staff, comfortable, beautiful open fire”
James Lewis, Peterborough, 5th April 2013

“A truly amazing meal, from start to finish”
Aileen Garner, Grays Essex, 5th April 2013

“Lovely atmosphere, glorious food, great attentive staff”
Seamus Clifford, Bungay, 5th April 2013

“Superb meal. We enjoyed it so much we have changed our plans to revisit tomorrow for lunch”
Lorraine Worrall, Boston Lincolnshire, 3rd April 2013

“Lovely ambience, great service and super choice of wine and beer. Always a highlight of our trips back to Beccles. Many thanks!”
Hannah Dunn, formerly Beccles, 3rd April 2013

“A delightful evening. The food was fantastic, presentation and taste, and we felt very looked after by the staff. The music was a wonderful accompaniment and the singer very convivial. It really added to the atmosphere”
Dana Adams, Beccles & London, 1st April 2013

“Such attention to detail. This was exciting food just waiting to be experienced…like to thank the chefs for their expertise and creativity. Banana and stilton was incredible”
Karen Wells, Herne Bay, 30th March 2013

“Wonderful food, excellent service in relaxed cosy atmosphere”
Nicola Green, near Bungay, 28th March 2013

“Fabulous night would definitely recommend. Wonderful food, great hospitality”
Julie Burgess, Surrey, 27th March 2013

“A truely lovely establishment with friendly staff and a particularly splendid menu”
Vincent Montegue, Oxford, 27th March 2013

“I have lived in East Anglia for 22 years and today I had the best meal in any restaurant during this time”
Gary Collings, Ditchingham, 24th March 2013

“Exciting and innovative menu which lived up to expectation. A superb dining experience”
D Marshall, Salisbury, 24th March 2013

“Personable service, well balanced menu, delicious food at a reasonable price”
Nicola Williams, Norwich, 24th March 2013

“Really lovely food. Warm and inviting”
Davis, Penarth and Belton, 22nd March 2013

“As always, lovely food and excellent service”
Geraldine Adams, Local, 22nd March 2013

“Tasty menu, friendly service, good value. Well recommended”
Joanna Bartlett, 20th March 2013

“Soup great combination of flavours, unusual too. Original way to serve the haddock”
Gurbutt, Worlingham, 20th March 2013

“The meal tonight was wonderful, but the Spotted Dick was far and away the best I’ve ever tasted”
Mary Chapman, Coulson, 18th March 2013

“Lovely food, fantastic wine and a superb welcome. We’ll be back”
Hannah Marsh, Chesham, 18th March 2013

“Food, atmosphere and service was excellent. Caramelised banana and stilton sauce very unusual but worked really well and was beautiful. Lamb best we’ve ever had!”
Mr & Mrs Messer, Sudberry, 18th March 2013

“Excellent meal! Menu was top quality”
Paul Innes, Laxfield, 17th March 2013

“Wonderful food, great atmosphere, fantastic meal”
Andrew Eade, Lowestoft, 17th March 2013

“Could not be bettered”
GC Stubbs, Liverpool, 17th March 2013

“Another delicious meal”
Melanie Duffy, Gt Yarmouth, 17th March 2013

“Delicious food”
Keith Weymer, London, 17th March 2013

“Excellent value for money. Good service, nice atmosphere”
Rebecca Hogan, Norwich, 15th March 2013

“The food was delicious and thoroughly enjoyed by all”
Pauline Newman, Stony Stratford, 14th March 2013

“Lovely food and excellent service. Particularly enjoyed the desserts”
Sue Poole, Nottingham, 12th March 2013

“Lovely lovely food, wonderful ambience”
Julie Rye, Beccles, 9th March 2013

“Thank you for a perfect, very enjoyable lunch, with polite service, warmth, sweet background music and a nice lager. What more could I ask?”
Ray Hopkinson, Harleston, 9th March 2013

“Perfect”
Tracey Parkes, Beccles, 9th March 2013

“Superb”
Rolf Tony Wyatt, Norwich, 8th March 2013

“Very special lunch time venue all year round…Exceptional food never fails to please whether salads or winter fuel fare. A must in Beccles”
Tracy Greeson, Framlingham, 8th March 2013

“Delicious food, beautifully prepared”
Liz Ashton, Torquay, 5th March 2013

“Delicious food, beautifully prepared”
Liz Ashton, Torquay, 5th March 2013

“Again a lovely Sunday experience. Food amazing, staff very friendly and attentive with nothing too much trouble. A truly lovely experience”
Mark Perkin, Lowestoft, 3rd March 2013

“Lovely surroundings and atmosphere. Very friendly staff and exquisite food. Very good value”
Mel Barker, Lowestoft, 2nd March 2013

“Absolutely beautiful meal. A breath of fresh air to be made so welcome. The food was so fresh, the music was delightful and the surroundings were outstanding.”
Sally Scofield, Beccles, 1st March 2013

“Italian bread and butter pudding is to die for! Miam miam”
Alan Martin, Bois d’Haine Belgium, 1st March 2013

“Absolutely fabulous”
Fedora Dadou, Beccles, 27th February 2013

“Wonderful steak and kidney pudding night”
Elaine Spence, Belton, 27th February 2013

“Calming ambience, excellent food and service”
Mr and mrs Moore, Lowestoft, 26th February 2013

“Lovely Sunday lunch”
E.Hill, Beccles, 24th February 2013

“We live in Beccles and can’t think why we didn’t come sooner. Sunday lunch was super. Great food and good servive”
Mark Horsburgh, Beccles, 17th February 2013

“Excellent food, polite friendly service. Cosy room, wonderful fire”
Patricia Hopewell, Worlingham, 16th February 2013

“Very good food, excellent service. Well done!”
Dennis Bean, Beccles, 16th February 2013

“The food is a touch of class and the rooms are just as tasteful. We would recommend that anybody should stay. Don’t think it, book it!”
Vivien Young, Ipswich, 15th February 2013

“Very relaxing and welcoming. We will return”
Turner, Redgrave, 14th February 2013

“Wonderful staff and food!”
Wendy O’Donnell, Beccles, 14th February 2013

“The new rooms that Roland has designed have a warmth and design that sets them apart”
Ben Turner, Beccles, 14th February 2013

“Great evening, good food, outstanding service”
Ian Huggins, Wrentham, 6th February 2013

“Really enjoyed our meal”
Ben Burrell, Kessingland, 6th February 2013

“Great night then (last visit)and just as good tonight”
Simon Hannant, Thurlton, 6th February 2013

“Fantastic lunch…beautiful food, presentation, service and surroundings!”
Steve Pipe, Ipswich, 5th February 2013

