Britain is a land of diverse wonders and breathtaking beauty. We are lucky to have a lot packed into our small island nation; a landscape of rolling hills, lush forests, and mountain peaks sit on this little lump of land surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. The variety on offer is reason enough for so many holidaymakers to choose Britain as the destination for their getaways, and while there are an infinite amount of attractions in metropolises like London or Edinburgh, it is the small town charm and rural beauty of Suffolk that makes this county one of England’s hidden gems.

There are hundreds of reasons to holiday in Suffolk, but let’s start with a few good places to begin.

Breathtaking Coastline

Let’s begin with a big one: the Suffolk coast. Nearly anywhere in Suffolk, you are only a 30-minute drive away from the sea. Our stretch is an ancient pebbled wonder, a scattering of history and culture spanning from Felixstowe to Orford and beyond.

Anyone new to Suffolk should visit the picturesque coastal town of Southwold. Amongst many other attractions, Southwold is home to the world-famous Adnams brewery, whose signature bitter is named after the town itself.

Further down the road is the equally pleasant town of Aldeburgh. This ancient fishing community boasts “the best fish and chip shop” in England, according to Ed Sheeran. Tasting is believing.

For those wanting to explore the landscape on foot, a whole host of breathtaking trails can be found along the coast. The majority of the coastline is a National Trust area of outstanding natural beauty, making it one of the best free activities out there.

Culture

While Suffolk may be a rural county, it doesn’t mean it lacks art and culture. For a step back in time, head to Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich. This exquisite grade 1 listed Tudor building house not only maintains many original features but also boasts an incredible art collection. Works from everyone from Picasso to Rodin can be found here, as well as the biggest collection of Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable paintings outside of London.

Music is a big part of Suffolk life. The Aldeburgh Festival, with its Benjamin Britten roots, offers an eclectic mix of critically acclaimed classical artists. For something more contemporary, one of the crown jewels in the UK’s festival scene is Latitude Festival. This award-winning family-focused event brings together a diverse lineup of artists, including headliners such as Snow Patrol and Lana Del Rey.

A Walk in the Woods

Suffolk has an incredible array of landscapes to explore on foot. A trip to the tiny hamlet of Pin Mill on the banks of the majestic River Orwell is highly recommended. Lunch at the famous Butt and Oyster pub is a must before walking along the breathtaking river path to Shotley, where you can catch a foot ferry across the water to either Harwich or Felixstowe.

Further inland, the Ixworth Circular Walk offers one of the county’s best routes to explore Suffolk’s rich cultural legacy. Medieval churches and houses nestle into the gorgeous surrounding woodland and farmland, creating a scenic and historical experience.

Thornham Walks near Woodfarm Barns is also a fabulous way to unwind and enjoy a few hours under a canopy of trees.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Suffolk truly is a foodie’s heaven. There are so many fantastic establishments offering local produce cooked in an astounding amount of styles.

The Plough & Sail at Snape, only a hop, skip, and a jump from the gangplank of Onderneming, serves fabulous British pub classics as well as cuisine from around the world.

If you want to take your taste buds on a journey far away from Suffolk, then The Royal Bengal in Woodbridge is considered one of the best curry houses in the UK. With generous portions and a great mix of traditional and modern dishes, it is a must-visit location.

Vegetarians and vegans are catered for by The Walnut Tree in Thwaite. This unique restaurant is a Suffolk institution, serving pub/bistro-style dishes that are all totally vegetarian and vegan. A standout dish is the roasted mushroom wellington, which is truly incredible.

So there you have it. We have barely scratched the surface of what a holiday in Suffolk can offer. A beautiful region filled with friendly, welcoming people, this truly is one of the best places to holiday in the UK. But don’t just take our word for it. With so many hidden gems dotted across this ancient rural landscape, you must pay us a visit and decide for yourself.