Rural Holiday Cottages and Hidden Gems

We all know Suffolk’s headline acts of Southwold and Aldeburgh. But in this latest blog Monty and I took the opportunity to walk the path less travelled in our latest adventure.  Find out about the tucked away gem of Dunwich Heath and what happened when we took part in their National Teddy Bear Day event.

We followed all the outdoor fun with Sunday lunch in a cracking pub that you’d never find without knowing it was there!  On our encounters I highlight picture perfect rural holiday cottages, ideally located in lesser-known pretty Suffolk villages.

Walk the path less travelled

Suffolk is a county that demands to be explored.  Offering the perfect location to step into the wild and more rural areas for a holiday you’ll never forget.

Dunwich Heath Teddy Bear Day

I set off with a group of Best of Suffolk’s very own mini explorers to Dunwich Heath.  The Heath were holding one of their many events all to do with teddy bears, as part of National Teddy Bear Day.  Monty, Margo, Henny and Sophia had so much fun exploring the heath.  From den building, to a teddy treasure hunt, raft building and pond dipping, the kids had a wonderful time!

One of the activities for ‘teddy’ was to make a crown, which we all enjoyed getting involved in.  Simple pleases of tree climbing saw us head off the beaten path.

Don’t forget the dog!

Rural locations tend to be more dog friendly, and Dunwich Heath couldn’t have been more inclusive!  They even had doggy ‘parking’ outside the Heath Barn where the majority of the childrens or educational events take place.  Walter and Roxy enjoyed exploring the woods together.

In addition to acres of Heath to explore, the National Trust put on a number of family and wildlife events. To find out more do take a look at the ’50 Things to do before you’re 11 and 3/4′ page.

Dunwich Beach

A large section of the Suffolk Coast is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  Dunwich beach is mainly shingle, providing miles to explore along the coast.

We are delighted to have a number of simply gorgeous cottages in Dunwich, including, Seadrift, Church Farm (pictured below) and Church Farm Cottage.

Rural Charm

Eastbridge is a lovely rural village in Suffolk,off the beaten track.  Also popular for birdwatchers and those wanting to explore Suffolk, including RSPB Minsmere.  Furthermore, Eastbridge also is home to two gorgeous rural holiday cottages, Rush House and Sedge House (pictured below), both are set off a quiet tranquil country lane, set in a ideal location for walking.

Surrounded by marshlands, the main feature of the village, Eastbridge, is the fabulous pub Eels Foot Inn.  An ale house dating back to 1533, and the location for our Sunday lunch after exploring Dunwich Heath.  The pub often hosts folk music and other live music evenings.

The kids absolutely loved having Sunday lunch here, mainly due to the amazing play area in the garden.  In addition to a fabulous Sunday lunch menu, the wood fired pizza oven is a real hit.

The marshlands are perfect for those who enjoy spotting wildlife such as marsh harriers, bitterns, otters and plenty more!

Explore life on the wild side!

Anyone who loves the wild side of life will find plenty to do in Suffolk.  Brandon Country Park is a perfect example, with three different trails to explore, each with a different theme. The Red Trail is all about muntjac deer, birds and squirrels. The Purple Trail is famous for the park’s arboretum. The Orange Trail is longer and tougher, and is all about the pure beauty of the forest before arriving at the supposedly haunted mausoleum.

We have some hand picked stylish places to stay within easy reach of Brandon Country Park in some charming rural villages, including Remus in Larling, The White House in Wortwell and The Mulberry, near Bungay (pictured below).

Luxury Stays in Suffolk’s Wilderness

Fancy waking up surrounded by pure beauty in tranquil silence?  Best of Suffolk have some beautiful cottages in tranquil spaces to allow you to have a relaxing and well-deserved break.  Take in the wildlife as you amble around the local footpaths and stumble upon a village pub for a refreshing drink and a bite to eat. The rural parts of Suffolk really are gorgeous, we wouldn’t lie to you!

Yew Tree Farm Stable is a luxurious self-catering Suffolk country holiday accommodation is deep in the Suffolk countryside in the quiet rural village of Worlingworth.  You’ll find this rural village located between the market towns of Framlingham, Eye and Debenham all approximately 7 miles away.

Rural Beach Wonders

Although Aldeburgh and Southwold beaches are more spoken about, the hidden treasures are equally, if not more, special.  Beaches such as Walberswick and Covehite are beautiful. Without the crowds you can often enjoy the beach to yourselves!

Book a Rural Retreat

If this blog has temped you to step away from the beaten track and discover a Suffolk of your own, let Best of Suffolk find the ideal rural retreat for you.

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