Suffolk is one of six areas that form East Anglia, a beautiful region of England that affords less rainfall than many others and is conveniently located above, and within easy reach of London. Renowned for its pretty colourful villages, beautiful heritage coastline, historic wool towns, festivals and rolling countryside, Suffolk has huge appeal and is a popular choice of holiday destination at any time of the year. Read more
An immaculate & impressive 16th century barn conversion sitting in a countryside position in Badley, a peaceful little hamlet on the outskirts of the historic town of Needham Market in Suffolk. Ideal for large groups of friends or families wanting to get together or celebrate a special occasion and within easy reach of the coastline and the areas many attractions.
Abbey Farm is a beautiful countryside farmhouse set in the heart of rural Suffolk, close to the Norfolk border and within easy reach of the coast. Surrounded by peaceful countryside, it offers the perfect setting to slow down, reconnect and spend quality time together. The house sleeps up to 10 guests across five comfortable bedrooms, making it ideal for large families, groups of friends, or multi-generational gatherings. With generous living spaces and a flexible layout, Abbey Farm works wonderfully for family holidays, special celebrations, relaxing retreats, workshops, and wellness or fitness breaks. Situated between the charming market towns of Eye and Diss, the farmhouse is perfectly placed for exploring both Suffolk and Norfolk. Step outside and you’ll find beautiful countryside walks right on the doorstep, meaning you can enjoy the surroundings without even needing to get in the car. Whether you’re planning a weekend celebration, a peaceful rural escape, or a longer countryside break, Abbey Farm offers a warm welcome and a memorable stay in every season.
A charmingly pretty holiday cottage which is single-storey and dog-friendly. Located a mere 5 mins walk to the centre of historic Saxmundham, with all amenities - including traditional butcher, Artisan bakery, cafes, EV Charging points, Railway Station and the area’s only Waitrose! You’ll be just a short drive to Snape Maltings, Aldeburgh, and the Heritage Coast too! This riverside market town is the ideal base to enjoy the area, whether you’re looking for the peace & tranquility of beautiful countryside and coastline or excitement and to experience ’something different’ from the many events and attractions nearby. Flint Cottage is a cosy & comfy retreat - summer or winter. Perfect for a family holiday or getting away for the weekend with friends. Rated 4 Star Gold by VisitEngland. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
A cosy holiday cottage ideal for a single person or couple, located in the lovely market town of Saxmundham near Snape and the popular seaside town of Aldeburgh. Chapel Cottage is an ideal self-catering base to enjoy all that Suffolk has to offer and perfect for romantic weekends away, or for birdwatching or walking trips with many designated country and coastal walks and several bird sanctuaries and nature reserves nearby. RSPB Minsmere just six miles. 4 Star. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Ideally placed in the delightful Suffolk market town of Saxmundham, this welcoming Four Star Single-Storey holiday cottage provides a cosy bolt-hole for couples (one or two!) and families, and is close to Snape and the popular coastal seaside town of Aldeburgh. An ideal self-catering base for exploring the Suffolk countryside and coast, dotted with historic market towns and picturesque little villages. A great choice of pubs, restaurants and shops are conveniently located just a short stroll away from the cottage. Tourist board rating: 4 Star. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Orchard View is a single-storey holiday cottage offering 4-Star Gold accommodation for couples with well-behaved dogs welcome. It's in the grounds of The Old Rectory in Flixton, two miles from Bungay and within easy reach of the Norfolk Broads, beaches like Southwold and Lowestoft, and the medieval city of Norwich. It's a wonderful location for walking, cycling, fishing, and boating, starting with the picturesque seven-acre grounds with gentle views of fields and countryside. Bookings are available all year round, with short breaks possible depending on availability.
4 Church Walk is proof that good things come in small packages. This attractive Victorian terrace is in the idyllic village of Long Melford. You can look over the green to the pub and hear the sound of the church bells from the medieval Holy Trinity Church on Sunday. The self-catering property is immaculately presented with everything couples or individuals could wish for in a holiday cottage in Suffolk. It's a delightful location from which you can explore the beauty of Constable Country on foot, by bicycle or in the car. For guests arriving without transport, I can recommend Felix of Long Melford, a family owned taxi and coach hire firm currently run by the second and third generation family members since 1952. Tourist board rating: 3 Star
Perfect for couples looking for a weekend away or a longer holiday exploring East Anglia, this romantic Four Star Gold holiday home sleeps two guests and sits in the village of Flixton on the Suffolk/Norfolk borders. There is a village pub a short walk away as well as the popular Aviation Museum. St Peter's Brewery is also within walking distance and the lovely beaches and nature reserves of the Suffolk coastline are within easy reach by car. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
The Old Coach House has wide appeal, offering couples single level dog-friendly self-catering. Sitting on the Norfolk/Suffolk border in the village of Flixton (with village pub and Aviation Museum within strolling distance), this welcoming cottage for two provides the perfect base for exploring the many attractions of both Suffolk and Norfolk including the coast, nature reserves, Norwich and the nearby Norfolk Broads. Short breaks and longer holidays available all year round. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
A delightful Four Star Gold holiday retreat sleeping two on the Suffolk/Norfolk borders in the village of Flixton with a village pub and the Aviation Museum a short stroll away. St Peter's Brewery is also within walking distance and Suffolk's coast is a short car ride away with beaches for lazy days and some of the country's top nature reserves. Short breaks offered all year round - an excellent choice for couples who enjoy walking, cycling, bird watching, exploring and relaxing. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Providing single storey self-catering, Sam's Stable offers Four Star Gold self-catering for couples and is conveniently located on the Suffolk/Norfolk border in the village of Flixton. There is a village pub and the Aviation Museum within easy strolling distance as well as St Peter's Brewery (a little further but still within walking distance for those who intend on sampling a pint or two of Suffolk's finest!). All the right ingredients for a relaxing break and within easy reach of the coast for days at the beach or visiting the nature reserves. Norwich city centre is also within easy reach. Short breaks available all year round (two night minimum). Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
This lovely holiday cottage is ideally positioned within a short stroll of the historic medieval castle and market town of Framlingham with its good selection of restaurants, pubs and shops. Set amongst beautiful Suffolk countryside, the area offers lovely cycling, walking and is within easy reach of Suffolk's beautiful Heritage Coast.