“Fabulous meal, made my birthday really special. Thank you”
Jeanette Kereama-Ellis, Norwich, 4th February 2013

“Lovely food and very good value. Also service excellent”
Elizabeth Chitticks, Beccles, 3rd February 2013

“Superb meal and service. Chocolate brownies the best!
J.Marjoram, Gt Yarmouth, 3rd February 2013

“Lovely cosy place, with lovely food and very friendly staff”
Marylyn Earles, Beccles, 29th January 2013

“Excellent food and service, exceeded my expectations”
Richardo J Aponte, Cayey PR USA, 28th January 2013

“Thank you for the warm welcome and beautifully cooked, well presented, flavoursome meal”
Christina Claxton, Oulton Broad, 27th January 2013

“Great place and menu. Very delicious food, beautiful! Delightful ambience and very helpful and curteous staff.”
Mark Burr-Lonnon, Argyle Texas, 26th January 2013

“Another enjoyable evening and delicious meal”
Richard Hall, Geldeston, 26th January 2013

“Really nice food cooked really well, service was outstanding!”
Ian Westbrook, Gorleston, 26th January 2013

“Fab meal. Great night, will come again”
Florence Howard, Toft Monks, 11th January 2013

“We had a lovely time here. Beautiful surroundings and atmosphere. Food was absolutely delicious!”
Angie & Tully Wakeman, Norwich, 10th January 2013

“Amazing food, lovely atmosphere, pleasant staff. Very nice indeed!”
Mrs Barnard, Harleston, 10th January 2013

“Food and service was fantastic”
Mathew woolsey, Norwich, 6th January 2013

“It’s nice to come out for a meal and find a menu which makes it difficult to choose!”
Ruth and Peter Nixon, Beccles, 5th January 2013

Throughout May you can enjoy a fourth evening’s stay with us entirely free, when you book for three consecutive nights. To be eligible you must book through our Swan House website and the first night must be either Thursday, Friday, Sunday or Monday. Please email or call Roland or Cassandra to arrange

What visitor’s have said about our new rooms:
“I’ve never seen anyone mess around with an old building with such breathtaking consequences and such imagination!” SB, Bungay

“I don’t think we have ever stayed somewhere with so much attention to detail” TC, Ipswich

“Luxury springs to mind…and I’ve never had an ‘a la carte’ breakfast before” PC, Liverpool

“The room was fantastic…We loved this place and it is by far the best B&B we’ve ever stayed in” PW, Bolton

“An amazing marriage of the newer and older elements of the building and beautifully furnished” RS, Beccles

“We found the hotel stunning, our hosts very friendly and the staff very attentive. The food was absolutely delicious!” JS, Frinton-on-Sea

The Castle is about 30 minutes from the Swan House in Beccles and if you are considering eating out in Norwich or require an alternative to the hotels in Norwich, then the Swan House Restaurant and boutique Inn in Beccles will be a delicious option.

Educational visits welcome
Contact: Bookings Administrator
Contact telephone: 01603 493636

Group visits welcome
Contact: Bookings Administrator
Contact Tel: 01603 493636

How to get here by public transport
For information on public transport call Traveline on 0870 608 2608.

Nearest car park
The Castle Mall car park.

Swan House in Beccles, between Norwich and Lowestoft, has recently become a unique Boutique Hotel in Suffolk, near the Norfolk Broads.

What visitors have said:

“I’ve never seen anyone mess around with an old building with such breathtaking consequences and such imagination!” S G, Bungay

“Luxury springs to mind…and I’ve never had an ‘a la carte’ breakfast before” P C, Liverpool

“The room was fantastic…We loved this place and it is by far the best B&B we’ve ever stayed in” P W, Bolton

“I don’t think we have ever stayed somewhere with so much attention to detail” T C, Ipswich

“An amazing marriage of the newer and older elements of the building and beautifully furnished” R S, Beccles

World Art Forum is designed to explore major questions in world art. It links all the Sainsbury Centre’s teaching and research organisations and bridges the worlds of academic research and public engagement. With growing emphasis everywhere on global perspectives, the whole concept of world art at the University of East Anglia is gaining new relevance. The Sainsbury Centre and other research and teaching organisations regularly programme events to discuss issues and ideas around world art. Each season there are special events linking to the temporary exhibitions and the permanent collection. Find something for you! With a wide range of events from performance evenings to film afternoons, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The Centre is around 30minutes drive from the Swan House Restaurant and boutique B&B in Beccles and if you are looking for an alternative to a hotel in Norwich, the Swan House is an excellent option.

Website: www.scva.org.uk
Telephone: 01603 593199
The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
UEA Norwich NR4 7TJ

Swan House has recently become a Boutique Inn. Here are some visitor comments:

“This boutique hotel is brimming with cosiness, tradition and character with the advantage of the most up to date technology incorporated within it; Old meets new – The best of both worlds. The restaurant is also fantastic.” TripAdvisor review

“The experience was amazing. We have stayed in several first class hotels around Europe and can honestly say this hotel on our doorstep is equally as good.” TripAdvisor review

“I would say that the Swan House is quite simply the best place to stay for miles and miles around. The friendly welcome and attention to detail is outstanding and leaves you feeling that you’ve been truly spoilt!” TripAdvisor review

“I was totally awed from touring each individual room, each one stunningly decorated from a different period, bespoke detailing to such a high standard.” TripAdvisor review

The Maddermarket Theatre, St. John’s Alley, Norwich NR2 1DR

Email: mmtheatre@btconnect.com
Administration Number: 01603 626560
Box Office: 01603 620917

Swan House in Beccles, between Norwich and Lowestoft, has recently become a unique Boutique Hotel in Suffolk, near the Norfolk Broads.

What visitors have said:

“I’ve never seen anyone mess around with an old building with such breathtaking consequences and such imagination!” S G, Bungay

“Luxury springs to mind…and I’ve never had an ‘a la carte’ breakfast before” P C, Liverpool

“The room was fantastic…We loved this place and it is by far the best B&B we’ve ever stayed in” P W, Bolton

“I don’t think we have ever stayed somewhere with so much attention to detail” T C, Ipswich

“An amazing marriage of the newer and older elements of the building and beautifully furnished” R S, Beccles

The Waterfront Norwich is a night club and concert venue, which surprisingly is by the waterfront in Norwich. There are plenty of Hotels in Norwich relatively near by, as well as B&Bs in Norwich. However if you are considering alternatives to the City, the Swan House in Beccles is a unique boutique hotel in Beccles, around 25 minutes drive away.

