Suffolk is a county that has it all: traditional seaside villages, lush countryside and bustling towns. In the morning, you could be rambling through nature, and in the afternoon, you could be enjoying an ice cream on the beach. If you have your eye on Suffolk as your next holiday destination, you’re in luck, as our travel gurus at Plum Guide know it inside out. To help you plan the perfect trip, we’ve put together this guide on where to stay in Suffolk, so you don’t have to miss out on anything this county has to offer.

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With its eclectic art scene, Ipswich is the best place to stay for culture vultures looking to visit galleries, theatres and festivals. The city has a fantastic collection of cultural institutions, including the Ipswich Museum, Regent Theatre and Ipswich Art Gallery, all of which regularly hosts concerts, exhibitions and performances. If you time your visit right, you may even catch one of the many festivals, such as the Ipswich Arts Festival, Ipswich Jazz Festival and the Ipswich Maritime Festival. The city is also a great place for those interested in history, with plenty of historical attractions like the Christchurch Mansion, a Tudor mansion home to an impressive collection of art and artefacts from artists like John Constable and Thomas Gainsborough.

In between all that sightseeing, take a break and head down to the Ipswich Waterfront. Set on the banks of the River Orwell, this bustling hub of activity offers a mix of bars, restaurants, shops and cultural attractions. It’s also home to Ipswich Marina, one of the largest in the UK. Take a stroll or cycle down the waterfront for relaxing views of the boats bobbing in the water. Want to switch things up? Take a river cruise tour of the city to see it from a different angle. There is a range of trips available, from wildlife tours to spot seals and birds, pirate adventure tours for younger audiences, and evening cruises for those celebrating a romantic occasion.

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When it comes to where to stay in Suffolk for walking, Framlingham is the best place to be. Nestled in the heart of the countryside, the surrounding area is some of the most picturesque in the county, and is known for its many walks and cycling routes – the Framlingham Mere walk and the Brownsord Way circular walk are two of our favourites.

This charming market town shot to fame in 2017 when Ed Sheeran sang about the majestic Framlingham Castle in his hit song ‘Castle on the Hill’. Dating back to the 12th century, it’s a wonderful place to visit for the whole family – you don’t want to miss the epic wall walk. From up here, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the countryside and The Mere, a 30-acre lake and natural haven for wildlife home to 300 species of plants and 80 species of birds.

Framlingham has been a market town since 1285 and still hosts a market every Tuesday and Saturday. It’s worth popping by to browse the assortment of delicious local produce, plants and flowers, crafts, clothing and jewellery. As well as the regular stalls, there are often special events and activities held at the market, such as live music, cooking demonstrations and other entertainment. The town centre also has a lovely selection of independent shops and restaurants to visit, most of them housed in historic buildings.

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Those wondering where to stay in Suffolk for a good old seaside holiday should head to Aldeburgh. One of Suffolk’s most popular coastal towns, its Blue Flag shingle beach attracts tourists and locals alike. The beach is perfect for strolling and watching the local fishermen at work – you can even pick up fresh fish on sale at the fisherman’s huts. Travelling with your four-legged friend? The Eastbridge Pub and Dog Walk takes you through forest, meadow and beach with a quick stop for tea at the National Trust Tea Room. To see the coastline from the water, there are several boat trips which make for a fun day out, including fishing trips, seal-watching tours and pleasure cruises.

The town centre itself has plenty of things to keep everyone entertained. Music lovers should take the Red House tour to see the former home and studio of Suffolk composer Benjamin Britten. For some retail therapy, there are a good number of boutique stores and independent shops for you to pick up souvenirs for friends and family (or just to treat yourself). On the off-chance of a rainy day, the best place to take shelter is the historic Aldeburgh Cinema which is one of the oldest in the country. Housed in a timber-framed building with beautiful interiors, enjoy a range of independent arthouse films to the latest blockbusters.

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Referred to locally as Bury, this market town is often nicknamed the Jewel of Suffolk. It’s a town steeped in history, dating back to medieval times when its Abbey of St Edmund was one of the richest, largest and most powerful Benedictine monasteries in England. Today, visitors are able to enjoy a stroll around the ruins of the Abbey and through the stunning Abbey Gardens. The town’s most iconic landmark is the St Edmundsbury Cathedral, a magnificent architectural wonder blending Norman, Gothic and Victorian styles. Be sure to climb the tower for incredible views of the town and surrounding countryside.

Bury St Edmunds is known as Suffolk’s foodie town, and there are plenty of places to sate your hunger here, from award-winning fine dining to cosy pubs serving homestyle cooking. The town is also a haven for beer fans – just a short distance from the Abbey is the Greene King Brewery, where you can join a guided tour to learn all about the brewing process of their famous ales. There’s also the Old Cannon microbrewery as well as a whole slew of pubs like The Nutshell, which at 4.5 metres by 2 metres, is one of the smallest pubs in Britain.

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Surrounded by bucolic countryside, Lavenham is considered Britain’s best-preserved medieval village and one of Suffolk’s most important towns during the wool trade. As soon as you arrive, you’ll feel as if you’ve taken a step back in time. Brightly painted Tudor houses, crooked half-timbered cottages, and its 15th-century wool church invite you to slow down and explore its past. Wander its narrow, cobbled streets and admire its ancient buildings – over 300 of them are listed as being of architectural and historic interest, such as The Guildhall, De Vere House, the church of St Peter and St Paul, and Little Hall, a 14th-century house turned into a museum. Many of the buildings have also been converted into galleries, independent shops, antique emporiums and tearooms. Shoppers will find many craft shops selling handmade knitted clothes, a nod to the town’s heritage.

As well as historic buildings, Lavenham is blessed with excellent food and drink, with a wealth of bakeries, cafes, restaurants and pubs. Be sure to try the local delicacy, Lavenham Blue cheese. This semi-soft blue cheese is made using traditional methods and left to mature for eight to twelve weeks. If you’ve accidentally eaten your weight in cheese (a high chance when you’re in Lavenham), there are many opportunities for scenic walks and bike rides through the countryside.

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Up there as one of the prettiest villages in Suffolk, Orford is an idyllic place to spend a relaxing getaway by the sea. Situated within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the River Alde, the village is surrounded by breathtaking nature. Watching over the village is the Grade I-listed Parish Church of St Bartholomew, and the impressive Orford Castle. When you’re not exploring these historic buildings, take a long walk along Orford Ness, a 16-kilometre-long shingle spit along the coast, which is home to a variety of rare birds and plants. Nature lovers can take a guided tour of this maze of lagoons, marsh and waterways to learn more about the unique wildlife that lives here.

Orford is a gourmand’s heaven, and with its choice of quaint tea rooms, gastropubs and restaurants, a good meal is never too far away. Pump Street Bakery serves homemade bread, pastries, cakes and exquisite chocolates. For some fresh seafood, Pinney’s Butley Orford Oysterage cooks up locally-sourced fish and shellfish from their very own smokehouse – it doesn’t get fresher than this.

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