Self-catering holidays in Suffolk : rent a cottage or house

Suffolk is a beautiful rural county which lies north of Essex in East Anglia. It's perfect for anyone who enjoys self-catering holidays in the country.

Although rural and pretty it has excellent rail and road connections with London making it easily accessible with around an hour's journey. It's a fascinating county of England to visit; not only are there plenty of stunning views but the countryside is crisscrossed by footpaths and dotted with small medieval villages with country pubs serving good food.

• Suffolk self-catering accommodation by town

For anyone with an interest in history, it provides many fascinating gems. There are hundreds of small parish churches dating back to the the 14th and 15th centuries. St. Bartholomew's Church in Groton is a small treasure because of its links with John Winthrop, the leader of the Puritans, founder of Boston and Governor of Massachusetts. It's amazing to think that such a small community could produce such an important figure and lead to the tiny hamlet of Groton being on the American Heritage Trail.

That sense of history pervades the area. Visit the small village of Boxford, or the market town of Hadleigh nearby, for ancient weavers' and merchants' cottages that are the homes of people today. Many are furnished in keeping with their period and stuffed full of antiques. Again, discover fine medieval churches, a Corn Exchange in Hadleigh, individual shops and a the charm and manners of country people.

Self-catering accommodation and holiday lets in Suffolk - click on images to view