Box Office: 01603 508050
www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk

Some visitor comments about our new Boutique Hotel:

“Good sized, clean room with fantastic facilities. We stayed in Eln’s room – beautifully decorated, great wet room, Smart TV and integrated entertainment and a separate dressing area.” TripAdvisor review

“The rooms are stunning quality showcases of how well a guest-room can be specified and presented if the desire is there… Really good quality art, hand-made furnishings, bespoke materials used in every point, very nice detailing down to the smallest feature and all in a historical building and setting of merit. I was impressed.” TripAdvisor review

“I’ve never seen anyone mess around with an old building with such breathtaking consequences and such imagination!” SB, Bungay

“I don’t think we have ever stayed somewhere with so much attention to detail” TC, Ipswich

“Luxury springs to mind…and I’ve never had an ‘a la carte’ breakfast before” PC, Liverpool

“The room was fantastic…We loved this place and it is by far the best B&B we’ve ever stayed in” PW, Bolton

“An amazing marriage of the newer and older elements of the building and beautifully furnished” RS, Beccles

Around 20 miles from the Swan House Restaurant on the Norfolk Broads in Beccles, the Assembly House showcases classic music recitals, jazz evening, folk & acoustic music, even rock & blues are all regularly heard with performances in either the stunning Music Room or the elegant Noverre Ballroom.

The Assembly House has a lively events list.

The Assembly House, Theatre Street, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 1RQ
Telephone: +44 (0) 1603 626402
Email us on: admin@assemblyhousenorwich.co.uk
Web: assemblyhousenorwich.co.uk

If you are looking for an alternative to the Restaurants in Norwich, the Swan House in Beccles would be an excellent excursion. The Swan House has recently become a new boutique hotel in Suffolk. Here are a few reviews:

“Good sized, clean room with fantastic facilities. We stayed in Eln’s room – beautifully decorated, great wet room, Smart TV and integrated entertainment and a separate dressing area.” TripAdvisor review

“The rooms are stunning quality showcases of how well a guest-room can be specified and presented if the desire is there… Really good quality art, hand-made furnishings, bespoke materials used in every point, very nice detailing down to the smallest feature and all in a historical building and setting of merit. I was impressed.” TripAdvisor review

“I’ve never seen anyone mess around with an old building with such breathtaking consequences and such imagination!” SB, Bungay

“I don’t think we have ever stayed somewhere with so much attention to detail” TC, Ipswich

“Luxury springs to mind…and I’ve never had an ‘a la carte’ breakfast before” PC, Liverpool

“The room was fantastic…We loved this place and it is by far the best B&B we’ve ever stayed in” PW, Bolton

“An amazing marriage of the newer and older elements of the building and beautifully furnished” RS, Beccles

The cinema opens at least 15 minutes before the start of the first film each day. Their telephone lines are open from 9.30am – 8.30pm, seven days a week.

You can book tickets online by clicking on the time of a film or using the Quick Book function found in the header.

Cinema City, Norwich, St Andrew’s Street, Norwich NR2 4AD
Box Office Number: 0871 902 5724
email: cinemacity@picturehouses.co.uk
Web: www.picturehouses.co.uk

Here are some visitor comments about the new Swan House Boutique Hotel

“I would say that the Swan House is quite simply the best place to stay for miles and miles around. The friendly welcome and attention to detail is outstanding and leaves you feeling that you’ve been truly spoilt!” TripAdvisor review

“I was totally awed from touring each individual room, each one stunningly decorated from a different period, bespoke detailing to such a high standard.” TripAdvisor review

“Good sized, clean room with fantastic facilities. We stayed in Eln’s room – beautifully decorated, great wet room, Smart TV and integrated entertainment and a separate dressing area.” TripAdvisor review

“The rooms are stunning quality showcases of how well a guest-room can be specified and presented if the desire is there… Really good quality art, hand-made furnishings, bespoke materials used in every point, very nice detailing down to the smallest feature and all in a historical building and setting of merit. I was impressed.” TripAdvisor review

A spectacular festival for the performing arts featuring incredible talent in music, theatre, comedy, literature, poetry and cabaret.

The Swan House Restaurant & Boutique Inn, just ten minutes from Henham park, in the opposite direction of Southwold, offers wonderful accommodation near Henham Park, Beccles.

What visitor’s have said about our new rooms:

“I’ve never seen anyone mess around with an old building with such breathtaking consequences and such imagination!” SB, Bungay

“I don’t think we have ever stayed somewhere with so much attention to detail” TC, Ipswich

“Luxury springs to mind…and I’ve never had an ‘a la carte’ breakfast before” PC, Liverpool

“The room was fantastic…We loved this place and it is by far the best B&B we’ve ever stayed in” PW, Bolton

“An amazing marriage of the newer and older elements of the building and beautifully furnished” RS, Beccles

Our new ’Delicious Desserts’ iPad app is available on iTunes now and if you add it to your collection, we would be most appreciative if you would review it.

Special thanks goes to Andrew Florides and Adam Barnes of ‘Platform Ticket’ for the marvellous construction.

The work at Swan House has been pretty intense recently, with the upstairs resembling more a building site, than the Suffolk boutique hotel that we are planning. So a quickly planned few days away seemed like a good idea.

Prague is beautiful and relatively unspoilt by the brashness that wealth often imposes on a city, except inevitably for the ‘cloned’ high streets. I always look to bring something back to Swan House from our visits abroad, whether it be a new dish or just an idea that will be fresh to us. What interested me was how different nationalities fend off the cold when they arrive at the bar. The Austrians will drink Gluhwein (mulled wine), the Alpine Italians will be a little more stylish and drink Bombardino, a heady mix of advocate, dark rum, brown sugar and cream served hot. But here in Prague they drink Grog, which is dark rum, sugar, lemon juice and hot water. A real winter warmer!

Gt Yarmouth is about a 15 minute drive to Beccles where the Swan House is soon to become a Boutique Hotel on the Norfolk Broads.

Tall Ships at the Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival

The Maritime Festival encompasses a riot of colour, tall ships, supply vessels, masts and flags! Last year we were delighted to welcome two tall ships into town: The Oosterschelde, a stunning 3 masted topsail schooner from Rotterdam in The Netherlands which attracted huge numbers of festival goers, some of whom were able to enjoy a fabulous sailing trip in her and others who went aboard and were amazed at her beauty, both above and below decks and The JST Lord Nelson, one of only two tall ships in the world especially designed for people with disabilities, which visitors were also able to go aboard and explore. Find out more about thevisiting tall ships and other outstanding displays of ship engineering which were present at last year’s Maritime Festival.

