Coastal Holiday Cottages on the Suffolk Coast

Southwold — the famous one. Pier, beach huts, pubs, Adnams brewery tour. Best for first-timers and families.

Walberswick — across the river from Southwold, only 200 houses, two pubs, crabbing harbour. Pure escape.

Dunwich — half the village fell into the sea in the Middle Ages. Now: a beach, a tea room, a pub, and a heath. Romantic.

Thorpeness — built as a folk-art seaside resort in 1910. Boating lake, House in the Clouds, the strangest and most charming spot on the coast.

Aldeburgh — food, music, fishing boats on the shingle. The Aldeburgh Festival in June makes it the cultural capital.

Orford — quay, castle, oysters, smokehouse. The most underrated village on the coast.

Parking in Southwold and Aldeburgh in July and August is genuinely difficult. A cottage with off-street parking is worth paying extra for.

The wind comes off the sea. Bring layers even in August — the difference between sun and shade can be 8°C.

Tides matter — low tide unlocks miles of sand at Walberswick and Dunwich. The Magicseaweed or BBC tide tables app is your friend.

Coastal erosion is real, especially at Dunwich and Covehithe. The drama is part of the appeal.

Walk the Suffolk Coast Path — Southwold to Walberswick (via the foot ferry), or Aldeburgh to Thorpeness.

Eat fish straight off the boat — Aldeburgh fish huts, mid-morning.

RSPB Minsmere — the best reserve in the country. Allow a full day.

Snape Maltings — concerts in the summer, year-round shopping and a brilliant restaurant.

Pump Street Bakery, Orford — make the detour.