Guide to Suffolk

A heady combination of expansive sky, sea and windswept vistas makes Suffolk a breathtakingly beautiful place to visit. Situated on the east coast and rubbing shoulders with Norfolk to the north and Cambridgeshire and Essex to the south and west, it’s a haven of over 50 miles of breathtaking coastline and scenic countryside, peppered with a host of pretty villages and medieval towns.

Unwind on the vast stretches of sand, visit the maritime town of Ipswich and the historic town of Bury St Edmunds, and sample the freshest seafood at a variety of up-and-coming restaurants. Find out why it’s known as Constable Country and pay homage to Suffolk’s most famous sons, painter John Constable and the composer Benjamin Britten. You'll find even more great ideas for your holiday in our guide to things to do in Suffolk.

There’s so much to do and so many places to see when you visit Suffolk; get the most out of your trip by staying at one of our beautiful holiday cottages. We have properties all over the county from unique luxury accommodation, to sea-view cottages and converted farmhouses. Browse our full collection of Suffolk properties by clicking on the button below.

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Relax and play on Suffolk's best beaches

We know – most people come to Suffolk for the beach. And why not? It's a romantic stretch of heritage coastline, starting south in Felixstowe and ending at Corton, north of Lowestoft, which is a sand and shingle paradise to thousands of holidaymakers each year. Come to Lowestoft, the most easterly town in the UK, to watch the glorious sunrises, and take cheery children and canines to experience the delights of the unspoilt wild sands of Kessington, with its low cliffs and Indiana Jones connection.

Take a swim in the sparkling seas or try your hand at some windsurfing – walk along dune-backed beaches and spend fun days out at traditional resorts with long piers stretching out into the North Sea. Last but certainly not least, is a visit to the delightful seaside town of Aldeburgh – with an excellent beach, classic festival and timeless charm, this quiet town is quickly gaining a reputation as the place to visit. Find out our insider tips on the best coastal spots in our Suffolk Coast Guide, as well as more of our favourite beaches in Suffolk.

Embark on Suffolk's walks and trails

A heady combination of windswept coast and picturesque countryside make Suffolk a popular area for walking and cycling. There are many excellent walks, from circular walks along the scenic coast path to leafy footpaths in the beautiful pine Thetford Forest. Boasting National Nature Reserves with shingle islands and lagoons, and huge pine forests, rural Suffolk makes excellent walking country and many reserves welcome well-behaved dogs too.

Whether you love to go on a trek in the summer or winter, you can find some great long-distance trails in the East of England that span both Suffolk and neighbouring Norfolk like the Sandlings Walk, the Stour & Orwell Walk, Suffolk Coast Path, Angles Way, Brecks Trail, and the mighty Ickneild Way Path.

Suffolk's many pretty towns and villages

If you can drag yourself away from the coastline, and that’s no easy feat in Suffolk, you’ll discover a world of tranquil pretty villages where the only thing disturbing you are the church bells ringing in the air. Wrapped around them is a blanket of breathtaking countryside, with huge expanses of flat, patchwork fields only rivalled in landscape paintings – no wonder that this is called Constable country.

Don’t forget the historic Suffolk towns of Ipswich, Beccles and Bury St Edmunds, packed with monuments to discover, fabulous restaurants to eat in and quirky shops to visit as well as the smaller ‘Wool Towns’ in the heart of the county, where gift shops, galleries and cafes housed in medieval, timber-framed buildings are sure to capture visitors’ hearts. 

Great things to do with kids in Suffolk

Kids will love all the fun things on offer all over Suffolk. If you are coming at half term, many child-friendly attractions put on special events – especially Christmas events, Easter egg hunts, Halloween hi-jinx, and dazzling firework displays that light up the Suffolk skies. Make sure you head to some of our favourites below; an unforgettable time is guaranteed! 

There is also a good number of visitor attractions aimed at young families for kids to enjoy like the Southwold Maize Maze, Kentwell Hall's farm, and BeWILDerwood (which is just over the border into Norfolk). There are even more attractions that are family-friendly like Sutton Hoo and Ipswich Transport Museum which have something for visitors of every age.

