5 of the best things in Suffolk as chosen by locals

The countryside in Bury St Edmunds (Image: Newsquest)

1. The countryside

The countryside in Suffolk consists of fields for agriculture, meadowland, ancient woodland and forests. 

With such a varied landscape there are many different places to explore - such as nature reserves, heathland and hidden gems. 

The landscape is also award-winning with Dedham Vale, on the Suffolk/Essex border, recently named among underrated beauty spots in the UK. 

There is something for everyone to enjoy in the Suffolk countryside. 

The sunset in Woodbridge (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

2. The sky

Suffolk is famed for its big, panoramic skies and, in areas with little light, the sky above Suffolk comes to life.

Meteor showers can often be seen across Suffolk and many also spot satellites such as Starlink. 

It is not just the stars in the sky our readers love most about the sky. 

Many have snapped a picture of beautiful reds and orange tones from the coast or rolling over the hills and sunrise and sunset. 

READ MORE: 5 more places to see snowdrops in Suffolk this spring

Flatford inspired many of John Constable's paintings (Image: Newsquest)

3. Connection to the arts

Suffolk has a very strong connection to the world of arts through authors, painters, singers and actors. 

Constable County was home to and the inspiration of many artworks by painter John Constable while Charles Dickens was known to visit The Angel Hotel in Bury St Edmunds.

One of Suffolk's most famous celebrities is singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran who used his memories of growing up in Framlingham to inspire some of his hit songs like Castle on the Hill. 

READ MORE: Concerns raised over cuts to arts and closure of record office in budget plans

Covehithe is a 'hidden' beach along the Suffolk coast (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

4. The Suffolk Coast

Stretching for 50 miles the Suffolk coast attracts thousands of visitors every year but locals enjoy it just as much. 

With many small coastal towns and villages to visit, it's no surprise the coast is considered to be an outstanding beauty. 

In summer visit one of the award-winning beaches for a dip in the sea and an ice cream or wrap up warm in winter for a walk.

You might even spot a seal in the sea as they are known to make the Suffolk coast their home. 

READ MORE: Otter spotted swimming in river

Deer at Ickworth Estate (Image: Andy Abbott)

5. The Wildlife

Suffolk's most recognisable species include nightingales, hedgehogs, water voles and skylarks. 

Bitterns can be seen at RSPB Minsmere after their numbers slumped in the 1990s. 

With a varied landscape Suffolk provides a wide variety of different habitats to help mammals, bird, insects and amphibians to thrive.