Why camp in Suffolk?
Where the sun rises over the sea
Suffolk is home to the UK’s most easterly point at Lowestoft Ness, making this quiet corner of East Anglia the very first to see the sunrise at the start of each morning. Whether you’re up at first light to watch the daybreak over the waves or have a lie-in followed by long, lazy days on the beach, Suffolk’s 50 miles of coastline are unlikely to disappoint.
After empty beaches covered by bronze-coloured pebbles? Orford Ness near Woodbridge could be the place for you. More in the market for smart seaside towns? Aim for Aldeburgh to hear the sound of the sea reflected in Maggi Hambling’s scallop sculpture, or stop off in Southwold for its quirky pier amusements and colourful houses. Finally, for sandcastle building, paddling, deckchairs and seaside fish and chips, pick a spot anywhere on Felixstowe’s four miles of sandy beach.
Constable country
Camping in Suffolk is equally splendid inland too. This is a county that really lends itself to outdoor life, with great swathes of spectacular countryside, home to the same gorgeous landscapes that were once the muse of local painter John Constable.
The landscape hasn’t changed all that much since the 18th century, particularly around Constable’s favourite haunts like Dedham Vale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the border with Essex. Head here to cycle through the fields, stroll along the Stour or hire a boat and float downriver past age-old watermills.
Raise your glass
With the right weather conditions for barley and hops and plenty of space, Suffolk is home to a good number of breweries that use the best locally-sourced ingredients to produce a range of tasty brews.
The bigger towns like Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds have several cracking craft breweries to try, while out in the countryside small-scale operations like the Green Dragon in Bungay make the perfect pit-stop on long rural walks.
The best things to do while camping in Suffolk
* Treat yourself to a refreshing open-air dip at Beccles Lido
* Delve into the ancient past at Sutton Hoo near Woodbridge, or take the kids to play knights and damsels at Framlingham Castle
* Head north towards the Norfolk border to explore the spectacular scenery of The Broads National Park
* Coo over cute animals and learn about rural life at Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm, just off the A14 between Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds
* Head to Ipswich Transport Museum and explore over 100 intriguing vehicles and engineering artefacts with local connections
* Look to Lavenham, a well-preserved wool town in the south of the county with excellent independent eateries and colourful timber-framed cottages
* Take the scenic route and step aboard one of Suffolk's tiny passenger ferries to travel between Southwold and Walberswick, Orford and Butley or to cross from Felixstowe to Harwich Harbour in Essex
Undiscovered Suffolk
Breaks in The Brecks
This corner of Suffolk is often overlooked, but travellers looking for a quieter destination should head inland from the coast to The Brecks, a low-lying wooded area home to Thetford and Kings forests.
The area has a unique microclimate that makes it one of the driest parts of the UK, but there are more reasons to come here than just the scenery and the weather. To stretch your legs, cross over into Norfolk and head to the Pingo Trail to see the unique circular pools left behind by glaciers at the end of the Ice Age. For higher-adrenaline action, stay in Suffolk for the ziplines and treetop trails at Go Ape Thetford near Brandon.
The other side of Bury St Edmunds
It's famous for its annual Christmas Fayre, bustling high street and popular twice-weekly market, but the ancient town of Bury St Edmunds has more to it than meets the eye. The gorgeous grounds of the Abbey Gardens, unusual attractions like The Nutshell, Britain's smallest pub, the neoclassical park around Ickworth House and a lively independent food and drinks scene all make the town one of the most varied in in East Anglia.
A UFO forest
Is there anybody out there? Rendlesham Forest near Woodbridge has a three-mile UFO trail where you can retrace the steps of the US airmen who saw bright flashing lights in the sky back in 1980. Some put the whole thing down to nearby Orford Ness lighthouse, but perhaps the only way to get to the bottom of this modern-day myth is to come and check it out yourself…
Here’s how
Which Suffolk sites are best for dogs? Where can I find adults-only spots near Saxmundham, Stowmarket or Southwold? All of these questions and more can be answered in a couple of clicks with our tick-box filters, allowing you to search by theme, facilities, user rating and accommodation type.
All about Suffolk's wide range of back to basics tent pitches? After something smarter like a Suffolk glamping getaway for couples? Mix and match to find exactly what you need for your Suffolk stint. Here are a few of our most popular options to get you started:
* Suffolk pitches with electric hook-ups
* Campfire-friendly spots in the Suffolk countryside
* Family-friendly sites in Suffolk
Still on the look-out for the site that has it all? Broaden your search to other scenic parts of East Anglia, or head farther afield to the equally splendid shores of Lincolnshire.
