Tuesday 17 April 2012

Romantic Short Breaks - Why Log Cabin Holidays Are Ideal!

All holidays should be memorable, but romantic short breaks are special - each moment together away from everything else needs to be precious, relaxing and luxurious. We all have such busy lives these days. None of us have time for ourselves, let alone our loved ones, and these romantic breaks give us the opportunity to spoil both ourselves and our partners.

Getting away from it all on a UK short break has become increasingly popular in recent years, and finding the right location is important to the success of your trip. You need a setting that offers seclusion, privacy and a refuge from the stresses and strains of modern life, somewhere you can relax and spend that quality time together that you always promised each other.

Your first thought may be for a luxury hotel. But think again. The whole point of your break is the chance to create your own private world, to have time together and just enjoy each other’s company. What you don’t need is housekeeping knocking on the door, hearing the other guests go past in the corridor, fitting in with hotel meal times, and having to call someone every time you want a glass of champagne!

Windmill Lodges log cabins on the other hand, can give you the perfect solution. We offer the ideal accommodation for romantic short breaks in the beautiful Suffolk countryside, close to the coast and the best culture, food and experiences that this part of the country has to offer.

Each cabin is a private oasis of calm, warmth and luxury. The well-insulated traditional round pine construction offers modern comfort all year round, staying cool in summer and radiating cosy warmth in winter. Being surrounded by natural wooden walls in the countryside creates a feeling of going back to nature, quickly leaving all the hassles of everyday life far behind.

A number of the cabins have four-poster beds, en-suite bathrooms and they all have under-floor heating and double-glazing. The easy to use coal effect gas fire provides a focal point to help set the scene, and there is the usual collection of entertainment facilities you’d expect from this level of luxury; freeview TV, DVD and CD player, and of course, free Wi-Fi. You’d think that this would be more than enough, but the icing on the cake is the private hot tub for you and your partner to relax in, summer or winter, and then make use of the quality bathrobes provided.

Self-catering of course means that you have the flexibility to not only choose what you eat and where you eat it, but perhaps most importantly, when. You have excellent kitchen facilities including a full-size cooker, microwave and fridge. Depending on the season, barbecues are provided along with good quality patio furniture allowing you to eat alfresco overlooking the peaceful catch and release fishing lake.  All things considered, these romantic short breaks offer a self-contained paradise, which is so comfortable you can almost forget about your surroundings and concentrate on each other.

If, however, you do like the idea of heading out and being cooked for, your options are almost endless. The local area offers the full range of dining options from luxury eating in a number of local restaurants, pubs and delis, to  enjoying the best fish and chips in the country from Aldeburgh Chip Shop. This popular chip shop founded more than 50 years ago and has had outstanding  write-ups in national newspapers and magazines including The Times magazine, The Guardian Weekend and The Sunday Mirror. To see what all the fuss is about, why not enjoy a stroll along the beach front together and share a tasty bag of home-made chips while watching the waves roll in? 

If you prefer a pub lunch, further afield is the The Westleton Crown, near Southwold, which was named in the 2008 Suffolk Pub Guide as the Suffolk Dining Pub of the Year. This wonderful gastropub serves up delicious cuisine including braised local lamb and seared scallops. The pub is within easy reach of Southwold, Aldeburgh and Snape Maltings concert hall so you can drop by during a day of sight seeing.

Another great pub to dine in is The Jolly Sailor in Orford.  Here you can enjoy hearty local food and the pub garden in summer has superb views of Orford Castle. The Jolly Sailor is open for breakfast, lunches and dinners every day of the week.

Of course there is also an amazing array of places to visit; long and short walks to take in the countryside or by the sea, art galleries, nature reserves, beaches, sailing clubs, villages, castles, antiques dealers. In fact - if you’re not careful, your romantic break will fly by so quickly that you’ll just have to come back again, like so many of the people that have already stayed at Windmill Lodges.

Snape Maltings is a very popular tourist destination and has something to suit everyone. Browse in the many independent shops where you can always find  something to buy. Among the wares are antiques, homeware, books, clothing, art and home accessories. After a spot of shopping, take a country stroll or a romantic boat trip along the river. In the evening, you can enjoy a concert in the Snape Malting Concert Hall which has an arts programme throughout the year.