The best places for food and drink in Suffolk

When you come to the Suffolk coast, you’ll be encouraged to try the local produce, and above all, the excellent seafood. Unpretentious restaurants serve the best the area has to offer, from juicy scallops and sea bass to fresh prawns, smoked fish and oysters. If you like your fish just off the boat, walk along the river towards the sea, where you’ll find huts selling fresh fish - cod, sole, sea bass, crab, and even shark, depending on that morning's catch. 

There is a plethora of cafes and tearooms, tempting visitors with their homemade cakes and steaming pots of tea. When you just fancy a pint of the local ale and something simple, head to one of Suffolk’s best inns, where you’ll find hearty fare and a warm welcome.

Best places for lunch in Suffolk

Best places for afternoon tea in Suffolk

Best places for dinner in Suffolk

Best pubs in Suffolk

Uncover Suffolk's art and culture

For those that appreciate beauty and the finer things in life, Suffolk is a great spot for arts and culture. Bury St Edmunds is home to the unique Theatre Royal which offers guided tours of its ornate interior. There's always something interesting performing there too. The city is also home to an arthouse cinema if you are bored of watching sequels and remakes. The octagonal architectural highlight of Ipswich, the Ipswich Art Gallery is the place to head to if you love modern art. It hosts an unrivalled series of touring exhibitions throughout the year. A great way to enjoy the arts and culture of Suffolk is to enjoy a short break in Ipswich or Bury.

Discover Suffolk's homes and gardens

Walking in landscaped gardens gives so many of us pleasure. It's a fine staple of the British holidaymaking experience. Suffolk is home to some supreme gardens and stately homes for your to visit, from wildlife gardens to well-maintained town parks like the lovely Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds with its cathedral, aviary and ancient ruins. Also, visit the enchanting rooms of Kentwell Hall which also has an estate full of follies and ornamental ponds. Find your own unique holiday home in our collection and live like the lord and lady of the manor.

Enjoy Suffolk's vineyards

Long associated with wine production in the UK, Suffolk has a number of vineyards that are open to the public for days out wine tasting. Walk among the vines and sample some great reds, whites, and rosés on your travels. Most of Suffolk's vineyards are located in lovely locations like Dedham Vale Vineyard or the wide green countryside around Framlingham. They make for a very pleasant afternoon out in the country air. Why not enjoy a last-minute break with friends for a tour of the vineyards this season?

Get lively at Suffolk's best festivals

No matter what you're into, there is probably a festival that fits your needs kicking off somewhere near you in Suffolk. Explore music festivals, celebrations of theatre and comedy, food and drink shindigs, and book gatherings. Whilst on holiday, many of us make a visit to a festival; among all the country walks and trips to the beach, a day or night at a festival can be a lively addition. It's a place where you can get as involved as you want, whether that's having a sing and dance with crowds of people at a live music event or simply witnessing a cool cookery demonstration at a food and drink festival. 

The best places to go shopping in Suffolk

Suffolk is an interesting place to shop - whether you are into farmers' markets, antique and bargain hunting, vintage clothes shopping, or record and book hunting, there's a shop waiting for you. The main shopping hubs for High Street names are Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, and Felixstowe, but dig deeper by visiting other market towns and coastal villages and you will find some interesting places in the way of independent one-off specialists and boutiques.

Flex your credit card and find a unique item of furniture for your house, or a new summer dress for an upcoming outing with friends. Stay at one of our self-catering luxury cottages in Suffolk. We have some attractive properties all across the county near each of the shopping hot spots.

Let's go shopping in Suffolk

Come and stay with us in Suffolk!

If you have fallen in love with this most beautiful of counties and need somewhere to rest your head, have a peek at our selection of cottages in Suffolk. Stay beachside at a contemporary apartment with sea views, get muddy in the country on a working farm, or cosy up in a thatched cottage, dog at your feet as you relax in front of a crackling wood burner.

Come alone, or with the kids. Bring a significant other or a group of friends. Bring the whole family together for a sparkling celebration – it doesn’t matter who you come with, our cottages in Suffolk provide the perfect retreat for your next escape. Book a cottage in Suffolk today!