Our Blog Posts

When it comes to enjoying a holiday in Suffolk, there’s nothing more quintessentially British than enjoy an afternoon tea. With this in mind, we thought it would be a good idea to provide a rundown of five of our favourite places to check out when staying at one of our Barns or Barges for rent. Riverhills Spa & Health Club – Bramford Now you may be thinking – why is a spa and health club featuring on a list about where to get an afternoon tea? Well, at Riverhills, which is just outside Ipswich, you can enjoy a relaxing, tranquil…

Click here to continue reading Top 5 Places for Afternoon Tea in Suffolk

Though it was as recent as 1974 that it was officially unified after the Local Government Act of 1972, our treasured and beautiful county of Suffolk dates back to Anglo-Saxon times, With such a long history, it’s hardly surprising that the county has more than a few interesting myths and legends associated with it. In acknowledgement of this fact, we decided to grab our deerstalker hats and investigate some of these mysteries. Black Shuck The definition of a ‘black shuck’ is a ghostly black dog. This ghostly black dog is said to roam the Suffolk coastline, occasionally venturing further inland…

Click here to continue reading Woodfarm Barns Investigates – Suffolk’s myths and legends

Suffolk, being a fairly low-lying county, with the Fens just touching the edge in the North, and the highest point being the highest point of the Newmarket Ridge (which runs from just north of Hertford to Sudbury) at 136 metres. With this in mind, it’s no surprise to discover that Suffolk is packed full of picturesque views to enjoy when renting a Barn or Barge here. Framlingham Castle – Framlingham Dubbed the ‘Castle on the Hill’ by Ed Sheeran, Framlingham Castle is a castle that was originally erected in 1148, destroyed in 1173-4, but then later rebuilt afterwards. The view…

Click here to continue reading Top 5 Views in Suffolk

Whilst it pains us to write an article discussing autumn when it feels as though we never got to enjoy summer, it certainly pays to plan ahead when visiting Suffolk in autumn. Thankfully, with restrictions being lifted and life going back to normal, this autumn presents a fantastic opportunity to truly appreciate the many things that make Suffolk an exciting place to holiday in. It is with this in mind that we’ve put together a list of events and goings-on to enjoy when staying on board one of our Barges or at one of our Barns over the next few…

Click here to continue reading What’s On in Suffolk in Autumn 2021?

We often get asked where our Suffolk Holiday Cottages are located, where they sit in relation to each other, if the gardens are fully enclosed (yes they are), and questions about our fully enclosed Doggy Meadow ‘Woof-Farm Barns’. Well, here’s all the answers in one very simple page… We have a ‘Location’ page HERE, but as you can see from the map below, our Suffolk Holiday Cottages are in the Heart of the Suffolk Countryside. Our lovely Barges are moored on two Suffolk Rivers (The Alde and The Deben), both in iconic locations, at Snape Maltings and The Tidemill in…

Click here to continue reading Our Suffolk Holiday Cottages location & layout

We have always believed in being very open and honest, and have written extensively about how we do our marketing. We do it in a very legitimate way, in a world unfortunately inhabited by scammers, scoundrels, ne-er do wells, and vagabonds. Have a read of this and if you’re still not comfy, then just don’t give us your details. That’s ok. We are writing this to explain in a very transparent way, how we market ourselves to people just like you. We have eight Holiday Cottages in the Heart of the Suffolk Countryside, and two Dutch Barges in iconic locations…

Click here to continue reading Why do we ask for your email address, and how do we protect your privacy?

Suffolk really is quite a large county – it is the 8th largest in England, to be precise – which helps to explain why there is so much to do here! From sightseeing, to exploring the heritage and history of Suffolk, to then going out and exploring all of our magnificent towns and villages, there is something for everyone throughout the magnificent county of Suffolk. So, what can you ONLY do in Suffolk? Visit our spectacular towns and villages Suffolk is full of idyllic towns and villages which stretch from every corner of the county – all with their own…

Click here to continue reading 5 Of the Best Things You Can Only do in Suffolk

Nature can always be depended on to create an attractive retreat that allows us all to relax and to soak up the sunshine on a lovely summer’s day. Especially those ones which have a lovely essence to them, with a water feature, or something that makes those long summer’s days even more memorable. With so many green spaces to choose from in Suffolk, we have whittled them down to a list of 5, allowing you to easily streamline your choices and enjoy the Great British Summer for however long it’ll last this time around. Thetford Forest – Around Thetford Straddling…

Click here to continue reading 5 of the Best Green Spaces in Suffolk

As if being asked to sit on command wasn’t embarrassing enough, I’ve now been asked to write a blog about my holiday at Woodfarm Barns. Don’t get me wrong, I had exactly the kind of holiday befitting a dog of my superior pedigree, but really, a blog post? My writing style is positively Dickensian in its attention to detail and is much better suited to the traditional hardback than anything that lives on the internet. Alas, I’ll consent to writing this blog because if there’s one thing I detest more than poorly written sentences, it’s bad manners. The humans and…