If you are true nature lovers, visit the RSPB nature reserve at Minsmere for  bird watching or take a leisurely walk in the countryside. In the spring and summer expect to see bitterns, marsh harriers and avocets. In the winter, you can spot wading birds and waterfowl including widgeons and black-tailed godwits.

If bird watching is not for you, Southwold offers a wonderful day out. For art lovers Southwold Art Gallery has exhibitions from some of the region’s most prominent artists and many of the artwork features local scenes including Aldeburgh, Walberswick and Southold.

So, forget the hotels, the B&Bs, and the city breaks. If you’re looking to re-kindle the romance in your life, the best place to start is one of the romantic short breaks offered at Windmill Lodges. The luxurious log cabins will give you the seclusion, the freedom and the peace and quiet you and your partner deserve, in the natural environment of the Suffolk countryside.

For the perfect romantic short break - book a luxury stay at Windmill Lodges

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Enjoy a Holiday in Suffolk This Year!

Windmill Lodges is ideal for short breaks or longer holidays in the beautiful UK countryside. Holidaying at or close to home - has become increasingly popular during recent times.

Initially, cost was a big deciding factor in the current challenging financial climate, but people soon began to realise that holidaying in this country offers much, much more than simply being an alternative to going abroad. Apart from avoiding the stressful and time-consuming airport trip, holidaying at home gives a multitude of options for you, your partner and your family, and one of those choices is  Windmill Lodges. Log cabin holidays are not a new concept, but the cabins, set in private grounds in the heart of Suffolk, give a gentle twist on the tradition and offer more than a home-from-home experience, and much more than a conventional hotel or bed & breakfast break.

Although the log cabins are built with traditional round pine logs, the constructions are crammed full of modern touches. The wooden interiors offer a stimulating and different environment that helps create a memorable holiday, for you and your fellow guests. They are extremely well insulated, giving you a cool base in summer and a warm and cosy refuge in winter. Under floor heating, double-glazed windows, wooden floors and rugs give a homely feeling, and the gas coal-effect fires are easy to use.

Log cabin holidays give you the flexibility very rarely offered by the competition. You decide what to do and when - you can fill your day with the numerous activities offered by both Windmill Lodges and the surrounding beautiful Suffolk countryside or coastline, or you can simply relax in and around the well-equipped cabin. The bedrooms, some of which are en-suite, have all the warm and snug bedding and towels you’ll need, including bathrobes that come in handy for relaxing after a dip in your own private hot tub, or in the onsite indoor heated swimming pool (open from Easter to October).

Some of the cabins, including Bullfinch, Goldfinch and Chaffinch, have 4 poster beds, and all of the cabin's fully fitted kitchens have a microwave, fridge and cooker. Should you be staying for a while there are also laundry facilities available on site. You can relax on the leather sofas and take advantage of the entertainment facilities, which include televisions with the latest free to air channels, DVD and CD players, radio and, of course, free Wi-Fi.

Enjoy a luxury holiday in a log cabin in Suffolk for your short break away or week long UK family break

Many of our facilities are open for your enjoyment all year round. The peaceful catch and release fishing lake, exclusively for the use of those staying in the lodges, has plenty of reed cover on the outside banks providing hideouts for the carp and tench. It offers a perfect environment for experienced and amateur anglers, and even those new to the sport - here’s your chance to have a go and find out if angling is for you.

It’s important to feel a little decadent and indulge yourself while away, and Windmill Lodges log cabin holidays with hot tubs offer the perfect opportunity. The tubs really are there for use in all weather - many of the guests have commented on enjoying a bubble while snow is falling! Out of season breaks also offer the chance to get wrapped up and explore the Suffolk coast and countryside, when it’s a little quieter and less crowded. The coast is only 15 minutes away and you have a choice of windswept sandy beaches, sailing resorts and quiet seaside towns, as well as RSPB bird sanctuaries, world famous arts venues and a multitude of places to eat and drink. Log cabin holidays really do offer an almost endless list of things to do!

