Suffolk Hidden Gems
With beautiful countryside, rich history, charming medieval villages and a stunning coastline there are so many things to do and beautiful places to visit in Suffolk. Why not have a change of scene and head to one of these little hidden gems dotted around the county for a night or two, or even three!
Fritton Lake, Suffolk/Norfolk Border
For the ultimate staycation in nature, look no further than Fritton Lake, a private holiday club set in one thousand acres of unspoilt, sustainable wildland on the Norfolk/Suffolk border. Just a few hours from London but worlds away from the city, Fritton Lake offers a rejuvenating yet sustainable escape. Here you can elevate your endorphins with activities in nature and replenish with locally sourced, seasonal food. Accommodation is in beautiful woodland cabins, farm cottages and there are boutique family rooms in the 16th-century Clubhouse. Wake with a wild lake swim, join a walking, water or jeep nature safari and learn how to improve our natural ecosystem. You can go trail running, get tennis match-fit, join a group yoga or fitness class or book a session in the floating Koto sauna, cycle and paddle board. At The Clubhouse, the seasonal menu features flavourful ingredients grown and bred on the land. Part of the Rewilding Britain network, Fritton Lake is at the forefront of WildEast, a bold initiative which aims to return 20% of the region’s land to nature.
Rates from £180 per night in the Clubhouse B&B
www.frittonlake.co.uk
Five Acre Barn, Aldeburgh
Hidden away down a small lane just a stone’s throw from Aldeburgh Five Acre Barn is a modern oasis surrounded by 5 acres featuring a cottage garden, a prairie of grasses and a gravelled area with fire pit and barbecue. Owners David and Bruce re-modelled and designed this barn and 1970’s extension into a spacious and very cool place to stay. They live onsite with Lola the Labrador and Ruby their friendly Viszla. Five rooms are individually designed but all offer clean contemporary design, and small but perfectly formed en-suites. Each room has a door leading out to a small garden terrace and the pièce de resistance, room 5, is laid out on a single story enjoying the full height of the roof. Huge, this room has a sitting area with sweeping views across the garden and features a fully accessible shower room as well as a luxurious bathroom. Ideal for rural relaxation it’s a lovely place for a family get together and can be rented out exclusively on a B&B or self-catering basis.
Rates from £115
The Marquis, Hadleigh
This picturesque luxury hotel, restaurant and bar has great views of the Brett River not far from Hadleigh and is one of the best places to stay in Suffolk. The classic rooms and suites are decorated in soft muted colours with original oak beams. Book the Loft Room if you can; it’s unlike any other room in the hotel featuring an original floor-level window and skylit bathroom, it’s a little cosy hideaway full of Suffolk charm. The large and independent Cornwallis Suite is very private with its own balcony overlooking the river and surrounding countryside, ideal for a romantic break. Enjoy the award-winning British food in the restaurant with bar, or on one of the two terraces. There are also two private dining rooms, great for birthday celebrations. Breakfast is a veritable feast, with frothy cappuccinos, full breakfast, pancakes and waffles. Coming soon is a spacious luxury spa and fantastic indoor event space, perfect for parties and weddings. Why not fly in by helicopter and land on the new helipad?
Rates from £165
Church Farm, Bradfield Combust
Ruth and Paul have been running this adults-only two-bedroom B&B for over 20 years. The farm has been in the family as a fruit farm since the early 50's, when Paul's grandfather bought it and grew it into the thriving farm it is now. The two rooms, Pippin and Bramley have been designed by art and design student Ruth and are self-contained each with their own entrance. They feature large en-suite shower rooms, lovely bed linens, Bramley bath and body products and fresh fruit directly from the farm. Breakfast is fabulous with products either from the farm or locally sourced. The orchards are beautiful and there are benches dotted around so you can stop on your walks and soak up the countryside views. The apple and pear trees are particularly stunning when in blossom but it’s also lovely here during the winter months; Ruth and Paul also grow and sell Christmas trees and have a beautiful Suffolk barn selling Christmas decorations in December.
Rates from £95 per night
www.thehotelguru.com or www.churchfarmbandbsuffolk.com
The Windmill, Cockfield
Renovated and re-invented by husband-and-wife team Natalie and Steven The Windmill is an award-winning, eye-catching hideaway just two miles from the medieval village of Lavenham. Sleeping up to four in two king-size bedrooms this adult-only self-catering bolthole enjoys far reaching views across the Suffolk countryside and is a fantastic alternative to a hotel. Lazy mornings start with coffee on the top floor balcony or living room followed by long walks and perhaps a wander around the charming market town of Bury St Edmunds; there are plenty of food stalls on market day for you to plan a relaxed al fresco supper in your own private garden. The kitchen is fully fitted with fridge/freezer, dishwasher, electric oven and hob, microwave and washer/dryer. For a romantic stay why not book it just for two? Booking well ahead is essential.
Rates from £425 per night
www.thewindmillsuffolk.com
Toad Hall Lodges, Southwold
Toad Hall Lodges near Southwold have five chic but cosy timber lodges near some of Suffolk’s best-kept secrets. With the comforts of a 5-star hotel and a fun, relaxed, outdoor vibe, this adults-only hideaway is a place to relax and recharge. If you want to get close to nature with your own private, heated shower room and a very comfortable bed, then Toad Hall Lodges is the place for you; flimsy tents flapping in the rain are a thing of the past and Toad Hall’s hand-built timber lodges are cosy and comfortable with memory foam mattresses, comfortable pillows and feather-filled duvets. Toast marshmallows over the fire pit, try your hand at wood-fired pizzas and stretch out your evening playing board games or with some yoga or a session on the Peloton. The Suffolk coastline is the first part of the UK to see the dawn of a new day so it’s worth setting your alarm early to see the sunrise.
Rates from £300 for a 2-night minimum stay