Heatwaves, plane delays and pesky packing rules are not the stuff holiday dreams are made of. If the idea of lobbing everything but the kitchen sink in the boot of the car and heading off on a close-to-home staycation in the stunning East Anglian countryside sounds more relaxing to you then we’ve got the top picks of where to book.

From lakeside lodges and two-storey glamping tents to wow-factor windmills and house boats, Suffolk & Cambs has some totally unique and rustic staycations, some with availability this summer. And, just think of all the meals and days out you can afford if you’re not forking out for airport parking, plane tickets, and car hire. We’re sold!

Blyth Rise Stays, Laxfield

Blyth Rise Stays is all about pure escapism. It’s an adults-only rural retreat with a selection of lakeside lodges and igluhuts all decorated in serene Scandi-style. The sense of peace and tranquility has a lot to do with the amazing natural surroundings too, with the owners having planted over 2,500 trees and thousands of flowers (including over 4,000 daffodils!), and the pretty lake that has an inviting seating area in the middle.

With two woodland saunas for guests and a yoga platform surrounded by meadowland, it’s impossible not to feel relaxed after mere minutes here. Plus, there’s an amazing on-site honesty shop stocked with local Suffolk goodies and the option to book an in-lodge massage, so you don’t need to leave this peaceful haven for the duration of your stay.

Secret Meadows, Hasketon

No time or budget to make it to Africa any time soon? How about a Suffolk safari instead, staying in a super cool safari tent (one that has two storeys no less!), converted horse box or gypsy caravan on a nature reserve? Secret Meadows has nine accommodation options, all with proper luxury beds, fully-equipped kitchens and private toilets and showers, so it really puts the glam into glamping. The tents are surrounded by 115 acres of sublime Suffolk countryside owned by The Sinfield Trust, a wildlife charity, with the sight of White and Red Poll cattle to wake up to and the constant chatter of over 50 native birds, including nightingales as well as a turf labyrinth and a tree circle to explore. Don’t just take our word for it though, a Hollywood star stayed in the Horsebox Hideaway last month, but we’re not letting on who it was… this is Secret Meadows after all.

Sprotts Farm, near Polstead

Suffolk countryside locations don’t get much better than this. Sprotts Farm is on the outskirts of Polstead (one the prettiest villages in the county) and nicely nestled within Constable Country, so called because John Constable found it so incredibly beautiful that he spent his life immortalising it on canvas. It’s not all location, location, location though. Sprotts Farm has a lot going for it including a heated outdoor pool, three charming converted cottages, a communal outdoor dining courtyard, complete with Jamaican style oil drum BBQ, games room with pool table, ping pong and table football, a fire pit and even a private hire, professional standard indoor cricket lane! It’s all child and dog-friendly too, so everyone can bundle in for a holiday to remember.

Hippersons Boatyard, Beccles

Wake up to the sound of lapping waves and boats gliding past at the brilliant Hippersons Boatyard on the River Waveney in Beccles. With a collection of six quirky, cool and unique houseboats and luxe glamping pods, including the brand new Wild Cat pod (above), you’re not just by the water, but actually on it, floating idyllically on the southern tip of the Broads National Park. Spend your days messing about on the river in your own private rowing boat or electric day boat or taking part in fun water-based activities like SUP and guided canoe tours. Just seeking R&R? Simply watch the world and all the amazing nature in this part of the world float by from the deck of your dreamy accommodation while enjoying the contents of your Hippersons hamper. Read our full review here.

Woodpecker Lodge, Stradbroke

Suffolk Secrets has a huge choice of rural getaways to choose from in this gorgeous county, but we’re rather taken with the cool and colourful interiors of Woodpecker Lodge. This two-bedroom retreat gives you all the rural vibes with its middle-of-nowhere location, but has all the mod cons and industrial-chic design touches to ensure any city dwellers feel right at home too. Outside the colour continues with a dreamy private wildflower garden and large decking area where you can while away summer evenings soaking in the serene setting.