Aldeburgh, Southwold and Walberswick, amongst others, offer coastal views, the seaside experience and exclusive shopping, and if a walk is on your agenda you can dip in and out of the Suffolk Coastal Path, which runs all the way from Felixstowe in the south to Lowestoft in the north. There are a number of shorter circular routes to see and experience the natural world, both on the coast and inland. For example, the Mere, a 33 acre lake and nature reserve near Framlingham, gives you a great opportunity to become at one with wildlife and nature.

Minsmere is acknowledged as one of the most well known of the RSPB’s nature reserves, and should be high on your list, whether visiting in summer or winter. The Suffolk coast is a great place to see a large range of birds at most times of the year. If recent history is your thing, it would be a shame to miss out on Orford Ness National Nature Reserve - where you can wander around some of the unusual test sites and buildings that, until the mid 80s, formed part of a secret military test site.

Of course, nothing beats a long walk on one of the bright and cold coastal paths or countryside rambles before settling down, in front of the coal effect fireplace and get warm and cosy in your cabin or relaxing on your veranda with a lovely home cooked meal. Windmill Lodges log cabin holidays give you all this and more - luxury self-catering accommodation in the beautiful Suffolk countryside.

Log Cabin Holidays in Suffolk with hot tub - Click here to find out more about our self-catering accommodation.

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Monday 2 April 2012

Romantic Weekend Breaks Suffolk - Spoil Your Loved One With a Log Cabin Holiday Break at Any Time of the Year

Romantic weekend breaks in a cosy log cabin are idyllic at any time of year. Whether you want to surprise your loved one for their birthday, celebrate an anniversary or simply enjoy some quality time together, country UK breaks  are great for taking time out from a busy lifestyle and reconnecting as a couple.

If you are looking for a romantic weekend in Suffolk, Windmill Lodges is the ideal destination. Our luxury log cabins are situated in a picturesque rural location and are equipped to the highest standards. And each lodge in this quiet, secluded development has a private hot tub to help make your romantic weekend break away as relaxing and memorable as possible.



Romantic Spring Breaks at Windmill Lodges

Spring is a wonderful time of year for a romantic weekend break. It is when the weather turns mild, flowers start to bloom and new lambs are born. So take time out for a leisurely walk and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

If you have children, a romantic weekend break in spring offers the ideal opportunity to get away as a couple and take pleasure in each other’s company. A weekend away gives you chance to reminisce on the good times and recall what you love most about each other, returning home refreshed and rejuvenated.

Spring is also a superb time to go sight-seeing. Framlingham Castle was built in the 12th century and was the refuge of Mary Tudor before she took to the throne in 1553. You can discover its interesting and colourful past through an audio guide and walk the castle wall for spectacular views over the mere.

Orford Castle was also built in the 12th century and is still pretty much intact. Discover its 800 years of history by exploring its basement and its fascinating maze of passages, the lower and upper halls, right the way to the top where you can enjoy breathtaking views to Orford Ness.

Another wonderful attraction is Sutton Hoo near Woodbridge, which serves as one of the most important archaeological sites in the country.  This important discovery came about in the late 1930’s when the new landowner Edith May Pretty had visions of a funeral procession on one of the mounds. On another evening, she felt she saw a warrior standing on the mound. Accompanied by a Suffolk excavator, the mounds were opened and an Anglo-Saxon cemetery and 7th century ship burial was unearthed. It became one of the most incredible archaeological finds for many reasons including its age, size and historical significance.

When you have done enough sightseeing, you could take a trip to Woodbridge where you can browse the many independent shops such as boutiques, interior design shops, ceramic stores, art galleries, handbag shops, chocolate shops and bakeries. Alternatively, Framlingham on the doorstep of Windmill Lodges, is another ancient market town with delicatessens, kitchen, home and garden retailers, shoe shops and antique stores.

