Suffolk may not have a lot of coast compared to other destinations, but it’s quality not quantity that counts, and the quality here is outstanding… including big sandy beaches, a world-famous nature reserve, gorgeous seaside towns, a National Landscape, estuaries with pedestrian ferries and one of the longest spits in the UK.
And if you’re here to visit one or two of those, then you’ll need fabulous accommodation to stay in… and we’ve got that covered too.
If you really want to get away from it but still relax in sumptuous surroundings, then you need to stay at The Crown & Castle in Orford, a picturesque village at the end of the shingle Orford Ness spit.
Visit the English Heritage Orford Castle, built by Henry II when this was an important port, or book a trip by ferry to the National Trust Nature Reserve, or just take a walk or cycle around the quiet lanes with lovely views. Prepare a picnic at the Pump Street Bakery with fish and pates from Pinneys and take a walk along River Alde to Snape Maltings.
At the other end of the spit is Aldeburgh, a coastal town that looks as if it was set in aspic in the 1950s. There are two lovely hotels with sea views, dog-friendly The Brudenell, with its Seafood & Grill Restaurant serving produce fresh from the fishing boats on the shingle beach, and The White Lion Hotel (below), which has its own Indian restaurant.
While in Aldeburgh, take a walk along the prom, don’t miss Maggi Hambling’s Scallop, and get fish and chips on the High Street.
A few miles from Aldeburgh is the time warp Thorpeness, a 1920s holiday village that was built to look like Merrie England, timber-framed mock Tudor houses, a Mere with rowing boats and Peter Pan-inspired islands, and the famous House in the Clouds. You’ll know it when you see it.
The place to stay here is Thorpeness Golf Club & Hotel – and you’ll get a great view of the House in the Clouds.
A little further north is the hidden seaside village of Walberswick, where you can stay at the lovely Anchor, a short walk from the charming green, the sandy beach and a small bridge over the River Dunwich which is a popular spot for crabbing.
From Walberswick, you could walk to tiny Dunwich – visit the museum where you’ll see a model of the medieval town when this was one of the largest ports in the country – or take the row boat ferry across the River Blyth to see the fish shacks and eateries on Blackshore Harbour and further on to Southwold.
If you’re heading for Southwold, THE place to stay is The Swan on the market place – it’s been welcoming guests for 350 years but no fusty place is this. You’ll enjoy contemporary furnishings and a restaurant that’s been awarded 4 stars by the AA.
While you’re here take a tour of the Adnams Brewery and Distillery, a trip up the lighthouse, enjoy the Victorian pier or discover the seaside town’s range of independent shops and eateries.
To the south of Suffolk, Felixstowe is a lovely traditional seaside town with pier and sandy beach. Less busy with tourists but no less buzzy, you’ll want to stay at The Fludyers.
A bit inland there are some great places to base yourself from where you can sightsee at your leisure. In Woodbridge, try The Crown, in the middle of this bustling market town with lovely riverside – check out the historic Tide Mill – and proximity to National Trust Sutton Hoo.
Just outside the town is Seckford Hall, an Elizabethan manor house set in 34 acres of parkland.
Saxmundham is another idea venue from which to base yourself and there’s no better place to stay than The Bell, a boutique Georgian 4-star hotel with a fine reputation for dining. If you’re attending a concert at Snape Maltings’ Aldeburgh Music Festival this is an ideal spot to rest your head. Also nearby is stunning Framlingham Castle.
Close by is The Westleton Crown, a 12th century coaching inn in this delightful village – this is the perfect base for a trip to RSPB Minsmere and National Trust Dunwich Heath and Beach.
Great places to stay by the coast when you visit Suffolk – now all you’ve got to do is make a booking.