Shanty Music at the Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival

Every year the Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival plays host to an abundance of live shanty music and sea shanty songs. The weekend bursts into life with live shanty singing bands from all over the UK and Europe delivering captivating tales of old sea songs. The intricate sounds of traditional folk music literally have visitors dancing in the aisles at the main stage. Find out more about the extremely talented array of shanty music and folk musicians who played at last year’s festival.

There are a few Hotels relatively near by, as well as B&Bs in Framlingham. However if you are considering alternatives, the Swan House in Beccles is a unique boutique Inn, around 30 minutes drive away.

Tickets to this attraction are available from the English-Heritage society.

The Lake is around 20 minutes drive from the Swan House Restaurant and boutique Hotel in Beccles and if you are looking for an alternative to the hotels in Gt Yarmouth, the Swan House in the unspoilt market town of Beccles, is an excellent option.

Telephone: 01502 734901

Swan House in Beccles, between Norwich and Lowestoft, has recently become a unique Boutique Hotel in Suffolk, near the Norfolk Broads.

What visitors have said:

“I’ve never seen anyone mess around with an old building with such breathtaking consequences and such imagination!” S G, Bungay

“Luxury springs to mind…and I’ve never had an ‘a la carte’ breakfast before” P C, Liverpool

“The room was fantastic…We loved this place and it is by far the best B&B we’ve ever stayed in” P W, Bolton

“I don’t think we have ever stayed somewhere with so much attention to detail” T C, Ipswich

“An amazing marriage of the newer and older elements of the building and beautifully furnished” R S, Beccles

The building celebrated its centenary in 2001 (a miracle considering that it almost didn’t get built in the first place!) and we hope that you will come and visit us to ensure the Theatre’s survival for at least another 110 years.

Pier Gardens, Gorleston-on-Sea, Norfolk NR31 6PP

Opening hours: 10am – 2pm, Monday to Thursday

Box office: Telephone: (01493) 662832 (24 hour answerphone is in operation)

Swan House in Beccles, between Norwich and Lowestoft, has recently become a unique Boutique Hotel in Suffolk, near the Norfolk Broads.

What visitors have said:

“I’ve never seen anyone mess around with an old building with such breathtaking consequences and such imagination!” S G, Bungay

“Luxury springs to mind…and I’ve never had an ‘a la carte’ breakfast before” P C, Liverpool

“The room was fantastic…We loved this place and it is by far the best B&B we’ve ever stayed in” P W, Bolton

“I don’t think we have ever stayed somewhere with so much attention to detail” T C, Ipswich

“An amazing marriage of the newer and older elements of the building and beautifully furnished” R S, Beccles

With about 100 associate members, a core group runs and organises the shop. We meet once a month to discuss co-op business and consider newly submitted work. We are always interested in encouraging new makers. Our aim is to provide a permanent showcase for contemporary applied arts from East Anglia.

If you are looking for an alternative to the many excellent Restaurants in Southwold, the Swan House in Beccles with is ‘al fresco’ summer dining and winter log fires will be perfect. The Swan House has recently become a boutique hotel in Suffolk.

We are open every day except Wednesday from 10.00 – 5.00.
Come and see our unique prints, ceramics, jewellery, textiles and toys.
If you are interested in ordering any item, please call us during opening hours.

40A High Street Southwold Suffolk IP18 6AE
Telephone: 01502 723 211
Website: www.craftco.co.uk

Swan House has just become the newest and snuggest Boutique Hotel in East Anglia. So now you can dine, as well as stay over at the Swan House in Beccles.

Lyra is Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth Regional Astronomers based in Lowestoft Suffolk U.K and has frequent Monthly meetings at the Sunrise Inn on Corton Road in North Lowestoft. Lyra also has a purpose built observatory containing a 10 inch reflector telescope situated in the grounds of Kirkley high school in Kirkley run Lowestoft. This Observatory was originally opened by Sir Patrick Moore and has recently been renovated and restored, the telescope is now operational and will soon be motorised for star tracking. If you do not have to own a telescope or have a great knowledge about Astronomy to enjoy the awesome beauty of the night sky. Knowledge comes with time and much can be seen by the naked eye or with a pair of binoculars before progressing to an astronomical telescope, we have professional Astronomers give lectures to its members and these meetings are also open to the public.

If you are looking for an alternative to the Restaurants of Lowestoft, the Swan House in Beccles, with it’s open log fires and unique ambience, will be perfect. The Swan House is also soon to become a boutique Hotel in Suffolk.

Anyone is welcome to join the Society and if you wish for more information just call:
Email: astrocomera@googlemail.com
Telephone 01502741875 (evenings preferred)

Spread over two floors the spacious well lit rooms provide an ideal space for exhibiting art. Buckenham Galleries have an on going exhibition of works by gallery artists. In conjunction with this there are eight major exhibitions each year featuring work from invited artists. With a wealth of different styles on offer, there is always something new to see. With its warm and friendly atmosphere, Buckenham Galleries has built up a first class reputation with artists and collectors alike.

If you are looking for an alternative to the many excellent restaurants in Southwold, the Swan House in Beccles with is ‘al fresco’ summer dining and winter log fires will be a fine excursion. The Swan House is also soon to become a new boutique hotel in Suffolk.

Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Friday & Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm. Open Bank Holidays 10am-5pm.

81 High street,
Southwold,
Suffolk IP18 6DS

Telephone: (01502) 725 418
Website: www.buckenhamgalleries.co.uk

Telephone: 01502 500004
Website: www.lowestoft-arts.org

You Can Buy Tickets Online for most events at the Cut (not Cinema films)! Click the [book] link on each Event Details page to go to the secure shopping cart.

New Cut Arts receives no central funding and relies on the support of the local community and its 500 Club benefactors who help to pay the mortgage.

Opening times:
Cafe-bar and Exhibitions: Monday to Saturday 10am-4pm. Box Office: Tuesday – Saturday 11am – 2pm. Some events will have numbered seating, please check when you order your tickets or write in the notes section when ordering online.

Swan House in Beccles, between Norwich and Lowestoft, has recently become a unique Boutique Hotel in Suffolk, near the Norfolk Broads.

What visitors have said:

“I’ve never seen anyone mess around with an old building with such breathtaking consequences and such imagination!” S G, Bungay

“Luxury springs to mind…and I’ve never had an ‘a la carte’ breakfast before” P C, Liverpool

“The room was fantastic…We loved this place and it is by far the best B&B we’ve ever stayed in” P W, Bolton

“I don’t think we have ever stayed somewhere with so much attention to detail” T C, Ipswich

“An amazing marriage of the newer and older elements of the building and beautifully furnished” R S, Beccles

If you are looking for an alternative to the Restaurants in Norfolk, why not consider the Swan House and if you are looking for a posh B&B in Beccles, the Swan House restaurant and Hotel can provide the perfect setting.

