Day Out - Robin Hood Festival

This festival takes place once a year in Sherwood Forest in Nottingham. This year it takes place from Monday, Aug.3 - Sunday, Aug. 9. This is really an amazing festival. The attention to detail is amazing! They really go all out to make sure the kid's are entertained. We had a blast and this is one festival that I HIGHLY recommend for families with kids! SO much fun for everyone. 

• It's about a 2 1/2 hour drive from RAF Mildenhall. I know that may seem far, but in my opinion it was WELL worth it!
• Free admission to the festival
• Parking costs £3
• Costumed characters, jugglers, jousters, treasure hunts, archery and more...
• Don't miss the duel between Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham around the Major Oak!
• Festival Map of Sherwood 
• Food, concessions, restaurant, gift shop all on site
• Postcode: NG21 9HN

Day Out - Norfolk Lavender Farm

This is the time of the year to head to Norfolk Lavender Farm. It is located near Hunstanton, about an hour's drive from RAF Mildenhall. The lavender is in full bloom right now and the fragrant air around the farm is intoxicating.

• Free admission
  
• Free parking
• Tours of their 50 acre lavender field from July 1 - July 30 only. Cost is £5.25 per person and you must book in advance.
• Free children's play area
  
• Picnics not permitted
• Several smaller fragrant gardens
• Small tea room offers a selection of teas, sandwiches, etc.
  
• Several gift shops selling Norfolk lavender products
  
• Small nursery selling local plants
  
• Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash
• Postcode: PE31 7JE
  

Driving in Britain

This is a common question that I get asked - "How do you get used to driving in England?" And the answer is, "You just do." When you first arrive, you'll be required to take a British driving course on base. You'll take the course and a test, and that'll be about it. The rest is up to you. Most people begin testing their driving skills on base first. I think that's the best way to start. That's what I did. I slowly drove around base until I (sort of) got the hang of it. Yes, driving on the wrong side of the road (and depending on your car, the wrong side of the car) is scary at first, and every instinct you have tells you to look the opposite way of the way you should be looking, but I promise that the more you do it, the better you'll get. And after you've been here a while and then travel to France or Germany, driving on the "right" side of the road will seem very weird to you. It's all just a matter of giving it time. And, eventually, you'll get the hang of it and you won't think twice about it. In the meantime, I've found several websites that I think will be useful to those of you about to move here.

Oh, and roundabouts are not as scary as they look, I promise. :)

Driving Tips For England

Road Signs In The United Kingdom

The Highway Code

Day Out - Lavenham

Located only 45 minutes from RAF Mildenhall is the wonderfully preserved medieval village of Lavenham. It is famous for being the home of many 15th century "crooked houses" and claims that it was the inspiration for the nursery rhyme "There Was A Crooked Man". There are rows and rows of quaint, lopsided houses to support this claim. 

Lavenham was also home to Jane Taylor, who, while living in Shilling Street, wrote the popular nursery rhyme, "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star".

The Swan Hotel at Lavenham dates back to the 15th century and has a lovely tea garden. It can get very busy on weekends and Bank Holidays. Even during the week, it is best to arrive early if you want a seat in the garden.

The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul is one of the best-known churches in Suffolk and well worth a visit. 

Postcode: CO10 9GZ

Shopping

There are SO many places to shop off base. Every village is brimming with little curiosity shops. There are also plenty of shopping centers not far from the base.

In Cambridge (about 20 minutes from Mildenhall):

The Grand Arcade - John Lewis, Levi's Store, Laura Ashley, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Guess, MAC, Sunglass Hut, Swarovski, Apple Store, Disney Store. There's also a GAP right around the corner.

The Grafton Centre - Claire's, H&M, Clarks Shoes, Debenhams, Royal Doulton, Wedgwood

The Beehive Centre - Asda (UK supermarket chain owned by Wal-Mart), TK Maxx (just like TJ Maxx in the States), HomeSense (very cute home & kitchen decor), HomeStore & More (this is a Bed, Bath & Beyond in disguise!)

In Norwich - (about an hour from Mildenhall)

The Royal Arcade - A restored Victorian shopping arcade with lots of lovely little shops. A great way to spend an afternoon. I recommend the Colman's Mustard Shop.

In Peterborough - (about an hour and a half from Mildenhall)

Springfields Shopping Outlet - Marks & Spencer Outlet, Hallmark, GAP Outlet, Reebok, Denby Outlet, Clarks Shoes Outlet

In West Thurrock, Essex - (about an hour and a half from Mildenhall)

Lakeside Shopping Centre and Retail Parks - ASDA Living, TK Maxx, B&Q, Ikea, Lacoste, Matalan, TGI Fridays, Disney Store, Krispy Kreme, La Tasca, Quiznos, YO!Sushi, Clarks Shoes, Apple Store, L'Occitane En Provence, Build-A-Bear, The Body Shop, Toni&Guy, Debenhams

In Milton Keynes - (about 2 hours from Mildenhall)

Ikea

The Centre: MK - Apple Store, Hugo Boss, The Body Shop, Toni&Guy, WHSmith, Gymboree, Build-A-Bear, GAP, GAP Kids, Disney Store, Swarovski, John Lewis, Hallmark, Quiznos, Hotel Chocolat, Krispy Kreme, Waterstone's, Foot Locker, LEGO Store, Pumpkin Patch