SUFFOLK

Blyth Rise Stays, Laxfield 

Blyth Rise Stays is all about pure escapism. It’s an adults-only rural retreat with a selection of lakeside lodges and igluhuts all decorated in serene Scandi-style. The sense of peace and tranquility has a lot to do with the amazing natural surroundings too, with the owners having planted over 2,500 trees and thousands of flowers (including over 4,000 daffodils!), and the pretty lake that has an inviting seating area in the middle. With two woodland saunas for guests and a yoga platform surrounded by meadowland, it’s impossible not to feel relaxed after mere minutes here. Plus, there’s an amazing on-site honesty shop stocked with local Suffolk goodies and the option to book an in-lodge massage, so you don’t need to leave this peaceful haven for the duration of your stay.

Sprotts Farm, Polstead 

Suffolk countryside locations don’t get much better than this. Sprotts Farm is on the outskirts of Polstead (one the prettiest villages in the county) and nicely nestled within Constable Country, so called because John Constable found it so incredibly beautiful that he spent his life immortalising it on canvas. It’s not all location, location, location though. Sprotts Farm has a lot going for it including a heated outdoor pool, three charming converted cottages, a communal outdoor dining courtyard, complete with Jamaican style oil drum BBQ, games room with pool table, ping pong and table football, a fire pit and even a private hire, professional standard indoor cricket lane! It’s all child and dog-friendly too, so everyone can bundle in for a holiday to remember.

Secret Meadows, Hasketon

Suffolk is blessed with some of the best weather in the UK so it’s a good place to learn the (tent) ropes without catching pneumonia. Secret Meadows, near Hasketon, is a gorgeous place to stay with cool safari-style tents, converted horse boxes and gypsy caravans containing luxurious beds and proper private bathrooms, a fully-stocked kitchen and surrounded by acres of pretty meadows and a nature reserve full of wildlife. You can enjoy all the best bits about sleeping in the great outdoors without the hard work of having to pitch your own tent or use baby wipes to wash because there are hot electric showers and lovely loos (no holes in the ground here, thank you very much). Heaven! It’s also perfectly placed to reach a huge number of Suffolk’s top attractions. 

High Lodge Leisure, nr Southwold 

Not one for sitting still and reading a book on your holidays? Then High Lodge Leisure, a smart sporting, leisure and hospitality venue on the Suffolk coast could be right up your street. Alongside 19 luxury holiday lodges, complete with private hot tubs and lovely views, and an on-site café/bar, High Lodge has some brilliant outdoor pursuits within its 120 acres of tranquil woodland and grounds. You can spend your days learning clay shooting from the best in the business, as well as archery, air rifle and fishing. The location is perfect for days out too with the best Suffolk coast beaches, stunning seaside towns of Southwold and Aldeburgh and RSPB Minsmere just minutes away. 

The Westleton Crown, nr Southwold

The Westleton Crown is a bright and stylish pub with rooms in the lovely village of Westleton, on one of the most sought after parts of the Suffolk coast. It’s been refreshed in cool, contemporary, and wow-factor style, but still honours its long history as a coastal coaching inn, dating to the 12th century. There are 34 bedrooms to stay in, ranging from family duplexes to single boltholes, all with individual characters and interest. Dogs are welcome in both the bar and many of the bedrooms, and there are plenty of picturesque walks in the surrounding coastal area to delight a four-legged friend. 

The Black Lion, Long Melford

Long Melford, with its antique centres, amazing architecture, country estates, parks and indie boutiques is a wonderful place to base yourself for a Suffolk staycation. Stay in style at The Black Lion, a gorgeous Georgian coaching inn overlooking the village green at the top of the Melford Mile (the longest village high street in England). The Black Lion has ten bedrooms that are all individually styled, large and flooded with light thanks to generous Georgian windows. Downstairs is a smart restaurant and bar that is well-known in the area for its top quality gastropub fare. If you’re planning on enjoying the sublime mid Suffolk countryside in this region with your dog, you can make the most of the Muddy Paws package that includes treats and breakfast for your pooch!

