Out & About: Suffolk

Our guide to the best of Suffolk

Suffolk may be a mission to get to for many, with few fast roads piercing the furthest reaches of the beautiful coastal counties of East Anglia, but the effort is well rewarded, as the feeling of being 'away from it all' is often overwhelming. This largely 'undiscovered' county offers a breath-taking variety of countryside; from open heath and wild marshland, to the miles of magnificent coastline, with stunning dune-backed beaches, shingle spits and undiscovered creeks and estuaries to explore. Add a rolling, unspoilt landscape punctuated by sleepy thatched villages, pretty market towns and historic houses, Suffolk has much to offer walkers and cyclists and those seeking refuge from modern life. Make your Suffolk journey even more memorable by staying at one of our fabulous pubs with rooms and be wowed by the food, the cosy rooms and their individual charm.

 

Food & Drink

Check out the cool cafes following a day beside the sea, tour the brewery that brewed your favourite pint, or the distillery that produced your tipple of gin, visit the shop on the farm that reared your delicious Sunday roast beef and seek out the markets, deli's and artisan producers that supplied the treats on the inn's menu, then enjoy them at home.

 

Walks & Nature

Explore heathland trails and riverside paths, take in the serene gently rolling landscape that inspired artists like Constable, or walk the breezy Suffolk Coastal Path between Lowestoft and Felixstowe. And with Minsmere Nature Reserve, Orford Ness and unspoilt estuaries, take some time to discover British flora and fauna.

 

Culture & Heritage

Take a journey through time, exploring traditional seaside towns, medieval castle and abbey ruins, and grand moated houses. Visit Snape Maltings, one of the world's leading centres of classical music, founded by Benjamin Brittan, and explore glorious gardens - Helmingham and Ickworth - heady with the scent of summer blooms. No visit to Suffolk is complete without strolling around the quintessential thatched villages - picture-book painted houses cluster around idyllic greens.

 

Activities & Days Out

Explore the Suffolk lanes in a classic car or head out to sea on a high-speed boat trip from Southwold for an adrenaline-rush; or slow down the pace by kayaking down the Stour or spending time crabbing with the kids on Walberswick Quay. Or, drift silently across the glorious Suffolk landscape in a balloon.

 

Great Places to Stay

Escape to Suffolk and treat yourself to a night or two at one of these brilliant foodie inns. Hunker down by blazing fires in beamed bars and rest and refuel having explored local towns and pretty thatched villages, or a stately pile, or following an invigorating coast path walk. Expect to find a comfortable room with cossetting extras and smart bathrooms, imaginative menus brimming with local produce, a cosy bar serving tip-top beers and eclectic wines, and great walks from the front door. Explore our Suffolk Collection below.

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