Is there anything better than discovering a great place to eat when you didn't expect it?

All over Suffolk, the county is full of charming cafes that are either off the beaten track, nestled alongside beauty spots or hidden within other businesses.

Here are just seven cafés to uncover on your trips around the county...

The Duck & Teapot

East Anglian Daily Times: The opening of the Duck & Teapot at Needham Lakes in 2022The opening of the Duck & Teapot at Needham Lakes in 2022 (Image: Gregg Brown)

Anyone who hasn't visited Needham Lakes for a while will be pleasantly surprised to find that The Duck & Teapot has popped up at the beauty spot.

The café opened up in May 2022 and instantly proved to be a huge hit among visitors to the site.

The Tea Hut

East Anglian Daily Times: The Tea Hut in WoodbridgeThe Tea Hut in Woodbridge (Image: Rachel Edge)

A walk along the River Deben at Woodbridge is always a lovely way to spend a day, but some walkers might not have stopped at The Tea Hut on their rambles.

This café is dog and child friendly, making it the perfect pit stop for a family day on a brisk January weekend.

No. 4

East Anglian Daily Times: No.4 restaurant and Bar inside Abbeygate Cinema in Bury St EdmundsNo.4 restaurant and Bar inside Abbeygate Cinema in Bury St Edmunds (Image: Archant)

Found inside Abbeygate Cinema in Bury St Edmunds, this charming café/restaurant is an unsung hero in the town's vibrant food and drink scene.

Guests can make a day out of their time here by sitting down for a coffee and slice of cake either side of a movie.

The Café at Urban Jungle

East Anglian Daily Times: The Cafe at Urban Jungle in BecclesThe Cafe at Urban Jungle in Beccles (Image: Newsquest)

While it is nothing new to find a cafe in a plant nursery or farm shop, Urban Jungle in Beccles takes the tea and coffee experience to another level, with guests being surrounded by exotic plants.

Dotted amongst the leaves is an eclectic mix of furniture, allowing customers to find a quiet corner and sip their drinks in a unique environment.

Pilgrim's Kitchen

East Anglian Daily Times: Pilgrim's Kitchen is hidden away inside St Edmundsbury CathedralPilgrim's Kitchen is hidden away inside St Edmundsbury Cathedral (Image: Newsquest)

Found in one wing of St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Pilgrim's Kitchen is in a blink-and-you-miss-it spot in Bury St Edmunds.

It can be accessed through a path that is tucked away to the right side of the Abbey Gardens when entering from Angel Hill and is a perfect retreat after a day spent shopping.

Realise Futures Café

East Anglian Daily Times: Realise Futures Cafe can be found in St Lawrence Church in IpswichRealise Futures Cafe can be found in St Lawrence Church in Ipswich (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

This café can be found in St Lawrence Church in the very centre of Ipswich.

The church setting makes for a calming environment to enjoy a hot drink away from the rush of the town centre.

Coach House Tea Rooms

East Anglian Daily Times: Helmingham HallHelmingham Hall (Image: Newsquest)

The Coach House Tea Rooms might have the grandest entrance of any café in Suffolk thanks to its Helmingham Hall setting.

However, guests will have to wait if they want to experience it, as the latest update from the website reads: "We are excited to be opening the doors to the tea rooms with a new partner, we are looking forward to announcing more details soon".