The Bell Hotel, Saxmundham 

An exciting addition to the Suffolk hotel scene, The Bell Hotel, a Georgian coaching inn, reopened in December 2022 after a stunning refurb fitting off its brilliant location near all the main sights and attractions on the coast. The 10 individually designed rooms are all named after local coastal towns or villages, and are elegant, calming and full of natural light. The restaurant is small, but mighty – serving dishes using the abundant local produce – think lots of seafood, Blythburgh pork, beef and cheese. And the cosy bar across the way is a delightful place to enjoy a nightcap before heading upstairs. 

Salthouse Harbour Hotel, Ipswich 

Pretend you’re on the French rivera at this smart waterside hotel with a famous spot overlooking Ipswich’s waterfront. We love the mix of eclectic modern art and cool interiors inside with the historic warehouse exterior and the view from every window is a delight – the masts of yachts bobbing about on the water. With its smart restaurant and lively bar, individually designed rooms, and on point service you’d think you’d be paying St Tropez prices, but this boutique beauty is a bit of a steal. 

Seckford Hall Hotel & Spa, nr Woodbridge 

Seckford Hall Hotel & Spa is a country hotel near Woodbridge in Suffolk, steeped in history with all the ingredients to make it the perfect place for a weekend escape or day visit – a sublime spa, a smart restaurant serving stunning seasonal meals, including a delightful afternoon tea, characterful spaces to relax in and elegant feature rooms for a cosy night’s stay. Set in expansive, picturesque grounds near the Suffolk Heritage Coast and Heaths AONB, the 16th century manor house blends traditional architecture with up-to-date interiors, for heritage charm with state-of-the-art luxury.

The Angel Hotel, Bury St Edmunds

Standing the test of time (like, over a century) is the rather fabulous Angel Hotel. Charles Dickens stayed here in 1835, way before Tripadvisor had been invented, but he must have rated it as he returned twice as a journalist for the Morning Chronicle and to do a reading at the nearby Athenaeum. You can even book the room he slept in (215) now known as the Charles Dickens Suite and naturally you’ll need to knock back a Great Expectations cocktail or two – Suffolk dry gin, martini, Ardberg, lemon twist (not that they’re pushing a theme here or anything). We love The Vaults bar downstairs where there’s regular live music and supper clubs as well as the smart restaurant on the ground floor. OPlus locations don’t get much better. You’re minutes from the shops as wella s the medieval quarter. 

Hintlesham Hall, nr Ipswich

Live the high life on your East Anglia holiday at this stunning 16th Century manor house in Suffolk that will give you major Bridgerton vibes. This peach-hued beauty works for both family breaks (there are 175 acres of gorgeous grounds for kids to run off some steam) as well as romantic escapes. Pack some roomy clothes because you’ll want to indulge in all the gourmet delights (roast dinners, afternoon tea, and fine dining dinners) in the smart restaurant and cosy lounges. Spend your days relaxing in the sumptuous onsite spa as well as enjoying a round at the neighbouring golf club.

Bruisyard Country Estate, Bruisyard

Don’t fancy sharing and prefer the idea of a country house all to yourselves? How about this impressive pile – Bruisyard Country Estate – in the sublime Suffolk countryside? You can book the whole 700-year-old hall with its charming, high-end and luxurious interiors on an exclusive basis for up to 24 guests. With a snooker room, four-posters, chandeliers, a grand dining room and an enormous kitchen it’s the stuff of house party dreams. There’s also a brand new Byre that has room for 6 additional guests and in the 50 acres of grounds you’ll find a fishing lake, a private wood teeming with Suffolk wildlife. Dogs are welcome too.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE

The Carpenters Arms, Great Wilbraham 

Inject a bit of colour into your Cambridgeshire getaway at The Carpenters Arms, a newly refurbished pub in a lovely East Cambs village, that has fabulous interiors guaranteed to brighten your stay. The new glass eatery is a thing of beauty and you’ll want to spend most of your time soaking up the sun and enjoying the ambiance here. This pub with four rooms isn’t just a pretty face though. The modern British food is already attracting punters from far and wide, including discerning dogs who want to give the bottom sniffer beer a go! As locations go, you’re in a golden triangle with the chance to visit Cambridge (20 mins), Newmarket races (15mins), Bury St Edmunds (30 mins) and Saffron Walden (20 mins).

