Thorington Lodge

Stay in the gate lodge of one of Suffolk’s oldest, and most intriguing, houses. This little lodge occupies the oldest part of the rambling 17th-century farmhouse, Thorington Hall, and retains much of its original character. The cottage has a rustic theme throughout including a sitting room with stone floors, exposed beams and a cosy woodburner and cobbled courtyard garden. 

You can’t beat Thorington for a beautiful setting and there are walks straight from the front door. You’ll be in the Dedham Vale National Landscape, an area of outstanding natural beauty, and can join the Stour Valley path nearby to explore the surrounding countryside and old villages on foot.

The picturesque hamlet of Flatford is just a 15-minute drive away. It was the inspiration for some of John Constable's most famous paintings, including the The Hay Wain and Boat-Building near Flatford Mill. Walking through Flatford feels like stepping into one of his paintings, and there’s an exhibition dedicated to his life here. You can hire a boat to row on the River Stour and wander through the family-friendly RSPB wildlife garden.

You’ll have free entry to National Trust places, including Sutton Hoo, which is about an hour's drive away. This Anglo-Saxon royal burial site is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.

For a city trip, Colchester is half an hour’s drive away. It has over 2,000 years of history to discover, including Roman vaults, a Norman castle and the working waterwheel at Bourne Mill, alongside independent shops and plenty of places to eat.

Thorington Hall (sleeps 16) is next to Thorington Lodge and both cottages can be booked together.