Click here to continue reading A Dog’s Day At Woodfarm Barns

Yes folks, our Bug Hotel has expanded, providing yet more luxury accommodation for the creatures we share this little planet with! Actually, truth be told, it’s not really aimed at the little creature market, as it’s a Hedgehog House. But, Bug Hotel sounds cooler, and to be honest, I’m sure that some Bugs have already found their way in. I feel I’m digressing somewhat. If you follow us diligently (and why wouldn’t you?) you may recall in November 2019 that we blogged to tell you about our business expansion into the Bug & Hedgehog world. You can read all about…

Click here to continue reading Bug Hotel Expansion @ Woodfarm

Thanks ever so much for your interest in a Staycation at Woodfarm Barns & Barges. When we answer an enquiry, there’s so much that we’d like to say, but we try to keep it short & sweet. Now you’re on this page though, why not put the kettle on, make a cuppa, and read some more?… Reviews & StuffWe’ve got tons! Around 700 Five Star Reviews on Tripadvisor, Facebook and Google in fact. We could make all sorts of claims about how awesome we are, but why not see what actual humans who have paid to stay with us say?…

Click here to continue reading A Staycation at Woodfarm Barns or Barges: What’s it all about?

If you’re out and about, especially meandering through the beautiful villages and towns of Suffolk, a café will likely be a much-needed pitstop. The only problem, of course, is that there are so many to choose from. So, to help you out, we’ve put together a list of five of our favourite cafes from different corners of Suffolk so that you’re not short of them for when you’re visiting our fine county David’s of Sudbury Located in the heart of South Suffolk, David’s of Sudbuy is not just a café but a branded bar and bistro. With an extensive menu…

Click here to continue reading 5 of our Favourite Cafes in Suffolk

Whether you’re out and about in the town centres, or simply fancy a nice, relaxing refreshment, we’ve got you covered with our selection of fantastic coffee shops located around the magnificent county of Suffolk. Applaud Coffee – Ipswich Located just a short walk away from the main shopping centres of Ipswich, and tucked away in the back streets of the town, you’ll find the quaint coffee shop of Applaud Coffee. Established in 2013, it quickly rose up the ranks after being awarded the ‘Best Coffee Shop in Suffolk’ by the East Anglia Daily Times in 2020. If this wasn’t enough…

Click here to continue reading 5 of our Favourite Independent Coffee Shops in Suffolk

Boutiques form a beautiful addition to Suffolk’s high streets and remain a popular choice for today’s shoppers. You’ll find many spread across the county and they promise to offer a pleasant experience when it comes to taking a stroll and upgrading your wardrobe. With so many to choose from within the historic county of Suffolk, we’ve whittled the vast amount to 5, so next time you’re out and about in the towns below, be sure to take a look around these gems! Collen & Clare – Southwold Sat on the beautiful High Street, in what could arguably be the most…

Click here to continue reading 5 of our Favourite Suffolk Boutiques

As well as being blessed with countless pubs, restaurants and sites of interest, Suffolk is also home to a number of impressive fish and chip shops. Thanks to its proximity to the coast, visitors to our county are invited to enjoy some of the finest and freshest Cod, Haddock and chip shop chips you’ll find just about anywhere. To help you enjoy Britain’s favourite dish in Suffolk, we’ve rounded up five of the best fish and chip shops to visit when staying at Woodfarm Barns and Barges. 1: Flora Tea Rooms, Dunwich Despite its name, Flora Tea Rooms has established…

Click here to continue reading 5 of the Best Fish and Chip Shops in Suffolk

We have a little batch of these Limited Edition fridge magnets with our funky retro design on. These are to leave in all our Barns, Cottages, and Barges for guests to take home, but we are happy to send you a couple too! It may be that you are a previous guest, or somebody who is intending to book a break with us at some point soon. Either way, we’re happy to pop a couple in the post for you, just because we’re nice! We’ll send you a Woodfarm Barns and a Woodfarm Barges magnet to make your fridge look…

Click here to continue reading Limited Edition Woodfarm Fridge Magnets

Yes, you read that correctly. How d’ya fancy winning the competition that keeps on giving? Yup, a prize of some cheese from Suffolk (and some beyond to be honest), every single month for the next 12 months to celebrate our 12th year in business! Just a little hint though, you will need to give us permission to contact you otherwise we can’t tell you if you win. Details below. Ok, we kinda had most of a year off recently due to COVID, but we’ll still send you 12 prizes every month for a year! It’s 12 years since Woodfarm fell…

Click here to continue reading WIN SUFFOLK CHEESES EVERY MONTH for a year to celebrate our 12th Birthday!

Beaches are, unsurprisingly, what many people place at the top of their list when it comes to planning a summer holiday. Thankfully, Suffolk isn’t short of them. Along the North Sea coasts, you will find a range of different seaside resorts, ranging from tiny villages to large towns, all with different features. Some have picturesque British piers, others have amusements and fish & chip shops. Many have fantastic beaches. However, if you want to bring your four legged friend along you’ll need to head to one of the dog-friendly options. Fortunately, there are quite a few beaches which welcome pooches…

Click here to continue reading 5 Of The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches to Visit in Suffolk This Summer

There are quite a few things which put Suffolk on the map, which include the picturesque scenery, the beautiful beaches on the coastline and the amazing activities which take place, as well as the stunning towns. One of these stunning towns in question is Bury St Edmunds, which features the only cathedral in Suffolk and the magnificent Abbey Gardens. However, there is a lot of boozy heritage in Bury, with the Greene King Brewery located in the heart of the town, where you can take a tour around and see how the beer is produced and then around the corner…