Snape Maltings is another popular tourist destination and is great for couples to visit at any time of the year. After browsing in the homeware, gift, clothing and book stores and  you can enjoy tea in the cosy tea room or a pint in the local pub and go for a quiet river walk. Alternatively, you can tie in your with an evening of classical music at its famous Concert Hall.

Romantic Summer Breaks at Windmill Lodges

What could be better than a UK log cabin break in glorious sunshine? Summer is a great season to visit Suffolk and unwind with a romantic weekend away. In addition to the hot tub to relax in all of our log cabins overlook a private catch and release fishing lake, which makes sunbathing on your terrace peaceful and relaxing as you take in the tranquil lake views.   Your outside space, which is fully equipped with patio furniture and barbecue facilities, also provides everything you need to eat alfresco. Suffolk is renowned for its wealth of local produce available to buy from farm shops, farmer's markets and of course the region's supermarkets. And the most amazing fresh fish is available here - bought direct from the fisherman at Southwold or Aldeburgh. So if you fancy a romantic meal at your, there are plenty of food options to choose from!

Windmill Lodges has its own private swimming pool, which is open from Easter to October. So you can follow long lazy lie-ins with a refreshing dip in the pool to wake yourself up for the day's activities. These could include  a stroll along the beach at Walberswick which up until the early part of the 20th century was a bustling port trading in timber, fish, cheese corn and bacon. It is now a tourist attraction and is surrounded by over 1000 acres of protected heath and marshland. There are tea rooms, restaurants, pubs here as well as places to sit and enjoy an ice cream. Another popular destination is the seaside town of Southwold with its pretty shores lined with colourful beach huts. It has a working lighthouse, an award-winning pier and chance to take a boat trip, or cross the River Blyth by foot ferry to Walberswick.

If you are feeling more energetic, why not hire a rowing boat at Flatford? Flatford, East Bergholt, is where English romantic artist John Constable (1776 - 1837) lived (in Flatford Mill which still stands). The local landscape features in many of his most famous paintings including The Hay Wain of 1821. Flatford is situated 23 miles from Framlingham and boat hire facilities are open 10 am until late at a cost of £8 an hour or £5 for half an hour.  http://www.flatfordboats.com/pricing.html

Romantic Autumn Breaks at Windmill Lodges

When the leaves start to fall and the weather turns cooler, there is something very refreshing about a weekend away in the country. What better place to go than a warm, four or five star luxury log cabin for your romantic mini-break?

In autumn there are plenty of things to do on a log cabin holiday in Suffolk. You and your partner can wrap up warm and go for a peaceful, tranquil walk in the UK countryside or go for a cycle ride ending with a drink and a hearty meal at The Old Mill House in Saxstead. This has an open planned interior serving good pub grub and a small drinking area and the pub is within walking distance of Windmill Lodges.

Another wonderful place to visit at any time of year is Aldeburgh, a former Tudor town well-known for its fishermen’s huts that line the shores where you can buy freshly caught fish from local fishermen. Here you can marvel at some of the interesting buildings including Fantasia - a fascinating miniature one room cottage on the sea front - or Moot Hall and Aldeburgh Museum. Built in the first half of the 16th century, Moot Hall is one of the most important public timber framed buildings in the country. 

Take a stroll down the sea front and visit Aldeburgh fish and chip shop dubbed the finest fish and chip shop on the east coast (get there early as there can be long queues for this) and don’t forget to support the lifeboat crews by popping into the Lifeboat House on the beach and its adjoining RNLI shop.

Finally no trip to Aldeburgh is complete without taking a look at the Maggi Hambling. This Scallop sculpture is dedicated to Benjamin Britten, one of the 20th century’s most important composers who spent much of his life in the town.

In the evening, enjoy a blissful night in your cabin where you can just relax, snuggle up on the sofa with a DVD before retiring early to bed.

Romantic Winter Breaks at Windmill Lodges


A log cabin in Suffolk is simply perfect for a romantic winter break. All of Windmill Lodge’s log cabins are warm and snug with under-floor heating, homely coal effect log fires and most feature a luxurious four poster bed.

Fully equipped and built to the highest standards, we provide all you need to make your stay as blissful as possible. All the towels and linens are supplied including bathrobes to slip into after a bath or shower, or dip in the private outdoor hot tub. 

