Suffolk's Prettiest Villages and Towns

Want to discover Suffolk’s prettiest towns and villages?  Read Country Cottages Online’s guide and discover which are the most beautiful villages and towns to discover on holiday in Suffolk, from the coast to the countryside.

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Which are the Prettiest Villages and Towns in Suffolk?

Suffolk is home to miles and miles of unspoilt countryside, as well as a beautiful coastline.  You may prefer to discover some of Suffolk’s villages and towns in the countryside where a number are known as Wool Towns. Places like Clare, Lavenham, and Long Melford are known as Wool Towns and are home to some magnificent historical buildings which were built during boom times in the medieval period, when the areas became rich from the wool trade.
 
Or for superb breaks by the seaside, Aldeburgh with its quaint appeal and shingle beach, and Southwold with its elegance and sandy beach are great choices.

Wherever you choose to discover, much of the appeal of Suffolk’s town and villages is down to the ample historic charm and appealing backdrops found in this part of the country.  

If you are after some peace and tranquillity you may wish to opt for a stay in one of the less well known Suffolk villages such as Boxford, Hadleigh, Cavendish, Beccles, or the riverside town of Sudbury.
 

Aldeburgh, a Suffolk Coastal Gem

Aldeburgh is set along Suffolk’s coast and offers quaint picturesque appeal with its elegant historical buildings, as well as a shingle beach and coastal paths that stretch for miles and miles. Aldeburgh has a good selection of eateries, independent shops and a very popular fish and chips shop, and oozes coastal appeal.  

Around mid-way along the beach, between Aldeburgh and Thorpeness, is the very famous and much photographed shell sculpture. 

 

Beccles in Suffolk and Norfolk Border Country

Beccles is a charming market town set by the River Waveney.  Home to a good selection of independent shops, cafes and eateries, this is a great spot for a cottage holiday in Norfolk/Suffolk border country.  Officially in Suffolk, but just by the border of Norfolk,  book to take a break in this idyllic town and you can discover some of the best of both counties on a break away.  To the south lies the Suffolk Coast and Heaths National Landscape, whereas only around 6 miles north and you're in the stunning Norfolk Broads.
  

Boxford, a Rural Gem by the Dedham Vale

Small but perfectly formed, Boxford lies just outside of the Dedham Vale National Landscape. Brimful with charming historic buildings, many of which are painted pretty colours, and home to a couple of welcoming pubs, Boxford is a pleasure to meander around.  There are a number of good walks to discover around the Boxford countryside too!

 

Charming Cavendish

Located just 5 miles from Long Melford and 4 miles from the town of Clare, Cavendish is a pretty village nestled in the Stour Valley.  This small village is home to historic Saint Mary's Church, a village pub, pretty pastel-coloured houses, thatched cottages, a village green and timber-framed buildings.

There are a number of good country walks around the village. 

 

Charming Clare 

Clare is Suffolk’s smallest town and features lovely little cafes, pubs and ample historical charm.  In the heart of the town is a large impressive Wool Church, and there are over 130 listed buildings in the town.  Meander around Clare Castle Country Park which offers good walking trails, and discover the unspoilt countryside around Clare Priory.

 

The area is also good for a spot of pampering and spa days, with Gainsborough Spa on the outskirts of the town.

 

Historic Hadleigh

Hadleigh lies just north of the Dedham Vale National Landscape, and is surrounded by stunning countryside in the stunning River Brett valley.  There is a bustling High Street with a choice of pubs, shops and cafes.  There are some excellent circular walks around the town, as well as idyllic riverside walks.

There are some excellent circular walks around the town, as well as idyllic riverside walks.

 

 

Love Medieval Lavenham

Lavenham comes highly recommended for its medieval historical buildings, tea shops, country pubs and picturesque qualities.  As one of the original wool towns, the sense of history you get in Lavenham with its multitude of historic beamed buildings (there are more than 320 buildings of historical interest in the village) is not to be underestimated.

In the market place at Lavenham, an interesting place to visit is Lavenham Guildhall.  This timber-framed building is protected and maintained now by the National Trust, and dates back to medieval times.  The building also featured in one of the Harry Potter films; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, as Harry’s parent’s derelict house.
 
Lavenham is an appealing place to enjoy a leisurely afternoon, and there are also nice country walks around the town.

 

 

Long Melford, a Rural Gem 

Long Melford has ample picturesque appeal, with its village green area, historical houses, pubs and cafes.  There are also country walks and riverside walks to enjoy.  Meander through the countryside and through a nature reserve at Long Melford Country Park by the River Stour.

 

The National Trust's Melford Hall is found on the outskirts of Long Melford and has fascinating links with the author Beatrix Potter. Holidaymakers who love historic houses will also want to visit Kentwell Hall close to Long Melford, where the house and gardens can be visited in the summer months.  Various events are held throughout the year. 
 

Sudbury in the Heart of Suffolk 

Sudbury, is home to an attractive high street with a good choice of shops, cafes and eateries, a beautiful town hall, and a library housed in a grand Old Corn Exchange building.  One of Suffolk’s wool towns, there are some splendid historic buildings in the town.  One of the most interesting has to be Gainsborough’s House where the artist Thomas Gainsborough grew up.  The house is now a museum and an art centre dedicated to Suffolk’s best known artist who was so inspired by the Suffolk countryside and landscape.

There are nice walks around Sudbury Common by the river, and Sudbury Water Meadows is another nice spot for a walk or a picnic.  Kayaking along the River Stour can be enjoyed in this part of Suffolk too.

The popular Victorian seaside town of Southwold boasts elegance and historical appeal aplenty, along with a long sandy beach, colourful beach huts and a pier with various amusements.

Southwold’s elegant architecture make it an appealing place for a coastal break and the town is home to a good selection of eateries, shops and pubs.  In the heart of the town, clearly standing out is Southwold Lighthouse.  It’s possible to visit the lighthouse, and tours are offered by Adnams.  Visitors can also visit Adnams Brewery itself, with its large shop, and brewery tours.