Clayton Hotel, Cambridge

Travelling to Cambridge by train? Then don’t look any further than The Clayton Hotel, a super slick hotel on Station Road. You can alight your train and be sitting at the cool circular marble-topped Tamberlaine Bar sipping a cocktail within minutes here. Stay in one of the 155 rooms in this large hotel and you’ll also be close to the Botanic Gardens and within walking distance of the city centre. After all the Cambridge sight-seeing you’ll deserve afternoon tea, which The Clayton does particularly well in the sumptuous and cosy tea room. 

The Fellows House, Cambridge

This stylish number, just across the River Cam and within walking distance of the city centre, opened in 2021 and is already a real hit with Cantabrigians and visitors alike. It’s a bit of a different concept – an apart-hotel, with both classic rooms and apartments with kitchens and living space, so it’s amazing for families. The interiors are chic and eye-catching, all inspired by the university’s famous fellows (we’re talking DNA-inspired wall panels, and themed cocktails such as Attenborough’s Life On Earth. As well as a restaurant with Manhattan vibes, the Folio Bar and Restaurant, and a chic café, The Sage of Cambridge, there’s a pool with sauna and steam room, so your every holidaying desire is catered for.

The Gonville Hotel, Cambridge 

There’s a lot more to this 92-room Cambridge hotel than meets the eye. The first hint that you’re somewhere special are the two vintage Bentleys parked up outside, ready to whisk guests off on tours of the city, guided by the very knowledgeable Head Concierge Elliot. Out the back in the pretty gardens there’s a lovely surprise too – Gresham House, a bijou but beautiful spa with the fabulous Feature Rooms above, as well as a lovely Spring Terrace for al fresco drinks and dining. Inside, the Atrium is a relaxing and bright space to while away an afternoon with a book and coffee, while The Terrace Restaurant is where you’ll want to head for a smarter meal.

The University Arms, Cambridge

The University Arms hotel has always been a Cambridge institution, and since it was totally revamped a few years back it’s now also the most luxurious place to stay in town. The interiors are top notch (only to be expected from the designer behind London’s Annabel’s), and there are loads of cool eccentric touches that keep the history of this amazing place alive. Footie fans will enjoy all the sporting memorabilia about the place (the rules of football were made up on Parker’s Piece just outside) and anyone visiting to soak up the educational atmosphere of Cambridge will love the literary details. Book a room overlooking Parker’s Piece for the best views, don’t forget to schedule a special meal in the fabulous restaurant, Parker’s Tavern and make the most of the bijou Aromatherapy Associates spa on the ground floor when you’re done sight-seeing. 

ESSEX

Browning Bros, nr Colchester

Located on an organic family farm, Browning Bros offers luxury glamping and two lakeside cabins to stay in (read our Kingfishers Nest review here). The cabins have hot tubs on the decking, while Kingfishers Nest also has a sauna to get steamy in. Both feature a bijou Scandi-style kitchen and open-plan lounge/diner, complete with log burner, perfect for the cooler months. Fancy glamping instead? They’ve yurts, bell tents, a shepherd’s hut and refurbished grain silo to bed down in, each of which also has a private fire pit/BBQ grill and picnic table.

Downham Hall, Billericay

Looking for a boutique hotel in the gorgeous Essex countryside? Check out Downham Hall, winner of Best Boutique Stay in our Muddy Stilettos 2024 Essex awards. Here you have five luxury bedrooms to choose from – and choosing’s going to be hard! There’s a Garden Suite perfect for a luxury stay for two, with contemporary decor and sumptuous soft furnishings: picture super king-size bed, ensuite with walk-in shower and bath, and large TV for a lazy lie-in. There’s a further four double rooms available that combine classic country house style with modern luxury, again with their own ensuites and king or super king-size beds.

Jepcrack’s Barns, nr Maldon

Jepcrack’s Barns offers a choice of four characterful barns (think wooden beams and fireplaces), including hot tubs and private patios. The luxury accommodation ranges in size, from The Cart Lodge with one bedroom, to the Shire Stables with four. Available to rent individually, or in any combo depending on your group size, everything’s well thought out, with bikes to use and a kid’s playground. Pets are welcome in three of the barns, and they’re also eco-friendly, with steam cleaning, solar power and electric car chargers.

Lifehouse Hotel, Frinton on Sea

Essex spa retreat just for the grown ups? Hullo Lifehouse! The spa’s a marvel of glass and clean lines, where you can flit between the pools, salt inhalation room, steam room and sauna. Treatment-wise, the menu’s vast, with facials, manis, pedis and more. Be wined and dined in the bar and restaurant, which serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Afterwards, retire with full bellies to your room of choice, be it Contemporary, Garden or Signature. We likey the Signature; the largest option with full height windows, luxury beds and ensuite bathroom with shower and luxury toiletries.

