With so much to see and do on the Suffolk coast, a day trip is just never long enough - so why not make a weekend of it? Or even book a week-long holiday?
Here we bring you 10 different ways to stay at the seaside, from relaxing river breaks to a loo with a view’.
1. Quirky and Cool
Convenient it is - Beach Cottage in Pakefield is the epitome of quirky - the former council-owned public toilet has been transformed into an amazing holiday home with panoramic sea views. Locally it’s known as the ‘loo with a view’ and the accommodation is first class.
If you have set your sights high, why not look at the famous House in the Clouds (once a water tower) which sits in the lovely village of Thorpeness. If you’re looking for slightly eccentric family accommodation with five bedrooms, superb facilities and unrivalled views across the adjacent golf course and beyond, then this one could be for you.
Book early though, this house is in high demand.
For an eclectic ‘east meets west’ twist, check out Belle Grove in the market town of Halesworth. Five gorgeously converted barns that simply ooze character and comfort. With rural walks on the doorstep, it’s the perfect place to escape: unwind, de-stress and relax.
2. Hotels
If your idea of a holiday means getting away from the routine chores of normal life, then a hotel is the ideal choice.
Felixstowe has a stunning beach, plenty to do and is wonderful for walkers - and you can stay at the Fludyers Hotel, a beautifully restored Edwardian building just yards from the beach. The rooms are finished to the highest standard, with many offering unbeatable sea views with balconies.
The Clyffe Hotel is a beautifully restored Victorian building on the seafront in Lowestoft close to the Claremont Pier and the award winning Blue Flag Beach. Perfect for that seaside experience and only a 10 minute drive away from the Norfolk Broads!
While Aldeburgh hosts the beautiful seafront hotels of the Brudenell and the White Lion, perfect for wiling away those balmy summer days!
Situated in the picturesque Waveney Valley, the Waveney House Hotel boasts a superb river location with stunning views across the surrounding countryside. The hotel’s peaceful setting is perfect for relaxing and it is also close to the town centre of Beccles with its independent shops, cafes and historic places of interest, making it an ideal base for river activities or discovering the delights of the area.
Exuding a luxury status in every curious corner is The Salthouse Harbour Hotel in Ipswich. One of Suffolk’s most iconic hotels, it offers a 4-star hotel experience with award-winning cuisine in one of the county’s most beautiful settings.
The quintessentially English seaside town of Southwold has many wonderful attributes. One of which is The Swan Hotel. Located just a short stroll from the hotel is the beach with its rows of colourful beach huts. The hotel, which stands proudly in the bustling town centre is also just meters away from Adnam’s Brewery and Distillery!
3. Lodges and Parks
Looking for a holiday destination, where there is something to entertain everyone? Why not try a holiday park where little ones can be entertained and adults can sit back and relax.
Heathland Beach Holiday Park has not one, but three heated pools, tennis courts, fishing lake, play areas for children and access to Kessingland’s beautiful sandy beach.
If you prefer something a little quieter, the luxury log cabins at Windmill Lodges near Framlingham each have their own private hot tub and there is access to a swimming pool between Easter and October.
Similarly, High Lodge Leisure boasts fantastic self-catering lodges amidst 100 acres of woodland and countryside, right on the doorstep of Southwold and Aldeburgh. Keen anglers can indulge in a spot of fishing in the well-stocked lakes.
4. Self Catering Agencies
Looking for a more leisurely break where you can take things at your own pace? Self-catering breaks might not be for everyone but they allow you to be flexible with dining times, to eat out or stay in and BBQ and there is no setting the alarm for breakfast.
One tip - unless you know exactly what you want, look at booking with an agency which has expert knowledge of the area might be a good idea.
You’ll be given the very best advice and information about holiday properties on The Suffolk Coast and guidance about where to find best beaches, where to eat and the scenic walking routes.
There are several excellent agencies to choose from including; Aldeburgh Bay Holidays, Heritage Hideaways, Suffolk Secrets & So Southwold, Best of Suffolk, Suffolk Cottage Holidays, Sykes Cottages, Snape Maltings Holiday Cottages, holidaycottages.co.uk and Suffolk Coastal Cottages.
5. A Slice of Luxury
Everyone wants a little luxury on their break, although for some that could mean an extravagant hotel and others simply indulging in family is luxury enough.
At Bruisyard Hall, a 14th century building which is steeped in history, they promise to cater for every type of gathering. Decoratively housing a snooker room, huge kitchen, a dining room for 24 (around one table), a drawing room with log fire, an attic bar, lawn games, secluded gardens and a fishing lake. Is that enough luxury for you?
Alternatively, close to the town of Saxmundham the Sibton Park Wilderness Reserve is a unique luxury collection of manors, farmhouses, country cottages and follies in the heart of rural Suffolk. Each comes with daily housekeeping (if required), whilst other staff, such as chefs and waiting staff, can be specified as part of their five-star service tailored to suit your requirements.
6. Private Self Catering Accommodation
When you choose a self-catering holiday on the Suffolk Coast, your biggest dilemma will be choosing from the huge array of cottages, apartments or lodges!
Croft Farm cottages offer a perfect rural retreat; a mere 15 minutes walk from the village of Snape.
