Last Updated on March 9, 2023
Going on holiday overseas is great, but it involves an awful lot of hassle. Airports. Delays. Jet lag. Airports. Sunburn. Did we mention airports?
What’s far less stressful and just as great is a staycation in Suffolk. Boasting miles of countryside and fringed by a remarkable coastline, there’s so much to see and do that it’s no wonder many people return year after year to this part of East Anglia.
To make sure you’re fully prepared for your escape to Suffolk at one of our barns or on board one of our barges for rent, we’ve assembled a list of nine essentials for a staycation.
1: Sunscreen
Make no mistake, Suffolk gets hot in summer. Just like being abroad, you won’t want to get caught short at the beach and find yourself looking redder than the nearby lobsters. Of course, you won’t struggle to find sunscreen on sale in shops across Suffolk, but who wants to go shopping for the essentials when they could be out relaxing on the beach? Much better to stock up ahead of leaving for your holiday and to make sure you’ve got space in your travel bag to take some out whenever you go roaming.
2: A Picnic Blanket
Whilst Suffolk might be best known for producing a fantastic range of ales and Ed Sheeren, it also has a pretty healthy relationship for having a great selection of picnic spots. From the floral Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds, to the historic Clare Castle Country Park and the sandy shores of Aldeburgh beach, there’s a variety of settings to choose from when it comes to dining al fresco. To make sure that you get the best picnic experience, you’ll naturally want to bring along a blanket as well as the sandwiches, snacks and drinks.
3: Swimming gear
Whether you’re planning to swim in the sea at Lowestoft, Southwold or Felixstowe, or would prefer to simply take a long soak in one of the hot tubs found in our barns, you’ll need to make sure that you’ve brought along your swimming gear. Of course, if you’re planning to really treat yourself during your Suffolk staycation by visiting one of the many spas in Suffolk, you’ll also need some trunks or a swim costume to make sure that you’re getting the most out of the facilities.
4: A travel steamer
Sound like a strange thing to bring along on your next staycation? Let us explain. There are a variety of fantastic bars and restaurants around Suffolk that are a great excuse for getting dressed up for. From the Great House in Lavenham to the historic Angel Hotel in Bury St Edmunds -not to mention the countless other fine establishments on offer- it’s always a good idea to have a smart shirt or dress prepared for an evening out in Suffolk.
5: Beach towels
This item should hopefully cause less confusion than the travel steamer. An essential component of any successful day at the seaside, you’ll want to make sure that you pack a trusty beach towel or two when setting out for a staycation in Suffolk. No matter if you’re crabbing in Walberswick or tucking into some fish and chips at Felixstowe, you really can’t afford to leave your beach towel at home.
6: Walking boots
In order to see the best views that Suffolk has to offer (and it offers a lot), you’ll need to get out and get walking. To do this comfortably, you’ll need a sturdy pair of walking boots. No matter if you’re following the UFO trail around Rendlesham Forest or exploring the various walking routes at Thetford Forest, a good set of walking shoes will ensure that you get the most out of your experience.
7: The dog
Should you own one, it would be an awful oversight to visit a dog friendly holiday cottage with a hot tub and fail to bring along your pooch. Not only will your dog love the accommodation, but the numerous other dog-friendly attractions in Suffolk will surely go over a storm with your furry best friend. From dog-friendly bars and restaurants along the coast to miles of countryside for them to stroll through, Suffolk really is something of a canine paradise.
8: Non-slip trainers
If you’re planning a Suffolk retreat on board one of our barges, it will be crucial that you bring along a pair of non-slip shoes. Providing a firm footing, this type of footwear will put you in good standing (pun completely intended) when it comes to looking out across the Suffolk waterways that have captured the imagination of more than a few celebrated artists.
9: A raincoat
Whilst we at Woodfarm Barns love everything about Suffolk, we’re also realists. We grudgingly accept that it does, on occasion, rain here. With this in mind, it’s always best to have a mac to hand when you’re out exploring. Of course, with more than enough to see and do indoors around Suffolk, you won’t struggle to find something fun to do when dodging the showers. You might, for example, take a walk around Christchurch Mansion or take a tour of the Greene King brewery to make sure that you’re suitably entertained when it’s drizzly outside.
All set to book your staycation in Suffolk?
If this list has inspired you to book a holiday in Suffolk, why not give us a call to make a booking today? On hand to provide the ideal escape for singles, couples and families, Woodfarm Barns & Barges make it easier than ever to enjoy the very best that Suffolk has to offer.
Book your cottage or barge in Suffolk today.
