Hello Suffolk!

Famed for its laid-back lifestyle, glorious countryside and over 50 miles of stunning coastline, we are delighted to announce we are expanding our exclusive collection of beautiful self-catering holiday homes into Suffolk.

From the wilds of the National Landscapes of North Suffolk with miles of low-lying coast, ancient woodlands, meadows and estuaries, to the plethora of medieval towns and quaint villages where you can explore a fine selection of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, Suffolk has something for everyone. And, at under three-hours’ drive away from London this beautiful county on the east coast of England is simply perfect for a family holiday or an out of season escape.

Beaches are always high up the priority list for a family holiday and Suffolk has some gems to choose from. Aldeburgh has a delightful long pebble beach backed by a promenade complete with pretty pastel-coloured cottages and an attractive high street with some delightful shops. Head to Southwold, home to two beaches, Pier Beach to the north and Denes Beach to the south. A great destination for all the family, don’t forget to visit the pier which stretches 190 metres into the sea, and the lighthouse standing at 31 metres tall situated in the town! 

The only seaside resort in Suffolk which faces south, Felixstowe is blessed with over four miles of sand and shingle beach, backed by colourful beach huts and a traditional promenade. South of the pier the beach is known as South Beach, sandier than its northerly cousin, North Beach. South Beach is the more popular of the two, with amusements, beach kiosks and seaside shops, whilst North Beach tends to be a bit quieter and idea for swimming.  

Managed by the National Trust, Dunwich Heath is a beautiful coastal heathland with a wide shingle beach where you can immerse yourself in nature throughout the year. This habitat is home to rate species such as the Dartford Warbler, nightjar and antlion, so don’t forget your binoculars!

Head inland and there’s a plethora of pretty villages and towns to discover. Reputed to be the prettiest village in Suffolk, Cavendish in the Stour Valley is located close to Sudbury in the Stour Valley. This charming village has a collection of delightful, thatched cottages and a picturesque green and three characterful pubs to choose from. 

One of the oldest English port towns, Ipswich sits on the River Orwell, steeped in history with a variety of places to discover including Christchurch Mansion complete with Tudor kitchen and the 19th century Old Custom House. Visit the waterfront for a fabulous selection of independent shops, galleries and cafes. Bury St Edmunds, known locally as Bury, is found in the west of the county, with over 1000 years of history this charming market town is well worth a visit for a thriving food and drink scene and beautiful cathedral. 

Unsurprisingly home to the National Horseracing Heritage Museum and racecourse, New Market is a thriving market town with over 3000 racehorses and two racecourses. Situated in the west of the county, this charming town is perfect for visitors looking for a quintessential English metropolis and racing fans alike.  

The area known as the Shotley Peninsula is really quite special and sits in between the Suffolk rivers Orwell and Stour. Perfect for lovers of the outdoors, there’s ample opportunity to sail, walk and see abundant wildlife here, plus a good range of places to dine on local cuisine. 

Sutton Hoo is an ancient Anglo-Saxon burial site dating back to the 6th   and 7th century. Managed by the National Trust with free guided walks daily from February until October this famous archaeological site can be found in Woodbridge and is well worth a visit. 

Framlingon Castle is a spectacular example of an early motte and bailey or ringwork Norman Castle, built by a knight, Roger Bigod after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Visitors can enjoy stunning parkland, a lake and a wall walk which takes in the picturesque views over the town of Framlington. Take a look at the English Heritage website for further details and opening times. 

In an area of National Landscapes (formerly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), the artist John Constable was inspired to paint his famous landscapes in south Suffolk, in particular the beautiful countryside views around the villages of Dedham, East Bergholt and Flatford. Fans of Constable should head for Willy Lott’s Cottage in Flatford which featured in The Hay Wain painted in 1821 and explore the stunning woodlands and riverside walks around Dedham Vale.

Throughout the seasons Suffolk has something to offer, whether you are looking for a seaside escape or a winter hideaway, and all within easy reach of London. Stable Lodge a charming holiday home is the first to join our Suffolk portfolio, perfect for family holidays or friends looking for a relaxing break. 

Area Manager Amanda has lived in beautiful East Anglia for over 20 years, working in property management to help new owners find their perfect holiday abode in the buoyant property markets of Norfolk and Suffolk.

Amanda says “I really enjoy helping owners through the process of letting their Suffolk properties, either along the stunning coast in one of many charming coastal villages with dog-friendly beaches and gorgeous vistas, or pretty towns with independent shops, boutiques and traditional pubs. With so much to enjoy in the area including miles of trails for walking, cycling and riding, there is something for everyone in this very special part of the country. And, all this is in easy reach of London, perfect for short breaks or family holidays. I look forward to helping all my owners with every aspect of the journey to holiday letting. 

Amanda can help with any advice, from free appraisals to income estimates, advice on interior design to compliance. Whatever stage you are at Amanda can guide you. And our regional crews, plus the team in our Head Office look forward to working with owners to provide the very best experience for guests who stay with Classic.  Our Owner Support team can be reached on 01326 555500 or owner.support@classic.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.