Redwings Caldecott Visitor Centre, Fritton, near Great Yarmouth Norfolk NR31 9AB

10am to 5pm daily from April to October. Entry is free.

The Seagull Theatre was originally a junior day school; The Morton Road School until the early 60s, where it was converted to the current building that exists today.

Morton Road School in Pakefield was later opened in 1967 as The Seagull Theatre in Pakefield. The design of the building is of Victorian origin.

In 2006 Suffolk County Council decided to withdraw their funding to the theatre which caused its temporary closure. As a result of this the SOS (‘Save our Seagull’) group was formed, the patrons of which are oscar-winning Dame Judi Dench and Desmond Barrit. Dench pledged to support campaigners fighting to save the theatre

The theatre soon opened up again in 2007 under the rebrand ‘The Seagull’. Since the theatre has re-opened, the building has been renovated and restored to it’s former glory. In October 2009, the theatre sourced a grant for new technical equipment as part of continued re-development. If you are considering an alternative to the Restaurants in Great Yarmouth, why not consider the Swan House and if you are looking for a B&B in Suffolk, the Swan House restaurant and Inn can provide the perfect setting.

http://www.theseagull.co.uk

The Marina Theatre in Lowestoft, situated close to Beccles and Southwold is at the cultural heart of the community with a mixture of live entertainment and great cinema. However the Theatre has had a chequered existence. The original theatre started life in the 1870’s as a roller skating rink into which owners erected a make-shift stage and renamed it The Rink Theatre.

The ‘Rink’ was converted into the Marina in 1897 and on April 26, the Haymarket Drama Society were the first to perform on the stage with Peter the Penman by Sir Charles Young. The basis of the present theatre building was then erected, largely on the foundations of the old and was designed by Ernest Runtz and Co. During its heyday, seven different pantomimes were presented during the Christmas period along with summer shows such as the musical comedies of McDonald and Young. The theatre also enjoyed visits from legends such as Gracie Fields and Ralph Richardson. The Marina operated as a live venue until 1929 when the onset of cinema made the future uncertain. However it survived after Associated British Cinemas took it over in 1931 until it was operated by EMI. Briefly used during the second world war as a temporary mortuary and a reception centre for evacuated children, the Marina began to struggle in the late 1960’s with the introduction of colour television and this resulted in cinema attendances dropping, The Marina soldiered on as a cinema before finally closing on Christmas Eve, 1984.

After being bought by Waveney District Council in 1985, 24 hours before a demolition deadline set by EMI, the Marina underwent a huge renovation which included the reconstruction of the dressing room area, and the construction of a new toilet block to serve the circle and bar areas. On 1st October 1988, almost four years after its closure, the Marina re-opened as the new Civic Theatre and Cultural Centre in Lowestoft with a concert given by 1970’s rock and roll star Rick Wakeman.

In the past three years the Marina has become one of the leading Civic Venues in the country.

Following the first visit of the Moscow City Ballet and Orchestra, the venue has hosted world-class opera and acts as diverse as Chinese Acrobats to Ken Dodd. In 2005 Tony Christie made history at the Marina as he became the last artiste to top the original record charts and the first to top the new combined sales and download chart whilst performing on the Marina stage. Also in 2005, the Marina became a residence of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, one of only two venues outside London to be granted such a prestigious honour.

The Theatre is about a 25 minute drive from the Swan House Restaurant and Hotel in Beccles, Suffolk. So if you are looking for an alternative to the Restaurants in Lowestoft, Swan House will be perfect and just a minute’s walk from the Norfolk Broads.

Box Office, The Marina Theatre,
The Marina, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 1HH
Telephone (01502) 533200
Contact: info@marinatheatre.co.uk
Web: www.marinatheatre.co.uk
Box Office Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday: 10.00am to 4.00pm
On Live Show Evenings: 10.00am to 8.00pm
On Film Evenings: Open 1 hour before the scheduled film start time
Sundays: Open two hours before the scheduled start time of a live event.
Sunday Film Screenings: Open 1 hour before the scheduled film start time

Swan House in Beccles, between Norwich and Lowestoft, has recently become a unique Boutique Hotel in Suffolk, near the Norfolk Broads.

What visitors have said:

“I’ve never seen anyone mess around with an old building with such breathtaking consequences and such imagination!” S G, Bungay

“Luxury springs to mind…and I’ve never had an ‘a la carte’ breakfast before” P C, Liverpool

“The room was fantastic…We loved this place and it is by far the best B&B we’ve ever stayed in” P W, Bolton

“I don’t think we have ever stayed somewhere with so much attention to detail” T C, Ipswich

“An amazing marriage of the newer and older elements of the building and beautifully furnished” R S, Beccles

However on this visit it was the lesser known areas caught the eye. We had a splendid evening in Costello, a small mountain village that puts on a series of Festas at this time of year (above pic).

But it was in the small Roman walled town of Alife, pronounced ‘a-leaf-a’, that caused my biggest surprise. Usually I have my camera ready for the unexpected, but what happened next as I wandered the tightly packed streets of the Tuesday morning market, was a moment of pure Felliniesque magic, that could have graced the great director’s ‘La Strada’. I found myself strolling a few strides behind a woman who was perhaps thirty, slender and tall by local standards, wearing a flowing calf length white dress. Just behind her was a young lad, no older than 5 or 6, that I took to be her son. All of a sudden in one magically naughty moment, the son lifted the tail of his mother’s dress above her waist as if a bridal gown, for all to see she was wearing no underwear! The lad collected a sharp slap on his cheek. Why can’t the Beccles market be so entertaining!

Above photo of flag juggling

Contact:
Tel: 07767 647242
Website: www.becclesrufc.co.uk

Contact: J. Humby
Telephone: 01502 713776
Website: www.becclestownfc.co.uk

And for those visiting the town, you can dine and stay over, as Swan House in the centre of Beccles, has just become the newest and snuggest Boutique B&B in Suffolk!

Contact: Mr M Jermey
Telephone: 01502 713075
Website: www.becclestowncc.co.uk

The Golf Club has been in existance since 1899 and is a great place to play golf. The common is on the north side of the town with access via Common Lane. The club itself is voluntary run except for the wonderful part time greenkeeper who has transformed the greens back to their former glory. The course consists of 9 holes varying from par 3’s through to a par 5, all laid out on what many call an inland links setting. Although there are no bunkers or water on the course there is a lot of gorse and small, fast greens to make good course management a requirement for a good round. After a round, why not visit the Swan House Restaurant in Beccles town centre. Swan House is also becoming a boutique B&B in Beccles.

