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Pictures of Thorpeness

in the county of Suffolk

A picture of Thorpeness

About Thorpeness

Thorpeness's quaint village sign gives the visitor some hint of the surprises to come, it depicts the House in the Clouds and Windmill, for which the village is most noted.

The village was planned as a seaside resort/garden city of the coast, by Glencairn Stuart Ogilvie, dramatist and author, and son of a Scottish couple who had relocated to the area, buying the estate which started at Dunwich, running along the coast to Thorpeness. In 1910 a 65 acre lake known as the Mere was made, this was followed by a country club and the various houses that make up the estate. An inn and a small shopping centre appeared, built like the other buildings in mock-Tudor style. One of its most fantastic buildings is "The House in the Clouds" a former water tower masquerading as a house. Close to the house is an early 19th century windmill which was brought from Aldringham.

Today, visitors continue to be enchanted by all the village has to offer, the Mere with its numerous little islands all themed around J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan is particularly appealing to children, besides being home to graceful swans and ducks.

Glen Ogilvie died before the fulfilment of his plans, his family continued his work, but eventually parts of the estate were sold off. Visitors will note the original house styles adopted have been continued, thus preserving the unique charm and atmosphere of the place.

Small boats can be hired on the Mere, swimming is safe from the shingle beach, for the energetic there is a nearby golf course and for nature lovers there is a local RSPB reserve. Apart from this you can enjoy pleasant coastal walks whilst enjoying breathtaking views of the sea.

Full of pleasure, with lots to see and do, Thorpeness is a lovely coastal resort in which to spend a few days away from the bustle of everyday life.


Planning a visit? Please see below for other recommended towns, attractions and recommended hotels nearby.

Distances and directions below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Thorpeness

The Moot Hall Museum(1.4 miles, 2.2 km, direction S)Pictures
The Red House(1.8 miles, 2.8 km, direction SW)Pictures
Leiston Abbey(3.2 miles, 5.2 km, direction NW)Pictures
Minsmere Nature Reserve(4.2 miles, 6.7 km, direction N)Pictures
Snape Maltings(5.2 miles, 8.3 km, direction W)Pictures
Westleton Heath Nature Reserve(5.8 miles, 9.3 km, direction N)Pictures
Orfordness Lighthouse(7.0 miles, 11.2 km, direction S)Pictures
Orford Ness Nature Reserve(7.1 miles, 11.4 km, direction SW)Pictures
Orford Castle(7.3 miles, 11.7 km, direction SW)Pictures
Dunwich Museum(7.7 miles, 12.4 km, direction N)Pictures
Glemham Hall(7.7 miles, 12.4 km, direction W)Pictures
Heveningham Hall(11.2 miles, 18.0 km, direction NW)Pictures
Framlingham Castle(11.7 miles, 18.8 km, direction W)Pictures
Easton Farm Park Country Park(12.1 miles, 19.4 km, direction W)Pictures
Sutton Hoo(13.6 miles, 21.9 km, direction SW)Pictures

All attractions in Thorpeness
All attractions in Suffolk
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Recommended towns near Thorpeness

Sizewell, in the county of Suffolk (1.7 miles, 2.8 km, direction N)
In latter day history Sizewell is perhaps best known for the huge nuclear power stations built here in the 1960's.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Aldeburgh, in the county of Suffolk (2.0 miles, 3.3 km, direction S)
Aldeburgh is a seaside retreat with boundless charm. The history of the resort quite possibly reaches back to Saxon times, certainly during the Middle Ages it was a prosperous port and later it became known as a fishing centre.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Snape, in the county of Suffolk (5.0 miles, 8.0 km, direction W)
Snape is not simply unique for its beautiful location at the head of the River Alde, it is also unique as a village with an international reputation for music.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Yoxford, in the county of Suffolk (7.2 miles, 11.6 km, direction NW)
Delightfully situated close to the meandering River Yox, this lovely village was once an important stagepost on the road between London and Yarnmouth.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Walberswick, in the county of Suffolk (9.4 miles, 15.1 km, direction N)
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Southwold, in the county of Suffolk (10.2 miles, 16.4 km, direction N)
The beach here is of sand and shingle, it is safe for swimming except around the harbour entrance. The restored pier is a great attraction with an amusement arcade at the shore end.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Wickham Market, a Historic Market Town in the county of Suffolk (10.9 miles, 17.5 km, direction W)
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Sutton, in the county of Suffolk (13.4 miles, 21.5 km, direction SW)
Sutton is an old village overlooking the waters of the River Debden as it makes its way towards the sea.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Woodbridge, in the county of Suffolk (14.2 miles, 22.8 km, direction SW)
Many of the houses that surround the old Market square round which this Port has grown are exceedingly attractive and of major historical interest.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

St Peter South Elmham, in the county of Suffolk (17.4 miles, 28.0 km, direction NW)
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Barsham, a Picturesque Village in the county of Suffolk (19.2 miles, 30.8 km, direction N)
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Beccles, a Historic Market Town in the county of Suffolk (19.2 miles, 30.9 km, direction N)
A town of picturesque buildings, with many relaxing places in which to quietly roam.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Homersfield, a Picturesque Village in the county of Suffolk (19.6 miles, 31.6 km, direction NW)
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Bungay, a Historic Market Town in the county of Suffolk (20.2 miles, 32.5 km, direction NW)
Bungay is an attractive historic market town in Suffolk and is situated on the river Waveney in the Norfolk Broads National Park....
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Lowestoft, in the county of Suffolk (21.5 miles, 34.5 km, direction N)
This is now a sunny holiday resort but for many years fishing played an important part in the history of the development of Lowestoft.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

All towns in Suffolk
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Nearby travel help

Saxmundham Station(5.7 miles, 9.1 km, direction W)
Darsham Station(7.6 miles, 12.2 km, direction NW)
Norwich Airport(36.7 miles, 59.0 km, direction NW)
Cambridge Airport(61.2 miles, 98.4 km, direction W)
M11 Junction 9(61.5 miles, 98.9 km, direction W)
M11 Junction 10(62.9 miles, 101.2 km, direction W)
Thorpeness to London(87.9 miles, 141.5 km, direction SW)

Hotels & Accommodation in Thorpeness

Hotel NameApproximate distance from Thorpeness center
The Thorpeness Hotel(0.3 miles, 0.5 km)
The White Lion Hotel(1.9 miles, 3.1 km, direction S)
The Brudenell(2.5 miles, 4.0 km, direction S)
The Westleton Crown(5.9 miles, 9.6 km, direction N)
The Swan Hotel(10.3 miles, 16.6 km, direction N)
The Crown Hotel(11.8 miles, 19.0 km, direction W)
Best Western Ufford Park Hotel(12.4 miles, 19.9 km, direction SW)
The Bull Hotel & Restaurant(14.1 miles, 22.7 km, direction SW)
The Hotel Elizabeth Orwell(18.6 miles, 29.9 km, direction SW)
The Carlton Manor Hotel(18.9 miles, 30.4 km, direction N)
All hotels in Thorpeness

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