The Craftery Beccles

The Craftery in Beccles is one of those spots that rewards a proper rummage. You're looking at a working creative space where local makers and artisans sell their wares - everything from hand-thrown pottery to jewellery, textiles, and bits of art you won't find on the high street. It's the kind of place where you might spend twenty minutes or two hours depending on how deep you want to dig.

Who gets the most from it? Absolutely anyone tired of chain-store shopping. If you've got kids who like getting hands-on, some visits include craft workshops or demonstrations, though you'll want to check what's on when you plan to visit. It's also gold for people who actually like talking to the person who made the thing they're buying - there's usually someone around who can tell you the story behind it.

Beccles itself is a proper little market town on the Suffolk-Norfolk border with the River Bure running through it, so The Craftery fits nicely into a broader day out rather than being a standalone trip. You could easily combine it with a walk along the river or a browse of the town's independent shops. For anyone staying at the nearby glamping spots - Dawn Chorus Holidays is just over two miles away, or The Wildings Elms Meadow similarly close - it's a worthwhile detour that takes the edge off a rainy afternoon or gives you an alternative to the usual park activities. Allow an hour, maybe more if the place really speaks to you.