Click here to continue reading In A Nutshell: A Brief History of The Smallest Pub In Britain

Suffolk is a marvellous county located in a beautiful part of England. With ever-lasting fields stretching on for miles, only to be interrupted by bustling, vibrant historic villages or towns, Suffolk has a lot to offer. From town life to country life, there is something for everyone. We’ve lined up five of the best things to do, to get out and about this summer, and to enjoy the best that Suffolk has to offer.1) Visiting the towns and villagesSuffolk towns and villages all have their own wonderful history and very different architectural styles, as well as a variety of activities…

Click here to continue reading 5 of the Best Things to do in Suffolk this Summer

Suffolk is a mixture of different hives of activity. From the rolling hills and the beautiful scenery, which you find mostly throughout the villages to the bustling, vibrant towns which are dotted around the county. Music festivals are, of course, an amazing way to experience what the local countryside has to offer. With most of them being set in beautiful locations, and with your favourite music blasting through the speakers as you relax, enjoy and dance to your favourite tunes, and on this list, there is something for everyone to enjoy listening to.1) Newmarket NightsSituated on the Suffolk-Cambridgeshire border, Newmarket…

Click here to continue reading 4 of the Best Music Festivals to Enjoy in Suffolk This Summer

Ipswich – a vibrant town located in East Suffolk and not a far drive from our Barns and Barges for rent, offers just about everything that Suffolk has a reputation for. With quite a bit of history around the area, including the famous findings of Sutton Hoo at the neighbouring town of Woodbridge, and a great range of things to see and do, you may want to consider the following options when planning a visit of your own.1) Alton Water Located only five miles south of Ipswich town centre, you will find the manmade reservoir at Alton Water, and there…

Click here to continue reading 10 of the best things to do in Ipswich

Our Easter Egg Hunt is on! And YOU could be our lucky WINNER! Up for grabs is a bunch of very posh, mouth-watering Easter treats, along with some Woodfarm goodies. (PLEASE NOTE THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW ENDED) (PLEASE NOTE THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW ENDED) We all love an Easter Egg Hunt, so go and find all 10 of ours and WIN. Eggs marks the spot folks! Oh, by the way, I apologise and (b)egg you to forgive me in advance for the totally necessary over-use of egg puns I am inflicting upon you, I just get eggs-cited when there puns…

Click here to continue reading Easter Egg Hunt with our Barns & Barges

As well as being home to plenty of historic houses and landmarks, Suffolk is also home to an impressive range of vegan and vegetarian restaurants. From classically inspired eateries to more chic and modern offerings, there’s an outstanding amount of choice when it comes to tucking into some meat-free dishes when you’re out and about in Suffolk.   To help you navigate the available options, we’ve rounded up a list of five of our favourite vegan and vegetarian restaurants to check out when staying with us at Woodfarm Barns and Barges: The Walnut Tree Serving up some delectable dishes, the Walnut…

Click here to continue reading 5 of the Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Suffolk

You may have noticed that at Woodfarm Barns and Barges, we like to shout about Suffolk. In particular, we like to shout about how great all of its villages and towns are, and how they’re full of some seriously exciting things to see and do. Whilst we recognise that many people rent a Barn or Barge in Suffolk to enjoy a spot of R&R, we’re also aware of the many people who join us each year looking for something that gets them out and about. It’s with this in mind that we got to thinking about all of the fantastic…

Click here to continue reading 5 of the Best Cycling Routes in Suffolk

Every county in the UK has its best things to see and do, but we think the best things to see and do in the country can be found right here in Suffolk. Whilst this might sound like a bit of a stretch, we’re hoping that you’ll stick with us (and be suitably convinced) by our list of 21 of the best places to visit in Suffolk in 2021: The beaches Suffolk is home to a range of amazing beaches up and down its coastline on the North Sea. With stunning seaside towns, such as Lowestoft, in the north, Felixstowe…

Click here to continue reading 21 of the best places to visit in Suffolk in 2021

Modern life can be stressful – there is no doubt about that. It’s all bills, taxes and traffic. Even thinking about all of that is stress-inducing. Sometimes, you just need to take a step back and breathe.  Or, more properly, you need to rent a Barge or Barn in Suffolk and enjoy a day out at a spa during your visit.  To remove the stress of looking up the best spas and salons available to relax in around Suffolk, we’ve rounded up a selection of five of the best. Heritage Beauty & Wellbeing – Near Bury St Edmunds Nestled away…

Click here to continue reading Rest and Relaxation in Suffolk: 5 of the Best Places to Properly Unwind

To get you inspired ahead of the summer, we’ve rounded up five of the most exciting towns and villages to explore in Suffolk. With plenty of destinations to meander around, areas to explore, and restaurants and bars to discover, we’re confident that our list of two towns and three villages will provide something for everyone renting a Barn or Barge in Suffolk to enjoy. 1: Aldeburgh Situated on the stunning Suffolk shoreline and surrounded by beautiful scenery, Aldeburgh is undeniably one of the most charming destinations to explore in East Suffolk. Boasting a blue flag shingle beach and a beautiful…

