Instagram-worthy holiday destinations in Essex and Suffolk
Being located on the Suffolk-Essex border, you could say that we have the best of both worlds here at Stoke by Nayland, with access to two beautiful counties, and each of their contrasting qualities and quirks. This really is a picture-perfect part of the world, and you only need to check out the hashtags on Instagram to see the great number of stunning backdrops we have in the region.
From pastel-coloured beach huts and historic streets to preserved landmarks and beauty spots in picture-postcard countryside, there’s an iconic backdrop for every taste. Which is why we thought we’d put our heads together and create a round-up of the most Instagramable locations, backdrops and buildings in Essex and Suffolk. Don’t forget your glad rags – it’s time to get ready and snap some truly enviable holiday pictures.
Mersea Island Beach Huts, Essex
A little gem just off the Essex coast, Mersea is famous for its fresh oysters, winding creeks, nature reserves and excellent sailing. Whether you chose to spend the day soaking up the sun or simply strolling down the beachfront, you’ll find the Mersea Island pastel-coloured beach huts a must-snap horizon during your visit. You can even hire your very own pretty little hideaway, equipped with all you need. These huts, which have been famously captured by various media outlets including the BBC, Sunday Times and Coast magazine, are available by the day or for longer, and are ideal for small families, couples or as a sanctuary just for one. There’s also a playground and cafe are a stone’s throw from these pretty huts. For more contact The Little Beach Hut Company.
Mersea Island, Essex
Aldeburgh, Suffolk
Who doesn’t enjoy a spot of beach combing? Well, you’ll find a somewhat bedazzling shell, the jewel-in-the-crown on beach-combers’ camera rolls, over in Aldeburgh. An hour’s drive from Stoke by Nayland, it’s hard not to stumble upon the iconic scallop shell on the beach between Aldeburgh and Thorpeness. It’s a beautiful sight in all weathers and framed by a breath-taking Aldeburgh sea horizon in the distance. Unveiled in 2003 as a tribute to Benjamin Britten (one of the twentieth-century’s most important composers who spent much of his life in Aldeburgh and nearby Snape). The Scallop was envisioned by Suffolk-born artist Maggi Hambling, but actually made by Aldeburgh craftsmen Sam and Dennis Pegg, and it makes for a stunning backdrop!
Flatford Mill Bridge overlooking the River Stour, Suffolk
This is a beautiful corner of the countryside and an idyllic location for taking a few moments to stop, relax and soak up the atmosphere, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. One of the most Instagramable spots at this location is arguably the bridge overlooking the River Stour. The fields beside the river at Flatford are not owned by the National Trust and access is limited to the public footpath. You don’t need to book a space to visit Flatford. However, they are limiting the capacity of the car park to ensure they can maintain social distancing and keep everyone safe. On sunny weekend days, their peak visit times are between 11am – 2pm.
Flatford Mill, Flatford Rd, East Bergholt, Suffolk, CO7 6UL
01206 298260
Audley End House, Essex
English Heritage sites don’t get much lovelier than this! Many of our guests enjoy a day out exploring the spacious grounds and estate, one of England’s grandest mansions. Whether you’re exploring the servant’s wing, state rooms, stables, kitchen garden or beautiful grounds, you’ll discover how a what life was like at a Victorian country house. Lord Braybrooke redecorated many of its rooms in the Jacobean style in the 1820s and visitors are invited to play the piano, play with the toys in the nursery or step into Lady Braybrooke’s private apartments. There are many photo opportunities here including its award-winning gardens.
Audley End Rd, Audley End, Saffron Walden, CB11 4JF
0370 333 1181
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/audley-end-house-and-gardens/
Essex Railway Museum
For all vintage-lovers, the Essex Railway museum is the place to be. Pose in front of a beautiful selection of steam trains, diesel locomotives and vintage carriages. There’s also a Heritage Centre here you can pull levers, press buttons, dress up as the Station Master and learn about the railways of yesteryear. Plus various Event Days when the museum really comes to life on event days… with period costume, train rides and more. A visit to Platform 2 Café is another lovely photo-opp and a place to enjoy coffees, cream teas and light lunches all abord a vintage railway carriage.
East Anglian Railway Museum, Chappel Station, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DS
01206 242524
Willy Lott’s House
This is another great spot to sit and relax and soak up the countryside, it’s easy to see why Constable chose to paint the Haywain and The Mill Stream at this location. A Grade 1 listed building, Willy Lotts was originally part of Gibbeon’s Gate Farm. The story goes that Willy Lott himself (1761-1849), a tenant farmer who worked the nearby land lived in this house, which long after his death, became known as Willy Lott’s House. Although he couldn’t read or write, Willy made enough money to buy the house and farmland around Gibbeon’s Gate which he did in 1825.
East Bergholt, Colchester, CO7 6UL
01206 298620
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/flatford/features/willy-lotts-house-at-flatford