Spend a few days recharging your batteries before the Christmas chaos with a weekend on The Suffolk Coast. Indulge in good food, enjoy a glass of wine or local ale, put your feet up next to a roaring fire after a brisk seaside walk and grab those last minute Christmas gifts.
We've rounded up a few of the best pre-Christmas getaway offers to tempt you!
With its tranquil beachfront setting, The Brudenell in Aldeburgh offers beach chic style, friendly and informal service and award-winning food. This December, book the 'Winter Bubbles' package between 1st December and 31st January 2018 and enjoy a stay plus a bottle of Prosecco in your room upon arrival and Temple Spa's Restitude Bath cream. You will also receive £32 per person to spend in the Seafood & Grill restaurant, which serves a delicious range of dishes made with locally caught and sourced fish and meat.
After your hearty breakfast, blow away the cobwebs with a walk along the beach, before heading to the town’s pretty High Street; home to a range of independent shops, delis, cafes and restaurants, including, of course, that essential fish and chips experience on the beach with the Aldeburgh Fish and Chip Shop!
There’s plenty on offer to keep you entertained at night too; just a short drive away you will find Snape Maltings, where you can enjoy world-class entertainment in the famous concert hall along with galleries, homewares shop and food hall, or for something a little less formal, grab your popcorn and head to Aldeburgh Cinema to see the latest blockbuster.
In the pretty seaside town of Southwold, book a stay at the newly re-opened Swan Hotel. After an extensive refurbishment, the hotel opened it's doors again in September, expertly merging the heritage of the 600-year-old building with Adnams' brewing history. The rooms (Excellent, Fabulous or Oustanding) have a contemporary and coastal design, each with bespoke furniture.
To kick-start your relaxing stay, in your room you will find a complimentary 20cl bottle of Adnams gin and Temple Spa toiletries. Head to The Still Room Restaurant for dinner and after a day of exploring, enjoy a pint of Adnams Ghost Ship in The Tap Room bar.
The hotel is located in Southwold's historic High Street and within walking distance of boutique shops such as Collen & Clare and Denny’s of Southwold, plus brands including Joules, Crew Clothing, Jack Wills and Fat Face so it’s the ideal place to stay after a day of Christmas shopping.
Lunch can be enjoyed in one of the many cafes, or head towards the sea and take a stroll along the famous Southwold Pier before sitting down to fish and chips as the sea laps beneath your feet in the Clockhouse Restaurant.
If you'd prefer to take the dog along with you, both The Ship at Dunwich and The Westleton Crown will happily welcome you and your pooch this winter. You can grab a bargain too, as The Ship is offering 50% off all published room rates for stays Sunday to Thursday and 25% of room rates for stays Friday to Saturday when dining in the restaurant from 1st December to 9th February 2018 (excluding the Christmas and New Year period). Whilst The Westleton Crown is offering 50% off room rates from Sunday to Thursday and 25% off room rates from Friday to Saturday for stays between 2nd January and 12th February 2018.
And after a long walk along the beach in bracing winds at Dunwich, or a day discovering The Suffolk Coast's rare wildlife at RSPB Minsmere, there's nothing better than warming up with a pint and hearty meal in front of a roaring fire in the restaurants at both of these traditional coaching inns.
www.westletoncrown.co.uk/offers/room-offers/half-price-winter-offer
www.theshipatdunwich.co.uk
Base yourself in Ipswich, Suffolk's county town and the gateway to the coast. With views of Ipswich’s historic marina, you can stay in the stylish surroundings of Salthouse Harbour Hotel and take advantage of a range of offers and packages including the 'Teatox' from £145 per room, 'Starry Nights' from £169 per room, 'The Dining Experience' from £230 per room and 'Rejuvenated Sundays' from £150 per room to name but a few.
www.salthouseharbour.co.uk/offers
For a cosy, rural retreat tuck yourself away in the beautiful village of Orford. Book a stay at the Crown and Castle, where you can enjoy the St Clement's December offer of 2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast featuring a 2-course a la carte dinner, full English breakfast each morning and in your room; 2 large Arran Aromatics’ grapefruit massage bars, a jar of Wendy Brandon’s dark orange marmalade and a bag of Niko B. Chocolates dipped citrus peel - the perfect pre-Christmas indulgence!
crownandcastle.co.uk/special_offers/st-clements-december-offer
During your stay, remember your walking boots, wellies, and winter coats and set off on foot to explore the C12th Orford Castle, or hop in the car and head to nearby Rendlesham Forest for a brisk winter’s walk.
There’s plenty to see and do to keep you entertained should you wish to explore; discover the migrating wildlife of The Suffolk Coast at RSPB Minsmere, join in with a culinary course at The Food Hub at Kenton Hall, shop for homewares, antiques, clothing and local produce in one of the market towns and enjoy spectacular events throughout the winter!
For more winter getaway inspiration and places to stay, check out our 'Where to Stay' guide!