Which are the best towns and cities to stay in Suffolk?
By Andrew Roach. February 05, 2024
Few counties showcase the beauty of rural England quite like Suffolk does. At the heart of East Anglia, you are never far from majestic landscapes, stunning beaches or historic towns. The region delivers stunning beaches set across dramatic cliff faces and winding estuaries. Within Suffolk’s quaint towns, stories are told on every street corner. There’s also stunning medieval architecture sitting amongst bustling cafes sporting great local produce.
A quick slice of Suffolk’s highlights shows exactly what’s on offer. Suffolk’s county town of Ipswich boasts cultural landmarks next to a thriving and bustling waterfront. Meanwhile, the coastal resort of Lowestoft sports fascinating maritime history and is a gateway to all types of entertainment. The historic centre of Bury St Edmunds is headlined by the town’s picturesque cathedral and vast abbey ruins.
Sports fans will love a trip to Newmarket - long considered the original home of horse racing. The beach resort of Southwold is a throwback beach town and home to the famous Adnams brewery. Finally, art lovers will love a trip to Sudbury - the home of some of England’s most famous artists. All this makes Suffolk an iconic snapshot of quintessential England.If you are interested in where to stay in Suffolk, you can also be interested in where to stay in Norfolk or in where to stay in Cornwall.
Best towns and cities to stay in Suffolk
Ipswich
Culture / Nightlife / Restaurants
Ipswich is very much the beating heart of Suffolk. The largest town in the county has a thriving buzz that makes it the perfect base for exploring the region. It provides easy access to the entire county and is home to beautiful green parks and a thriving waterfront.
Fans of open spaces will love exploring some of the town’s beautiful parks with Chantry Park and Christchurch Park giving idyllic peace in the middle of town. Sports fans can savour a chance to visit Portman Road to see the home of the famous Ipswich Town Football Club. Families will love trips to the Ipswich Museum for a trip through time and see natural and cultural highlights of yesteryear
It’s also a great place for enjoying great meals. Ipswich has a great mix of offerings including traditional gastropubs and haute international cuisine. Ipswich also has restaurants that showcase local produce highlighting Suffolk’s agricultural prowess.
Bury St Edmunds
Shopping / Restaurants / History
Located at the heart of Suffolk, Bury St. Edmunds is one of the county’s most picturesque towns. Sporting amazing medieval architecture, sprawling cafes and beautiful gardens, this market town gives visitors a true taste of the nation’s past.
At the centre of the town is the iconic St Edmundsbury Cathedral which dominates the skyline in every direction. It’s the centrepiece of a medieval town centre lined with narrow streets and heritage buildings. History can be traced through the Moyses Museum or seen by exploring the historic abbey ruins. It’s all complemented by cafes sporting great pastries and coffees as you walk along the Angel Hill and Market Square precincts.
Those wanting to get a glimpse of nature can enjoy a riverside stroll in the colourful Abbey Gardens. Meanwhile, the nearby woodland surrounding the Ickworth House Estate is a haven for deer and forest-dwelling animals. The quintessential English market town that has it all.
Accommodation in Bury St Edmunds
Newmarket
Sport / Nightlife / Wildlife
Few towns boast a claim to fame quite like Newmarket - the original home of horse racing. Nestled among racing history, Newmarket is a town also home to a lively shopping scene and close to excellent natural landmarks.
Known as “The Home of Horse Racing”, enthusiasts can watch racing at either The Rowley Mile or the July Course. There’s also the National Horse Racing Museum to explore for history and sports buffs. Aside from racing, the summer months have exciting live music with chart-topping stars headlining shows on non-race days. The town’s High Street also boasts an excellent mix of shops, restaurants and bars that add to the lively nature of the town.
Just outside of the town, nature lovers will love the secluded peacefulness of Thetford Forest - one of the few last homes of the red squirrel. The Fens are also within a short drive sporting a look at one of man’s greatest agricultural marvels.
Lowestoft
Families / Beaches / Resorts
Few places offer a range of attractions for families quite like Lowestoft. With all types of amenities right on your doorstep, the most Eastern town in England is a great place to enjoy a lively holiday.
It’s the perfect place for families to spend time with the kids with the Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park just minutes away from the town centre. Families can also take a stroll alongside the Claremont Pier and relax on the town’s pristine sandy beach. History buffs can see the town’s maritime history highlighted by the Lowestoft Maritime Museum and the fascinating East Anglia Transport Museum.
Nature lovers only need to make short trips out of the town to find iconic regions such as the Norfolk Broads teeming with birdlife and seals. There’s also the Africa Alive! Zoo that recreates a real-life safari. It’s why Lowestoft is Suffolk’s true tourist haven.
Southwold
Beaches / Wildlife / Culture
For a peaceful coastal break, few towns have the charm and character that Southwold provides. It has a small-town feel mixed with stunning beaches and a bustling town centre rich in amenities.
The charming beachfront has something for everyone to enjoy. Alongside a beautiful Blue Flag sandy beach, the beach is known for colourfully painted beach huts sporting all the colours of the rainbow. The historic Southwold Pier hosts a thriving arcade for families to enjoy with classic games that kids and adults will love. The town centre itself not only has boutique shops but also the famous Adnams Brewery - one of England’s best-known breweries that goes back over two centuries.
Nature lovers will also find themselves at home with RSPB Walberswick and RSPB Minsmere teeming with marine birds of all shapes and sizes. It is a perfect coastal town without droving crowds to distract you.
Sudbury
Culture / History / Restaurants
Art lovers will fall in love with the town of Sudbury - a place that served as inspiration for legendary artists such as Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable. It’s the perfect start for a town steeped in history and character.
On the edge of Dedham Vale and the River Stour, art buffs can explore the town’s vicinity looking at sights that inspired some of history’s best painters. The story is completed by a trip to Gainsborough’s House showcasing the artist’s lasting legacy. If you want local produce, the town hosts a great weekly local market and local cafes sporting excellent cakes.
Families can also experience the town’s rich Tudor history in full costume at nearby Kentwell Hall. Or they can see how Queen Mary stayed in luxury at the fascinating Melford Hall. With a rich mix of history and craft, Sudbury is a town that is not to be missed.
Our recommended hotels in Suffolk
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in SuffolkNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