The Farmstead, Easton

This heavenly rustic retreat, made up of 8 fairytale woodcutter-style lodges in one of the prettiest parts of the Suffolk, opened in summer 2022 and is fast becoming one of the coolest places to stay in Suffolk. Luxurious touches include outdoor copper baths on the veranda where you can lie back and take in the huge Suffolk skies, as well as smart stylish bedrooms, and stunning open-plan living rooms with a log burner for keeping cosy. There’s something for everyone here, from loved-up couples looking for a back-to-nature retreat to solo travellers after some clean country air and families heading away for the holidays. Even discerning dogs are allowed to enjoy this slice of rural heaven. And, while the lodges might be secluded, there’s plenty to do including a pretty gastropub, the Easton White Horse, within walking distance, and some of Suffolk’s best attractions, like Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park and Framlingham Castle, just minutes away. Read our full review here.

High Lodge Leisure, near Southwold

Not one for sitting still and reading a book on your holidays? Then High Lodge Leisure, a smart sporting, leisure and hospitality venue on the Suffolk coast could be right up your street. Alongside 19 luxury holiday lodges, complete with private hot tubs and lovely views, and an on-site café/bar, High Lodge has some brilliant outdoor pursuits within its 120 acres of tranquil woodland and grounds. You can spend your days learning clay shooting from the best in the business, as well as archery, air rifle and fishing. The location is perfect for days out too with the best Suffolk coast beaches, stunning seaside towns of Southwold and Aldeburgh and RSPB Minsmere just minutes away. Read our full review here.

The Hayloft, Harlton

Like the idea of waking up to see cows grazing in the field opposite but from a luxuriously-appointed apartment? Get the best of both worlds at The Hayloft a new rural getaway in Harlton, on a family farm just 6 miles from the city of Cambridge. This one-bedroom beauty is owned and run by The Manor Barn, Harlton, a wow-factor wedding venue that we love so much we held our annual awards there this summer! Everything at The Hayloft is super stylish and designed for relaxing from the huge Chesterfield sofa with picture window to the deep freestanding bath and sumptuous bed.

The Windmill, Cockfield

You’ll be on Cloud 9 if you choose The Windmill Suffolk for your rural getaway. Not only are the views across the sublime countryside second to none but inside is just as gorgeous with stylish modern interiors that make you relax as soon as you step inside. It might look all shiny and new from the outside, but this boutique beauty dates back to 1891 and was completely derelict until owners Natalie and Steve lovingly restored it in 2014. Each floor has a unique space to enjoy from the curvaceous ground floor kitchen and first floor circular bedroom to the incredible 4th floor “pod” living area. Don’t just take our word for it though. The Windmill was a finalist in the Muddy Awards 2023 in Best Boutique Stay, so our readers adore it here too.

Clopton Courtyard, Tadlow

Choose from six luxurious barns – Amba, Annie, Marney, Alice, Lily, and Matilda – in this beautiful South Cambs courtyard development with gorgeous countryside views. Each barn has been renovated inside to a seriously high standard and has its own individual character (plus three of them even have wood-fired hot tubs). In each you’ll find modern four-poster beds, roll top baths in the bedrooms, and a mixture of antiques, mod-cons and quirky furnishings. Summer would be particularly stunning here with the private patios, glorious gardens and the chance to spend a long summer’s evening soaking in the hot tub. And, just imagine the fun you could have if you booked out all six for a hen party or family get-together! Read our full review here.

Fenland Retreats

Not sure sleeping under canvas is for you? Then give Fenland Retreats a go. This country escape is a collection of shepherd’s huts and safari lodges on family-owned Willow Grange Farm (also a wedding venue) near Ely. You can put aside any camping concerns because this is luxury glamping. That means you’re going to be warm, comfortable and sleep like a baby in a proper double bed. What’s more you’ll have a wood burner, electricity, a kitchen area, private hot shower and flushing toilet. But if you want to immerse yourself in the great outdoors, you can toast marshmallows and cook over the fire pit or relax in the al fresco tub while you enjoy unspoiled views over the farm’s fields.

11 of the best rural getaways in Suffolk & Cambs

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