Weekend breaks at Windmill Lodges are simply dreamy. After a long walk in the Suffolk countryside, you can explore some of the farm shops in the area and bring back local produce to cook up a romantic dinner for two. Just pour the wine, put on some music, and enjoy a cosy night in.

Or if you prefer dining out, there are many good restaurants in the local area including The Galley Restaurant in Woodbridge, dubbed one of the region’s favourite eateries The Galley is run by Ugur Vata, who has worked alongside some of the greatest chefs and was brought up in a Turkish family with a dedicated passion for food. All his food is seasonal and sourced locally, and his food is freshly prepared - including the bread and pasta. Another fantastic place to eat is The Butley Oysterage in the Market Square in Orford. The restaurant has been family run for 40 years and has a bistro type atmosphere. It still has its own smokehouse in Butley Creek and you can enjoy freshly caught fish caught from their own boats!

Click here to book a romantic break for two at Windmill Lodges, in the heart of the Suffolk
countryside

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Book yourself a log cabin holiday in Suffolk to look forward to!

Early spring is the perfect time to book a week away - and what better than a log cabin holiday with hot tub in Suffolk!

Whether you’re looking to take your break now or later in the year, our luxurious log cabin holidays offer many benefits.  First and foremost our seven individually designed cabins to offer a home away from home but with finishing touches such as private hot tubs and coal effect fires to offer that extra bit of luxury. Windmill Lodges provide well equipped, warm, comfortable and spacious accommodation in a beautiful country setting overlooking a fishing lake. 

When you stay in one of our log cabins, holidays are truly flexible - the kitchens in all of our wooden lodges feature everything you need to cook yourself a fabulous meal, including a full size cooker, fridge and a dishwasher so you don’t have to wash up! We even provide a complimentary welcome pack including essential groceries and all linen, towels, tea towels and bathrobes - so less for you to pack.  If you’d prefer to eat out, then you won’t be disappointed, as holidays in Suffolk will give you access to a fine selection of pubs and restaurants.

Click here to enjoy a home from home holiday in Suffolk at one of Windmill Lodges' luxury log cabins with hot tub

Holidays in Suffolk - Towns to Explore


Whatever the weather Suffolk offers a number of gems for you to explore providing enjoyable days out whether holidaying as a family, couple or a group of friends.

The ancient market town of Bury St. Edmunds is steeped in history.  As well as giving you the opportunity to walk through the grand stone gateway to the ruined abbey, you can also visit St. Edmundsbury Cathedral offering 1,000 years of worship and pilgrimage. 

This breathtaking cathedral was originally built to house the remains of Edmund, King of the East Angles who died at the hands of the Danes in 1869. St James Church was later built within the confines of the abbey and eventually became a cathedral in 1914.  Many people visiting the church, regardless of if they are religious or not, take the opportunity to light a prayer candle.  If you are interested in visiting the Cathedral you may want to time your holiday in Suffolk with Candlemas or ‘The Presentation of Christ in the Temple’ which takes place on 2nd February and marks a significant Christian festival.

If it’s heritage you’re seeking then look no further than the Theatre Royal, the sole surviving Regency Playhouse in the UK.  This truly wonderful theatre has been fully restored to its original 1819 glory and offers insight into the history of English theatre.  As well as offering guided tours, workshops and an impressive library archive, the theatre includes a full programme of live productions throughout the year.

The Theatre Royal’s owners are no other than Greene King, the UK’s largest independent brewer since 1799 and whom still reside in the centre of Bury St. Edmunds town.  Visit the brewery for a guided tour which offers a great insight into the history of brewing.  You’ll also get to visit the brew house where cask ales such as Greene King IPA and Abbot Ale are produced.  As well as the infamous brewery, Bury St. Edmunds is home to the smallest pub in Britain, The Nutshell where you can quite literally spread your arms and touch one side of the pub to the other.