Toad Hall offers a rare opportunity to stay in a 16th Century farmhouse. The Grade II listed property sits in two acres of private gardens in a wonderfully rural position on the outskirts of the village of Swilland, yet just a 2 hour drive from London and close to the ancient riverside market town of Woodbridge. Within a small radius are beautiful countryside walks, attractions like Sutton Hoo and Jamie's Farm, and the opportunity to fish on the River Debden and horse ride. The Suffolk Coast is only half an hour away by car, with visitors able to easily access Aldeburgh, Felixstowe and Thorpeness. The holiday house can accommodate up to 10 people in five/six bedrooms (The house can sleep 10 in 5 bedrooms and the GF games room has a double sofa bed, making it ideal for families and groups of friends. But it is max 10 people plus perhaps an infant (to comply with fire regulations).
Elms Farmhouse is located on the edge of Wangford, within walking distance of a popular farm shop and two friendly pubs. It's a fantastic location for this Grade II listed holiday home, which dates from the 15th Century and sleeps 18 people in eight bedrooms. Features include an authentic country kitchen well-equipped for group self-catering, a covered outdoor swimming pool, and a games room. You're only a few miles from Southwold, Beccles and the Norfolk Broads, so there's a wide choice of activities and attractions.
Sandy dunes, fisherman’s huts, and smuggler’s coves - let your imagination run wild in whimsical Thorpeness. Converted from a Grade II listed former water tower, ARC Thorpeness is a bold reimagining of one of Suffolk’s most distinctive coastal buildings. Sleeping up to 20 guests across five floors, it is the perfect retreat for large families, groups of friends, corporate stays, or wellness getaways.
Town Cottage is a quaint property on the edge of town, ideally located to explore the delightful coast of East Suffolk and beyond. Only a short walk to local amenities. Suitable for families or group of friends, dogs welcome too!
A converted water tower, the Concrete Castle is a unique countryside property accommodating 18 guests over multiple floors. With a passenger lift, cinema room and an 80ft high roof garden this holiday home offers something different for everyone making it the perfect place to celebrate your special occasion or simply to relax with friends and family.
Barn Cottage No 4 is a well equipped cottage, set in the heart of the Mid Suffolk Countryside surrounded by farmland. The cottage is all ground floor with no stairs inside the property and offers an escape from the noise and stress of every day life as it is tucked away down a quiet country lane. The Cottage is perfect for couples and solo travellers. It is a great location to explore the Suffolk countryside and towns of Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds, as well as the beautiful heritage coast of Southwold and Aldeburgh
Barn Cottage No 1 is a well equipped cottage, set in the heart of the Mid Suffolk Countryside surrounded by farmland. It is part of a converted barn and offers an escape from the noise and stress of every day life as it is tucked away down a quiet country lane. The Cottage is perfect for couples and solo travellers. It is a great location to explore the Suffolk countryside and towns of Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds, as well as the beautiful heritage coast of Southwold and Aldeburgh
Grove Farm offers four beautifully converted homes sleeping from 2 up to 27 people in a secluded rural setting close to Southwold, Walberswick and Dunwich. The Farmhouse (sleeps 13), Alfred's Barn (8), The Milking Parlour (4) and The Orchard Wagon (2) at Grove Farm are situated in extensive grounds surrounded by beautiful gardens overlooking farmland and an orchard. Each property can be hired out separately. Furnished and decorated to the highest standards, these stylish properties offer comfortable holiday accommodation for from 2 to 27 guests, making it ideal for a romantic getaway , a family holiday or a larger group celebration. With dining up to 27 people in Alfred's Barn or 21 in The Farmhouse (or alternatively outdoors), Grove Farm is ideal for a large gathering of family or friends. Properties can be rented individually or together catering to any group up to 27 people.
