Special Areas

Suffolk has 4 designated special areas of interest as shown on the map below.  The high quality of the landscape is often a key motivator for visitors to these areas, however increased numbers of visitors in highly sensative areas can have lasting detrimental impacts on the quality of the environment.  Tourism therefore needs to be well managed to limit its negative affects. 

A range of sustainable tourism visitor itineraries have been put together by the Brecks, Suffolk Coast and Heaths and Dedham Vale.  These provide visitors with useful information about exploring the area without a car, experiencing local food and drink and and visiting local attractions.  To download copies of these itineraries, click the links at the end of the text for each area.     

		The Brecks The Brecks spans 370 square miles / 940 sq. kilometres across Norfolk and Suffolk in the heart of the East of England – one of the driest parts of Britain. One of the great natural areas of Britain, preserved and enhanced by a wide partnership of organisations.  To download car free sustainable tourism visitor itineraries click on the following links: Biking and Brewing, Horse Riding around Thetford Forest and Living on a Working Farm.
		Dedham Vale The Dedham Vale and Stour Valley embraces one of our most cherished landscapes. Picturesque villages, rolling farmland, rivers, meadows, ancient woodlands and a wide variety of local wildlife combine to create what many describe as the traditional English lowland landscape. The area has a rich history and has been the inspiration to many writers and artists. The Dedham Vale was immortalised by John Constable in his paintings over 200 years ago.  The following visitor itinerares are available for this area: A day walking through Constable Country, Exploring the Stour Valley on Foot and Days out cycling on the Painters Trail
		Suffolk Coast & Heath Located on the east coast of England, the Suffolk Coast and Heaths is an extraordinary lowland landscape - a place of big skies and unexpected contrasts. Renowned as a haven for wildlife, the AONB includes some of the most famous nature reserves in Britain, including the RSPB's Minsmere reserve. The heaths and marshes, woods and estuaries, crumbling cliffs and long shingle beaches make it the perfect location for a wide range of outdoor activities.
		The Broads The Broads are Britain 's largest protected wetland and third largest inland waterway, with the status of a national park. It's also home to some of the rarest plants and animals in the UK . The Broads Authority was set up in 1989, with responsibility for conservation, planning, recreation and waterways.