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5 breaks to take after lockdown

Whilst we know you can't visit right now, what better way to wave goodbye to those winter blues than to plan your 2021 post lockdown holiday on The Suffolk Coast!

Whether it's an outdoor adventure, a romantic weekend, a cultural getaway or a fun-filled family trip, we've put together a few holiday ideas to help you dream now, visit later!

1. Outdoor Adventures

Cycling on The Suffolk Coast - (c) Ade Gormley

After a long winter of lockdowns, spending a few nights under the stars is the perfect way to celebrate new found freedom. From campsites, caravans and campervans to shepherds huts, bell tents and airstream trailers - there's a camping or glamping site to suit all. Take a look at places to pitch your tent with our Ultimate Guide to Camping & Glamping!

With over 50 miles of coastline plus waterways, rivers and broads to discover, exploring The Suffolk Coast by water is a must for any adventurer. Hire a boat from Hippersons Boatyard and meander along the Suffolk and Norfolk broads; step on board Sailing Barge Victor and travel out to sea from Ipswich Marina, join the crew on board the Excelsior and enjoy being involved in sailing a historic ship out of Lowestoft or hire canoes and paddle up the River Alde between Aldeburgh and Snape.

Fast becoming a mecca for cyclists, bicycle is the perfect was to travel on The Suffolk Coast. As an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and with many of Suffolk's coastal towns situated along National Cycling Networks, The Suffolk Coast offers year round cycling for all levels of cyclist. For cycling guides, trails and routes, take a look at our Cycling Guide.

2. Romantic Weekends

Couple in front of fire - (c) Emily Fae Photography

With working from home now the norm for many, and homeschooling taking it's toll, couples craving a change of scene and some adult time can whisk themselves away to The Suffolk Coast for a romantic weekend of beach walks, cosy cafes, shopping and great food.

If your walks needs to accompanied by a steaming hot cup of coffee, then head to the beaches of Lowestoft, Southwold, Aldeburgh and Felixstowe where you can enjoy a walk along a beach-hut lined promenade and stop at a cafe or coastal hotel to warm up with a drink or leisurely lunch. If it's windswept dunes and time alone you desire, then opt for a walk along the shores at Kessingland, Walberswick, Covehithe or Shingle Street.

Make the most of your time away and enjoy being waited on with a stay in a boutique hotel. Snuggle up in a coastal inn, wake up to sea views in a seaside hotel, enjoy a gastronomic feast before heading up to your room at a hotel with an award-winning restaurant or sit by a roaring fire whilst reading the paper in a country hotel.

Find your ideal place to stay with our Where to Stay Guide and remember to book a table for brunch, lunch or dinner with our Food & Drink guide.

3. Family Fun

Shingle Street - Family on beach - (c) Emily Fae Photography

Where better to head after months of being at home than the beach! The family-friendly beaches at Lowestoft, Southwold, Aldeburgh and Felixstowe are perfect for a traditional bucket and spade experience; all boasting facilities including toilets and showers, cafes and ice cream shops - you can even hire your own beach hut!

Plan a family day out at one of the many attractions on offer such as Africa Alive, RSPB Minsmere or Easton Farm Park and explore Suffolk's seas and waterways with a day boating on the broads or sailing along the River Waveney from Oulton Broad and Beccles, the River Orwell from Ipswich or the River Deben from Woodbridge.

If you don't have room to bring you own, hire bikes from Southwold Cycle Hire and spend the day exploring the winding roads surrounding Southwold, hoping on board the foot ferry at Southwold Harbour (bikes can travel too) over to Walberswick where you can enjoy an hour or two of crabbing, ice creams and paddling in the sea (in all weathers!).

You're spoilt for choice for family-friendly accommodation; pack the sleeping bags and air beds and pitch your tent at one of the many campsites dotted along the coast and countryside, or travel light and stay in a glamping pod, tipi or Shepherds Hut - our Ultimate Guide to Camping & Glamping is a great place to start planning your stay.

If you you would prefer a little piece of Suffolk to call your own for the week, then opt for a self-catering cottage, lodge, country home or house or for somewhere that's guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained, book a stay at one of the holiday parks in Lowestoft, Oulton Broad, Kessingland, Aldeburgh, Saxmundham and Felixstowe - boasting swimming pools, tennis courts, crazy golf, bars and restaurants

Take a look at our Self Catering Accommodation Guide for places to stay and our Things to Do Guide for days out inspiration!

