The air is feeling colder, the leaves are beginning to turn, and autumn has officially arrived. The autumn season is a particularly beautiful time of year in the UK. We enjoy bursts of orange, red and yellow as the true seasonal colours truly emerge. There’s a certain feeling of comfort as you snuggle up in your favourite scarf, slip on your ankle boots and head outside for a long walk. Just because summer is over, doesn’t mean your travel plans need to be. Whether you’re already living in the UK and want to explore more of your own country, or perhaps you’re visiting for afar, Suffolk is a traditionally charming area of the UK that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Suffolk is home to many beautiful towns and villages, there’s plenty to do, plenty to see and lots of places to stop off for a drink along the way! Think country pubs, fresh countryside air and quaint boutiques. For a quintessentially British break, you really can’t beat Suffolk. Here are five things you simply must-do when visiting…
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Enjoy a Luxury Hotel & Spa
There are many hotel and lodging options to choose from in Suffolk, but one that particularly stands out is the stunning Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa. If you’re seeking relaxation and a destination to unwind then you really can’t beat this. The perfect countryside retreat awaits you, and if the contemporary yet traditional hotel doesn’t tempt you then their 5 Bubble Rated Spa is sure to! Situated adjacent to the Newmarket races, this area is rich in history and perfect for any horse lovers out there. Enjoy a tour of the stables, a day at the races and dinner in the hotels 2AA Rosette winning Squires Restaurant. For pure pampering, it’s time to head to the spa. The rooftop hot tub, hydrotherapy pool and private rasul will ease those tense muscles and enable you to enjoy a peaceful environment. It’s no wonder this luxury hotel & spa is so popular for Suffolk weddings!
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Spend an Afternoon in Lavenham
Lavenham is a beautiful area of Suffolk, this medieval village looks like something straight out of a film set! In fact, some scenes from Harry Potter were indeed shot here. Wander around the winding streets, stop by the 15th century church and admire the abundance of listed buildings. If there’s one word to describe Lavenham, it’s picturesque! Be sure to pop by Gainsborough House, the museum and gallery at the birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough, the gardens are just beautiful. An ancient mulberry tree still remains as the centrepiece, it was planted way back in the 1600’s, quite incredible!
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Explore the stunning Suffolk coast
The Suffolk coast is just spectacular and a real area of natural beauty. Spanning 50 miles, this stretch of heritage coastline is one of the best places to visit in Suffolk. Whether you’re a wildlife lover, keen photographer or seafood fanatic, there’s something to enjoy here for everyone. Hire a car for the day and enjoy a slow drive along the coast, stopping at the various different towns and villages you will encounter along the way. Southwold has been loved and enjoyed by families for many years and is well worth a visit, think charming beach huts, cosy coastal pubs and many interesting walks. Grab a portion of fish and chips and enjoy a slow walk up the beach.
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Enjoy Retail Therapy in Bury St Edmunds
If you feel like spending some of your hard-earned cash then a day trip to Bury St Edmunds will help you do just that. There’s the twice-weekly market, extensive array of independent boutiques, as well as a few of the well-known names. Once you’ve shopped til you’ve dropped, you’ll be spoilt for choice with places to eat. There are lots of dining options in Bury, and you might struggle to pick where to go! Perhaps an excuse for a second visit? Oh, and if you enjoy beer then this is just the place. Stop by the Greene King Brewery for a guided tour where you can learn all of the secrets of the process.
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Discover Suffolk’s Nature Reserves
Unleash the wildlife fan in you! There are many interesting nature reserves in Suffolk, and well worth an afternoon trip. The RSPB Minsmere is perhaps one of the better-known reserves thanks to its stint on BBC’s Springwatch from 2014-16. It’s one of the country’s most beautiful nature reserves and here you’ll find woodland, wetland, and marshes which are home to thousands of rare birds and animals. It’s time to pack your wellies, grab a map and head out for a fun day of exploring. Be sure to pack a lunch and just enjoy everything nature has to offer!
There’s certainly no shortage of beautiful nature settings, luxurious hotels and welcoming pubs in Suffolk, and autumn is the perfect season to enjoy a relaxing retreat. Zone out from the stresses of daily life and kick back in your suite at Bedford Lodge Hotel, after a day of exploring. What are you waiting for?
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Tilly is a UK based travel blogger, with a love of road-trips, luxury travel and the USA. When not jetting off abroad you’ll find her exploring closer to home whether than be in nearby Suffolk or along the Cornwall coast. Keep up with her travels at tillyjayne.com
