Packed with natural beauty, the jewel in Suffolk’s crown is its fifty miles of spectacular coastline. From quintessentially British seaside towns such as Southwold to the quaint fishing town of Aldeburgh, the coastline remains one of the most popular attractions in the whole of the county.
Take a step inland, though, and picturesque towns such as Lavenham or Stowmarket are ideal locations for whiling away an afternoon exploring the historic streets. For those visitors looking to uncover more of the county’s incredible history, the likes of Bury St Edmunds, Orford Castle and Sutton Hoo are popular destinations.
Of course, one of the biggest attractions in Suffolk remains the Newmarket Racecourse, which has played host to horse racing since 1174! Nowadays, the 2,000 Guineas and the 1,000 Guineas are amongst the most prestigious races in the world and are held on the first weekend of May every year.
Alongside its rich tapestry of history, Suffolk has also become a hub of modern culture. The county has been the birthplace of a host of stars from the arts, from legendary 20th-century composer Benjamin Britten and artist Thomas Gainsborough to contemporary stars such as Bob Hoskins, Ralph Fiennes and Ed Sheeran! Nowadays, it plays host to a range of arts events in venues throughout the region, while every summer it also holds one of the UK’s most famous music festivals, Latitude.
Whatever you might be looking for, Suffolk is a beautiful place to unwind. From family-friendly destinations to romantic spots for the ultimate weekend getaway, you will always be able to find the perfect location for your next holiday.
Suffolk is also a great location for holidaymakers looking to take their pets away with them. Many of our cottages are dog-friendly and located in prime locations that are perfect for taking your pooch out for a stroll. From short-term stays and weekend breaks to week-long vacations, Suffolk remains one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK.
Here we feature two of our more popular destinations along the Suffolk coast where we showcase a selection of coastal holiday cottages, homes and fabulous places to stay on holiday.
Southwold
Southwold is one of the most charming seaside towns in Suffolk and is based on the north of the Sunrise Coast. A truly unique location, Southwold can almost be classed as an island, with the North Sea to its east and River Blyth and Buss Creek encompassing it. With just one road into the town, it is a popular location for holidaymakers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of life.
The pristine sandy beach and famous promenade are the star attractions of the market town, with visitors taking in the working lighthouse, award-winning pier and working harbour all year round. A short walk from the sea will see you stumble upon an array of delicious food from the market, while those looking for a touch of culture can visit the Southwold Arts Centre or Electric Picture Palace.
Southwold plays host to the Railway Steamworks, a unique attraction dedicated to the three-foot gauge Southwold Railway that ran from 1879 to 1929. Visitors looking to take in more of the region’s history can do so at the Southwold Museum, which houses a wide range of artefacts from fossils to Vikings!
If you are looking to grab a bite to eat or relax with a drink, Southwold is packed with delicious restaurants and pubs that are perfect for sampling everything from fresh fish to tasty treats.
Homes in Southwold >
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Aldeburgh
Another popular seaside destination, Aldeburgh, is world-famous as being the birthplace of Benjamin Britten and his Aldeburgh Festival. With its breathtaking sea views, alongside incredible views over the River Alde, it is an astonishing place of natural beauty.
Once a bustling medieval town, which played an important part in building Sir Francis Drake’s boat the Golden Hind, it is now a popular holiday destination for families and couples alike. The main High Street that runs through the town is packed with an array of independent shops, from book stores and boutique clothing to antiques and arts.
One of the biggest attractions is, of course, the region’s ties to Britten, with his home, The Red House, based just outside the main town. Acting as a museum to the composer, it is now a popular destination that allows visitors to see where his music was created.
Like all seaside towns, though, it is the beach that is the main attraction. The sand and shingle beach is the perfect place to while away the summer days and a short stroll to the north will reveal the famous ‘Scallop’ sculpture. Dedicated to Britten, and inscribed with a quote from one of his most renowned opera’s, it is a unique piece of modern art amongst the backdrop of the historic town.
Aldeburgh is famous for its fish and chips, but the town also has an array of culinary delights to sample, from innovative fish dishes to traditional pub grub.