4. Cultural Escapes

TTDA - Snape Maltings - Concert hall

Dining out, wandering round a museum, listening to live music and watching live theatre - all the things we have missed doing for so long! Once lockdown is over, you can enjoy a cultural escape on The Suffolk Coast.

If you're looking for a place to stay that's packed with character features, why not book a stay in a historic building? Stay in one if the beautiful apartments in Tranmer House, a place of fascinating history. It was here that its former owner, Edith Pretty, ordered the famous Sutton Hoo archaeological dig in which an Anglo-Saxon ship was discovered. You'll have sweeping views over the burial mounds and the River Deben.

Situated in the sleepy coastal village of Orford and just a stone's throw from the 12th century castle, The Crown & Castle is not only home to an award-winning restaurant, but also 21 airy rooms with views of the ness and estuary whilst The Ship at Dunwich, which was once the haunt of smugglers, is just a short walk from the historic beach and church ruins.

Discover The Suffolk Coast's historic places to stay with our Where to Stay Guide.

The Suffolk Coast has a fascinating past; discover our rich maritime, farming, military and arts history with a visit to one of the many museums including The Long Shop Museum, the Suffolk Punch Trust, Landguard Fort, East Anglia Transport Museum, Ipswich Museums, Woodbridge Tide Mill, Aldeburgh Museum and The Red House, and leave some time to explore the charming towns of Beccles, Bungay, Framlingham and Woodbridge.

Home to some of the region's top food producers, why not add on vineyard or brewery tour at Flint Vineyard, St Peter's Brewery or the famous Adnams brewery in Southwold and stop by one of the many farm shops and or food halls to stock up on Suffolk goodies such as Baron Bigod cheese from Fen Farm Dairy, smoked ham from Emmetts, oysters from Pinneys and delicious baked goods and chocolate from Pump Street Chocolate. Discover The Suffolk Coast's award-winning produce with our Local Produce Guide.

There's nothing quite like the atmosphere of a live concert, performance or festival to awaken the senses. Catch by a play by Eastern Angles or contemporary dance performance at The Cut in Halesworth or book tickets for a musical or comedian at The Marina Theatre in Lowestoft. You can enjoy an exciting programme of dance, theatre and music at The Spa Pavilion in Felixstowe or catch a show at Beccles Public Hall. Watch farce and thrillers with MTP presents Theatre on the Coast at Southwold Arts Centre or Shakespeare with Red Rose Chain. And no trip to The Suffolk Coast should be without enjoying a visit the world-renowned concert hall for an evening of classical music at Snape Maltings.

To discover The Suffolk Coast's exciting cultural scene, take a look at our Arts, Music & Culture Guide.

5. Nature Retreats

TTDA - RSPB Minsmere - Red Deer

What better way to celebrate being able to travel again than to discover the beautiful landscapes and wildlife of The Suffolk Coast. The Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty encapsulates 170 square miles of tranquil and unspoilt landscape including wildlife-rich estuaries, ancient heaths, windswept shingle beaches and historic towns and villages.

A must for any nature lover is a visit to RSPB Minsmere; once the home of BBC Springwatch, the RSPB's flagship reserve boasts a variety of walks and trails and hosts a variety of events such as guided walks, talks and safaris. Whatever season you visit, you're bound to see some of the UK's rarest birdlife and wildlife such as bittern, otter, avocet and magnificent red deer.

Located throughout the coast and countryside, you will find Suffolk Wildlife Trust's reserves, including the newly transformed Carlton Marshes nature Reserve; here you can explore 1000 acres of marshes which lead to the southern gateway to the Broads National Park at Oulton Broad.

And remember once here, you needn't step foot in your car if you don't want to. With hundreds of miles of footpaths and trails, a walking holiday is the perfect way to discover the glorious nature on offer up close. Take a look at our Walking Guide to start planning your routes!

If you're looking for a unique place to stay where you can immerse yourself in the wonders of nature, then book a room at the charming Bawdsey Hall; situated on a small nature reserve, the hall provides opportunities for photographers, birders, entomologists, lepidopterists, wildlife enthusiasts and anyone wanting to relax in quiet surroundings. Dating back to the 16th century, the quiet retreat offers quality bed & breakfast accommodation with charm & character and Wildlife Experiences.

A bed & breakfast on The Suffolk Coast is the perfect place to rest your head after a day of walking. Choose from country cottages, farmhouses, barns and stables, rectories, grand halls and townhouses and take a look at our B&B Guide.

Things to see and do

Aldeburgh Museum

Aldeburgh Museum is housed in the iconic Moot Hall, a superb 16th Century, Grade 1 listed timber-framed building that is also home to the Town Council.

