13 of the best things to do in Suffolk for couples
With beautiful beaches, an abundance of great days out, charming towns and of course a whole host of perfect holiday homes, there’s no doubt that Suffolk makes a wonderful trip for couples.
Whether you’re looking for ways to spend a day in the county together, activities, date night ideas or places to visit as part of a romantic break, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite suggestions for things to do in Suffolk when it’s just the two of you.
Hire a boat on Thorpeness Meare
For a day out that’s simultaneously fun and relaxing, head to Thorpeness Meare to try your hand at boating. This hand-dug boating lake was created in 1913, and there are a range of colourful boats for hire.
The Meare is made up of over forty acres of water and there are plenty of islands and inlets to explore; you can even take a break to get out of your boat and spend time on the banks. Situated in the charming holiday village of Thorpeness, it makes a wonderful way to soak up your surroundings, try something new and spend time together. The lake is no more than three feet at its deepest points, so it’s also one of the safest boating experiences you could ever hope for.
Treat yourselves to a spa day
There’s always room for some relaxation on holiday, and what better way than with a spa day for two? Many Suffolk spas benefits from beautiful locations and even gardens to relax in as part of your experience.
The spa at Seckford Hall, near Woodbridge, is particularly indulgent, featuring an outdoor Spa Garden and a range of treatments for one or two people. Ufford Park is also a popular choice for a spa day, and offers a range of different packages depending on your preferences.
For an experience that combines spa relaxation with nature, Potton Hall features scented rose walkways and a holistic garden with chamomile lawn. It prides itself on a relaxing and personalised experience – sure to make for proper quality time together.
Get closer to Suffolk with a walking tour
Walking village streets or countryside lanes is always a fantastic way to get to know a place, but for couples looking for a deeper understanding of the area, a guided walk can help you uncover more than doing it alone.
Discover Lavenham provide friendly and entertaining guided walks of the historic village of Lavenham, with the hidden stories of the area told by their Blue and Green badge guides. Not far away in the market town of Clare, local guides run 90 minute walking tours starting from the Clare Castle Country Park visitor centre and weaving around historic sites and charming streets.
Go wine tasting or take a vineyard tour
If you’re a wine loving couple, take advantage of the great vineyards in the area and the opportunity to indulge on your holiday. Many Suffolk vineyards will offer wine tours or wine tastings – you can do both at Valley Farm Vineyards in Halesworth, which offers a selection of tour and tasting experiences, including options with a delicious picnic or wood-fired pizza.
For those who aren’t wine fans but do enjoy a different tipple, Suffolk brewing experts Adnams offer fantastic brewery tours and even make your own gin experiences from their hometown of Southwold.
A picnic for two
There’s no shortage of lovely Suffolk spots for a picnic, so for a laid-back day together, find a beautiful viewpoint, secluded cove or grassy local green. Pack up a basket or bag with local treats from a market or delicatessen, if there’s one near where you’re staying, and a bottle of something, and enjoy.
If you’re visiting Aldeburgh, Lawson’s Delicatessen is always a popular place for picking up delicious salads, pies, pastries, sandwiches and cakes.
For places to picnic, try Elmhurst park in Woodbridge, Walberswick Village Green, or, of course, the beach. And if the weather isn’t cooperating, there’s something very cosy and inviting about an indoor picnic in your holiday home instead!
A movie night with a difference
The Electric Picture Palace in Southwold is not just any old cinema. Looking to transport visitors back to the golden age of film, it features vintage decor, a traditional concession stand, and some long-lost rituals including an organ recital and singing the national anthem. Nostalgic, yes, but undeniably memorable, and certainly a cinema date with a difference.
The building is owned by the Southwold Film Society, who run four film seasons a year with screenings on Friday and Saturday evenings (and more during summer). The society requires you to be a member to attend, but they welcome holidaymakers with a seasonal membership of £3 and ticket prices ranging from £6 (front row stalls) to £15 (royal box).
Indulge in an afternoon tea
An assortment of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, delicate sweet treats, and perfectly brewed tea (perhaps accompanied by something sparkling too); is there a more delightful experience? Suffolk is an excellent place to savour this quintessentially English tradition, with an abundance of fantastic afternoon teas in all corners of the county.
