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Suffolk: The New Cotswolds

Aldeburgh, a coastal town in Suffolk, UK. getty Not as well known to tourists as other popular regions in England like the Lake District or the Cotswolds, the county of Suffolk, just 90 minutes north east of London, has as much to offer visitors, without the crowds. The birthplace and subject of painters Gainsborough and Constable, Suffolk is known for its picturesque landscapes and historic villages. The quaint streets of historic towns like Bury St. Edmunds, Lavenham and Framlingham (with its castle) and seaside towns like Southwold and Aldeburgh are among the highlights. Willy Lot's House Cottage, Flatford Mill, Suffolk, England. An ancient farmhouse made famous by a painting by artist John Constable. Universal Images Group via Getty Images Some of Suffolk's main attractions can be seen in a day or you could spend a few days at a charming guesthouse by the seaside or in the heart of the countryside. For starters, head to Flatford and see the mill that was the subject of John Constable's famous painting The Hay Wain and Bridge Cottage, which houses a Constable exhibition. The surrounding landscapes seen in his paintings remain unchanged to this day. Framlingham castle, Suffolk, UK getty After a stroll around Constable country, head north to the famous Anglo-Saxon burial site Sutton Hoo in Woodbridge with its fascinating museum and walking trails. Then travel to one of the charming coastal towns, Aldeburgh or Southwold. Inland, stop in Framlingham and see the impressive 12th-century castle, followed by a visit to Lavenham, a gorgeous medieval village with an abundance of well-preserved timber-framed houses. Gainsborough's House, a Grade I-listed eighteenth-century Merchant house, was the childhood home of the artist and holds the most comprehensive collection of Thomas Gainsborough's artwork within a single setting anywhere in the world. The Red House in Aldeburgh, the former home of composer Benjamin Britten, shows an eclectic mix of art, artefacts, furniture and furnishings. SCA lifestyle boutique, Aldeburgh, Suffolk, UK James Payne If you had to choose one place in Suffolk for a weekend break, Aldeburgh would be an obvious choice. Famous for its fresh seafood sold from fisherman's huts on the vast pebble beach, a giant Scallop sculpture by Maggi Hambling and charming shops, guesthouses and restaurants, Aldeburgh is the ideal English town for a seaside holiday. The high street has a good selection of cute shops, with a few that really stand out. The hotly anticipated, chic new S.C.A. lifestyle boutique had queues around the block for their opening this Easter weekend. The shop offers a more contemporary range of international brands than you'd find in a typical seaside clothing store. Designs in the stylish S.C.A. include Esme Studios (Denmark), Amente (California), Runaway Bicycle (India), (UK) plus French brands such as Hod Paris and Bon Parfumeur and candles and home scents from trendy British brand Earl of East. Another recent opening is Norfolk Natural Living, a perfumery selling a gorgeous, all-natural range of home scents, cleaning products and perfumes. All products are biodegradable, non-toxic, free from chlorine and bleach and made with plant-based ingredients. And no visit to Aldeburgh would be complete without stopping in historic O & C Butcher Outfitters. Established by Edward Butcher in 1884, the shop has been a part of Aldeburgh High Street for 130 years. It's strong on classic country lifestyle brands such as Schoffel, Barbour and Dubarry. The Suffolk, Aldeburgh The Suffolk In Aldeburgh, a former 17th-century inn is now a small boutique hotel, The Suffolk, with six lovely double rooms, all individually designed by a local interior designer. Two rooms, Orford Ness and The Havergate have sea views and the roof terrace with a bar, open in warmer months, overlooks the beach. A nice touch is the pantry on the landing, offering complimentary house cocktails and a fridge stocked with cheese and charcuterie. Rooms, including breakfast, are from £170/night. The Suffolk dining room, Aldeburgh, Suffolk The Suffolk The restaurant at the Suffolk is superb. The dining room is bright and airy and the seafood-focused menu is great. The chef sources locally with Oysters from Pinneys of Orford, fresh fish from Wightman based in Lowestoft, as well as meat from Salter & King in Aldeburgh. Don't miss the dressed crab starter and for a main, the crab linguine is delicious. Also in Aldeburgh is The Brudenell Hotel, a 4-star beachside hotel with 44 rooms and the Seafood & Grill Restaurant. Double rooms are from £185. For some of the best fish and chips in the country, join the queue at The Golden Galleon on Aldeburgh high street. Two Magpies bakery and cafe in Aldeburgh and (Framlingham) is a cozy spot for brunch or freshly baked sourdough bread, morning pastries, savories and sweet treats. The Peacock Inn, Chelsworth, Suffolk, UK Peacock Inland, in the sweet village of Chelsworth, is The Peacock Inn a beautiful grade II listed, 14th-century timber-framed hostelry. The Peacock Inn just received a coveted Bib Gourmand and it was recently included in the Michelin Guide. Highlights from the seasonal menu include starters like saffron cured red mullet and asparagus and jersey royal salad and mains like rump of Suffolk lamb and roasted fillet of halibut. The Kings Head, Bidelston The Kings Head In Bildeston, the newly opened Kings Head, dating back to 1470 when it was a wool factory, is now a cosy pub and restaurant run by husband and wife team, Sophie McCreddie and Peter Goss. Working alongside local chefs, they offer a daily menu with locally sourced produce, including wild venison from Lavenham Butchers, sourdough from Biddles Bread, hand churned ice cream from Tornado Ices and cheeses of Fen Farm Dairy. To drink is organic artisan wine (and there's an in-house micro wine shop) and Suffolk beers. At The Greyhound in Pettistree, Head Chef, Adam Spicer, serves a short seasonal menu inspired by the rural surrounds. In daily contact with local producers, the menu often changes based on the best of what is available nearby.