National Trust Orford Ness

Wild, remote and exposed, Orford Ness contains the ruined remnants of a disturbing past. Ranked among the most important shingle features in the world, rare and fragile wildlife thrives where weapons, including atomic bombs, were once tested and perfected.

Landguard Fort

Felixstowe

Discover the rich military and maritime heritage of Landguard Fort, one of England's best preserved coastal defences, with a history spanning almost 450 years.

The Long Shop Museum

Leiston

Based in the original Richard Garrett and Sons Town Works, The Long Shop museum tells an inspiring story of enterprise and innovation. Explore the buildings and the collections and reveal remarkable stories of the Garrett family and the local Suffolk folk that made the factory and its products world famous!

East Anglia Transport Museum

Lowestoft

The only museum in East Anglia where you can ride on working trams, trolley buses and narrow gauge railway!

Bawdsey Radar

Bawdsey Radar tells the story of the first operational radar station in the world where radar was developed that helped win the Battle of Britain.

Deben Cruises

Enjoy a two-hour river cruise along the River Deben.

Woodbridge Riverside Trust

Woodbridge Riverside Trust is a charitable facilitating organisation for community activities.

Southwold Cycle Hire

Southwold

Unlike a larger town, there aren’t any major roads in Southwold, meaning it’s a far safer environment for anyone on two wheels. Plus it only takes a few minutes pedalling in any direction before you are taking in scenic views, whether it’s a breathtaking coastal panorama or Suffolk’s rural landscape.

The Red House, Aldeburgh

Aldeburgh

Benjamin Britten was one of the greatest composers of the twentieth century. He wrote a vast amount of incredible music and wanted everyone to enjoy it – professional and amateur musicians, music enthusiasts, children and families.

Felixstowe Spa Pavilion Theatre

A glorious seafront theatre and restaurant complex, with stunning views, an art deco auditorium for up to 900 people and a fabulous British Seaside and Mediterranean-style fish, meat, pizza, pasta & grill menu.

Eastern Angles

Eastern Angles Theatre Company combines heritage with theatre to make regional stories and hidden histories come to life on stage. The company are based at the Sir John Mills Theatre in Ipswich but tour across the county to villages, towns and quirky outdoor locations.

National Trust Dunwich Heath

Dunwich Heath and Beach is a precious landscape on the Suffolk coast where you can experience a true sense of being at one with nature.

Flint Vineyard

Flint Vineyard is one of England's most exciting new wineries. Winemaker, Ben Witchell, combines cutting-edge technology with traditional winemaking techniques to produce elegant and refined English wines.

RSPB Minsmere Nature Reserve

Westleton

Discover nature together on the beautiful Suffolk coast. Wander among the wetlands and woods, potter along the beach, and pause to watch some amazing wildlife.

Ipswich Museums

Ipswich Museums incorporates three historical venues in Ipswich; Ipswich Museum - a fascinating Victorian museum; Christchurch Mansion - a magnificent Tudor building; and Ipswich Art Gallery - a unique contemporary gallery.

Pakefield Riding School

One of the oldest and best-known horse riding centres and stables in East Anglia.

Felixstowe Seafront Gardens

The restored Felixstowe Seafront Gardens sit on cliffs between the town centre and beach.

Suffolk Museums

There are more than 50 museums in Suffolk. Each one is unique, and they are all packed with fascinating stories and objects. If you want to know more about the past and how it has affected the present, just come and take a closer look.

High Lodge Leisure

If you are looking for a place to try out a diverse range of activities then look no further than High Lodge which is home to an array of first-class sporting activities. Suitable for individuals, groups or businesses for corporate activities.

Ferini Art Gallery

The Ferini Art Gallery is set before the beautiful and ever-changing skies an seascapes of Pakefield. It's art mirrors the light and vibrance of the coastline, fishing beach and sandy cliffs.

Aldeburgh Cinema Trust

Aldeburgh

Come and enjoy the big screen experience at Aldeburgh Cinema, in its 101st Year. The unique, art deco cinema looks forward to welcoming you.

Wonderful Beast Theatre Company

Wonderful Beast is the touring theatre company of myths, legends, folk tales and stories for all ages.

The Suffolk Punch Trust

Woodbridge

The Suffolk Punch Trust is an educational and environmental charity dedicated to breeding and preserving the Suffolk Punch horse.

Snape Maltings

Snape

Snape Maltings is a place of energy and inspiration – a visitor destination of outstanding natural beauty and one of the world’s leading centres of music, founded by Suffolk-born composer Benjamin Britten.