Click here to continue reading The Town and The Country: Five of the Best to Visit in Suffolk This Summer

When it comes to visiting our Barns and Barges, couples will no doubt be keen to get out and explore everything that Suffolk has to offer. Whilst we’ve previously produced articles on all of the various activities which are available to couples, we thought it would be worth focussing in on all of the best things to see and do in Bury St Edmunds.Affectionately and rightly described as “a jewel in the crown of Suffolk”, this historic market town has an impressive collection of bars, restaurants and grounds for couples to get stuck into.To get stuck in, we’ve compiled a…

Click here to continue reading 10 of The Best Things Couples Can Do In Bury St Edmunds

As I type this, we are a year into a global pandemic, meaning our schools are pretty much closed. I don’t want to make this all political, but we know there’s a big shortfall in the need for Laptops for children, so I decided to do something about it. I’m asking for your help too, so please give me a few minutes of your time and read on… I can’t make much of a dent in the problem, but figured if I could buy just one laptop that could go directly to a child in need of one, then you…

Click here to continue reading Laptops for children – can you help?

Kenneth Grahame, celebrated author of The Wind in The Willows, once famously declared that “there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as messing about in boats”. Whilst the Barges available to rent Woodfarm Barges are moored, we’re still confident that our guests are able to discover the truth of this wisdom when enjoying a holiday on board either Onderneming or Twee Gebroeders.   Dating back to the 1800s, our converted Dutch Sailing Barges are comfortably furnished and equipped with everything guests would expect from modern holiday accommodation. From cozy cabins to comfortable saloons and all the…

Click here to continue reading 5 Reasons Why You Have to Rent a Barge in Suffolk This Summer

At Woodfarm Barns and Barges, it will come as no surprise to learn that we believe renting a Cottage or Barn for a holiday in Suffolk is the best thing you can do in summer. Providing you with everything you need to relax in comfort and style, our Cottages and Barns allow you to experience everything that our fantastic county has to offer from a comfortable and superbly equipped base.   To put forward a case for why you absolutely have to rent a Cottage or Barn in Suffolk this summer, we’ve assembled a list of the top five reasons for…

Click here to continue reading 5 Reasons Why You Have to Rent a Cottage or Barn in Suffolk This Summer

At Woodfarm Barns and Barges, we’re committed to providing the best possible experience for couples looking to get away for a holiday in Suffolk. Situated amidst beautiful countryside surroundings and equipped with hot tubs and cosy bedrooms, we’re fairly sure that our accommodation has everything you could possibly require for a memorable romantic break. We’re confident, too, that the location of our Cottages, Barns and Barges make it easy for guests to do all of the things they could possibly want to do when taking a break, whether they’re celebrating a special anniversary or simply enjoying a summer holiday.   Recently,…

Click here to continue reading 10 of the Best Places to Wine and Dine in Suffolk

Every county in the world has its hidden gems and Suffolk is no exception. Behind every one of its standout attractions, there are various exciting destinations tucked away just waiting to be discovered by the more informed traveler.  From a forest and walking trail rumoured to be visited by UFOs, to a farm full of rare breeds, there’s a lot more to our floral and historic county than meets the eyes.   Giving you the lowdown on some of these lesser known spots, we’ve rounded up five of the best hidden gems you should know about when renting one of our…

Click here to continue reading Secret Suffolk: 5 of the Best Hidden Gems You Should Know About

We’re pretty confident that Suffolk rivals the big boys when it comes to romantic holiday destinations. We’re so confident, in fact, that we previously mentioned it in the same breath as Paris and Venice when describing the best place to take a couples holiday. Doubling down on this suggestion, we’re back to provide you with a detailed plan for the perfect romantic staycation in Suffolk. From fine dining to long walks on the beach and even horse riding, we’ve got everything you could possibly desire from a couples holiday right here in our beautiful county.  Whether you’re marking a special…

Click here to continue reading Snuggle Up In Suffolk: How To Plan The Perfect Romantic Summer Staycation

We are pleased to say we are up and running again, barring a downturn in the infection rates etc. In the case of the Barges, which both sleep more, we will still have to bear the household mixing rules in mind too, until they relax. We are happy for you to book a future break on the basis that it may be affected by the above. We have no choice or say in the matter of course. We are fortunate that we are surrounded by open countryside, and social distancing from others is easy at Woodfarm. Have a look at this video…

Click here to continue reading COVID-19 Policy

Here at the Woodfarm Marketing Department, we have weekly Zoom meetings during lockdown. Andrew (Mr. Tech Geezer) has an enormous jar of Jelly Beans in his office, so we thought it would be a fun idea to get you lot to guess how many are left in there, and WIN your own tub of Jelly Beans, along with some ‘money can’t buy’ Woodfarm goodies! SIMPLY SHARE THE POST ON FACEBOOK, AND FILL THE FORM IN LOWER DOWN THIS PAGE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!!! We are working on our magazine ‘Woodfarm Life’, which is challenging over Zoom, but we’re almost…

Click here to continue reading WIN Jelly Beans & Woodfarm stuff!

