Luxury Cottages in Suffolk

Don’t be fooled by the small size of Suffolk - the county is packed full of things to do with the kids, as a couple, or with a large group of friends. From traversing the beaches to immersing yourself in the ancient history of the area, a cottage holiday in Suffolk will have you spoiled for choice in terms of activities.

A good place to start when getting to know Suffolk are the bustling historic towns in the area. Bury St Edmunds is home to St. Edmundsbury Cathedral, built as a shrine to the Saxon King, Saint Edmund. The charming Abbey Gardens surrounds the site - we recommend bringing a picnic and spending some time exploring the 13th-century ruins.

History buffs will also love the site of Sutton Hoo, a famed Anglo Saxon burial site, and Framlingham Castle. The castle dates back to the 12th-century and has been lovingly restored and rebuilt over the years so that visitors can enjoy the impressive sweeping views of Suffolk.  

Thrill-seekers, don’t worry - you’ll also be able to get your adrenaline fix in Suffolk. Pleasurewood Hills is the county’s most popular theme park. As well as family-friendly rides and live animal displays, the park is also home to Wipeout, the biggest rollercoaster in East Anglia!

The Suffolk coast boasts of several award-winning beaches, from blue flag coastal resorts to secret hideaways, a trip to the seaside during your cottage holiday in Suffolk is a must - even if the British weather isn’t on your side!

Lowestoft is a beach town that attracts many tourists throughout the year, thanks to its two entertaining piers. Claremont Pier and South Lowestoft Pier both with easy reach of the centre, and walking between the two is a great way to spend an afternoon.

Southwold is another holiday hot spot, and one of the sandy beaches in the area. Head a little further south for Denes Beach too, which is beautifully backed by dunes and marshland. A slightly quieter and more idyllic location.

The shingles at Aldeburgh may not appeal to everyone, but the pretty pastel huts and classic promenade make it a must-do during your Suffolk seaside holiday. Tourists and locals alike love this stretch of coastline, so arrive early for a good spot on the shore.     

The smaller beaches of Thorpeness, Kessingland, Covehithe and Dunwich are also equally worth a visit, especially if you’re looking for a more peaceful location. Suffolk is lucky enough to have a stellar range of beaches to choose from, and many of our cottages are within walking distance to the beach. The hardest part is deciding where to spend your days!

Foodies will be spoilt for choice when holidaying in Suffolk - the county is home to many fine-dining restaurants, renowned by food critics.

The Maison Bleue in Bury St Edmunds is consistently named one of the Top 10 Fine Dining Restaurants in the UK in the Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, an accolade that speaks for itself. The Great House in Lavenham is also no stranger to an award or two, the French-style cuisine luring visitors far and wide.

For a taste of the county, head to the Suffolk Food Hall near Ipswich. This multi-faceted venue is home to a restaurant, cafe, and a large market, where visitors can purchase locally made delights as well as fresh local produce. It was also voted the best Local Food Venue in the UK & Ireland!

Time your stay with the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival, one of the most popular festivals in the county, where a celebration of local flavours takes place over two weeks. Have a taste of traditional smoked salmon and other fish from Pinney's of Orford, who practice sustainable and low impact fishing along the Suffolk heritage coast.     

Of course, you’ll want something to wash that all down with too! Suffolk is known for its beers, wines, and spirits, the most popular being Adnams (originating in Southwold) and Aspalls Cyder. Refreshing and delicious, they also make great gifts to take home...for yourself and others!    

The picturesque towns and villages in Suffolk are well worth a visit during your UK cottage holiday. Bursting with history and important cultural significance, a simple wander around the quaint streets and charming lanes will easily have you occupied for hours.

There’s Bury St. Edmunds - regarded as the ‘jewel of the county’ - which is the place to go for all your restaurant, bar, and shopping wants, as well as to visit the Cathedral of course. Ipswich is great for visitors looking to add a bit of art and culture to their holiday, and it’s also one of the oldest towns in the country. For all your sporting needs (and a great day out!) head to Newmarket Racecourse, where live music and horse racing dominate the summer months.

Many of the best Suffolk gems will be found on the coast, including the shingle beach of Aldeburgh, the busy seaside resort town of Felixstowe, and lively Lowestoft, on the border with neighbouring county Norfolk.

But don’t overlook the quieter, inland villages too; Clare contains a beautiful country park, while Beccles is great for a spot of kayaking or canoeing, thanks to its proximity to the River Waveney. Framlingham is the home of singing superstar Ed Sheeran, the village castle being the famed ‘Castle on the Hill’.    

With easy access from London and the south east, Suffolk is hassle-free to get to. During your stay, you'll find lots of bus and train options, making your cottage holiday in Suffolk easy to navigate and explore.

By car

You’ll most likely arrive in Suffolk via car. The county is well-connected to London and the south - the A12 runs along the east coast from the M25, and the A14 links Newmarket, Bury St. Edmunds, Stowmarket and Ipswich.

By train

Many of the towns and villages in Suffolk have train stations, linking them to each other and places like London and Cambridge.

By bus

There’s a decent bus service across the county, connecting smaller towns and villages and making for a cheap way to see the area.

By taxi

Taxi services are available across nearly all the towns and villages in Suffolk. Just be sure to book ahead if you’re staying in a quieter area!

By foot

The Suffolk Coastal Path is a must-do when visiting Suffolk. The 60-mile long route stretches from Lowestoft to Felixstowe, meandering through delightful seaside towns and villages and impressive scenery along the way.