Top Spots for a Romantic Weekend on The Suffolk Coast

The historic market town of Beccles is packed with delightful cafes serving delicious cakes, homemade soups, sandwiches and breakfasts, along with freshly ground coffee. Stock up on a few items from Baileys Delicatessen for a bit of sustenance whilst you peruse chic homewares, antique shops and boutiques, before walking down to the quay for a stroll along the river, or climb the church tower for views across the Waveney Valley.

Spend a tranquil night overlooking the river and Waveney Valley at Hippersons Boatyard; listen to the sound of the river lapping beneath you in their over-water glamping pod, or opt for a riverside pod and watch the birdlife and wildlife swim past your door as you wake up. The site is located close to independent shops, cafes and restaurants and pubs for dinner.

Visit: www.hippersons.co.uk, 

Ideal for couples, start your day in Woodbridge and head down to the marina, where you can explore the historic Tide Mill before setting off on a walk along the river Deben, with a stop off at The Tea Hut.

In the evening, get dressed up and head to The Crown for pre-dinner cocktails and a slap up meal from their award-winning menu. You can stay here too; the 10 boutique bedrooms are luxuriously furnished with goose-down pillows, crisp cotton bed linen and a selection of REN products in each bathroom. For a special treat, book the overnight spa package which includes dinner, bed and breakfast, a cocktail on arrival, a bottle of Prosecco in your room and a one-hour treatment per person at Bathsheba Spa.

In the evening, catch the latest blockbuster and enjoy a pre-film meal at The Riverside Theatre (where you can snuggle up on the double couch seats!), or take a drive out to the surrounding villages and sit by the fire with a glass of wine and a delicious meal made with locally sourced produce at The Unruly Pig or The Ufford Crown. 

Spend your Sunday relaxing in a comfy robe and soaking in bubbles at the Spa at Ufford Park, or for golfing fans, have a round or two on the 18-hole championship golf course. 

Visit: www.thecrownatwoodbridge.co.uk,www.theuffordcrown.com, www.theunrulypig.co.uk, www.uffordpark.co.uk

If you want to treat your other half to a shopping spree, Aldeburgh's pretty high street is famed for its selection of independent shops alongside famous brands including Fat Face, Joules and Crew Clothing. Be sure to stop by O&C Butcher for stylish outdoor wear (needed when taking a brisk walk along the beach!) and Collen & Clare for designer handbags, perfume and clothing.

Afterwards, walk up the High Street to the Aldeburgh Fish & Chip Shop and buy freshly caught and cooked fish and chips - they taste best when eaten straight out of the paper, whilst sat on the beach!

Located within the town, there are three beautiful hotels to choose from; situated right on Aldeburgh's famous beach you will find The Brudenell. Wake up to panoramic sea views in one of the contemporary styled, seaside chic bedrooms. The hotel's Seafood & Grill Restaurant is a must-visit too; with an impressive menu of locally caught seafood and shellfish on offer.

Snuggle up in one of the cosy rooms available at The White Lion and indulge with afternoon tea followed by a 3-course meal in the restaurant Brasserie Bleue; which serves a menu of fresh fish from Dean's Shed, situated on the beach opposite, and for breakfast, smoked kippers from nearby Pinneys of Orford.

This historic Wentworth Hotel is just a stone's throw from the beach; packed with character, the sumptuous lounges are the perfect place to sit, read the papers and enjoy a pot of tea. The rooms are beautifully furnished, feeling more like a country house but with the added bonus of breathtaking sea views!

Situated just a mile or so outside of the town you will find Five Acre Barn; a contemporary styled converted barn set amongst 5 acres of gardens. The five 'Scandi' rooms have free standing baths and floor to ceiling doors opening out onto your own patio - the perfect place to get away from it all!

Visit: www.brudenellhotel.co.uk, www.wentworth-aldeburgh.com, www.whitelion.co.uk, www.ocbutcher.co.uk/, www.aldeburghfishandchips.co.uk

Offering peace and tranquillity, Orford and Orford Ness are the ideal spots for enjoying a crisp winter's morning with your loved one. Take a walk along the River Ore before heading into the village and indulging in some oysters from Pinneys of Orford, along with their prize-winning smoked salmon and freshly caught fish and seafood.

After you've warmed up, spend the afternoon exploring the 12th century Castle before enjoying an evening meal and overnight stay at the historic Crown and Castle. The restaurant, which also features 21 cosy bedrooms, is perfect if you desire a bit of peace and quiet. The food on offer is excellent too and there's an impressive wine list available to complement the menu. 

Visit: crownandcastle.co.uk, www.pinneysoforford.co.uk 

One of Suffolk's most popular seaside towns; Southwold is ideal for a romantic winter weekend on the coast. Start your weekend with a day wandering around the town's boutiques, homewares shops and delis. Treat your partner to a designer handbag or luxury cosmetics at Collen & Clare; named as one of the Top 50 Boutiques outside of London by The Times Stella Magazine, before heading to the beach for a walk along the beach hut lined promenade and out to sea with a stroll on the town's famous Edwardian Pier.

After a stroll along the prom and down towards the harbour make your way back to The Crown Hotel for lunch, or extend your visit with a stay; the cosy bedrooms are full of character, each with a coastal theme to reflect the hotel's prime position in the seaside town - perfect for a relaxing, romantic stay. 

Alternatively, whisk your loved one away to The Swan Hotel. Situated in the centre of the town, Adnams flagship hotel re-opened in Autumn 2017 and has subsequently been named as one of the top picks of the Best British Hotels of 2017 in The Times and The Sunday Times Cool Hotel Guide.

The Excellent, Outstanding and Fabulous Rooms are beautifully styled, combining the hotel's history, seaside location and connection to the Adnams Brewery. You will receive complimentary bottles of gin from the distillery and Temple Spa toiletries in addition to the luxury bedding, wireless speakers, smart TV and Nespresso Coffee Machine.

During your stay, be sure to book a table in The Still Room, trying the 7-course tasting menu and finish your evening with a glass of brandy in the lounge.

Visit: theswansouthwold.co.uk, www.southwoldpier.co.uk, www.collenandclare.com, www.thecrownsouthwold.co.uk