Malting Farm, Little Bentley

This family run site is nestled in an idyllic corner of North Essex. Choose to stay in one of three luxury cabins or four glamping bell-tents (check the website for remaining glamping dates), with two treehouses coming soon. The two bedroom cabins sleep between four to six, and have been created to give privacy and space. Oh, and did we mention outdoor hot tubs come as standard? And that a delicious homemade cake will be awaiting your arrival? We’re pretty excited at the thought of those treehouses though, which will feature leafy living spaces, super-king size beds, star gazing windows and hot-tubs across multiple levels.

Swallows Field Glamping Pods, Fordham Heath

Fancy leaving the kids with your folks – but not your fur baby? There’s no shame admitting which is harder work. Adults-only and dog-friendly site, Swallows Field, is where to head when you need a little downtime. Overlooking the Colne Valley, and with views of the countryside and ancient woodland, the outlook from each of their three luxury pods is beautiful. The pods itself are just as stylish, with memory foam mattresses, full size ovens, enclosed gardens with covered decking and fire pits. The pods are also fully insulated, and have double glazing, electric radiators and a heated towel rail in the shower room.

Toppesfield Vineyard, Halstead

This Essex vineyard is the place to stay, as its accommodation comes with fridges pre-stocked with their own wine! Contemporary in style, it sleeps two to four adults, with two bedrooms with superking-size beds and en-suite bathrooms. Downstairs, there’s a bijou (but fully equipped) kitchen, plus large open plan lounge/diner with picture windows overlooking the vineyard. There’s also glass sliding doors that lead onto the garden with your own patio, day bed, large dining table and four person Jacuzzi.

NORFOLK

Happy Valley Glamping Retreat, Grimston

Fancy going off grid? Unplug from daily life and recharge at Happy Valley – hands, or rather, tents down the prettiest glamping site in Norfolk. Set within nine acres of woodland in North West Norfolk, you have the choice of a woodland Treehouse, shepherds huts, tree temples and bell tents to stay in, all super luxe and not shy of creature comforts (hello electricity, cosy beds, waterfall showers and heated indoor loos!). While outside it just gets even better with private hot tubs, wildflower meadows and wildlife all around. Whether you’re sleeping solo, looking for a couples break or fun family glamping experience, look no further than this peaceful retreat.

Ironmongers Boutique, Aylsham

If all you’re after is a bed for the night after a day spent exploring a new area of North Norfolk, then the Ironmongers is a sure fire hit. This Grade II listed, boutique bolthole, overlooking Aylsham’s market square, is perfectly positioned for exploring the quaint town and sampling its many delectable foodie offerings, as well as all manner of day tripping fun! Blickling Hall is just 5 mins away, the Broads 15 mins, while you can be in Norwich or walking the coastal path of North Norfolk in under half an hour. Although we have to say the Ironmongers’ charming decor (that four poster bed) and olde worlde quirks are hard to leave. With eight rooms available, some dog and child-friendly, whether you bring the whole family, come for a couples escape or solo getaway you’re in for a stay like no other.

Barn Drift, Cley

Situated on acres of private farmland in Cley, offering unrivalled views of the sea and the Glaven Valley, Barn Drift ticks a lot of staycation musts. We’re talking wifi throughout, several indoor and outside spaces to entertain, board games, table tennis, croquet, two TVs for entertainment, eight bedrooms to fight over and drool-worthy interiors (ok, not a staycay must but seriously, the decor here is *chefs kiss*). There’s even a cool, converted aircraft Hanger within the grounds available for use too, we’re thinking man cave, a peaceful refuge for you or for shutting the teens in when the strop gets too much! Locale wise you are remote enough to really get some distance from life, but not totally cut off with Cley-next-the-Sea on the doorstep for walks and Holt roughly three miles away for a mooch or anything else you might need. Perfect.

The Harper, Langham

Bedroom 4 at The Harper

Norfolk’s newest luxury hotel is a sleek contemporary escape paring laid-back style with a wink of irreverence. There’s a resident’s-only spa and restaurant, a groovy bar and a pretty outdoor yard with fire pits. Housed in the former Langham Glass factory in North Norfolk, this bijou hotel has 32 rooms classed big, bigger and biggest. What’s not to adore? 