Or, Perhaps Hare Lodge Holidays would be for you – set in the pretty Suffolk village of Peasenhall with good pubs and restaurants close by.
Over at Heath View Holidays near Ipswich, you’ll find a quiet oasis with everything close by. And, because this holiday home has been made accessible, it’s perfect for guests with mobility difficulties too.
Fancy a luxury apartment? Then check out Highsteppers at Blythview. This first and second floor apartment situated within a Georgian Grade II listed building has an impressive driveway flanked by trees and, as the name suggests, has spectacular views over the Blyth Valley.
For a holiday haven which enjoys wonderful wildlife and glorious views across the River Orwell, choose Orwell View Barns. These eco-friendly barn conversions are within easy reach of Aldeburgh, Ipswich and Felixstowe. And, did we mention there’s a six seater hot tub too!
7. Camping and Caravans
We have some truly charming camping and caravan sites in Suffolk that leave you feeling totally relaxed and at one with nature.
Wardley Hill Campsite is a new eco campsite offering unregimented and relaxed car free camping. Luxurious Bell Tents and a Shepherds Hut are on offer for those of you who don’t want to pack your own tent pegs and your dog can enjoy a holiday too!
Winning a David Bellamy Gold award for conservation is Haw Wood Farm - a peaceful site near Darsham for touring caravans and tents, known for their spacious pitches and friendly service. It also has one of the best playground facilities in the area that keeps kids of all ages entertained which is perfectly placed for you to be able keep an eye on your young family while enjoying a relaxing drink from the cafe.
Nestled between the coastal towns of Southwold and Aldeburgh is Mill Hill Farm Caravanning & Camping Park. The peace and quiet of this camp site’s surroundings makes this an ideal location for a ‘get away from it all’ relaxing break, with panoramic views over the farmland for those lazy breakfasts and stunning sunsets as a backdrop for your barbeques after a day’s fishing or sightseeing
8. Glamping
Okay, so you want to get back to nature but are not taken by the idea of caravan and camping holidays, this could be the perfect blend.
Kenton Hall Estate set in the heart of Suffolk offers just this - unique glamping with more than a touch of luxury. And when they say luxury – they mean it! Think king size beds, 100% cotton sheets, log burning stoves and private shower rooms!
Shhh… at Secret Meadows, it seems rather cheeky to associate the accommodation with camping at all! We’re talking Luxury Lodge Tents which are beautifully furnished (including a hand crafted 4-poster bed) for a country-inspired home away from home while the quirky Gypsy’s Rest (gypsy caravan with shepherd’s hut), and Hobbit Box, provide their own special charms with wooded surrounds, meadow views and the highest glamping standards.
Set in the gardens of an award winning pub, Alde Garden offers a unique range of accommodation - from tent pitches right up to a 4 star holiday cottage. And. For those of you who struggle to leave modern technology behind, there’s free WiFi!
9. Pubs and Inns
Gone are the days when accommodation in pubs meant a stay in a pokey little room with a shared bathroom…the selection of pubs and inns on the Suffolk Coast takes it to a whole new level.
With old fashioned inn-keeping in a modern setting, The Crown at Woodbridge boasts ten magnificent boutique bedrooms, a bustling bar and a real Suffolk food experience. Situated at the end of the thoroughfare in the heart Woodbridge, the hotel is ideally situated for all of the great things that the town, surrounding countryside and Suffolk coast has to offer.
The Westleton Crown combines the character and charm of its coaching inn heritage with the comforts of contemporary living: smouldering log fires, 34 stylish bedrooms, award winning AA 2 rosette restaurant, sophisticated wine list and delightful terraced gardens. Dating back to the 12th century, this traditional Suffolk coaching inn retains the character and rustic charm of its heritage – but with the added sophistication and comforts of contemporary living.
Good food is at the heart of the Crown and Castle in Orford – A pub renowned for a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere that allows guests to enjoy their surroundings and feel free to take their time. There are few places better on The Suffolk Coast to enjoy the blue skies and sunshine than Orford, a small fishing village known for its bounty of excellent local food and peaceful atmosphere.
10. B&Bs
If B&Bs conjure up images of cramped bedrooms and less than convivial land ladies, then think again!
Surround yourself in beautiful countryside at Oak Tree Farm which is set in six acres just outside Yoxford. It’s idyllically located and just a short drive to the seaside towns of Southwold and Aldeburgh and Framlingham; where you can spend a day exploring the castle where Mary Tudor was proclaimed Queen of England.
With sea views and an unrivalled location, Chiltern House is a stylish bed & breakfast in a Victorian terraced property just a two minute walk from the blue flag awarded Lowestoft beach and independent shops and restaurants. A super seaside retreat – don’t forget your bucket and spade!
The quaint market town of Beccles has visitors returning time and time again to enjoy all that’s on offer – quirky shops, and an abundance of eateries all nestling beside the River Waveney. Here, you’ll find Saltgate House B&B, an elegant Georgian Townhouse situated in the heart of the town. The owners have brought this ageing house back to its former glory; with new shower rooms, exposed period features and luxury furnishings to complement the Georgian architecture.
See more great places to stay on the Suffolk Coast hereLooking for ideas for family fun days out? See our guide to free days out on the Suffolk Coast here
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