As well as online shopping, video streaming and a whole host of other exciting things, the internet has made it possible to find out the questions everyone is asking.  Indeed, Google regularly publishes a list of the most frequently asked questions on their platform, making it easier than ever to read the minds of internet users around the world.    In 2020, the search giant revealed that the five most popular questions asked by Brits were: 1. Who won the election? 2. Where does vanilla flavouring come from? 3. How many cases of coronavirus in the UK? 4. What is VE…

Click here to continue reading 5 Questions The Internet Is Asking About Suffolk

Thanks to its historic cathedrals, unusual architecture, and bountiful countryside, Suffolk has provided filmmakers with a rich variety of backdrops over the years. From period dramas to sagas about boy wizards, sites around Suffolk feature in more blockbusters than you might expect. Largely open to the public, many of these film locations can be visited during a holiday and make for a truly unique day out.  To spark a little inspiration, we’ve gathered up five of our favourite spots to visit when holidaying at one of our barns or barges for rent. The TV Show: The Crown The Location: Newmarket…

Click here to continue reading Suffolk Goes to Hollywood: 5 Film and TV Locations You Can Visit During A Holiday in Suffolk

The British writer T.S Eliot once claimed that “immature poets imitate; mature poets steal” and the very same goes for anyone trying to write about the brilliance of a holiday in Suffolk.  Indeed, why try to describe the excellence of the county when more successful authors have  done a much better job of it before? To make this point more clear, I’ve unearthed four notable works of literature that refer to the towns and coastline of Suffolk in far more exciting ways than I’m capable of.  If they don’t inspire you to take a holiday in Suffolk, I’m not sure…

Click here to continue reading 4 of the Best Books Set in Suffolk

When it comes to taking a holiday at one of our barns or on board one of our barges, one of the best things you can do is bring along your furry best friend. Totally dog-friendly, our holiday accommodation in Suffolk makes it easy for you to bring the whole family with you to explore the many beautiful walks around the county. Whilst you’ll no doubt be looking forward to settling into the hot tub and enjoying a bottle of something special, your pooch will be keen to stretch their four legs whilst on holiday.  With this in mind, we’ve…

Click here to continue reading 5 of the Best Dog Walks in Suffolk

As a county established back in the fifth century it’s no wonder that Suffolk has a fair few relics hiding out amongst its towns and countryside. Besides historic houses and early century churches, Suffolk also boasts various ruins and well preserved castles that make for a fantastic day out.   Rounding up five of the most exciting historic sites to visit in Suffolk, we’re confident that you’ll schedule a little time travelling into your next holiday. Each easily accessible from our barns and barges for rent, we’re sure that you’ll enjoy these unique destinations when staying with us.      Bury St Edmunds…

Click here to continue reading Travel Back in Time in Suffolk: 5 Historic Sites To See During a Holiday

When it comes to history, Suffolk has something of an enviable reputation. From thirteenth century churches to abbeys and stately homes, Suffolk competes with the very best when it comes to sites of historic interest.  Perhaps the best way to get immersed in the rich history and heritage of Suffolk, however, is to visit one of its many historic houses. Largely open to the public, it’s incredibly easy to travel back in time and discover something special in the towns and villages around the county.    1: The Red House Located in the coastal town of Aldeburgh, the Red House was…

Click here to continue reading 5 Historic Houses to See During a Holiday in Suffolk

Nothing can be certain in life, except death and taxes.  And winter.  Arriving the same time each year, the shorter days and longer nights are an inevitability which we would all probably rather do without.  This year, winter poses a few additional challenges with restrictions making it difficult for us to escape to the pub for some proper ales and mulled wine with friends. That will have to wait until next year. But fear not, there’s always a silver lining. Whilst it might not have the festivals and concerts of summer, there’s still plenty to see and do in Suffolk…

Click here to continue reading 5 of the Best Things to do in Suffolk During Winter

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…

Click here to continue reading 9 Must-Have Essentials for a Suffolk Staycation

Forget Paris, forget Venice, and start considering Suffolk for your next romantic couples holiday. Think we’re being overly ambitious in dismissing some of the world’s most iconic couples destinations? Far from it; we’re confident that the county has something for every couple to enjoy.      In this article, we’ll put forward 6 very good reasons for why Suffolk is the best place to escape to for a romantic couples holiday. 1. You can do something adventurous together  Suffolk abounds with things for couples to see and do together. Whilst plenty of the activities on offer are characterised by a certain rural…

Click here to continue reading 6 Reasons Why Suffolk is Perfect for a Romantic Couples Holiday

Looking to escape somewhere that boasts plenty of leafy countryside, is fringed by a beautiful coastline, is of historic significance and is full of great places to eat and drink? It sounds like you might be looking for a holiday in Suffolk. To help explain exactly what makes the county a cut above the rest, we’ve assembled a list of six reasons to visit Suffolk. 1. The Unique Collection of Attractions   Some holiday spots have beaches, others have quaint country pubs, some have towns that feature in history; Suffolk just happens to have all of them. From the nearby Framlingham Castle…

Click here to continue reading Top 6 Reasons to Holiday in Suffolk

PLEASE DON’T ENTER NOW, THIS HAS BEEN DRAWN AND WE HAVE TWO HAPPY WINNERS. HERE IT IS FOR YOU TO READ ABOUT THOUGH…. Yes, the elders of Woodfarm have decided that it’s time for another competition! And this time we are giving away a magnificent Christmas Hamper from our friends at Earsham Street Deli in Bungay so you can enjoy some fab festive treats, whether you have a Christmas Holiday Cottage with us or not. “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”. Ok, ok, I know it’s month or so away as we launch this, but we were looking…

Click here to continue reading WIN a Christmas Holiday Cottage Hamper!

