All about Suffolk

Here in Suffolk, 700,000 years ago, local people began a journey of innovation; inventing and cutting new tools from local flint at the earliest known site in the country. Suffolk, so close to London and Cambridge, is still known as the Cradle of British Innovation. It was here that one of the most important inventions of the 20C was made - the discovery of radar, which was developed on the Suffolk coast.



Today some 679,000 people are at home in this area of outstanding natural beauty. We have 45 miles of coastline, which explains Suffolk’s important maritime connections and leading sailing location. Suffolk encompasses Britain's most easterly point, less than 125 miles from mainland Europe.



The county is also a leading arts and cultural centre, with top class venues including the renowned Snape Maltings near Aldeburgh. Suffolk has been the home and inspiration for generations of important artists and composers including Constable, Gainsborough and Britten. Suffolk continues to be the home of horseracing, and approximately 3000 race horses are being trained in Newmarket at any one time.






In terms of transport links, Suffolk is very well catered for. The Port of Felixstowe, the UK's largest container port, is based here and handles 40% of the UK's container trade, connected to 365 ports worldwide. Stansted is Europe’s fastest growing airport and is located within 30 minutes of Suffolk, connecting the county to over 130 destinations in more than 30 countries. Closer to home Suffolk is connected to London via frequent high speed rail services from Ipswich and Cambridge, taking approx. 70 minutes and 50 minutes respectively. Road transport is also good as the county is surrounded by major link roads – the M11 to the west, A14 to the north and A12 to the east.


Did you know that the first Sue Ryder Care Home was opened in
Cavendish, Suffolk in 1953? This first Home was started in Sue Ryder’s mother’s house, which became the HQ for the charity. During the following years, Sue Ryder started Homes and Charity Shops throughout the UK and abroad, inspiring people to help and support the organization. Since the charity was rebranded as Sue Ryder Care in 2000, it has been focusing on its main areas of expertise, palliative and neurological care, as well as developing a comprehensive Homecare Service in several areas of the UK.