Whether you love to discover the great outdoors, explore beautiful riverside walks, sample some delicious local produce or have a Suffolk adventure with your family, this wonderful area offers so many possibilities for a fun time.

Shotley Peninsula's name is taken from the Parish of Shotley which can be found at the south-eastern tip of the peninsula where the River Orwell meets the River Stour before going out to sea.  There are two entries listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 – Shotley (Scoteleia) and an adjacent settlement of Kirkton (Cherchetuna).

Shotley's history goes back to the time of the Ancient Britons with Vikings invading and battles being fought on the rivers Stour and Orwell, the most famous being when King Alfred, while he wasn’t burning cakes, saw off piratical invaders from what is still called Bloody Point.  A Viking longboat makes up part of the primary school logo.  The Romans came and went, although archaeological digs still unearth interesting remains.

This serene area of outstanding natural beauty offers perfect surroundings to relax and enjoy a break from the daily routine.  With many quaint towns and villages to explore, you’ll find something for everyone in this beautiful part of Suffolk.  Enjoy the views across to Harwich and Felixstowe where you'll see a range of cargo ships preparing to undertake long haul trips all over the world; stroll around Shotley Marina followed by a visit to the HMS Ganges Museum which records the history of the Royal Naval Training Establishment named after the training ship, HMS Ganges*; perhaps you could take the foot ferry across to Harwich which could then take you over to Felixstowe for a visit to Languard Fort.

*   In 1866 the sailing ship HMS Ganges was converted to a training ship for boys entering
    the Royal Navy, being moored at Mylor in Falmouth. 
    In 1899 HMS Ganges was moved to Harwich where training continued on the River Stour
    until 1905 when training was moved ashore and the Royal Naval Training Establishment
    Shotley was established.  The training establishment closed in 1976.

The Village Hall is used by more than 40 groups and organisations all year round.  Its dedicated committee is always looking to keep the cost of hire low and be as flexible as possible.  For more information on the clubs or groups in the village, click here.

There are many places to stay in the Shotley area – Hill House Farm, Nether Hall, Orwell View Barns or  the Shipwreck Loft – giving you the opportunity to explore the beautiful and peaceful neighbouring villages: Chelmondiston, Woolverstone, Freston and Holbrook to mention a few.

There are numerous other places that can be visited while staying on the Shotley Peninsula:  Pin Mill – a favourite beauty spot for artists and walkers; Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park; Freston Tower (a six storey Tudor folly); the Royal Hospital School at Holbrook - a day and boarding school for boys and girls - with a wealth of history behind the school itself.  If you have time, you could venture further afield and visit Flatford, the Dedham Vale, Constable Country, Lavenham, AldeburghSouthwold and many other places of interest.