Self-Catering Cottages in Suffolk

Friday Street Farm Shop (between Saxmundham and Aldeburgh) is the default everything-stop — bakery, butcher, deli, decent veg, good wine. Open 7 days.

The Aldeburgh fish huts on the beach sell what landed that morning. Cash or card, no fuss. Best for the first night.

Pump Street Bakery in Orford is a proper detour — the sourdough is worth the drive. They also run Pump Street Chocolate next door.

Adnams Cellar & Kitchen in Southwold has the local beer and a surprisingly good wine list. Pick up the Ghost Ship for the woodburner evenings.

Most holiday let kitchens have one frying pan, three mismatched mugs and a kettle that doesn't quite boil. We don't accept that. Every kitchen is checked against a hospitality standard — sharp knives, full oven, full dishwasher cycle, decent crockery for 8.

We also stock the things you only notice when they're missing: olive oil, salt, pepper, basic spices, foil, cling film, dishwasher tabs, washing-up liquid and dish cloths.

If something is missing or broken during your stay, the local team is round within hours, not days.

Walberswick — a kitchen that opens onto the marsh, dogs welcome, two pubs in walking distance for the nights you can't be bothered to cook.

Orford — Pump Street Bakery, Butley Orford Oysterage, and the quay 5 minutes' walk away. The most underrated coastal village.

Framlingham — proper market town, castle on the doorstep, monthly farmers' market, great butcher.

Bedfield / Dennington — deep countryside, dark skies, big houses for groups, two of the best pubs in Suffolk (The Bell, The Queen's Head).