Popular towns in and around Suffolk:
AldeburghBecclesBlythburghBungayBury St EdmundsClareDissErpinghamEyeFelixstoweFramlinghamHadleighHalesworthHarlestonHighamHuntingfieldIpswichKerseyKnodishallLavenhamLeistonLoddonLong MelfordMendhamMickfieldNeedham MarketOrfordPeasenhallPolsteadRattlesdenRedgraveSaxmundhamSibton GreenSnapeSnape MaltingsSouthwoldStoke-by-NaylandStonham AspalStowmarketSudburyThoringtonTunstallWesthorpeWoodbridgeYoxfordSome local suggestions:
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Many go to the east of the county to visit the stunning coastline which stretches for some forty-five miles, with both beautiful sandy beaches and shingle shores. Sitting within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB, Aldeburgh is possibly one of the most popular seaside retreats with its Blue Flag shingle beach, fantastic independent boutiques, fine restaurants, traditional pubs and great fish and chips!
Lowestoft is another popular option for those looking for a traditional seaside experience. With its sandy beaches, colourful beach huts and iconic lighthouse that keeps watching over the town.
Surrounded by beautiful countryside is the charming heritage seaside town of Southwold. This spot is famed for its award-winning pier and loved for its golden sands, weekly markets and excellent restaurants and pubs selling local ales brewed by Southwold-based Adnams.
Before booking your holiday cottage in Suffolk, you can find all the information you need for your trip here. For more tips, check out our complete Suffolk Guide.
Suffolk boasts a rich heritage, bustling towns, great culture and fascinating history making it a popular destination all year round. With so much to see and do here, you will be pleasantly surprised no matter when you choose to visit.
Summer in Suffolk is truly beautiful. With the sun shining over the pretty landscapes, it makes for a lovely time to visit. From June to August you can expect average high temperatures of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Summer also attracts many tourists, so it is one of the busier times to visit the area. With this in mind, there are more attractions and events throughout the season, but the towns and top sites tend to be busy with tourist traffic.
For those seeking a trip full of beautiful scenery, Spring is when to visit Suffolk. With flowers blooming all over the county, you will find unmatched countryside vistas. The weather in spring does get cooler than in summer, with average highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. This is an excellent time to explore Suffolk’s outdoors as the weather is comfortable for anyone looking to get active.
For a festive break, a trip to Suffolk in winter makes for one of the best getaways. With Christmas around the corner, the many towns and villages in Suffolk begin to deck the streets with lights and pretty decor. You can wander Christmas markets, or spend your time cosy next to the fire. Average temperatures in winter display highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C, making it a much colder time to visit. This is great for those looking to get wrapped up and wander the countryside in Suffolk as it glistens under the winter frost.
A visit to Suffolk would not be complete without a trip to the wetland broads in the north of the county. The Norfolk and Suffolk Broads is the largest protected wetland area in the country – a haven for wildlife and great for bird watchers, with National Park status.
With a diverse landscape of heritage coastline, wetland areas, historic towns, quintessentially English villages and beautiful rolling countryside, Suffolk is a unique and popular holiday destination. If you only have a couple of nights to see Suffolk's many attractions, take a look at our guide to help you experience a true taste of life here.
If you are travelling from one of the major cities in the UK, below shows an average distance to Suffolk so you know what to expect when choosing to visit by car.
London: 94 miles
Birmingham: 137 miles
Glasgow: 394 miles
Liverpool: 232 miles
Bristol: 218 miles
Manchester: 220 miles
Leeds: 190 miles
Edinburgh: 392 miles
Newcastle: 272 miles
There are multiple ways to travel to Suffolk. Its excellent public transport links in many of its towns and villages mean you can journey by train or bus from numerous major UK cities. If you travel by car, there are some great service stations to stop off and rest up whilst on your trip, as well as alternative routes depending on what roads you prefer to drive on.
The heart of Suffolk is home to the wool towns and villages, which gained their wealth in the 15th Century from the wool trade. Still very much encapsulated in the bygone era, picturesque villages and towns such as Lavenham, Clare, Cavendish, Long Melford and Kersey still show some of the finest examples of mediaeval architecture in the country.
Suffolk boasts a stunning coastline, vast countryside and plenty of tourist attractions. Unlike many other popular places in England, Suffolk also displays much drier weather, perfect for those looking to spend some time outdoors. The county is also home to lots of arts and culture, making it a desirable destination for many.
There are so many incredible places in Suffolk, it can be difficult to narrow it down to just one. With places like Lavenham, Aldeburgh, Southwold and more all displaying unique attractions and stunning scenery, there are several great areas around the county. Wherever you choose to go, you will find a place brimming with lovely landscapes, bustling market towns and plenty to do and see.
With pristine beaches and never-ending countryside, Suffolk is an excellent choice for a family holiday. You will find places to explore and adventure at every twist and turn here, perfect for a wholesome break. Whether you’re looking to spend some time outdoors, or would rather soak up the history and heritage in the quaint towns, there is something for all types of families in Suffolk.