We’ve been featured on various platforms over the years, so here’s a few of our favourites, pulled together in one place for you. We’ve been on The BBC, ITV, LBC, The Times, Dog Friendly Magazine, and a handful of other places too. BBC Five Live: Find out more HERE BBC Five Live were doing a piece on Brexit on their Wake up to Money programme and asked for contributions. I was surprised and pleased that Sean Farrington read out the name of the business but he did, so I was pleased about that as it doesn’t hurt for more people…

Click here to continue reading Woodfarm in the Media

Woodfarm Barns has become synonymous with specialising in Dog Friendly Holiday Cottages with Hot Tubs, and we have just ‘upped our game’. Again! Woodfarm House has always been advertised as a ‘large, 500 year old Farmhouse’. Over the years it has been popular with families and groups of friends, and has served us well. However, most of our guests are couples looking for a romantic getaway. For many years now our Barns for couples have been incredibly popular, thanks in no small part to the fact most of the cottages have their own luxurious Hot Tub. We like to give…

Click here to continue reading Two ‘new’ Holiday Cottages with Hot Tubs in Suffolk

Here’s some extra information such as how to get to us, links to things to do, arrival & departure info, deposit and balance info etc. You might want to save it to you your phone. DirectionsOur postcode is IP6 9TH but some Sat Navs don’t like it so don’t rely on it. Most people come in from the A140: You want the A1120 Suffolk Tourist Route through the village of Stonham Aspal. Once you go past the Church on your right and the village School on your left, go through the village and take the first right, signposted ‘Crowfield Church’.…

Click here to continue reading Directions and some extra info for your Woodfarm break

From lockdown to John O’Groats! I have decided to do a little bike ride to raise some money for charity. I say little bike ride, but I’m going to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Full disclaimer from the outset: I literally do not have the time now that we are so busy again after lockdown, to properly cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats, however, I am going to do the distance. All 839 miles of the length of Great Britain. Start date: Saturday 22nd August 2020. EDIT: I have now done this but you can still sponsor…

Click here to continue reading Lands End to John O’Groats. On me bike!

With staycations becoming very much a part of our ‘new normal’, we’ve seen the UK domestic holiday industry boom over the past few months. That means there’s only one course of action – prepare now for your autumn holiday in the UK, before everyone else gets there first! If you’ve been late booking your summer holiday, you’ve probably already experienced the frustration of trying to find the perfect staycation before the summer ends. Here at Woodfarm Barns, we’ve got barely any spaces left for the rest of the summer in our Luxury, Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages and Holiday Barges, and we’re…

Click here to continue reading Where should I go on holiday in autumn in the UK?

Woohoo!!! We’ve hit 400 Five Star Tripadvisor reviews! Why don’t we celebrate with a little competition then, just cos that’s what we do? (EDIT: THIS HAS NOW CLOSED AND WE HAVE A DELIGHTED WINNER. DO READ ON THOUGH DEAR READER) Due to a pesky pandemic, life hasn’t been a picnic for most of us lately, so we figured we’d set one lucky winner up with an awesome picnic to make up for it.  Our friends at Earsham Street Deli have done what they do best and come up trumps yet again, with the most fabulous picnic for one of you.…

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We all love telling our friends back home about our fantastic holiday experiences, and it’s even better when we’ve stayed somewhere really unique! If you’re looking for that one-of-a-kind holiday experience, we’ve got just the ticket. Our Historic Dutch Holiday Barges in Suffolk are just like our beautiful cottages – but floating! They’re moored on two of Suffolk’s most beautiful waterways, and they make ideal locations for those in search of a more quirky holiday style. Complete with all the home comforts you need, our Barges don’t force you to compromise. They’re comfortable, spacious and relaxing, with plenty of kitchen,…

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We now have electric car charging capabilities at Woodfarm HQ! Stay with us and you can charge your car (for free!), while recharging yourselves in one of our Luxury Holiday Cottages. Electric cars are much more common these days (in fact, the UK Government plans to ban sales of petrol, diesel and hybrid cars by 2035!), but places to charge them are few and far between in the countryside – so we decided to change that. We have just installed outdoor sockets so that you can charge your electric or hybrid car at no extra cost during your stay. Although…

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At the start of lockdown in the UK in March 2020, I somehow stumbled into doing an online Pub Quiz at our virtual pub that I sort of made up, the Woodfarm Arms. And it kinda snowballed into an ongoing thing. It was a very strange few months for all of us, and as I write this in the middle of July I am sure it is by no means over yet. For over 100 days I had no business to run, as it had disappeared overnight. So my little brain went off at a tangent and ended up deciding…

