Suffolk &amp; Cambs

Is there anything sweeter than the words &#8220;three-day weekend&#8221;? And in May, we get two of them. If you&#8217;re still figuring out how to spend yours, allow me to share my perfect bank holiday plans – consider it your Suffolk inspiration fix.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/08/1286-southwold-14122021111451-xlarge-1000x667.jpg" alt="Southwold" class="wp-image-27811" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/08/1286-southwold-14122021111451-xlarge-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/08/1286-southwold-14122021111451-xlarge-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/08/1286-southwold-14122021111451-xlarge-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/08/1286-southwold-14122021111451-xlarge-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/08/1286-southwold-14122021111451-xlarge-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/08/1286-southwold-14122021111451-xlarge.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



When the sun is shining, there&#8217;s only one place my mind goes straight to: the Suffolk coast. We are genuinely spoiled for choice around here: Felixstowe, Aldeburgh, Dunwich, Southwold, Lowestoft. Each one with its own distinct charm and a lungful of that good, bracing sea air that fixes everything. Those who know me well won&#8217;t be remotely surprised that I always end up making a beeline for Southwold (I may have mentioned once or twice that I got married here). And now with a little one in tow, a proper beach day has become the ultimate bank holiday treat.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/59f51ba7-9121-4607-8f21-06e391d84c8e-1-750x1000.jpg" alt="Sole Bay Fish Co" class="wp-image-47979" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/59f51ba7-9121-4607-8f21-06e391d84c8e-1-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/59f51ba7-9121-4607-8f21-06e391d84c8e-1-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/59f51ba7-9121-4607-8f21-06e391d84c8e-1-300x400.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/59f51ba7-9121-4607-8f21-06e391d84c8e-1.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



We&#8217;re talking kite flying, exploring the wonderfully quirky amusements on the pier and sitting with a portion of <a href="https://www.solebayfishco.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sole Bay</a> fish and chips watching the waves roll in. Afterwards, an artisan ice cream from <a href="https://harrisandjames.com/pages/harris-james-stores?srsltid=AfmBOootzcuuRrqqx9-cCtbI9-yi_xNs6EYU1dd2ZXQN8ocrV7c7KvDz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harris &amp; James</a> as we wander past the lighthouse and those iconic pastel beach huts.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_4539-750x1000.jpeg" alt="Harris &amp; james" class="wp-image-47980" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_4539-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_4539-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_4539-300x400.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_4539-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_4539-rotated.jpeg 1512w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



If you happen to be in Southwold for the first May bank holiday, the <a href="https://www.southwoldartsfestival.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southwold Arts Festival</a> runs from 1–3 May – now in its 11th year and packed with music, poetry, theatre and talks in one of the prettiest settings imaginable. Before you head home, a stop at <a href="https://twomagpiesbakery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Two Magpies Bakery</a> for something flaky and delicious is non-negotiable, a glass of fizz at the <a href="https://theswansouthwold.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swan Hotel</a>, and I can never quite walk past the high street without popping into <a href="https://www.norfolknaturalliving.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21600862513&amp;gbraid=0AAAAACL0sePXRygSdnr9jde1eGK5HbUkM&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwwJzPBhBREiwAJfHRndMatfhCqIFqK1DtZG0ZCu_x94B1qnhhisijX9GQ4D-j3gdTLTLbeRoCU-QQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norfolk Natural Living</a>, <a href="https://www.lisaangel.co.uk/?tw_source=google&amp;tw_adid=662526654681&amp;tw_campaign=20272690494&amp;tw_kwdid=kwd-998631300&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=20272690494&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADwHnrm5bEYjNvSxd9hZxzqnn-N5E&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwwJzPBhBREiwAJfHRnQKqOroNvDjY15wNQW0VmImQwgFPldgD63w9YQIHtmRrchdBReny9hoCwjoQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lisa Angel</a>, <a href="https://www.lift-store.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lift</a>, <a href="https://www.collenandclare.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Collen &amp; Clare</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mobbsanddaughters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mobbs &amp; Daughters</a>. Every. Single. Time.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_3217-1000x750.jpeg" alt="Snape Maltings" class="wp-image-47981" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_3217-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_3217-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_3217-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_3217-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_3217.jpeg 2016w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



When the coast isn&#8217;t calling, I&#8217;m still seeking out water wherever I can find it. <a href="https://www.brittenpearsarts.org/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=927608615&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADgVlQOM1NZ1JL1v3a9Op0aRHtIXQ&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwwJzPBhBREiwAJfHRnfimQB7jYJHEAR6amzsZZich8w5P-_qJmyP-9Wfj3Cf52Owq36jy4BoCn8cQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snape Maltings</a> is one of my favourite spots for a proper wander, and it&#8217;s so much more than just excellent shopping and first-class music. The walks around the Maltings are genuinely stunning and criminally underrated, so lace up your boots and go exploring.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_3819-750x1000.jpeg" alt="Dunwich beach" class="wp-image-47982" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_3819-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_3819-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_3819-300x400.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_3819-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_3819-rotated.jpeg 1512w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



For a different kind of seaside day, the wild and pebbly beach at Dunwich never disappoints; all dramatic skies and crashing waves. And when hunger strikes, <a href="https://www.shipatdunwich.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ship Inn</a> is right there for exactly the kind of proper pub grub the occasion demands.



<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/pin-mill" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pin Mill</a>, near Ipswich, is another one of those places that just looks more beautiful every time the sun comes out. If you know, you know.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_0593-750x1000.jpeg" alt="Pin Mill" class="wp-image-47983" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_0593-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_0593-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_0593-300x400.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_0593-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_0593-rotated.jpeg 1512w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



Over on the other side of Suffolk, you&#8217;ll find me at either end of the River Stour. Paddleboarding from <a href="https://www.constablepark.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Constable Park</a> in Brantham on one end, or wandering the magnificent water meadows in Sudbury on the other – with an almost certain pit stop at the <a href="https://www.suryahotels.co.uk/themillhotel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mill Hotel</a>, which has arguably the best view in town and definitely the most justifiable excuse for a drink.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_7744-750x1000.jpeg" alt="Sudbury Water Meadows" class="wp-image-47984" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_7744-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_7744-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_7744-300x400.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_7744-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_7744-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/IMG_7744-scaled.jpeg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



Just up the road, <a href="https://www.kentwell.co.uk/mayday" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kentwell Hall</a> always has something magical up its sleeve in May, and this year is no exception. From 2–4 May, the May Day festivities take over – meet the May Queen and her attendants, make garlands, join the procession, tie your wish on the May Tree and dance in the sunshine. It&#8217;s joyful, it&#8217;s a little bit magical and it&#8217;s the kind of thing that makes you feel lucky to live here. And, for the second May bank holiday, Kentwell Hall is host to Leestock Festival, where Louise and Sonique are headlining.



Afterwards, I&#8217;d highly recommend the short drive across the bypass from Long Melford to Lavenham for a scoop of Hadley&#8217;s ice cream at <a href="https://www.theparlourlavenham.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Parlour</a>, and a browse across the road at the gorgeous lifestyle store <a href="https://www.instagram.com/posylavenham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Posy</a>, because it is payday weekend after all, and you absolutely deserve a little treat.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE&#8230;</h3>



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I’m a local editor and this is how I’m spending the May Bank Holiday

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