Enjoy the quiet rural setting

The Sandlings Centre is situated at the southern end of the Suffolk Heritage Coast between the villages of Hollesley, Shottisham and Alderton.

The Sandlings Centre is a small development set in ten acres of meadows and woodland which are well sheltered and within minutes of the coast at Shingle Street and Bawdsey. View our gallery page for some breathtaking local scenes.

Large areas of Sandlings Heath and Rendlesham Forest also lay adjacent. The quiet surroundings attract a diversity of wildlife and the owners, who get much pleasure from this; are keen to preserve and further encourage this delightful aspect of the centre.

Landscape & Wildlife

Bird watching at all levels is spectacular in the area. There are many breeding birds to be seen including Avocets, Marsh Harrier, Bearded Tit, Nightjar, Woodlark, Redstart and Barn Owls to mention just a few. Spring and autumn migrations bring a huge variety to the area whilst winter brings large amounts of wildfowl. Dartford Warblers have just made a welcome return to Hollesley common after over 50 years absence.

Rendlesham, Tunstall and Dunwich Forests are home to several varieties of Deer including Red, Fallow and Muntjack.

The sand and shingle beaches offer a wealth of interest for the beachcomber. Agate, Jasper, Jet, Cornelian and Amber are some of the stones to be found. Suffolk Amber is found in lots of shapes, size and colours and when polished makes beautiful jewellery. Amber has for thousands of years been much sought after for its supposed magical properties.

Out & About

There are many places of real interest to visit within easy driving or cycling distance of The Sandlings Centre which are too numerous to list in this short overview of the area.

WOODBRIDGE A medieval town of character on the River Deben. Good shopping with excellent specialist shops. Tide Mill and Harbour area a must.
SUTTON HOO (National Trust) The site of the Royal Anglo Saxon Burial Ship found with its priceless treasure.

ORFORD On the River Ore. Fine castle built by Henry II, Good River Walks, Craft Shop, Tea Room on the quay. Jolly Sailors and Kings Head pub.
SNAPE MALTINGS On the River Alde. Home of world-famous Aldeburgh Festival. Musical events most weeks throughout the year. Tea room, River Trips, Shops & Galleries.

ALDEBURGH & THORPNESS Buy fresh fish off the beach. Visit Moot Hall Maritime Museum. East Coast Amber for sale. Visit the Post Mill and take a rowing boat out on the Mere at Thorpeness. Cafe's and restaurants including the famous ‘Aldeburgh Fish & Chips'.