For those of you that prefer a little bit more peace and quietaway from the summer crowds of visitors touring Suffolk,now, as Autumn is just round the corner, is the perfect time to explore justwhat Suffolkhas to offer.

If you are a keen on nature, Suffolk has an abundance ofwonderful wild-life and bird reserves, Minsmere, Timley Marshes and Dunwich toname a few. The reserves are particularly interesting as Autumn approaches, asthousands of birds are planning their migration south for the warmer climate,and of course we expect to play host to thousands seeking refugefrom the cold Arctic winter.

It iswell known that the stunning Suffolk landscapeinspired many artists such as Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable, in fact, Suffolk prides itself onbeing known as Constable Country. There are a number of fantastic country walkswhere you can experience the autumnal shedding of leaves, or for those whoprefer something a bit more energetic, an abundance of cycling routes for allages and agility.

If youprefer the slower pace of strolling through the picture postcard villages, youwill find you are surrounded by quaint Suffolk Pink thatched cottages and thereis also a great choice of many market towns to visit, one of the mostwell-known is Lavenham. With a history steeped in the cloth and wool trade, thecooked houses that line the streets date back to the 14^th and 15^thcentury and really are a sight to behold.

Locatedin the town of Lavenhamis The Swan Hotel, a blend of 15^th Century heritage and 21^stcentury comfort. It's the perfect hotel to be based when touring the beautiful Suffolk countryside. Itboasts two AA Rosettes for its fine food and a choice of character bedrooms orfor a touch of luxury try the half-timbered suite.

Kris Smith has beenliving and writing about Suffolkfor several yars, and especially the Swan Hotel. Formore details go to