Baby, it might be cold outside, but Suffolk will really have you wanting to stay…
The crowds of families are gone and there’s not a bucket or spade in sight, but that doesn’t mean the fun stops on the Suffolk Coast.
For those that are in the know, now is the time to enjoy the best of Southwold & Aldeburgh. Mingle with the locals at cosy pubs by the crackling fire, escape the hustle and bustle of the high street with the town’s independent boutiques and sleep tight at some of the region’s most stylish accommodation.
A Self-catered Christmas in Suffolk
There are few places more magical than the Suffolk Coast at Christmas. Spend your days exploring quaint villages and market towns adorned with twinkling lights, pick up last-minute handmade gifts at Christmas Markets, and blow away the cobwebs with a walk on a fresh, winter beach. But after a long day of exploring, there’s nothing like returning to a cosy Suffolk Hideaways cottage, lighting the fire and settling in.
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It may sound like a Christmas Eve fairy tale, but more and more people are deciding to spend Christmas somewhere different. It’s easy to see why. Most of all, it’s an excuse to escape the pressure which can come with hosting the most wonderful time of the year! Instead, people are choosing to share the load with a winter’s break away.
Suffolk Hideaways have many large holiday homes available throughout the season for families wanting to get together. This can be a great option as there’s no need for airbeds on the floor and no more knocking elbows around the dinner table – a property with room for everyone (including, in many cases, the family dog!) is the answer to getting everyone together for a stress-free celebration.
Of course, there’s also a great deal to be said for a cosy, intimate Christmas, away from the hustle and bustle. Suffolk’s beautiful coastline and rolling countryside is perfect for a festive escape, and Suffolk Hideaways have plenty of romantic boltholes to choose from. After all, what could be more perfect than spending Christmas Day in front of the fire, sharing a bottle of wine and presents with your special someone?
Once the presents have been opened and the plates have been cleared, there’s still plenty to do in Suffolk to keep that festive feeling going. A popular choice is the traditional Boxing Day swim in Aldeburgh. Proudly sponsored by Suffolk Hideaways, 2018 will be the 30th time participants take to the 8֯C water. Make sure to head along to cheer on the 150 swimmers as they brave the cold or, if you’re feeling bold, join in yourself! All money raised goes towards local medical charities to help them continue their great work.
The best hotels for Christmas in Suffolk
Both Aldeburgh and Southwold have exceptional accommodation choices. If you fancy wrapping up warm and enjoying long walks on the beach (perfect for burning off those Christmas calories), The Brudenell and Wentworth Hotel in Aldeburgh and The Swan Hotel and award-winning Crown in Southwold, are all within easy reach of the shore and local amenities.
The White Lion which sits opposite Aldeburgh’s pebbly beach and fisherman sheds, is offering a three-night full board package from £552 per person. You’ll arrive on Christmas Eve and start the celebrations with a festive afternoon tea and mulled wine around the fire. On Christmas Day enjoy a Buck’s Fizz breakfast, take a long walk to work up an appetite before tucking into a delicious traditional lunch. There’s a buffet supper and quiz in the evening. On Boxing Day watch the annual charity swim and enjoy a day of food and entertainment.
If you’re staying in Southwold on Christmas Day, the Westleton Crown should go to the top of your list. Set in beautiful countryside, the cosy pub will be serving up a delicious three-course festive lunch priced £72.50 per person, and there’s even the option to indulge in a two or three night Christmas getaway which includes food, accommodation and festive activities.
Festive events on the Suffolk Coast 2018
With your bags unpacked and bellies full, you’ll need to find some fun things to do.
For a winter wilderness experience visit Dingle Marshes. The reserve attracts breeding and wintering wildfowl and wading birds, including the elegant avocet, the white-fronted goose, lapwing and redshank.
Before the Christmas celebrations begin, take the time to wander the streets of Southwold, where you’ll find cute cafes, independent boutiques and the famous Adnams brewery if you fancy a festive tipple.
Denny of Southwold is a must visit for classic style staples or stylish Christmas gifts. The store has a traditional feel and stocks designers such as Cath Kidston, Valentino, Lulu Guinness and Vivienne Westwood to name a few.
On 23 December, head to the Snape Maltings and get into the seasonal spirit with a screening of ‘The Snowman’. The Christmas classic will be accompanied by a live orchestra with Poulenc’s ‘Babar the Little Elephant’ narrated by Zeb Soanes.
With a superb choice of accommodation, festive fun and wonderful
