Why Suffolk is the best place for a winter staycation

While some people choose to jet away to hotter countries to escape the brisk UK weather, there are many reasons to stay for a winter staycation in Suffolk.

Winter walks

Wrap up warm for a walk along the coast (Image: John Kerr) There are many places across the county where you can wrap up warm and enjoy a stroll through nature. 

If you are wanting to stay near Ipswich then head to the woodlands of Foxhall woods for a short but pleasant stroll or loop around Alton Water Reservoir and spot the wildlife just a short drive from the town.

Or perhaps your four-legged friends want to enjoy the coast now that restrictions for dogs have been lifted?

Start in Aldeburgh in the morning and head 7 miles to Thorpeness before heading back to Aldeburgh to warm up with fish and chips on the beach. 

The King Charles III England Coast Path (Image: Suffolk County Council) Those looking for a challenge can follow the new King Charles III coastal path which takes you through the picturesque countryside from Shotley Gate to Felixstowe Ferry.

READ MORE: 5 of the prettiest places in Suffolk in winter

Cosy Cafes

Pop into one of the many cosy cafes for a festive treat (Image: Charlotte Bond) With the chill in the air the perfect way to warm up can be with a nice cup of coffee perhaps served with a treat or too. 

Ivy and Bond in Long Melford is hosting an afternoon tea with Father Christmas on December 21 and is offering a warm space with free tea, coffee and biscuits on Mondays between 10am and 11.30am. 

Take a break from Christmas shopping in Bury St Edmunds and pop into Wrights Cafe for a posh cheese toastie or visit Vera G's Cakes and Teas in Lowestoft for a range of festive specials including a turkey, stuffing and cranberry role or a pigs in blanket jacket potato. 

Wrights Cafe serves a range of posh cheese toasties (Image: Charlotte Bond) Wherever you are in Suffolk during winter you can always find a cosy cafe to enjoy a hot drink.

Warming pubs and restaurants

Pubs across the county serve hearty dishes made with locally sourced ingredients (Image: Simon Parker) There is nothing better than tucking into a hearty roast dinner on a cold winter's day and two of the best pubs to get one are The Brewers in Rattlesden and The Unruly Pig in Bromeswell.

Both pubs have been named among the best spots in the UK by the Good Food Guide.

Across Suffolk there are plenty of pubs with fireplaces where you can cosy up with a pint such as the Newbourne Fox near Woodbridge which was named the best in the East of England in this year's National Pub and Bar awards.

The Newbourne Fox is one of the region's top spots (Image: Newsquest) Or if you are looking for a restaurant with a warm and inviting atmosphere then book a meal at Maison Bleue in Bury St Edmunds.

The modern fine-dining restaurant specialises in French cuisine with customers encouraged to take their time with their meal to enjoy the flavours. 

READ MORE: Five Suffolk cosy pubs with a fire to visit 

Festive fun

The Helmingham Hall light trail takes you through the estates gardens (Image: Beckie Egan Photography) If you are all about Christmas then Suffolk is the perfect place to get your festive fix of events and attractions. 

Helmingham Hall hosts its Illuminated Garden Trail until Wednesday, December 18 with a route inspired by the four elements featuring hundreds of lights and sounds to create a winter wonderland. 

Closer to Ipswich is Illuminate Ipswich which has transformed Holywells Park into a spectacle with marshmallow toasting and entertainment available throughout. 

All aboard the steam train to visit Father Christmas (Image: Nick Butcher)

Families can meet Father Christmas on the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway where steam trains run from Brockford Station to 'North Pole Halt' with each child receiving a present on the journey.

Finally there are a range of festive afternoon teas, Christmas markets, pantomimes and more for the whole family to enjoy across the county.