Renowned for its picturesque Tudor villages and grand churches, Suffolk’s stunning medieval architecture was built on the wool trade. But the secret of Suffolk does not end there; its impressive, expansive landscape is rich with glorious beaches and tiny creeks, and big skies are a feature of unspoilt, rolling countryside which inspired world-known landscape artists John Constable and Thomas Gainsborough.
If the sound of this makes you want to get up and go, then you might want to carry on reading for a local's guide to lovely Suffolk:
LAVENHAM AND MORE LOVELY VILLAGES
Where to start with the pretty villages... if you are out and about in Suffolk, then Lavenham with its Guildhall or Dedham with Munning’s Castle House are a must. Clare, Stoke by Nayland, Flatford Mill are also all worthy of a visit! The quintessential English village of Long Melford offers individual boutique shops and galleries with Melford Hall, home of Beatrix Potter, and Kentwell Hall for lively historical reconstructions to enchant the children. Woodbridge is a quaint town with its Tide Mill and Sutton Hoo’s exciting Anglo-Saxon royal burial site.
Experience one of Lavenham's many events at the Grade I listed 16th-century Guildhall.
BEAUTIFUL ALDEBURGH
Aldeburgh is one of the best examples of the how this country is stuffed full of surprises. On the face of it Aldeburgh is a small, picturesque, seaside town. Its beautiful beach is ideal for soaking up the sun and its array of small shops offers quirky, hand-crafted goods in abundance. What's more, Aldeburgh even holds its own Food & Drink Festival - a popular food festival which takes place in the gorgeous setting of Snape Maltings. This year the festival is taking place on the 28th and 29th of September, and you can find more information on it here. Benjamin Britten’s fabulous Snape Maltings with its concert hall and shopping experience demands a day out.
STUNNING SOUTHWOLD
From here it is a stone’s throw to the beautiful seaside town of Southwold, a picture-perfect place frozen in time. You should also visit the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB, famed for quietly slipping into the sea, and truly spectacular. As an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, giving plenty of opportunity for walkers, cyclists and wildlife enthusiasts to discover and enjoy the miles of footpaths and bridleways. In addition, Suffolk has its own marshy wetlands where visitors can get a different perspective on its stunning backdrop from the tranquility of a boat.
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
For a fun day out with all the family, there’s no better stop-off than the Pleasure Beach at Great Yarmouth. Even if this isn’t your sort of thing, it’s well worth a visit, as many of the rides have some historical value – especially the old, wooden roller coaster that dates back to 1932. Why not treat yourselves to a weekend playing golf at one of Suffolk’s exceptional courses – you are spoilt for choice right on the doorstep. There is good sailing, too, or if you fancy the sport of Kings, don’t miss Newmarket races and don’t forget to take in Bury St Edmunds on the way, with the Abbey gardens and Cathedral. And don’t miss Framlingham with its 12th century castle!
Photo copyright of Jeremy Thompson and licenced for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
As you can see, Suffolk is not to be missed. So if you’re paying a visit to this stunning small county sometime soon, then why not check out our range of luxury holiday cottages in Norfolk, Suffolk & East of England on our website?