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The first half of 2020 has seen many changes in our lives and in our businesses; many bad, some good. One of the things that we know you are going to be interested in as a new era dawns, is our Coronavirus Cleaning Regime during our changeovers between guest departures and arrivals. We have often written and talked about our stringent maintenance, but now more than ever, you will want to rest assured that wherever you stay, it has a very strict coronavirus cleaning regimen in place. Well, we do. I think anyone prepared to talk about it in the…

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Fancy being Lord & Lady Woodfarm when we emerge from hibernation? Just to clarify, we are equally happy to welcome Lord & Lord Woodfarm, or Lady & Lady Woodfarm. In ‘normal times’, Woodfarm House is home for the weekend, or a midweek break, to extended families or groups of friends, but we aren’t living in normal times right now are we? It’s unlikely we will be able to welcome large groups for some time yet, so we came up with a cunning plan in the shape of a 40% Discount, as we would rather have guests enjoying Woodfarm House, than…

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Yes, there really was a poll to decide whether or not my new Goatee should stay or go, so we turned it into a competition! “Goatee or not Goatee?”. That was indeed the question this week as I sprouted hair on my chin just to pass the time during lockdown. It turned out to be mostly grey though! Anyway, we ran a silly online poll and lots of you voted! The end result was 46.1% in favour of it staying, and 53.9% in favour of it going, so it went! But just how many people voted is the burning question?…

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What does that even mean you might ask? Well it’s happening during this captivity madness, it involves you WINNING some posh tea & coffee, and some things to drink it out of. And the countdown bit? I’ve counted the screws I kicked over at the start of lockdown! Possibly the most tenuous competition in the world, but you can still WIN a nice PRIZE! WIN all these ‘Lockdown Lovelies’ to make your ‘COVID time’ Cuppa experience a thing of beauty. You can even invite friends round to share with you in your garden now. Nah, yer right, just hog it…

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If you’re looking for a romantic evening in Suffolk, we’re not short of suggestions for our favourite intimate eateries – but here are six that will definitely up the romance factor for your night out! Of course, if you’re looking for a romantic getaway in Suffolk, there’s no better place to stay than Woodfarm Barns. With our luxurious two-person Cottages, complete with comfortable double beds, log burning fireplaces and – to top it all off – large hot tubs to enjoy under the night sky, Woodfarm is a haven for couples who want some alone-time in the tranquility of the…

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The Woodfarm brand is 11 years, and to celebrate, even though we are in Lockdown right now, we are going to do what we like to do and give away a FREE BREAK in one of our Barns, to one Lucky Winner, for when it’s all over! As I write this on the 9th May 2020, my business is officially 11 old years today. Ironic that whilst it was a rip-roaring success for almost 11 years, growing year on year, on year, the last 47 days have been the worst in Woodfarm history. On account of we are shut! But…

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If you’ve stayed at Woodfarm Barns or Barges, you’ll have been treated to one of our delicious breakfast hampers, packed with everything you need for a hearty Suffolk breakfast! But how do you recreate one of these at home? Well, whether you want to give one to a friend to share a touch of the ‘Woodfarm lifestyle’, create a fresh one for your other half for breakfast in bed, or you just want a fancy breakfast for yourself, read on to find out how to make your own Woodfarm hamper! Ingredients for your hamper We’ve designed our hampers to reflect…

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There will never be enough words, or the right words, to convey how we are all indebted to, and in awe of, the utter bravery we have seen from our NHS personnel since the Coronavirus struck us. This is just one way a small Holiday Cottage business in Suffolk is trying to say “Thank you”. Hi. My name is Carl. On the morning of March 23rd 2020 I closed the doors on my Holiday Cottage and Holiday Barge business for the foreseeable future. I contacted all iminent arrivals to cancel their breaks. I felt I had no choice. Later that…

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Thank you for considering a Holiday in Suffolk with us… Thank you for taking the time to look at Woodfarm and considering us for your next Short Break or Holiday in Suffolk, it’s much appreciated. Please let me know if you have any queries by calling me directly on 01449 710032, or emailing carl@woodfarmbarns.com. You can even Whatsapp me by clicking below… This page gives you a little overview of what we’re about. We have lots of pages on our website, where we have carefully placed nice pictures etc but this is all just about info; reasons you might want…

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Our Easter Egg Hunt is on! And YOU could be our lucky WINNER! Up for grabs is a very posh, mouth-watering Chocolate selection from Earsham Street Deli, a tail-wagging range of Dog treats from Doodledales, and a whole bunch of Woodfarm branded merchandise. A prize worth well over a hundred quid! Ok folks, we posted this prior to the Coronavirus outbreak and as we are currently in ‘Lockdown’ as I write this, things have changed somewhat! This was to be an awesome competition where you win some great prizes. I would still love it if you want to join in…

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What’s on in Suffolk during 2020? Funny you should ask. Here’s a whole bunch of things to get you excited this year…. There’s so much to do in Suffolk at any time, but here’s a guide for you of lots of events throughout the year. So have a little read, get your diaries out and start planning. Most of these events are Dog-Friendly but do double-check first. March 21st Flatford Ramble – Constable’s Footsteps April 4th Framlingham Country Show & Festival of Dogs 19th Suffolk Young Farmers Country Fair at Stonham Barns 25th April Flatford Ramble – Spring Bluebell Walk…

