Wattisham Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Wattisham Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Wattisham sits in a prime spot for exploring Suffolk's best bits. I love how it's tucked away yet close to so many great places. The medieval wool town of Lavenham is just 7 miles away (CO10 9QZ) with its crooked houses and stunning Guildhall. It's open daily 10am-5pm and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.

Kentwell Hall (CO10 9BA) is a stunning Tudor mansion 9 miles from Wattisham with gorgeous gardens and regular historical reenactments. Open weekends and school holidays from 11am-5pm, it's worth checking their website for specific dates. Visitors rate it 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.

We recommend heading to Ipswich (15 minutes by car) where you'll find Christchurch Mansion (IP4 2BE) housing the largest collection of Constable and Gainsborough paintings outside London. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm, free entry. TripAdvisor score: 4.5/5.

The Suffolk coast is about 40 minutes away. Aldeburgh and Southwold make great day trips from your hot tub cottage base. Both towns offer beaches, independent shops and excellent seafood restaurants.

Pet Friendly

Many Wattisham cottages welcome dogs, making it ideal for a break with your four-legged family members. The surrounding countryside offers miles of footpaths where dogs can run free. I particularly recommend the walks around nearby Alton Water (IP9 2BR) which has a 8-mile circuit path around the reservoir.

The Maybush Inn at Waldringfield (IP12 4QP) welcomes dogs both inside and in their garden overlooking the River Deben. They serve good pub food and have water bowls for thirsty pups. Open 11am-11pm daily.

When visiting Lavenham, pop into The Angel Hotel (CO10 9JQ) where dogs are welcome in the bar area. They even offer treats for well-behaved visitors! For supplies, Suffolk Barns Pet Store in Needham Market (IP6 8DW) stocks everything you might need during your stay.

Remember to pack your dog's bed for comfort, though many pet-friendly cottages provide dog blankets. After muddy walks, you'll appreciate returning to a cottage with a hot tub while your dog snoozes by the fire!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Wattisham

Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park (IP9 2AR) is a must-visit, just 15 minutes from Wattisham. Run by TV's Jimmy Doherty, it's home to over 80 species including tapirs, camels and crocodiles. The on-site restaurant serves food from the farm. Open daily 10am-5pm, TripAdvisor score 4.5/5. One visitor wrote: "Great day out for all ages. The butterfly house was magical and the new tapir enclosure is brilliant."

Museum of East Anglian Life (IP14 1DL) in Stowmarket offers a fascinating glimpse into rural history with 17 historic buildings set in 75 acres. Their collection includes agricultural machinery, tools and domestic items. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-4:30pm. TripAdvisor score 4/5. A recent visitor commented: "So much more than expected - we spent 4 hours here and still didn't see everything!"

Helmingham Hall Gardens (IP14 6EF) is a stunning moated manor house with spectacular gardens designed by Lady Tollemache, a Chelsea gold medal winner. The deer park, walled kitchen garden and parterre are stunning in summer. Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from May to September, 11am-4:30pm. TripAdvisor score 4.5/5. Visitors consistently praise the "immaculate gardens" and "peaceful atmosphere".

Is Wattisham suitable for a family holiday?

Yes! Families will find plenty to do within easy reach. Besides Jimmy's Farm, kids will enjoy Hollow Trees Farm (IP7 7ET) with its farm trail and play areas. The swimming pool at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre (IP14 1LH) is great for rainy days. Most cottages offer games and DVDs, plus having your own hot tub is always a hit with kids (with supervision).

Can I get around Wattisham without a car?

It's challenging. Public transport is limited in this rural area. The nearest train station is Needham Market (4 miles) with connections to Ipswich and Cambridge. Taxis are available but need booking in advance. We strongly recommend bringing a car to make the most of your stay.

Where's the best place to eat near Wattisham?

The Bildeston Crown (IP7 7EB) is a 15th-century coaching inn serving excellent locally-sourced food. For casual dining, The Lindsey Rose (IP7 6PP) offers great pub classics. In Lavenham, The Great House (CO10 9QZ) provides fine French cuisine in a medieval setting.

What's the best time to visit Wattisham?

Spring and summer showcase Suffolk at its best, with gardens in bloom and longer days for exploring. Autumn brings beautiful colours to the countryside. Winter offers cosy pub lunches and quiet walks - plus your hot tub feels even more special when it's chilly outside!

Are there any good walks nearby?

Yes! The Stour Valley Path passes close to Wattisham. For circular walks, try the 5-mile Bildeston-Chelsworth loop or explore the footpaths around Alton Water. The Suffolk Walking Festival in May offers guided walks throughout the county.

Where can I buy groceries during my stay?

Hollow Trees Farm Shop (IP7 7ET) sells excellent local produce including their own meat and vegetables. For supermarkets, Hadleigh (6 miles) has a Morrisons, while Stowmarket (8 miles) offers Asda and Tesco. Many cottages provide welcome hampers with local essentials.

1. Visit Suffolk - Official tourism site
2. Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park
3. Lavenham Guildhall - National Trust
4. Kentwell Hall
5. Helmingham Hall Gardens