Hotels

The Ultimate Travellers Guide to Suffolk

From rural staycations to holidays and vacations in the British countryside, Suffolk’s tourist industry has taken on a life of its own since the COVID-19 pandemic. With Suffolk holiday cottages among the most coveted summer holiday spots in England, the countryside location and easy access to the centre of London means that Suffolk is not just a great place to enjoy family time but also an accessible destination for families from all walks of life.

In this ultimate (mini) traveller’s guide to Suffolk, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top recommendations from locals and holidaymakers alike, alongside our guide on what to pack, when to visit, and how to choose the perfect holiday cottage.

Suffolk travel tips from locals and holidaymakers 

Suffolk is the land of apples and orchards, rural farmland, quaint villages, and towns, and more than 50 miles of exquisite coastline.

With local markets and events hosted across the county throughout the year, taking the time to head into nearby towns as well as those further afield will help you to experience the authenticity of Suffolk’s overarching community – while also tasting some of the local goods produced in and around the area.

As a county, Suffolk is split into several different areas which lend themselves to different activities and attractions. The Suffolk coastline, running inland towards Ipswich, is one of the most heavily populated areas in terms of holiday cottages and tourist hotspots, while if you head west towards Bury St Edmunds you will find more in the way of farms and a landscape dotted with sheep.

Horseracing is big business over on the western border of Suffolk in Newmarket, or you can lose yourself in the peaceful surroundings of Thetford forest which connects Suffolk with the Norfolk border.

What you need to pack for a holiday in Suffolk

Depending on the time of year that you are visiting, layers are always a good idea in the British countryside – particularly with the very British tendency for it to rain all year round. Wellies are one of our top recommendations for those staying in particularly rural parts of the county, alongside light summer jackets or warmer coats according to the season.

As many of our holiday cottages boast cosy corners and comfortable armchairs, a well-loved book is always high up on our packing list – alongside swimming gear for those lucky enough to book one of our holiday cottages complete with its onsite pool!

Finding the perfect holiday cottage for you

With options for travel groups of all sizes, seeking all manner of surroundings and local amenities, at Idyllic Cottages they combine the beauty of Suffolk’s rural location with unrivalled access to local attractions and events. No matter when you choose to visit Suffolk, the blend of footpaths and walks, markets and festivals, and more country pubs than you could ever hope to visit, make Suffolk the kind of place that you will want to return to for many years to come.

And what better way to experience Suffolk than from the comfort of your holiday cottage?