Top ways to treat yourself in Suffolk

Suffolk is famous for its beautiful landscapes, historic towns and incredible coastlines, but sometimes it’s worth going a little further to sample the truly unique experiences in our lovely county. You’ll find you get a lot for your money away from the city - we explore a few of the exquisite options in Suffolk’s exclusive locations that won’t break the bank.

Let’s start with the most obvious choice for a memorable day out - one of the electrifying meetings at either of Newmarket’s prestigious Racecourses. The town has been the Home of Horseracing for over 350-years and on a race day, throngs with well-turned out crowds, all enjoying the thrill of the pounding of hooves as horses thunder down the tracks, clutching their betting slips and cheering for the win.

During race days you can bring a picnic and dine al fresco, or tantalise your taste buds and try one of the array of street food offerings. Alternatively, for champagne and fine dining, book yourself into one of the superb restaurants.

For an extra special Newmarket experience, why not book a tour to visit the famed gallops and watch as hundreds of thoroughbreds gallop up Warren Hill in the morning or take a tour around The National Stud before your day at the races.

Take a seat in the stands or find a trackside position to get in the thick of the action! Whatever your choice, it’ll be unforgettable.

The village of Lavenham in the Heart of Sufolk is itself an incredible place to visit - a cornucopia of galleries, boutiques and cafes in a settlement where time has seemingly stood still since the prosperous Tudor period - but it is at The Swan at Lavenham Hotel and spa where you can truly experience a slice of luxury in these splendid, historic surroundings.

Their opulent Afternoon Tea is something of an institution. Featuring a range of finger sandwiches, pastries, savouries and cakes, all presented stage-by-stage on the finest Royal Worcester crockery and complemented by champagne or a range of specialist teas, you know this will be an experience that will linger in your mind for years to come. With musical accompaniment in the summer to enhance the atmosphere, advance booking is essential.

Around five miles from the coast in rural east Suffolk, this huge converted old maltings site was first used for concerts by Benjamin Brittan during his Aldeburgh Festival of Music & Arts in 1965. Since that time, it has expanded to incorporate a regular calendar of high-quality performances and events - from live orchestras to exquisite arts and crafts exhibitions - across its two concert halls and creative campus as well as a retail, cafe and residential complex.

A day at Snape simply must include an hour or two for bargain-hunting amongst the huge variety of shops and stalls on-site selling pottery, sculpture, antique furniture, clothes, books, garden decoration, quality local produce and fine art in all its forms, before going for a snack or pre-concert dinner ahead of the evening’s entertainment in one of the Maltings’ exquisite artisan eateries. And if you want to really immerse yourself in Snape and its surroundings, great-value holiday homes are available within the complex.

You might have heard of this well-known tourist attraction, where a visit can prove truly extraordinary, as well as fantastic value for money. Thanks to recent development, this awe-inspiring Anglo-Saxon burial site houses a state-of-the-art complex including the stunning Viking treasure exhibits, a visitor centre, new exhibition hall, workshop areas, an incredible Viking ship sculpture and a modern cafe serving local and seasonal food with views over the beautiful grounds. Perfect for a day blending history, geography and storytelling on a tour amongst its mist-wreathed mounds.

There are plenty of places for dining, entertainment and even an overnight stay that wont break the bank on the Suffolk Coast.  Find picturesque towns, incuding Woodbridge, just a couple of miles away from Sutton Hoo, around the River Deben and home to some lovely old pubs, cafes and good value restaurants.  

Suffolk is a place where you can really make the most of what nature has provided, free of charge. The Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, covering 90 square kilometres in the region around the River Stour, is a remarkable conservation area filled with picturesque villages, rolling farmland, scenic flood plains and beautiful nature reserves.  Not only this it was home to the great painter John Constable.

Walking amongst its magical woodland, grassy hillsides and stunning waterways is a treat for the senses and is perfectly punctuated by a stop-over for a high-quality yet reasonably-priced lunch or dinner in any one of the numerous much-loved stop-overs along the area’s lanes and paths.  Stay at the nearby Marquis just outside Hadliegh or Milsoms close to Flatford, both are known for their excellent menus and would be perfect places to relax. To make a weekend of it, why not indulge in an exclusive lodge at Stoke-by-Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa!

Situated just across the market square from Bury St Edmunds’ stunning mediaeval Abbey Gardens and cathedral, is The Angel Hotel, a grand Georgian building that has played host to celebrities from the last two centuries, including Charles Dickens and Angelina Jolie. Its well-appointed rooms and suites have been updated to provide an exclusive, eclectic, cosmopolitan look with generously-sized beds and every modern convenience, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in a world of luxury without the city-centre price tag.

The stylish restaurant serves a fine menu of English cuisine, including an opulent afternoon tea if you like to relax in rooms bursting with delightful details and design features.  Look out for the Dickens inspired quote from Pickwick Papers.

After exploring all the purse friendly things to see and do in Bury St Edmunds, you might never want to leave!

Ready to go further? Whether coming for one night, a weekend getaway or an extended countryside break, there are hotels, self-catering cottages, B&Bs, holiday villages, glamping sites and more to suit everyones taste and budget - check out your perfect to stay

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