The Common, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 9BX
Telephone: 01502 712244

Their team of valuers and auctioneers provide advice on the sale of antiques and collectables as well as preparing valuations for inheritance tax, insurance and family division. With professional staff, magnificent auction rooms and their own removal vehicles, they are able to offer a comprehensive and cost-effective service to executors, solicitors and private clients.

Now you can dine and stay over, as Swan House in the centre of Beccles has just become the newest and snuggest Boutique B&B in Suffolk!

Their services:

Valuation
On-site appraisals
Verbal advice or full written reports
Professional and confidential service.
Specialist Valuers for furniture, ceramics, pictures, silver, jewellery, clocks and watches, books, militaria, toys and dolls
Collection and clearance

They are able to undertake
Whole or partial house clearances
Collection and storage prior to auction
Disposal of low value or unsaleable items

The Auction
With two auction rooms, cafe and reception area, our facilities at The Old School House, Peddars Lane, Beccles offer a superb experience for the buyer or seller alike
Periodic specialist sales
Antique and Fine Art sales every month
Sales advertised regionally, nationally and worldwide on the internet
Computerised reconciliation for vendors providing clarity and detailed analysis
RICS audited accounts.

Auction rooms
The Old School House, Peddars Lane, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 9UE
Telephone: 01502 713490

http://www.durrants.com/auction-calendar.asp

If you are visiting Beccles, we are developing Swan House as a boutique B&B in Beccles which should be available soon. Please call us for details.

The Theatre is about 30 minutes from the Swan House Restaurant in Suffolk, by the Broads in Beccles, so if you are looking for an alternative to the Restaurants in Norwich, Swan House will be perfect. The Swan House is also soon to become a quality B&B in Suffolk.

Box office
Telephone: (01603) 63 00 00, Fax: (01603) 62 27 77
Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL
Email: boxoffice@theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk
Web: www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

Whenever I travel, I’m always looking for ideas to bring back to Suffolk and the Swan House Restaurant and our recent visit to Bad Gastein in the Austrian Alps, not so far from Salzburg, was one such opportunity. The Austrian Alpine menu is invariably very traditional, with a selection of heavy dishes that, although quite tasty and certainly filling, do not ooze subtlety. Oodles of calories and maybe just the ticket if you are about to assault the Hahnenkamm, but perhaps not for our delicate palettes. However, just when I was on the verge of giving up the thought of exporting a little bit of Austria back to Beccles, I discovered their cheese dumpling soup. The Austrians don’t believe in using three words where just one will do, and so ‘Kaspressknodelsuppe’ has made it onto our Swan House ‘bar menu’.

The Austrians don’t do ‘light’, but the dish is an unusual and wonderfully tasty Swan House bar meal all in one.

If you are looking for a Restaurant to have an excellent Sunday Lunch in Beccles after training, Swan House will be perfect. The Swan House is also soon to become a quality B&B in Suffolk.

If you’d like to join or have a chat about coming along to see us, contact:

Telephone: 07836251178
Email: robin_de_vere_green@hotmail.com

Beccles Society of Artists, The Waveney Centre, New Market, Beccles
Telephone: 01502 716630

The club has sole use of the airfield which is situated in uncongested airspace on the Norfolk – Suffolk border. When you train here waiting time is kept to a minimum and every minute in the aircraft is devoted to constructive training with none wasted holding for commercial flights to come and go. The airfield is licenced by the UK Civil Aviation Authority and meets or exceeds all the required safety standards. In addition to training in the aircraft there is also ground school and an aircraft simulator, all run by a Qualified Flying Instructor. All CAA written tests and flight tests are taken on site with our own approved examiners.

After you have gained your licence aircraft can be hired for your own personal use at competitive rates. Even if you gained your licence elsewhere you will be welcomed and after a short check flight you will be able to hire the club aircraft.

You may even want to extend your flying skills and gain a night rating or IMC rating. Even if you only fly with a friend, but would like to learn more, our Co-Pilot’s course might appeal to you.

If you are looking for a B&B in Beccles, the Swan House restaurant and Inn can provide the perfect setting.

Rainer Forster
Rainair Flying Club
Beccles Airfield
NR34 7TE

Telephone 01502 476400 or 07767 827172
email info@rainair.co.uk

Ringsfield Road, Beccles NR34 9PF
Telephone: 01502 712 039

Email: business@wlog.org.uk
Website: www.wlog.org.uk

The June Glennie School of Dance has an ethos of having fun, keeping fit and never stopping learning.

Website: www.juneglenniedance.co.uk

Email: info@becclestheatreplayers.co.uk
Website: www.becclestheatreplayers.co.uk

Email: spotlightbecclesbm@hotmail.co.uk
Website: www.spotlightbeccles.org

The first mentioned ‘concert and soiree’ given by something calling itself the Beccles Choral Society was in January 1851. It took place in the Assembly Room (Public Hall), and was assisted by members of the Bungay and Halesworth choral societies. It was, the Norwich Mercury wrote, a success thanks to the efforts of Mr and Mrs Corbyn, musically active members of the Independent Chapel (today the United Reformed Church on Hungate). The event was attended by up to three hundred (where did they all sit?) Several months later there was a fund-raising event by BCS in the Beccles Assembly Room, held in aid of the Beccles Lying-in-Charity (maternity hospital) with a programme of vocal and instrumental music. Among the fourteen items were two overtures (Handel’s Saul and Mozart’s Le Nozzi di Figaro), an aria from Haydn’s Creation sung by Dr. Carnaby, four choir items, and a series of anthems, glees and madrigals. … Reserved seats were 2s. each; family tickets (for 4) were 6s.6d; back seats and gallery 1s: not inconsiderable sums in those days.

Contact: Mr J. Sayer
Telephone: 01502 717415
or
Contact: Bob Aris, telephone: 01502 716755

Beccles Yacht Station, The Quay, Beccles NR34 9BH
01502 712225 ?

During the week the green fees are £5 for adults and £2.50 for juniors and weekends and Bank Holidays are £10 and £5 respectively.

The Common, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 9BX Telephone: 01502 712244

The Club is about a ten minute walk from an excellent ‘Bar menu’ that can be enjoyed at the Swan House in the town centre of Beccles. The Swan House is soon to add to it’s Restaurant reputation by becoming a boutique B&B in Suffolk.

Common Lane, South Beccles, Suffolk, United Kingdom, NR34 9RH
Phone: 01502 713549

Open every day from 07:30am to 6:30pm
Late night opening: Thursdays until 8:30pm (phone first if weather is bad!)

