Going abroad isn’t easy at the moment and that’s prompted a surge in staycations. And with so many beautiful corners of the country to explore, there are lots of destinations to choose from if you want to make the most of the last of the summer weather and sneak in a getaway or even plan a beautiful autumn break.
The best thing about holidaying at home is that your four-legged friend can come along for the ride; and with more than three million families adding pooches to their homes during lockdown that’s a lot of dog-friendly holiday homes and hotels. Luckily, PetsPyjamas has got your back and can help you find exactly what you (and Fido) are looking for before you’ve even had a chance to say: ‘Fetch!’
Suffolk is a beautiful, quiet county just 90 minutes north of London in the heart of East Anglia. This unspoilt corner of England is home to chocolate box villages and picturesque market towns, with an abundance of charming country pubs and inns nestled in rural farmland, as well as miles of spectacular coastline dotted with pretty seaside towns and pristine beaches. Just 15 minutes from the historic town of Bury St Edmunds and less than 10 minutes from the horseracing hub of Newmarket, Tuddenham is a quaint village made up of flint cottages, a cute community pub and a farm shop.
Hotel
Tuddenham Mill, a 17th-century converted water mill, sits at the centre of village life on the banks of the tranquil stream; and this was to be our home for the night. Rustic tradition meets contemporary elegance as old blends into new at this chic hotel; exposed beams, wooden floors and even the old chimney and grinding stones are all restored and displayed in homage to the building’s modest past. We checked in at reception which is housed in the historic mill itself, beneath the award-winning restaurant with a number of beautiful bedrooms up in the eaves. Outside, there are more bedrooms and suites set amongst the 12 acres of gardens and meadows.
Room
In the guest quarters rooms have been skilfully and tastefully designed to offer comfort, style and luxury without compromising the charm of the historic building.
We were staying in a beautiful Water Meadow View suite set in a wood-clad barn off of the main car park and overlooking the lawns and pretty wild meadows. Outside the traditional-style barn blends into the landscape but inside the suites are serene, sensual and minimalist, making the most of the beautiful view and drawing your eyes out of the large bifold doors. Zen-like music was playing as we arrived and soothing scents wafted out of a large diffuser, creating a very relaxing space as if we were walking into a spa.
The floor-to-ceiling glass doors glided open creating a seamless indoor-outdoor living area with a small bistro table and chairs on the terrace and a step down onto the manicured lawn. We sat back and listened to the birds crowing overhead and watched the soft cascading branches of the weeping willow gently swaying in the wind as we sipped on a complimentary tipple of homemade sloe gin.
The rooms are well-stocked with bottled water, chilled orange juice and fresh milk in the small fridge; all complimentary for guests, along with a lovely supply of fresh tea and coffee. Storm also had his own special selection of treats and goodies including a Barbour towel and a tin of posh dog biscuits by Michelin-starred chef, Michel Roux.
A huge super-king bed finished with fresh white linen was very inviting but we still had lots to see and do around the property, and further afield. We relaxed for a short while and managed to find some sport on the TV system – which was a little slow and clunky – before digging out our walking boots and heading off to explore the surrounding countryside. We followed a neatly mown path that meandered along the stream and through the tall reeds and wild meadow grasses that rustled in the breeze before hopping in the car and heading off to a nearby walking spot.
Food
At Tuddenham Mill, chefs prepare fancy tasting menus and the food is widely regarded throughout the local area. The 3 AA-Rosette awarded restaurant – led by chef patron Lee Bye – constructs high-end menus from locally-sourced, seasonal produce (much of it plucked from the gardens at the mill itself) while outside, guests can enjoy a more relaxed dining experience at the beautifully idyllic Tipi on the Stream.
The open-sided tipi glowed with twinkling fairy lights and flickering candles as the light faded and we sat ourselves down at a rustic table on the water’s edge. While it had been a lovely warm day, the sun took the warmth with it so we wrapped ourselves with blankets and sheepskin wraps – provided by the friendly and attentive staff – and looked on as the landscape changed with the arrival of dusk.
While the atmosphere is much less formal outside, the food retains its high level of quality and curation. My husband chose the crevettes with red chilli to start; a delectable dish of prawns and shrimp tossed with hot red chilis, sharp lime and herbs, while I asked for a side dish as an appetiser. I’d been recommended the creamy burrata, tomato and pesto by a friend who’d eaten here earlier in the summer, and I wasn’t disappointed!
Next up was the hake with lemon and chive risotto served with samphire; a beautifully presented plate packed full of fresh, salty flavours of the sea and topped off with a divine piece of juicy, moist fish with crispy skin. Hubby (predictably!) opted for the ribeye steak with sea salt fries and Diane sauce; a sizable portion with delicious crunchy chips and a flavoursome piece of meat with rich sauce. I must admit, I was a little disappointed in the dessert menu – it was just too cold for gelato – so we headed back to our room and I jumped in a hot, steamy bath to warm up, and relax.
For breakfast we decided to give room service a go, so after a good night’s sleep (made all the better by the room’s blackout blinds!) there was a knock at our door and breakfast was served. The menu was incredibly appetising and there was lots of choice – for vegetarians too – so we ordered almost one of everything! Fresh orange juice and hot coffee woke us both up as we sipped it on our sun-kissed terrace. A basket of toast and flaky, fresh croissants were up next, alongside a delicious and colourful fruit platter and (my favourite) a yummy granola, blueberry, honey and pistachio yoghurt. You can choose from a number of buns (or butties) and hot options so we gave the poached eggs, avocado and roasted tomatoes with pesto alongside Milano salami, scrambled egg and truffle oil.
To do
Mildenhall Woods and Cavenham Heath Nature Reserve are right on the doorstep and offer lovely walks and landscapes to enjoy while, just a short 20 minute drive away, is the 18,000-hectare Thetford Forest; a dense wooded outdoor playground, perfect for waggy tails, wet noses and muddy paws. There’s also lots for the whole family to enjoy here from treetop adventure obstacle courses to Segway and cycling.
We headed to Mildenhall Woods – a small offshoot of Thetford Forest – for a late afternoon stroll through the lush ferns and towering trees. We followed a sandy two-mile trail weaving through the woods and undergrowth and past ancient buildings and landmarks; the perfect walk to build up an appetite for dinner.
In a nutshell
Tuddenham Mill is a beautifully renovated building which is steeped in history and has managed to maintain the charm of its past while also creating a luxury hotel, restaurant and bar. It is brilliantly catered towards those who are looking for a lovely getaway and also want to bring their pooch, and staff go out of their way to make sure you – and your four-legged contingent – feel right at home.
Factbox
Address: Tuddenham Mill, High Street, Tuddenham, Newmarket, IP28 6SQ
Phone: 01638 713552
Website: PetsPyjamas.com
Amy and Storm’s trip was provided by PetsPyjamas. PetsPyjamas have been delighting furry friends and their owners since 2014, with truly-welcoming getaways at thousands of hotels, cottages, country houses and B&Bs in the UK and abroad. PetsPyjamas holidays offers with exceptional dog-friendly packages you won’t find anywhere else. Dogs stay free and with the first dog-friendly holiday booking, PetsPyjamas customers automatically become members of their Priority Paws club, which gives dogs and their owners access to their own VIP pet concierge, complimentary 24/7 vet advice for the duration of their trip, VIP discounts and exclusive deals. To discover the best in dog-friendly holidays, visit PetsPyjamas.com.
