Suffolk

Best British Days Out (The Times, June 2007)

DEGUSTATION Valley Farm Vineyards
Janet/Jonathan Craft aren't content w making toothsome Alsace-style wine at Suffolk vineyard, want place to feel like France. Valley Farm has sweeping gravel drive between ranks of vines, 400yr-old farmhouse w timbers/pantiles, pétanque on lawn + home-grown dinner on table. Vineyard tours, tutored tastings daily. Stay with them - Noah's Flood white goes beautifully w Janet's seafood/salads. Open most days, 10am-6pm; doubles £80 B&B; 3-course dinner £25pp; 01986 785535, www.valleyfarmvineyards.co.uk

SEASIDE PIER @ Southwold
A ll you expect from a pier: you can walk on it (past poignant plaques dedicated to lost dogs), fish on it (permits from the Promenade cafe) and eat fish on it (at the smart Clockhouse brasserie). But there are also a few things you don't expect, including a magic carpet that whisks you to the Caribbean and a mechanical dog that dribbles all over you. These contraptions (and more) are the invention of Tim Hunkin, whose Under the Pier Show brings together all sorts, including the most eccentric slot machines. Hunkin also built the pier's new Quantum Tunnelling Telescope, through which you can gaze out on oil slicks, mermaids, shark attacks . . . Open daily; free; www.southwoldpier.co.uk

PADDLE @ British Open Crabbing Championship
Last yr, 700+ people flung lines along reedy inlets of seaside Walberswick, contest tremendously jolly affair: no constraints on bait (many competitors paddle in + use toes), weightiest crab wins, (according to Captain Crab, Robin Buncombe) "no person over 16 allowed on champions' rostrum due to European legislation for people w crabs". This summer's staging is on August 5. £1; 01502 725204, www.walberswick.ws/crabbing