If you’re looking for the best place to have a lunch, then the informal ‘Bar menu’ at the Swan House Restaurant in Beccles won’t be bettered

It would be so much easier to buy in time consuming dishes such as desserts from contract suppliers as most restaurants do, but it would be too contrary to our ethos. Sounds a bit precious, but that’s very much how we feel as a team.

The centre celebrated its 30th anniversary in June 2007. It was originally opened in a disused department store on St Benedict’s Street in 1977 and moved to its current site, St Swithin’s Church on St Benedict’s Street, in 1980. The Centre is 30 minutes away from the Swan House Restaurant in Beccles, so if you are looking for an alternative to the Restaurants in Norwich, the Swan House Restaurant in Beccles will be perfect. The Swan House is soon to become a unique boutique hotel in Beccles.

Norwich Arts Centre, St Benedict’s Street, Norwich

Management, Theatre, performance art and live literature bookings.
Telephone: 01603 697662
email: stuart@norwichartscentre.co.uk
Website: www.norwichartscentre.co.uk

Enjoy the garden trail through twelve acres of ancient trees, lawned gardens and Paxton greenhouses. Lose yourself in our famous 1846 yew maze. Tour the early Victorian stately home itself, then perhaps consider a visit to the Swan House Restaurant in nearby Beccles by the Norfolk Broads for afternoon tea or dinner. A great family day out and a taste of Old England at its finest. Swan House is also a boutique B&B in Beccles.

Somerleyton Hall, Somerleyton, Lowestoft Suffolk NR32 5QQ

Web: www.somerleyton.co.uk

10.00 – 5.00 Thurs/Sun/Bank Holidays April – October + Tues/Wed July & August

For the finest food in Beccles, look no further than the Swan House Restaurant, with an informal ‘Bar menu’ as well as ‘A la Carte’

Ellough Park Raceway, Benacre Road, Ellough, Nr Beccles, Suffolk NR34 7XD
Telephone: 01502 717718
enquiries@elloughparkraceway.co.uk

Swan House in Beccles, close to the Ellough Park, has recently become a unique Boutique Hotel in Suffolk, near the Norfolk Broads.

What visitors have said:

“I’ve never seen anyone mess around with an old building with such breathtaking consequences and such imagination!” S G, Bungay

“Luxury springs to mind…and I’ve never had an ‘a la carte’ breakfast before” P C, Liverpool

“The room was fantastic…We loved this place and it is by far the best B&B we’ve ever stayed in” P W, Bolton

“I don’t think we have ever stayed somewhere with so much attention to detail” T C, Ipswich

“An amazing marriage of the newer and older elements of the building and beautifully furnished” R S, Beccles

This has been my 59th ski trip to date, some of which have been pure holiday, most of which I’ve worked as a ski guide, occasionally attended training courses and other times coached. But on this occasion I was just a punter, … free to pull up and lunch wherever and whenever I liked, without worrying about a dozen skiers on my tail. Just Carmela.

Zermatt is very much my preferred destination and this trip did not disappoint. Although I know the pistes really well here, I never tire of them. The scenery is magnificently varied, with the Matterhorn dominating the entire valley (just visible in the pic above that I took with my iPhone). It’s the archetypal ‘boys own’ mountain, awesomely chilling in it’s presence, although I suspect that the top section has been added with paper mâché and chicken wire, just to acquire that finely chiselled peak.

The restaurants, generally regarded as the finest mountain eateries in the world, are the other great attraction. A couple of hours ago we pulled up at the restaurant in Zum Zee, a chocolate box mountain hamlet (pictured above) perched just above Zermatt. So popular that the only lunch option was ‘al fresco’ in -10c! Perhaps surprising for those unfamiliar with Alpine ‘dry’ air, the outside tables were almost as busy as those inside, as we grabbed the rugs provided and wrapped up.

I was keen to compare our own Swan House Rosti, that we’ve recently added to our Swan House ‘bar menu’, with the real thing.

The new site has been almost a year in the making, often a slog, sometimes a thrill, but pleasingly now on-line. You’d be hard pressed to guess how much work went into it as there’s so few words, but it’s the lack of those words that’s made it the slog. I’ve always since my Art School days been in love with photography, but food photography has been a whole new challenge. I’ve had to forget my design/advertising past of art directing specialist food photographers. Gone is the luxury of having hours to labour on a single shot to achieve with studio lighting and ‘tricks of the trade’, what I now have to achieve almost instantly, before my lunch goes cold!

Part of my web research dug up the all vital fact that the average ‘stay’ on a website was just two point something seconds. ‘Waffle’ and click they’re back to Google. That scary fact defined the brief. I knew if our new site was to deliver it had, wherever possible, to communicate almost instantly and so be highly visual as well as stimulating. For those with time to pause, the site could offer greater depth, but that would be the luxury. Every word I laid down I had to question, “do I really need to say this?” The year in the making was down to the photography and the need for both summer and winter imagery to tell the story of Swan House through the seasons. Our terrace umbrellas, awnings and almost Italianesque courtyard in the town’s centre, provides the perfect summer setting for ‘al fresco’ dining in Beccles, whilst our log fires and wafts of mulled wine, provide the unique and almost ‘Suffolk-Alpine’ winter environment. I’m still searching for that ‘scent’ plug-in!

Our next project, now that we’ve won our planning appeal is to convert the first floor of Swan House into a boutique guest house providing quality B&B in Beccles.

The problem with the internet is that more and more is being said about less and less and I didn’t want to contribute to that. But maybe I just have!

Mondays are usually our chef’s day for new menu ideas and inventiveness at the Swan House Restaurant. Recently we were looking for some classic European light lunch ideas for our ‘bar menu’. I considered some Alpine dishes and ‘Rösti’ pronounced ‘Roshte’ seemed a natural. It’s basically hash brown, fried eggs and bacon strips, but in a kind of blue eyed Ayrian format, more fit for a last snack before tackling the Eiger. Rather than check out recipe books, we jumped straight into ‘You Tube’ and quickly discovered a wonderful Swiss maid, possibly recently widowed, we christened Frau Nicentights. After some time spent studying the ‘Nicentights’ potato grating positions, we were won over by her insistence that grating ‘towards the breast’ was the most comfortable. Soon the time had come to gather ourselves up for a quick grate of our own. The resulting fry up was more perfect than we could have imagined, as the two fried eggs sat so succulently on the ample Rosti.

Just found this pic on my iPhone that I had forgotten about. Gioia in Southern Italy, pronounced ‘joya’, put on this excellent almost Bruegelesque ‘festa’ of music and dance in mid August. Oh for a little of their heat and dust to add to the annual Beccles Carnival!

