Not every holiday destination has to be bold and flashy. Sometimes you want low-key and relaxed, and that’s precisely what the charming Suffolk village of Stonham Aspal delivers. Even if you’ve never visited before, arriving at your choice of its beautiful cottages to rent will feel like coming home. The village has a timeless feel with many buildings dating back to the 14th and 15th Centuries, and even the remains of a Roman hypocaust - the earliest form of underfloor heating. Stonham Aspal is in the heart of the stunning Suffolk countryside yet also within easy reach of beautiful beaches and vibrant towns and cities. Easy to get to from London, this is a great choice for a few days away relaxing. Read more
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
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For Families - You won’t have to put up with the sound of stroppy kids whinging that they are bored, because there are plenty of family-friendly activities and attractions near Stonham Aspal. Sutton Hoo is around half an hour’s drive from the centre of town. The site offers not only the temptation of seeing an authentic Viking Great Ship burial for a king but also a host of fascinating exhibits, an adventure playground and other fun activities for kids such as free watercolour kits and a Gruesome Graves Tour. Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park is half an hour south of the village. In the 15 years since Jimmy Doherty started the Essex Pig Company, the farm has grown to encompass a wildlife park, tea rooms, playgrounds, woodland walks, animal talks and plenty more to appeal to families. Framlingham Castle is a favourite spot for a picnic or a slice of cake in the cafe. They often have child-friendly activities during school holidays, so investigate their website in advance of your visit. A day at the beach is on the bucket list of most children. The seaside resort of Southwold is within an hour’s drive of Stonham Aspal, as is Aldeburgh.
For Walkers & Cyclists - Staying in the heart of the Suffolk countryside gives direct access to beautiful walks and cycling routes which, because Suffolk is reasonably flat, are perfect for every fitness level. There is an easy six-mile loop passing through woodland around the village, while the National Cycle Network route 51 passes through nearby Stowmarket.
For Foodies - You only have to see the quality of farmland to know that regionally sourced Suffolk food tastes delicious. Pick up locally reared meat from one of several farm shops in the area and enjoy it seared on the barbecue and accompanied by locally brewed Aspall cider. Adnams has been distilling spirits and brewing beer in Southwold for more than 140 years, and there are plenty of other independent bakers, confectioners and ice creameries to satisfy those with a sweet tooth. Aldeburgh’s annual food festival over the last week in September attracts foodies from around the country, with markets and events in Ipswich, Newmarket, Framlingham and other towns and villages all year round.
For Nature Lovers - The area around Stonham Aspal is a haven for birds and wildlife, so be sure to remember your binoculars if you are a keen twitcher. Virtually on the doorstep, the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary allows visitors to get up close and personal with owls, raptors and other types of birds. They do fantastic work to protect vulnerable and injured birds and hold events like Hawk Walks and beginner falconry days. Also close to holiday cottages in Stonham Aspal is Needham Lake with a peaceful walk around the water and beautiful foliage, especially in autumn. The Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is an easy 30-minute drive from the village, while the drive to RSPB Minsmere takes a little longer but is worth the effort.
Stonham Aspal is peaceful and picturesque yet close to some of Suffolk’s best-loved attractions and within easy reach of beaches and the cities of Norwich and Ipswich. The area has a cross-generational appeal, and it is understandable why children who visit here on holiday grow up to bring their own families back for a relaxing, stress-free holiday.
