Quirky Places You Need to Stay

You don't have to be a fan of JRR Tolkien to appreciate the quirkiness of the Pod Hollow at West Stow Pods! A halfling-inspired subterranean dwelling situated in woodland in the heart of the Suffolk countryside.

With two double bedrooms each with a kingsize bed, a cosy sitting room with fireplace, kitchen with dishwasher and integrated oven and bathroom with shower, Pod Hollow is perfect for couples, families and friends to experience the real 'middle earth.

For real die-hard fans, book a 'Middle-Earth Adventure' tour with Arnor Heritage during your stay; including a guided tour of the Anglo-Saxon Village by a member of the Tolkien society and Middle-earth enthusiast explaining the many links between Tolkien and the Anglo-Saxons. The tour lasts up to 2 hours and includes a 'Riddle Battle', and a visit to the set of the 'Born of Hope' fan film!

http://www.weststowpods.co.uk/

Take a step back in time into historic and stunning West Stow Hall, a Grade 1 listed Tutor home. Legend has it that West Stow Hall was built by Sir John Croftes, 'Master of the Horse to Mary Tudor', Dowager Queen of France and Duchess of Suffolk, and that he had her coat of arms placed over the door to the gatehouse by way of a compliment to her.

Sir John was a substantial sheep farmer who rebuilt his family’s existing manor house called Jinneys in around 1520. In 1526 he leased the remainder of West Stow from the Abbot of Bury St Edmunds and in 1540 after the dissolution of the Abbey purchased the same from the Crown for just £497!

Hidden in the grounds are character-packed cottages; Gardener's Cottage and Orchard Cottage and a studio which makes an ideal couples retreat.

Sit in your own private hot tub and relax in an eco-lodge at Upthorpe Lodges. The lodges are for couples only, each with a king size bed, large shower, smart TV and a fully equipped kitchen; where you can rustle up something for a romantic dinner, but should you wish to put your feet up, there are a selection of pubs and eateries in the surrounding villages.

Each lodge is constructed with timber from FSC accredited sources and is clad with Western Red Cedar from British Columbia – a highly durable and long-lasting wood that has been treated with Osmo oil – a naturally protective application. Your power is gained from solar panels on the roof, with underfloor heating and hot water are supplied via 9kw air source heat pumps. Waste water is biologically treated and triple glazing and LED lighting is used throughout - guilt free luxury!

http://upthorpelodges.co.uk/

Snuggle up in your own glamping pod at Kettles Farm; surrounded farmland overlooking a fishing lake on the outskirts of the Suffolk village of Rattlesden. The pods are fully equipped, insulated with heating, running water and electric. The 3 larger pods also have their own toilet and wash basin.

There is a spacious toilet and shower block. All you need to bring along is food, drinks, personal washing items, charcoal for the barbeques and fishing equipment if you wish to fish for carp, roach and rudd!

https://www.kettlesfarmglamping.com/

Beer lovers will be in their element with a stay at Old Cannon Brewery! The brewery rooms are situated in the old brewhouse; each of the 7 rooms have a double bed (one single and one double in the twin bedroom), en-suite shower rooms, free wifi, complimentary toiletries and a bottle of beer waiting for you on your arrival!

The Old Cannon Brewery is an independent free house and the only brew pub in Suffolk where you can actually see beer in the making on a regular basis! After a day of exploring Bury St Edmunds, find a table in the restaurant which serves dishes for all tastes and appetites, made with their own ales including beef and ale pie, beer battered fish, Gunner's Daughter sausages and Black Pig ale, wild boar and apple sausages in the Autumn and Winter.