Take last week, for instance. A group of four had reserved a table, but it wasnt until they received their menus that they mentioned they had specific dietary requirements. Over the course of the evening they successfully bullied the waitress to tears, despite her hard efforts to work out a special menu for them to enjoy. The bill was finally paid amid a barrage of undeserved, derogatory and inane remarks. So perhaps on this occasion I would have had a far more pleasant evening had I been the other side of the bar. But then, had I not been, I wouldn’t have met those nice people on their golden anniversary, or bumped into an old school teacher, and I certainly wouldn’t have been able to chat to that very dashing group of gentlemen (one somewhat more dashing than the others…).

So when put into perspective, despite that one unusual obstacle, I had a great night”!

There’s an Italian apocryphal story that confirms this: An Englishman accepts a lift from Luigi and is surprised by the Italian jumping the red lights in the busy town centre. A few hundred metres down the road the Italian again drives straight through red lights at speed. Our English passenger by this time has become distinctly agitated. Further down the road the Italian screeches to a halt. The astonished Englishman enquires why, with the lights set to green, he has stopped. “It is just in case my brother Marcello, is driving the other way across town”.

Swan House in Beccles, between Norwich and Lowestoft, has recently become a unique Boutique Hotel in Suffolk, near the Norfolk Broads.

What visitors have said:

“I’ve never seen anyone mess around with an old building with such breathtaking consequences and such imagination!” S G, Bungay

“Luxury springs to mind…and I’ve never had an ‘a la carte’ breakfast before” P C, Liverpool

“The room was fantastic…We loved this place and it is by far the best B&B we’ve ever stayed in” P W, Bolton

“I don’t think we have ever stayed somewhere with so much attention to detail” T C, Ipswich

“An amazing marriage of the newer and older elements of the building and beautifully furnished” R S, Beccles

Mario Price, who’s played at Swan house many times over the years, returns with a new format band, Mulberry Hawk, but without Charles Dickens. If you appreciate beautiful music you will love Mulberry Hawk. Crystal clear sound and wonderfulsongs beautifully presented. A special Band with amazing voices!

Swan House has recently become one of the latest Boutique Hotels in East Anglia. Here’s a sample of visitor’s comments:

“The experience was amazing. We have stayed in several first class hotels around Europe and can honestly say this hotel on our doorstep is equally as good.” TripAdvisor review

“I would say that the Swan House is quite simply the best place to stay for miles and miles around. The friendly welcome and attention to detail is outstanding and leaves you feeling that you’ve been truly spoilt!” TripAdvisor review

“I was totally awed from touring each individual room, each one stunningly decorated from a different period, bespoke detailing to such a high standard.” TripAdvisor review

“Good sized, clean room with fantastic facilities. We stayed in Eln’s room – beautifully decorated, great wet room, Smart TV and integrated entertainment and a separate dressing area.” TripAdvisor review

“The rooms are stunning quality showcases of how well a guest-room can be specified and presented if the desire is there… Really good quality art, hand-made furnishings, bespoke materials used in every point, very nice detailing down to the smallest feature and all in a historical building and setting of merit. I was impressed.” TripAdvisor review

More reviews

Swan House has recently become Suffolk’s newest and snuggest boutique Guest House in Suffolk oodling with charm!

What visitors have said:

“I’ve never seen anyone mess around with an old building with such breathtaking consequences and such imagination!” S G, Bungay

“Luxury springs to mind…and I’ve never had an ‘a la carte’ breakfast before” P C, Liverpool

“The room was fantastic…We loved this place and it is by far the best B&B we’ve ever stayed in” P W, Bolton

“I don’t think we have ever stayed somewhere with so much attention to detail” T C, Ipswich

“An amazing marriage of the newer and older elements of the building and beautifully furnished” R S, Beccles

His latest album has been described as ‘simply beautiful guitar music.’ (Genvieve Tudor, Radio Shropshire),‘fluent, subtle yet dazzling.’(Richard Penguin, Triangle Magazine) and ‘A rather special album.’ (Norwich Magazine).

Swan House is also now East Anglia’s newest and snuggest Boutique Hotel in Suffolk, so you now have the opportunity of a romantic sleep-over.

Recent TripAdvisor comments:
This boutique hotel is brimming with cosiness, tradition and character with the advantage of the most up to date technology incorporated within it; Old meets new – The best of both worlds. The restaurant is also fantastic

Exceptional attention to detail and exquisite furnishings make the rooms a delight to stay in.

Wow! What a hotel, the rooms were fantastic, clean, spacious, cosy! Not a thing out of place! The staff were so friendly and nothing was too much to ask for! Such a fantastic meal and a wonderful breakfast!!

If you are travelling a distance, you can dine and stay over, as Swan House has just become the newest and snuggest Boutique Hotel in Suffolk!

You may sleep over as well, since we have recently become a Boutique hotel or Posh B&B in Beccles.

What visitors have said about our rooms:

“I’ve never seen anyone mess around with an old building with such breathtaking consequences and such imagination!” SB, Bungay

“Luxury springs to mind…and I’ve never had an ‘a la carte’ breakfast before” PC, Liverpool

“The room was fantastic…We loved this place and it is by far the best B&B we’ve ever stayed in” PW, Bolton

“I don’t think we have ever stayed somewhere with so much attention to detail” TC, Ipswich

“An amazing marriage of the newer and older elements of the building and
beautifully furnished” RS, Beccles

Swan House Beccles, between Norwich and Lowestoft, has in the summer of 2012 become a unique Boutique Inn in Suffolk, near the Norfolk Broads.

What visitors have said:

“I’ve never seen anyone mess around with an old building with such breathtaking consequences and such imagination!” S G, Bungay

“Luxury springs to mind…and I’ve never had an ‘A la Carte’ breakfast before” P C, Liverpool

“The room was fantastic…We loved this place and it is by far the best B&B we’ve ever stayed in” P W, Bolton

“I don’t think we have ever stayed somewhere with so much attention to detail” T C, Ipswich

“An amazing marriage of the newer and older elements of the building and beautifully furnished” R S, Beccles

If you are considering an alternative to dining out in Norwich and are considering a pre-dinner film, the Swan House in Beccles can be well worth the 16 miles journey. Additionally, Swan House now offers excellent quality boutique accommodation in Beccles.

Beccles Museum, Leman House, Ballygate, Beccles NR34 9ND
Telephone Number: 01502 715 722

The Swan House Inn offers excellent and original ’boutique’ accommodation in Suffolk in the heart of East Anglia.

There’s few cosier or more inviting locations to stay in East Anglia than the Swan House accommodation in Beccles.