The Swan in Lavenham is a very popular choice (for good reason!), as is Retreat East, a former dairy farm in Hemingstone that is now a sustainable retreat. Both offer fantastic afternoon teas that are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Suffolk Food Hall is another great option, with plenty of variations to suit a range of dietary requirements.
Visit picturesque towns and villages
If you like to pick up a camera on holiday, make sure you seek out some of Suffolk’s scenic villages and charming market towns. There are many to choose from, showcasing all of the county’s most aesthetic sides, where you can watch the world go by in town squares, wander historic streets and soak up the essence of the region.
There’s something particularly romantic about Woodbridge, Cavendish is well-known for its pretty pink thatched houses, and Kersey, with its timber-framed buildings and medieval church, is another fantastic choice.
Watch a sunset or sunrise
The setting or rising sun is typically romantic anywhere in the world, and Suffolk has some stunning spots for this particular pastime. The coast is beautiful at sunset, as is the River Orwell. Many people like to watch the sunset at Felixstowe, where you can watch as day turns to night and the sun slowly sinks below the horizon. Iken Cliff, which overlooks the River Alde, is another brilliant spot for this.
If you’re early risers, you might prefer to experience the peace of a still morning. The most easterly point in the UK, Ness Point in Lowestoft, allows you to be the first in the country to greet the day. However for a more secluded and visually appealing location, Benacre beach is a magnificent option.
Walk amongst the flowers in Suffolk gardens
A romantic break is an ideal time to stroll around a country garden surrounded by rambling roses – often with charming historic houses serving as a backdrop – and Suffolk has some truly wonderful ones.
Helmingham Hall Gardens, near Stowmarket, is an excellent option that is open from May to September each year. This estate boasts a 500 year history and glorious Grade 1 listed gardens, as well as several local shops and Suffolk-based cafe, Wright’s, in their courtyard. Further north, the magnificent Somerleyton Hall provides 12 acres worth of gardens to explore and even a yew hedge maze originally planted in 1846. Both have a range of events throughout the year that are worth looking out for.
For National Trust members and enthusiasts, Suffolk is also home to Ickworth House, a stunning estate with miles of parkland and Italianate garden. You’ll feel like you’re in Bridgerton in no time!
Take a trip to the Suffolk Punch Trust
Meet the Suffolk Punch, the county’s famous breed, at The Suffolk Punch Trust, a local charity with visitor centre and stud farm. There’s plenty to see and do, and while it makes a great family day out, it’s also a lovely location for a relaxed day date.
Wander through beautifully maintained stables and paddocks, meet the beautiful and gentle residents, and enjoy the picturesque gardens. A unique blend of history and hands-on that’s unequivocally Suffolk.
Try a cookery class
For something a little different that’s sure to be as delicious as it is fun, try your hand at a cookery session together. Mrs Portly’s Kitchen, a cookery school not far from Stowmarket, offers several food workshops that make fantastic experiences for couples; they take place in a Suffolk Tudor house complete with kitchen garden and orchard, and in many of the classes you will pick produce from these to use in your session.
If you fancy getting out into the wild, try a class from Forage Kitchen. This private dining room, which offers several restaurant dates with seasonal tasting menus each month, also has a cookery school for a more interactive and personal experience. In their Beginners Foraging sessions, you’ll spend time foraging in the local area before enjoying a demonstration of how to cook up your spoils from the day.
Take in the night sky
Perhaps the ultimate in Suffolk date night inspiration is stargazing. Suffolk has some breathtaking stargazing opportunities and is home to a number of dark sky discovery sites that are considered optimum for this particular pastime.
The Suffolk Coast Nature Reserve, in Blythburgh, is one such place, with very little light pollution. It’s easily accessible to the public; simply drive in, park up, and observe the night sky in all its glory. Westleton Common, near Dunwich Heath, is another great choice, with a concrete viewing area set amongst open heathland. You, your partner, and an expanse of stars; it doesn’t get much more romantic than that.
Ready to visit our county together? If you’re planning a trip and looking for holiday homes in Suffolk, we’re sure you’ll find one you love with Stay in Suffolk.