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When looking at hotel reviews, ‘cleanliness’ is a topic that always pops up. It’s obviously a huge indicator of quality for many travellers; after all, none of us enjoy seeing traces of previous guests during a holiday! This is why we take cleanliness at Woodfarm Barns and Barges very seriously. Our fantastic team dedicates hours to cleaning our Luxury, Dog-Friendly Suffolk Holiday Cottages and Historic Dutch Holiday Barges after each stay. They ensure that the cottages are not just tidy, but free of dirt and germs too. You can see from our outstanding reviews that we succeed in our efforts! …

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I bring you this update from Bar San Michele in Lucca, as I visit ‘Trebbio’ towards the end of January 2020. There’s been lots going on at our Holiday Cottage in Tuscany. We have had all the floors taken up as they were very uneven and poorly done. We now have a wonderful new floor throughout the house. I’ve gone for a traditional Tuscan terracotta brick tile for the whole house except the bathroom, which is a lovely slate grey. I didn’t ever imagine that renovating a Holiday Cottage in Tuscany would cost quite so much! We have white tiles on…

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HS2 has hit more controversy as it now tops £106 BILLION at the time of writing. We do things a little differently in Suffolk, with far less embarrassing results… Whilst HS2 spirals out of control to make it ever so slightly faster to get from A to B, I bring you embarrassing news of some local controversy regarding our own version SHSS2; that’s ‘Slightly Higher Speed Suffolk 2’. That’s the new travel service making access to rural parts of our fair county more accessible, shaving up to 15 minutes of some journey times! For years we’ve been getting on just…

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Here’s the form to fill in for your chance to WIN the FREE BREAK, with a really tough question you must get right. And don’t forget you MUST Fill in the form, Share the competition post on your Facebook or Instagram pages, and ‘Like’ Woodfarm Barns and Barges on Facebook, or Bargesandbarns on Insta… Loading… OK, we know Christmas is over now but as we started it on Christmas Day 2019, that’s what it was all about. You can even recommend a friend to enter, for the chance to BOTH WIN! For the 12 Days of Christmas 2019, we thought…

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When you Shop Local, you’re not just ‘buying stuff’, you are investing in the area you live. We all know that shopping with the likes of Amazon and ASOS is convenient, but pleeeeease don’t forget those businesses that still provide quality, customer service and a smile. Shop Local and you get all that, as well as sustaining your local community, not to mention cutting down on air and road miles. Before I go any further, I don’t want you to think I’m on a planet-saving soap-box here, because I’m not. This is just about the week I’ve had, shopping with…

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Providing a Bug Hotel is just is just one way we can help the conservation of this lovely planet of ours, so we decided to get to it! We are in the accommodation business, and we just happen to care about the planet we live on in, as well as the other beings on it. So we decided to have our very own Bug Hotel at Woodfarm Barns!  I’d seen these in various places, usually on woodland walks. But I was enjoying breakfast in the Summer, at one of my favourite places, Honey & Harvey and noticed one outside. Their…

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Trolley coins are the latest little giveaway when you stay with us, just to make your life a little more convenient and to remind you of your favourite place to stay! If you’re anything like me and have to scrabble around for £1 when you need a trolley, these little gems will come in handy! In our cashless society, I’ve often had to pop into a shop to get change just to shop there. With our new trolley coins I’ve now always got one with me, and every guest at Woodfarm Barns or Barges now has one too! If you…

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The Crowfield Rose is our nearest pub and is walkable from Woodfarm Barns. The week I started work on the renovations here in 2009, I went round for a lunchtime pint with my builder. We just happened to go in on the day they were closing! Doh! Well, after being closed for ten years, they are now back with a bang! Earlier in 2019 I’d heard it was re-opening, which was obviously great news as it is walkable from Woodfarm Barns. Once it had opened I popped in for a pint and met the landlord, Glen Hughes. Glen is a…

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If you’re not in the festive spirit yet, a visit to a Suffolk Christmas market will get you in the mood! Suffolk is bustling with life at Christmastime, with fairs and markets taking place every weekend in the lead-up to the big day. There’s plenty to do if you visit one of our many festive markets, including slurping down some delicious hot mulled wine and mince pies, and ticking presents off your checklist (Santa who?). With a vast selection of producers and retailers from Suffolk and the surrounding areas present at most markets, this is also a great way to…

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With Fully Enclosed Gardens at all our Barns, you can be sure your Dogs are happy and safe when you come to stay at Woodfarm Barns. “Do you have Fully Enclosed Gardens”? is one of our frequently asked questions. And the answer is… YES! Right from the start we made sure that our gardens were secure, so that our guests could relax, safe in the knowledge that their Dogs were happy pottering about outside. We’d had feedback when did our market testing, that one of the most common problems with Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages, was that people often found that there…

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Dog treats is just part of what we do to make your Dogs feel welcome and happy with a stay in our Barns or barges We leave some scrummy (well the Dogs tell us they are!) Dog treats for all our four-legged friends when they come to stay. We work closely with Doodledales, our friends round the corner from Woodfarm Barns. They are our local, independent pet shop and provide us with raw Dog treats from their ‘pick n mix’ range, as well as our Dog Hampers and Dog Shampoo for our Mucky Pups Shower Stations.  As a non meat-eating…

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