A Very British Suffolk Staycation

Traditional pub

Experience local life and visit a traditional English village pub to sample a pint of real ale and meet the friendly locals.

Oysters

Suffolk oysters are known for their unique taste and are highly prized by seafood lovers all over the world. The county has a rich history of oyster farming, with some of the best oysters in the UK coming from the rivers and estuaries of the Suffolk coast. The most famous oysters from Suffolk are the Butley Creek oysters, which are grown in the River Ore near Orford.

Local delis, greengrocers and butchers

Most of the beautiful towns and villages across Suffolk have either a deli, greengrocers or butchers… don’t miss the unique and special local produce and shop like a local!

Fish and chips

We couldn’t possibly list unique Suffolk without mentioning our world famous fish and chips… enough said.

Take a stroll along the beach at Southwold or Aldeburgh and enjoy fish and chips on the seafront for an authentic British experience

Countryside

Explore the stunning Suffolk countryside by foot or bike on one of the many public footpaths and cycle routes to see the best of what Suffolk has to offer.

Beach art

Suffolk is scattered with stunning street art and sculptures including the infamous @banksy A Great British #greatbritishspraycation

Don’t miss (possibly one of the most photographed spots in Suffolk) the stunning Scallop in a solitary position on Aldeburgh beach ‑ a tribute to famous C20th composer Benjamin Britten! Get close enough and you will see the words ‘I hear those voices that will not be drowned’.

Countryside clothing

Have you seen the stylish tweed jackets and colorful wellies that are a must in the British countryside?

Sunday roast

A British ‘Sunday roast’, is a traditional meal typically served on Sunday, and often for lunch. Don’t miss this delicious British tradition from one of the many amazing restaurants and pubs across Suffolk.

County shows

Attend a traditional village fete or agricultural show. County shows continue to be important events that offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the UK. They are a great way to learn about local traditions, sample delicious food, and experience the unique charm of rural life. Don’t miss the @Suffolkshow in May each year for a really local Suffolk experien

Red telephone boxes

The iconic red telephone boxes are found in almost every village and town across the county. Many have been converted to libraries, art installations or, like this stunning one, a colour therapy room and some can even still be used!

Colourful houses

Suffolk is known for its picturesque towns and villages, and dotted across the county are clusters of these beautiful houses that add real character to the area. It is also believed that the tradition of painting houses in bright colors can be traced back to the 17th century when sailors used to paint their homes in vivid colors to make them easier to spot from the sea. Captured here so beautifully by @loulabelle2015

Historic buildings

Take a guided tour of an historic stately home, such as @kentwellhall or @ickworthnt and step back in time. Suffolk is known for its history and heritage, with settlements dating from the 5th century.

Don’t miss this amazing spot, The Haywain. There aren’t many places that you feel as if you were walking through a painting. Regarded as the definitive image of nostalgic Englishness, step into the world famous painting by John Constable.

Castles

The stunning castles dotted across Suffolk are some of the most impressive in the UK.

With potentially 500 castles originally across Suffolk, and now only a handful left open to the public, it was one of the most dense area for castles in England. Don’t miss the famous #castleonthehill in Framlingham, the stunning newly restored Orford castle or ancient ruins in Eye.

Farm shops

Visit a local farm shop and pick up some freshly baked bread and locally produced cheese for a traditional British picnic in one of the many public parks and gardens. Visit @oxer_arbon parks and gardens and Suffolk farm shops guides to find out more.

Vineyards

Suffolk is a hidden hub for beautiful English vineyards and superb award winning wines. With recent studies showing that East Anglia has nearly 35,000ha of prime grapevine growing land, rivalling the top regions in France, these wine producers are crafting new and exciting English wines.

Afternoon tea

There is nothing more quintessentially English than tea. Enjoy this uniquely British experience with a cream tea at a quaint tea room, or high‑tea at a grand Manor House…. Visit the @oxer_arbon afternoon tea guide!

Fresh fish

Did you know that Suffolk has a rich fishing heritage and a thriving fishing industry? The county is surrounded by water on three sides, making it a destination for its highly sought after fresh fish. Suffolk fishermen are known for their sustainable fishing practices, ensuring that fish stocks are maintained for future generations. One such artisan fishmonger is @apassionforseafood Mike, whose retail shop near Woodbridge is the perfect spot to stop and pick‑up your fresh fish, as well as learning about the provenance of the fish from Suffolk shores and beyond.

Churches

Did you know there are over 500 churches dotted across Suffolk, the second largest collection in England, (after Norfolk‑ with the greatest concentration in the world). Don’t miss some of these stunning historic buildings… Crowfield church captured here so beautifully by @loulabelle2015

Suffolk animals

Did you know that Suffolk is home to some unique and adorable animal breeds, from the rare Suffolk Punch horses, Suffolk sheep or Red Poll cattle, and more. Discover the diversity of animal life in this wonderful county at local farm parks (such as Easton Farmpark ‑ visit the Oxer & Arbon farm parks guide to find out where) or county shows like Suffolk Show

Festivals

Suffolk is a hub for creativity, with inspiration from the coast and land, and the Suffolk festival scene offers something for everyone. No matter what your festival interest from arts, music to culture and wellness, the festivals in the Suffolk are a wild and wondrous affair! From the sea of colorful tents @latitudefest to sanctuary of @wellnessinthewildfestival, there's a festival for every type of reveler. It’s a time when people dress up, escape, dance, eat, drink, and celebrate. Whether you’re an wellness seeker, a foodie, or music lover, the Suffolk festival scene has got you covered! Visit the @oxer_arbon Festival Guide to find out more.