Looking for a Valentine’s Day getaway? Why travel out of the county when you have so many amazing options on your doorstep? From plush hotels to cute cabins and even yurts, Suffolk has more romantic stays than you can shake a bunch of roses at
1. Get back to nature at Farmstead Lodges, Easton
If you’re looking for tranquillity and a break that takes you back to nature, then this could be the place you’re looking for. These eight self-catered lodges in Easton are both rustic and luxurious, featuring all the mod-cons you’d want for a comfortable break, while being eco-conscious. Cosy blankets, a wood burner and a copper bath will make it difficult to leave. Surrounded by birdsong, green fields and the nearby River Deben means you can switch off and truly immerse yourself in nature. farmsteadlodges.co.uk
2. Stay in an ancient watermill at Tuddenham Mill
This boutique hideaway is the ultimate romantic location. Set in an ancient watermill building, surrounded by 12 acres of countryside, you’re guaranteed a peaceful and quiet stay. Arrive hungry as their multi-award-winning restaurant is a feast for the tastebuds, using local and seasonal food to creative imaginative dishes. There are 21 rooms on site to suit everyone, from the large mill rooms with stand-alone baths to Scandi-chic nooks with wood-fired hot tubs in the meadow. tuddenhammill.co.uk
3. Relax among the vines at Valley Farms Vineyard, Wissett
A cabin in the heart of a vineyard sounds like a dreamy scenario. This small, self-catered cabin sits on its own amid the vines, far away from any disturbances. You can make the most of your stay by getting a tour of the vineyard while you’re there and then sampling the wine afterwards. How romantic is that? valleyfarmvineyards.co.uk
4. The ultimate romantic getaway at Wilderness Reserve, Saxmundham
For the ultimate indulgence, Wilderness Reserve is undoubtedly the place to go. You can stay in the remote luxury one-bedroom cottages on this exclusive site. Each cottage, which is surrounded by stunning parkland, has a sunken hot tub, pool, sauna, steam room and fire pit. Stays here are not cheap but they are quality and epitomise a romantic getaway. wildernessreserve.com
Enjoy Ipswich waterfront views from Salthouse Hotel. Photo: Getty 5. Waterfront views at Salthouse Hotel, Ipswich
This four-star hotel overlooking Ipswich’s waterfront offers a touch of class. The penthouse suite and the Copper Rooms are the luxurious options for those looking to splash out and enjoy a luxury stay. They offer a Romantic Break deal, which includes a night’s stay plus dinner in the fabulous restaurant and a bottle of Cremant. salthouseharbour.co.uk
6. One for the foodies at Husk, Thorington
Renowned chefs Joey O’Hare and Katy Taylor set up a very popular supper club on the site a couple of years ago, drawing inspiration for the menu from local ingredients, seasonal herbs and foraged flavours. They have now converted some old barns into four stylish rooms, filled with character and original features. Featured in The Sunday Times Top 100 Hotels in the UK in 2024, this place delivers on taste and escapism. There is also a natural swimming pool and eco sauna too for ultimate relaxation. A treat for your stomach and soul. huskthorington.co.uk
Retreat East. Photo: Retreat East 7. Get the VIP experience at Retreat East, Hemingstone
This is fast becoming a bit of a celebrity hang-out, with stars opting to stay at this luxury countryside retreat in Hemingstone. There is a selection of luxury self-catered barns to choose from, all featuring top-of-the-range products and appliances. The restaurant on site serves exquisite food and they also have a spa, featuring a hot tub and sauna. They offer an Ultimate Couples Retreat, which includes a two-night stay, chilled fizz, a romantic meal, a spa treatment and afternoon tea. retreateast.co.uk
8. A digital detox at Upper Grove Farm, Saxmundham
If you’re looking for a rural retreat for two, then these cosy cabins on a farmstead are ideal. There are six individually styled self-catered cabins on the site, most of which feature an outdoor bath or wood-fired hot tub and rainfall shower. This is a great option if you want to have a digital detox as there is no wifi or televisions. uppergrovefarm.com
Microlodge at Wantisden Park. Photo: Pitchup.com 9. Luxury cabin for two at Wantisden Park, near Butley
Coast or country for a couples’ break? Wantisden Park places you within easy reach of both. Explore the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB, dine out in Orford or potter around the art galleries in Aldeburgh.