Brisley Bell, Brisley

Thirty mins from just about everywhere in Norfolk, the multi award-winning Brisley Bell is found halfway between Fakenham and East Dereham. It manages to be both a proper pub serving superb rustic food and a stylish boutique retreat with dreamy decor. It’s a clever blend of oldie charm – gnarly beams, wide wooden floorboards and inglenook fireplaces – with striking modern and eclectic details. As stunning as it is inside, step outside and prepare to be wowed all over again. Set at the edge of a conservation area, the pub has a beautiful two-acre garden with gazebo eating area, croquet lawn, herb garden and a meadow for the kids to explore. 

Congham Hall, Congham

Orchard Cabin at Congham Hall 

After a pampering getaway with the girls? Try Congham Hall in West Norfolk, with its blissful spa in a herb garden set in a sweeping 30 acres of rural parkland. This Georgian manor hits that perfect sweet spot of traditional elegance blended with up-to-date luxury. There’s a choice of 31 bedrooms, including five plush Orchard Cabins in the apple orchard, and an AA Rosette restaurant.

Park Farm Hotel, Hethersett

Private Lodge at Park Farm Hotel

Slip into the sleek spa at Park Farm Hotel, a country house hotel boasting gorgeous landscaped gardens, just a short drive away from Norwich. Accommodation is set across a pretty Georgian pile, a renovated Norfolk barn and private lodges in the gorgeous landscaped gardens. As gorgeous as the bedrooms are, be sure to venture out to the glam cocktail nook for pre-dinner drinks before heading to Season’s Restaurant for a delicious AA Rosette meal. Read our review here.

The Kings Head Inn, Brooke

If you like your overnighter with a gastropub attached, make for the Kings Head Inn, in South Norfolk, for an AA five-star rated slumber after your two AA rosette dinner. Choose from five double bedrooms or a family suite each kitted out in elegant modern comfort and housed in an extension at the rear of the 18th century village pub. The real draw here though is the ultra-seasonal menu, with ingredients harvested twice a day from the family’s working farm nearby.

Byfords, Holt

‘Posh’ Room 3 at Byfords

After a quaint country experience but with plenty to do on the doorstep? Head to Byfords in the buzzy North Norfolk market town of Holt. It’s a café, deli, pub, restaurant and ice-cream parlour, and also offers 16 B&B rooms and a self-catering apartment (basically, it has everything!). Holt also has some of the best independent shopping in the UK. Read our review here.

Cley Windmill, Cley-next-the-Sea

For a staycation with a difference, get yourself booked in at Cley Windmill where there’s a mix of bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation. Perched next to the River Glaven in this beautiful North Norfolk village, the five-storey tower mill gazes out over reed beds, the Cley marshes and countryside as far as the eye can see. It’s a great setting for a romantic getaway – order a hamper of artisan treats to your room, devour a three-course set-menu dinner at the mill’s own restaurant (Thu to Sat), or head out to one of the many fantastic eateries nearby (we’re looking at you, Wiveton Bell and Morston Hall). Spend your days hopping between pretty coastal villages and exploring the flora and fauna of Cley Marshes.

Chet Valley’s The Vine House, Bergh Apton 

Since planting its first vines over a decade ago, Chet Valley Vineyard has gained a reputation for quality artisanal wine, winning international and national awards – including Muddy Awards 2023 Best Sustainable Business. Get the full Chet Valley experience with a stay in its Vine House holiday cottage, sleeping six, within stumbling distance of the vines. Guests can join the popular wine-tasting tours led by their chief winemaker, which run from April until end October, or book a picnic in the vines complete with a hamper of Norfolk goodies.

Big Skies Holiday Cottages, North Norfolk

Liz’s Lodge in Weybourne Forest

Fancy holidaying in a glass-fronted woodland lodge or quirky renovated chapel? With a boutique portfolio of properties spanning the whole North Norfolk coast and a few miles inland, Big Skies are just the ticket for a stylish, self-catering Norfolk holiday. It’s a nice touch that there is a video tour of each property so you really get a good understanding of the layout and features.

Want more from East Anglia? Check out our local county sites for the inside line on what’s happening in Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.