With so many beautiful towns and villages to choose from, you are quite literally spoiled for choice in Suffolk. Peaceful countryside adjoins bustling market towns and rural country villages mix with picture postcard shorelines. A holiday in Suffolk has so much to offer!

In this article we will be taking a little tour around some of the most beautiful parts of our county. All of these towns and villages are within a reasonable drive of our log cabin holiday accommodation and make excellent days out for all the family.

Aldeburgh

Suffolk has many quite beautiful seaside towns, and Aldeburgh is a lovely example to start with. Dating to somewhere between the 15th and 17th centuries, it was the birthplace of the poet George Crabbe and a place that composer, Benjamin Britten called home for some time. You’ll notice “The Scallop”, a sculpture by Maggi Hambling on the beach. This is dedicated to Britten and inscribed with the words “I hear those voices that will not be drowned” from Britten’s Opera, “Peter Grimes.”

Aldeburgh features England’s most northerly example of a Martello Tower. One of an original seventy-four towers, these impressive cylindrical structures date back to 1804 and were built to defend our shores against the imminent attack of Napoleon’s army. Norfolk born, Lord Nelson of course put paid to this threat at the Battle of Trafalgar.

The streets of Aldeburgh are lined with pretty little fisherman’s cottages, many of them built with lovely, sweeping Dutch gables. You’ll find the Dutch gable much in evidence in many of Suffolk’s seaside towns. These lovely homes are often painted many different colours, adding to the ice creamy seaside feel of this beautiful little town.

Framlingham

Framlingham is quite simply, beautiful. Located inland, it does not have the coastal position of Aldeburgh but what it lacks in seaside charm, it more than makes up for, in natural beauty and historic appeal.

The first thing any new visitor to Framlingham will notice is its impressive, curtain walled Castle. This mighty structure has been in place since the late 12th Century and it was where Mary Tudor was staying when she learned of her accession to the throne.

Archaeological surveys herald this place, as one of the most important and beautiful medieval castles in the British Isles. As such it is now in the care of English Heritage who will ensure it continues to be a source of fascination and education for many years to come.

Framlingham is just home to a historic castle though, it has a beautiful Mere forming a rare habitat in Suffolk which attracts a stream of migrating birds and plays host to swathes of Marsh Marigolds, delicate Ragged-Robin and Lady’s Smock in spring.

Lavenham

Lavenham is another jewel in Suffolk’s crown and an excursion not to be missed. This 14th/15th century town really came to the fore with the explosion of the textile industry. Famous for its wool production, at one time the town amassed a fortune greater than that of Lincoln and York.

It is as if time has stood still in Lavenham. Perfectly preserved, original timber framed buildings line the cobbled streets, housing art galleries, boutiques and teashops. Lavenham’s Guildhall dominates the town square; its silver-grey lime washed exterior crying out to be featured in as many photographs as possible. Little Hall, stands across the way and is another impressive 14th century building. Painted mustard yellow, it is just as appealing with its intricate wooden inlays, beautiful windows and doorways.

Ancient buildings and wonderful architecture aside, perhaps one of the most endearing and remarkable things about Lavenham, is the friendliness of its people. Walk into a pub or a restaurant in the town and you immediately accepted and welcomed.

A visit to Lavenham would not be complete without browsing round the many art galleries and stopping for lunch or afternoon tea at one of the town’s pubs, cafés or coffee shops.

Orford

Orford is another of Suffolk’s coastal gems.  One of the prettiest villages on the Suffolk Heritage Coast, it was once a thriving seaport. Over time the river began to silt up, this left a quiet village dominated by the remains of a 12th century castle.

The River Ore and the River Alde are still frequented by fishermen, boats and bird life and across the river, at Orford Ness is the largest shingle spit nature reserve in the country and a part of the National Trust.

Romantic trips can be taken along the river aboard The Lady Florence. A river cruise restaurant providing fine dining and cocktails whilst cruising the calm waters of the rivers Alde and Ore. This idyllic setting is available even in the winter months when there is a blazing log fire, guaranteed to keep the diners warm.

Orford has something to offer everyone, from walkers to cyclists, from old sea dogs to twitchers and to lovers of music and art. It is very picturesque and makes a wonderfully relaxing day out.

Holidays in Suffolk – Windmill Lodges offer luxurious self catering holiday accommodation close to framlingham and Woodbridge.

Holidays in Suffolk – click here to view our lodges.