The Wolf Way is a brand-new cycling route, launched in 2024, stretching for almost 250 miles around Suffolk, taking in the best of its cycle paths, bridleways and back roads. Modelled in part on its sister route, the Rebellion Way in Norfolk, it takes in some of the most scenic parts of the county, winding through the best of its villages, towns and attractions, from the RSPB Reserve at Minsmere to the marshy lowlands near Orford and Rendlesham Forest, and the peaceful countryside of the Waveney Valley. You can cycle the whole thing in a few days, or just dip in and out as you wish, but either way you’re going to want to stop off somewhere sooner or later. That in mind, we’ve come up with ten top stops en route, taking in some of our favourite hotels, B&Bs and other accommodation – perfect for both an overnight stop or just a brief meal break.
The Ship at Dunwich
Part of the Chestnut collection of inns, this cosy boutique pub serves excellent food and has a set of updated rooms for overnight stays in what is a great location – assuming, that is, you’re after the pristine peace and quiet that Dunwich has to offer. It’s not just on the Wolfs Way, it’s on the Suffolk Coast Path too, which you can follow south to Sizewell and Aldeburgh, north to Walberswick and Southwold, or inland to the popular RSPB reserve at Minsmere.
The Crown & Castle
The Crown & Castle is an outstanding place to stay in a terrific location, right on the square in sleepy Orford, Suffolk. It bills itself as a 'restaurant with rooms', and food is very much to the fore here. But the property recently won 'Small Hotel of the Year' in the recent East of England awards, and quite right too – its spick-and-span guest rooms are just the ticket for a stay on the Suffolk Coast.
Milsoms Kesgrave Hall
Situated on the eastern edge of Ipswich, this rather grand building used to be a school and was also once owned by the local Tolly Cobbold brewing dynasty, but nowadays Kesgrave Hall is a country-house retreat that's part of the small but perfectly formed East Anglian boutique hotel group, Milsoms. Above all, its wow-factor rooms, extensive grounds, relaxed yet high quality restaurant and its soothing spa are all very welcome after a day on the road. Like all Milsoms hotels, it’s hard not to relax as soon as you arrive.
The Crown at Stoke by Nayland
Situated in the heart of rural Suffolk, this relaxed foodie pub is bang in the middle of what’s commonly known as Constable Country and its re-furbished and very comfortable and well-equipped rooms in a separate annexe, and the genial bar and restaurant, couldn’t be more accommodating to cyclists and their needs.
The Black Lion
There can't be too many better places to wake up than the Black Lion in Long Melford if you're looking forward to a long day’s cycle. It occupies an extremely picturesque location overlooking the village green, next to this historic village's medieval church. A small Georgian coaching inn that's been updated beautifully: wooden floors throughout, artfully mismatched furniture and a comfy lounge with armchairs and newspapers, it suggests nothing so much as a comfortable house in the country where you're one of the most important guests.
The Angel
We love this ivy-swathed old Georgian coaching inn, not least because like all the best hotels, the bustle of its lobby, combined with the cosiness of its lounge, make you feel at home right away. It's also bagged just about the best spot in Bury, right opposite the abbey ruins, the cathedral and the Athenaeum Club where Charles Dickens used to give readings back in the day. It's quite a large hotel, with over 70 guest rooms, yet it has a relaxed, boutique feel.
The Guinness Arms
Located in the unassuming village of Icklingham, this old coaching inn is part of the Elveden Estate, which straddles the Norfolk-Suffolk border and has been in the hands of the Guinness brewing dynasty for over 100 years. They renovated the place a couple of years ago, turning it into a proper gastropub with some very comfortable guest rooms in various outbuildings, each of which is named and styled after a member of the Guinness family - Alec’s room is naturally full of actorish memorabilia, while Lulu’s room was created by the fashion designer herself and has a hand-painted mural and a gorgeous four-poster bed.
The Oaksmere
A boutique country house hotel in the middle of nowhere, the rooms at the Oaksmere are different, with big windows and high ceilings in the Victorian wing and cosy beams in the Tudor part of the building – plus there are four more contemporary rooms in the old coachhouse. For food and drink choose between the cosy, flagstoned bar, which doubles as the village’s main watering-hole, with bar snacks and pub grub, and the hotel’s slick but relaxed restaurant, which has a menu that is local, British and mainly meaty, using beef from the next door farm, local game and pork from nearby Blythburgh
Hippersons Boatyard
Getting off your bike and stepping onto the little nests of waterborne calm at Hippersons is as soothing as it gets, with the gentle lapping of the river combined with the terra firma delights of the small town of Beccles, which offers plenty of shops, pubs, restaurants and local life to enjoy on your stopover.
Ivy House Country Hotel
This lakeside hotel on the edge of Lowestoft makes the most of its location next to Oulton Broad, with gardens and ponds dotted with waterside benches and tables, and guest rooms in peaceful garden locations spread around the grounds. The hotel’s restaurant is a relatively formal affair situated in their handsome 17th-century beamed barn, or you can also enjoy the simpler fare of Eve's Bar next door.
