Kelsale

Two medieval churches once served this quiet Suffolk village, though only one remains standing today. Kelsale sits just a few miles inland from the coast, where rolling farmland gives way to the dramatic landscapes of the Suffolk Heritage Coast.

The village feels properly rural - narrow lanes wind between old cottages and working farms, with the occasional tractor providing the main traffic. It's the sort of place where you'll hear skylarks over car engines, and where the local pub genuinely knows everyone's name. From here, the artistic hub of Snape is barely ten minutes away, home to the world-renowned Snape Maltings Concert Hall where Benjamin Britten's operas still echo through converted Victorian buildings.

Cultural attractions dot the surrounding countryside like hidden treasures. The Jerwood Kiln Studio showcases contemporary theatre, while smaller venues like the Pond Gallery and various Arts Centres keep the creative spirit alive. Each nearby village - Yoxford, Friston, Sternfield - displays its heritage through hand-crafted village signs that tell stories of local history.

For those seeking wilder landscapes, Iken Cliff Picnic Site offers stunning views across the Alde estuary, and the wooded areas of Brookmeadow Covert and Redbarn Covert provide peaceful walking through ancient Suffolk woodland.

Saxmundham, the nearest market town with a railway station, lies just three miles south, making this area surprisingly accessible from London. Yet it feels a world away from urban life. Staying at one of the local holiday parks - from intimate glamping sites to traditional campsites - puts you right in the heart of this unspoilt corner of Suffolk, perfectly placed for exploring both the coast and the gentle inland countryside.