Thorpeness Windmill

You'll spot this red-and-white striped tower long before you reach it - impossible to miss rising above the flat Suffolk landscape near Leiston. Built in 1910, the Thorpeness Windmill is an unusual beast: designed as a water tower disguised as a traditional mill, serving the purpose of pumping water to the village reservoir. It's genuinely clever Edwardian engineering dressed up in romantic pastiche.

The mill itself is viewable from outside and makes for a solid photography stop, especially in late afternoon light when the stripes glow nicely. The surrounding village of Thorpeness is worth a wander - you'll find the boating lake (artificial, but rather pleasant) and a few tea shops nearby. It's the sort of place where walkers and history enthusiasts spend twenty minutes taking pictures before moving on.

Unfortunately, access inside isn't always straightforward - opening hours vary seasonally and admission isn't guaranteed. Ring ahead before making the trip if you're keen to go up the stairs. Leiston is your nearest proper town for supplies, about three miles south.

If you're based at Beach View Holiday Park or Cakes & Ale just down the road, it's absolutely worth the short drive or cycle ride as part of a wider exploration of this quiet corner of the coast. Pair it with a walk along the shingly beach nearby. The whole outing takes a couple of hours maximum, so don't expect to anchor an entire day around it.