Beccles

The River Waveney curves lazily through this handsome market town, creating one of Suffolk's most underrated spots for a proper countryside break. Beccles sits at the very edge of the county, so close to Norfolk you could throw a stone across the border, yet it maintains that distinctly Suffolk character - elegant Georgian houses lining the streets and a skyline dominated by the magnificent tower of St Nicholas church.

Sotterley Hall Estate provides the grandest day out in the area, with its Palladian mansion and sprawling grounds offering a glimpse into centuries of aristocratic life. The surrounding countryside feels properly rural - Ashley Wood and Alexandra Wood provide excellent walking territory, while Keith's Wood and Savage Wood offer quieter trails where you're more likely to spot deer than other walkers.

What strikes you most about this part of East Anglia is how the landscape shifts subtly as you move between counties. The village signs dotted around - from Henstead to Wangford, Rushmere to Wrentham - each tell their own story of local history through traditional painted scenes. It's old-fashioned England at its finest.

Getting here couldn't be easier. The A146 runs straight through town, connecting Beccles to Norwich in 20 minutes and Lowestoft in half an hour. That proximity to the coast is key - you can be on proper sandy beaches before lunch if the mood takes you.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense for exploring both the Broads and the Heritage Coast. Pakefield Holiday Park puts you minutes from the sea, while the various camping spots around Henstead and beyond offer a more rustic base. Either way, you're perfectly positioned to explore this forgotten corner where Suffolk meets Norfolk.