A serene oasis on the edge of the Suffolk coast, this character cottage offers a restorative stay with a village pub, shops and a beach just a walking distance away. The tiny village of Dunwich offers a forest, heathland and beach for walking, plus bike riding and nature spotting opportunities aplenty. The property itself is a delectable abode with traditional country elements and pretty flora surrounding the entire building, a peaceful place to stay for a family of five guests with the dog in tow.

Mosey on up the garden path to reach the cottage, passing greenery and shrubbery as you go. The delights continue indoors with a farmhouse-style kitchen offering stone-flagged flooring, a hearty breakfast table and plenty of worktop space for getting prepped at mealtimes. There’s also an ever-cosy lounge here on the ground floor, decked out with plenty of soft seating and that all-important wood burner. Spend snuggly nights in here before wandering on up to bed, finding all three bedrooms served by a family bathroom on the first floor – a double room, a cosy twin, and a single bedroom. Outside, the flora continues in the garden at the rear, a south-facing beauty spot that’s enclosed and furnished with seating and an outdoor fire.

Dunwich is a destination that’s steeped in history, so spend some time at Dunwich Museum (0.5 miles) to get to know the village’s local lore. On the beach, you can relax on shingle shores, walk your dog or have a paddle in the sea. Close to the water, you’ll also find rspb Dingle Marshes (1 mile), a nature-packed visitor’s spot where regular guided walks, stargazing and animal-spotting safaris take place, ideally suited to outdoor adventuring newbies. For a day out, take the drive up to Southwold (9 miles) to spend time on the pier.

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