Description:
Stour Valley is a simple but comfortable bunkhouse on an historic 1000 acre working Suffolk farm in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty It is set in peaceful surroundings on the edge of Constable Country, and is an ideal base for families, walkers, cyclists or a hen party with a difference! Opened in 2007, the timber clad building is fitted with a wide range of modern facilities, with underfloor heating throughout, and a wood burner – with logs provided!
Close to the Stour Estuary, there are excellent opportunities for walking, cycling and birdwatching virtually on the doorstep, while boats, canoes and windsurfers (and wetsuits) are available for hire at nearby Alton Water, which also has a good cycle and walking route, with cycles for hire (seasonal).
There is easy access to quiet country roads and a bridlepath network for cyclists, with the Painters Trail proving popular to the west, or Shotley Peninsular to the east with the Harwich Harbour Foot Ferry (not in winter) providing an option to venture further into Suffolk or across to Essex.
For walkers, a farm track leads quickly to the Suffolk Coastal Path for a good day out with maybe a pub stop for lunch to the east, or head west towards Flatford and Dedham where there are excellent tea rooms, and the chance to hire a rowing boat and enjoy the tranquility of the River Stour.
The bunkhouse is a good base for families of all ages. There is a wealth of local attractions such as Jimmy's Farm or Colchester Castle. The beaches at Dovercourt, Frinton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze are all good for children, and on wet days Colchester Zoo and Sutton Hoo are both good options.
YHA Stour Valley Bunkhouse is privately owned, and run as part of our farm. We grow sugar beet, cereals and potatoes, with cattle and sheep grazing seasonally, and conservation is at the forefront of our land management. We are proud of the diverse range of wildlife to be found on the farm, and are delighted to be able to share the chance to see buzzards, egrets, barn owls, kingfishers or otters, as well as a huge range of migrating birds on the estuary in the winter.
There is a good Co-op store in the village with long opening hours daily, and Rookery Farm Shop, Jimmy's Farm and Suffolk Food Hall all sell a large range of locally produce meats and vegetables, as well as many tempting breads, cakes and other goodies.
Opening information:
Reception open:
08.00-10.00
16.00-22.00
PLEASE NOTE: ADVANCED BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL FOR ACCESS
Need to know:
Advance bookings only – we are only available for sole use group bookings at present so please don't just turn up as we will be unable to accommodate you.
Brantham Hall is a busy working farm and the farmyard is closed to visitors for health and safety reasons. Children must be supervised at all times and not play outside the fenced garden area.
Please don't bring pets as they cannot be brought into the bunkhouse, garden or left in the car park.
All bedding and linen is provided except for the cot.
Stour Valley Bunkhouse is unsuitable for groups that are likely to be very noisy or drink heavily, and we are unable to accommodate Stag Parties.
Escape to...
Available for exclusive hire 