Woodbridge Tide Mill

Woodbridge

Check the website for times of Milling Demonstrations and Wheel-Turnings. The Tide Mill has stood on the banks of the River Deben for over 800 years.

VisitEngland We're Good to Go Accreditation Scheme

Easton Farm Park

Woodbridge

Fun family day out on the farm. Home to plenty of farm animals, including a new contingent of ducklings, lambs, foals, chicks, piglets and calves every spring, Easton Farm Park never ceases to be a popular day out for families and school trips.

Marina Theatre

The Marina Theatre is proud to be Lowestoft’s not-for-profit professional theatre. Their charity number is 1149133.

Adnams Brewery and Distillery Tours

Fancy doing something a little bit different? Situated in the heart of Southwold is the Adnams Sole Bay Brewery and Copper House Distillery, where Adnams have been brewing since 1872.

Felixstowe Museum

Explore the fascinating artefacts and collections of Felixstowe Museum, which brings alive the military and social history of this seaside town.

Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

The Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a stunning landscape packed full with wildlife and exciting places to explore and discover.

Oulton Broad Dayboats

Self drive boat hire by the hour or day, spend time afloat in the newly created Broads National park here in Suffolk.

We're Good to Go - VisitEngland Covid-19 accreditation scheme

Excelsior

Come and sail onboard one of Suffolk's historic sailing vessels! Excelsior LT472 is one of the few remaining Lowestoft sailing trawlers, built in 1921 and restored to her original specification on deck. And you can take a hand at sailing her!

Sailing Barge Victor

Sailing Barge Victor is a perfect marriage of a majestic and traditionally rigged 19th century sailing vessel with comfortable, modern facilities for guests.

Beaches

Whether you’re in search of a great family day out, a birdwatching haven, or trip back in time, the beaches along the Suffolk Coast will provide you with a memorable day out whatever the time of year.

In the winter, Suffolk's beaches take on a whole new persona; with windswept dunes, crashing waves, and bracing winds, they are the perfect place to blow away the cobwebs, stroll hand in hand with your loved one, or enjoy a solitary dog walk.

Orwell Lady River Cruises

Ipswich

From April to October each year, Orwell Lady cruises up and down the beautiful and historic River Orwell, offering passengers a choice of trips and experiences whilst taking in the beautiful wooded stretches of the river, local wildlife and points of local and historical interest.

Africa Alive!

Kessingland

Make your day out an adventure with a visit to Africa Alive!

Ufford Park Golf Club

The complete golfing experience; an award-winning 18 hole, par 71 golf course - perfect for all playing abilities.

St Peter's Brewery

St Peter's Brewery is a craft brewery in the heart of Suffolk, brewing award winning beers since '96.

Discover Landguard

The Landguard Peninsula is located at the southerly most point of the town of Felixstowe.

Iken Canoe

Iken Canoe hires out Canadian canoes, sit-on-top kayaks and stand up paddleboards (SUPs) on the stunning upper reaches of the River Alde between Snape and Aldeburgh, close to the Suffolk coast.

The Cut - Halesworth

Halesworth

The Cut Arts Centre offers Halesworth and the surrounding countryside an extensive range of arts, music, theatre, dance, comedy, cinema, workshops and art exhibitions.

National Trust Sutton Hoo

Woodbridge

This hauntingly beautiful 255 acre estate, with far-reaching views over the River Deben is home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust

Felixstowe

From tiny meadows to rolling heaths, the nature reserves extend all the way along the Suffolk Coast from Trimley Marshes at Felixstowe to Lound Lakes north of Lowestoft and are some of Suffolk's most inspiring wild places.

Red Rose Chain

Award-winning Independent theatre company based in Suffolk with community at the heart of all they do. Creators of Theatre In The Forest, East Anglia's largest outdoor theatre event, and home to Suffolk's newest creative venue The Avenue Theatre.

Southwold Arts Centre

The Arts Centre is currently closed in line with Government guidelines, it hopes to reopen in September if Government guidelines allow.

The premier entertainment venue in the popular Suffolk coastal town of Southwold; presenting a year-round programme of events including music, theatre, film, comedy, craft and antique fairs, art exhibitions, workshops, community events and outdoor events. Southwold Arts Centre also offers a number of spaces for hire; suitable for live events, meetings, family celebrations and exhibition space.

Hippersons Boatyard

Some of the best ways to see and experience the river! Day boats, canoes, kayaks and bikes are all available to hire on the southern reach of the Norfolk Broads in Beccles, with day hire from 9.15am till 4.45pm, costing £105 for the day on an electric boat or £50 a day on the canoe.