While on holiday in Suffolk, the village of Thorpeness, built at the turn of the last century is also well worth a visit.  Originally a small fishing village rumoured to be a route for smugglers into East Anglia,  is awash with Tudor and Jacobean architecture thanks to Glencairn Stuart Ogilvie who developed this area into a fantasy holiday village for his friends and family back in 1910.  Possibly his most ingenious achievement was the ‘House in the clouds’ - the village’s wooden clad water tower made to look like a small house on top of a five-storey tower.

Thorpeness also has a 65 acre boating lake loosely themed on Peter Pan where traditionally painted rowing boats are available to hire.  This has been a popular location for both residents and tourists for over eighty years.  The boating lake is also the location for regular events hosted throughout the year.

Holidays in Suffolk - Get Out for a Stomp!

A break in Suffolk wouldn’t be complete without a good old stomp around the countryside, with the winter months offering possibly one of the best times to go walking.  Wrap up for the weather and you’ll be sure to lift your spirits and blow away the cobwebs. 

With its stunning scenery and magnificent coastline Suffolk offers the perfect place for walking.  Some of the County's best places to walk include Orford Ness, voted amongst the top 10 walks in the whole of the UK.  The National Trust also vote this now nature reserve walk as best for history based on it spanning a once top-secret military testing site, which still bears signs of its darker past.

If a coastal or beach walking is more appealing you’ll be spoilt for choice with beautiful villages such as Aldeburgh, a famous sailing resort, Southwold, a lovely seaside town with a pier, fishing boats and brightly painted beach huts or Dunwich which boasts a wide stretch of pebble beach.

A walk of truly outstanding natural beauty can be found at Dedham Vale, more commonly referred to as ‘Constable Country’ after the famous painter John Constable.  Walk along the banks of the River Stour which elegantly straddles the Essex Suffolk border and see John Constable’s father’s watermill, known as Flatford mill; the same watermill depicted in one of his most famous of paintings.  There is also a public footpath which runs between Flatford and East Bergholt with a distance of about 1½ miles.  

Holidays in Suffolk - Enjoy Fish and Chips, A La Carte Dining or a Cosy Pub Meal!


Despite its often poor reputation, English food is something us Brits wouldn’t be without even when we’re abroad!  There’s something about a roast dinner on a Sunday, sausages and mash with lashings of gravy and good old fish and chips by the sea that’s so hearty and comforting particularly in the winter months. 

If you’re looking for an intimate meal or merely a la carte dining then head for Woodbridge, Framlingham or Orford.  The Waterfront CafĂ© in Woodbridge is set in a 300 year old granary and has an idyllic location overlooking the banks of the River Deben.  The welcoming atmosphere of the Galley with its fabulous menu and wine list to match is another popular place to eat, as is the Regatta in Aldeburgh which was mentioned by Nigel Slater, celebrity chef and writer for The Observer and praised in the Michelin Guide. Orford also offers two wonderful fine dining restaurants; The Crown and Castle and Butley Oysterage which has its own smoke house!

If traditional pub grub’s more your thing there are plenty to choose from; or a friendly pub with a rustic atmosphere and excellent beer and food visit the Kirtling Red Lion in West Suffolk.  For cosying up next to roaring open fires try the Jolly Sailor in Orford or the Middleton Bell serving home cooked and locally sourced food in an attractive and inviting atmosphere - the hub of this pretty little village.  Finally the 16th century Brewers Arms in Rattlesden offers brunch, lunch and dinner in a peaceful location not far from Stowmarket.

Finally, no coastal holiday in Suffolk would be complete without fish and chips.  After experiencing the peace and tranquillity of Dunwich’s coastal lowland heath, sandy cliffs and beaches rich in wildlife, you’ll be sure to have built up an appetite so why not pay a visit to Flora’s Tea Rooms voted amongst some of the top seaside fish and chips you’ll ever taste? Named after the shipwrecked barge whose timbers built the original tea room back in 1987, this wooden shack sits on the shingle beach of what was once East Anglia’s capital before most of it was swallowed by the sea in the 14th century.  Fresh fish comes from Lowestoft and better still can be washed down with BYO wine or beer!

Click here to book your log cabin holidays with Windmill Lodges

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