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
This delightful holiday cottage is the ideal place to spend a relaxing holiday in the popular coastal town of Aldeburgh, Suffolk. Perfectly located, it is just a ten minute stroll from both the beach and town with its great shops and restaurants, and a great base for exploring this lovely stretch of coastline and the Suffolk countryside.
High House is a family-friendly holiday home in a quiet location near Covehithe Beach and only five miles from the famous seaside resort of Southwold with its beach, pier and plentiful entertainment. The village shop and pub are both within walking distance, and there are some gorgeous footpaths and cycling routes nearby. It's a fantastic choice for families and friends, including those with dogs, as there is lots of space inside and out, and favourite attractions like Framlingham Castle and Beccles Lido within easy reach.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
Four Superb independent and dog-friendly barns (2 x 1-bedroom and 2 x 2-bedroom) plus large games/dining room converted from a single building, allows a perfect Suffolk break for 1 to 12 people. Located in glorious rural Suffolk, a mile walk to a CAMRA award winning pub. An easy drive to explore both the coast at Southwold/Walberswick and nearby AONB at Dunwich, or wander the ancient city of Norwich. Escape work now and unwind at this genuine Oasis in the countryside.
One of the issues with group holidays is finding a holiday home where everyone can socialise without compromising their privacy when they need their own space. Lattice Lodge is ideal, sleeping 28 people in 14 bedrooms, each with an ensuite shower room and a TV. The kitchen is exceptionally well-equipped for a group self-catering holiday in Ipswich, and you're within walking distance of pubs, cafes and restaurants if you'd rather dine out. Guests at Lattice Lodge have included those hosting family and friends from out of town for a wedding, productions housing theatre troupes, family reunions, and those celebrating milestone events. Price shown is for 11 rooms sleeping up to 22 people (up to 3 additional ensuite bedrooms are available at a pro-rata additional cost).
This stylish apartment proves that industrial chic is as good in a rural setting as it is in the city. The one-bedroom apartment is situated within 'The Maltworks' converted industrial development. Original features sit comfortably alongside modern materials to create a peaceful space for couples to stay while exploring the Suffolk countryside. The apartment offers brand new modern amenities and spacious living areas. Clare Castle and country park is located directly opposite the building with views of the River Stour. Clare hosts pubs, restaurants, boutique shops and a wonderful independent coffee shop within a short walking distance. Short trips to Constable Country are within easy reach as well as historic market towns such as Lavenham, Long Melford and Bury St Edmunds. The Maltworks is perfect for a romantic escape to the countryside.
The Old Neptune is a superb choice for group accommodation in Suffolk which gives guests a unique opportunity to stay in a historic building in the heart of Ipswich Old Town, steps from the marina and within easy reach of the Suffolk Coast. The Grade II listed building dates from the 1500s and has retained many original features while being carefully updated to provide a high standard of comfort for 21st Century guests. It is a fantastic place to host special milestone celebrations, hen weekend activities, intimate wedding parties, team building events, or family Christmases.
Celebrate a special occasion in this magnificent country house just two hours from London, close to Aldeburgh and only a short drive from the pretty market town of Woodbridge. Pettistree House is an early Georgian country house in which the owners have carefully restored original features like big sash windows and wall panelling, hiding away modern comforts like underfloor heating. Pettistree House provides the perfect place to host your country house party, with 15 stunning bedrooms sleeping up to 30 people and 13 private acres of parkland. The house feels like a luxurious boutique hotel, yet guests enjoy space and convenience of staying in a private residence.
Abbey Farm is a beautiful farmhouse in the Suffolk countryside, close to the Norfolk border and within easy reach of the coast. The owners of Abbey Farm have created a fantastic holiday retreat that is ideal for large or extended families and groups of friends to stay. The five lovely bedrooms can sleep up to 10 people, and the layout is ideal not only for family holidays but also for special celebrations, relaxing retreats, workshops and boot camps. The beautiful location between Eye and Diss, together with the high standard of accommodation makes the house an ideal year-round destination.
Badger Cottage is a rural idyll in a fantastic location with the bonus of an award-winning pub just a few steps away. Set in a peaceful garden on the edge of Sweffling in Suffolk, it is a few miles from Saxmundham and Framlingham, and within easy reach of Aldeburgh and Southwold. The cottage comfortably sleeps up to four people in two bedrooms and is perfect for couples, families or friends who want a country escape just a few hours from London. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
If you are searching for somewhere special for a romantic holiday in the countryside, then look no further than Partridge. This charming self-catering barn conversion offers guests 5-Star (Gold) accommodation in the heart of the Waveney Valley, with facilities including riverfront fishing from the surrounding farmland, a games barn, gym and an outdoor hot tub. Wheatacre Hall Barns are close to Beccles, The Broads and beaches like Great Yarmouth, Southwold and Lowestoft making them a perfect choice for a holiday. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
Popular towns in and around Suffolk:
AldeburghBlythburghBungayBury St EdmundsClareEyeFramlinghamHalesworthIpswichKerseyKnodishallLavenhamLoddonMendhamNeedham MarketSaxmundhamSnapeSouthwoldStowmarketSudburyWoodbridgeSome 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.