Set on a private estate, the micro lodge is fully equipped for a cosy stay, including a king-size bed with luxury linen and en-suite, kitchen corner and a private veranda. Spend evenings watching local wildlife among the ancient oak woodland that surrounds the site, from the comfortable outdoor seating or from the beautiful wood-fired hot tub. pitchup.com
Yurt at Bunkers Hill Farm. Photo: Pitchup.com/James Preston 10. Bohemian bliss in a yurt at Bunkers Hill Farm, Halesworth
Perched on its own private decking surrounded by farmland, a yurt at Bunkers Hill Farm is ideal for those with a yearning for rural adventure. Made from a lattice framework of wooden poles covered with insulating fabric, a circular yurt creates a magical cocoon. Lie back on the double bed to stargaze via the transparent crown at the apex of the yurt, with a wood-burning stove to keep things cosy. As well as yurts, the site has a number of colourful shepherd's huts. Visit the iconic pier and bustling high street at Southwold, or head to Thorington Theatre, just five minutes from the site, for thrilling outdoor performances during the summer months. pitchup.com
A shepherd hut at Dawn Chorus Holidays. Photo: Pitchup.com 11. A rural idyll in the Waveney Valley at Dawn Chorus Holidays, Barsham
Settle into a shepherd's hut on this working farm and wake up to the symphonic sounds of the countryside. Guests are encouraged to wander around the farm to see it in action, including collecting freshly laid eggs. Cleverly designed huts are beautifully decorated and fully kitted out with a snug double bed, seating area, kitchen corner and contemporary shower room.
Head into nearby Beccles for eating out or picking up provisions. To see the Waveney Valley at its best, head out on one of three circular walks that start from the site, or head to Geldeston Lock and hire a paddleboard or kayak. pitchup.com
12. Stay in a characterful cottage at Number Four, Framlingham
Sleeping two, this gorgeous Grade II Listed cottage offers an impressive balance between traditional character and modern comforts. Enter through the cottage stable door and you will instantly be delighted with the rustic wooden charm and the wood-burning stove in a central brick fireplace that provides a cosy feel all year round.
Up the wooden stairs you will find a king-size bed and a shower room with a walk-in rainfall shower. Outside you can enjoy sitting in the sheltered courtyard garden or walk into town, where just two minutes down the road you will find the famous Castle on the Hill. suffolkhideaways.co.uk
13. Get amongst nature at Granary Cottage, Thorington
This 18th century Granary offers beautiful views across rolling fields and is only a short walk away from Thorington Theatre - a wonderful choice for those who love nature! The cottage has a spacious yet cosy living and dining area with a wood-burning stove and plenty of seating to relax. The elegant bathroom is on the ground floor with a spacious walk-in shower and free-standing roll-top bath. The bright living space has floor-to-ceiling windows with doors that open onto a patio garden area where you can enjoy romantic evenings around the fire pit. suffolkhideaways.co.uk
Milking Parlour. Photo: Iceni Imaging 14. A truly romantic stay at The Milking Parlour, Henley
Located in Henley, this luxurious and immaculate converted farm building with a wood-fired hot tub is set in the calm rolling Suffolk countryside. Spread across the ground floor, this stunning property comes with high wooden beamed vaulted ceilings and large folding doors in both the kitchen/dining area and bedroom that open into a private courtyard with views over the adjacent field. The bedroom is bright yet cosy and the bathroom has been equipped with double basins, a free-standing bath and a walk-in shower. suffolkhideaways.co.uk
Belchamp Hall Mill. Photo: Iceni Imaging 15. Escape to a cosy mill at Belchamp Hall Mill, Belchamp Walter
On the Belchamp Hall estate, this romantic mill has been converted into a cosy escape for two. The upper floor enjoys glorious views over the surrounding countryside and mill pond, which is a haven for wildlife. The kitchen is well-equipped for whipping up breakfast or dinner for two, and the sitting area features a contemporary wood-burning stove, filling the room with warmth and cosiness. Descend the oak and glass central staircase to the open-plan bedroom suite boasting a sumptuous super-king-size bed. The dressing room and sitting area opens through an archway into a spacious shower room with a large walk-in rainfall shower.
Lavender Shack. Photo: Iceni Imaging 16. Relax in a beautiful barn conversion at The Lavender Shack, Broome
The Lavender Shack is a beautifully romantic barn conversion curated all on one level. The sitting area is set around a charming wood-burning stove filling the barn with warmth and ambient light on cooler evenings. While during the day, the bifold doors allow the natural light to flood in, and you can take pleasure in the woodland views and the gorgeous flower garden that the owner, a florist, has nurtured. The sumptuous bedroom hosts a handmade super-king bed and a large walk-in shower within the contemporary bathroom. In the heart of the East Anglian countryside, guests are perfectly placed for exploration. suffolkhideaways.co.uk
This article first appeared in Suffolk magazine. To subscribe visit www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/subscribe/suffolk/

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