Christmas doesn't come cosier than this: quintessential Suffolk cottages or larger houses, either on the Heritage Coastal centres of Southwold, Aldeburgh or Woodbridge, or tucked deep away in an evergreen forest or another of the county's hidden gems. Whether it's long, blustery coastal walks you're after, an ingle-nook fireplace to hang your stockings or in-home entertainment so you never have to leave the house, Suffolk Secrets, the 19 year old market leader in holiday accommodation in Suffolk, has something to tempt.

With over 160 cottages available during the festive season from large houses to quaint cottages, here's our top selection for Christmas and New Year.

Happy 'Ho,ho,ho' Holidays from the Suffolk Secrets Team

Best for Splendid Isolation (in an evergreen forest)

Where? Office Piece edge of Rendlesham 'UFO' Forest, near Woodbridge

How many? Sleeps 6, 3 bed, 2 bath - 1 pet allowed

When? NEW YEAR Fri 26th December - Fri 2nd January

Why? This is an absolute one-off; an isolated property on the edge of Suffolk's 'UFO' forest, Rendlesham, a place where you can make as much noise as you want whilst woodland wildlife like deer and squirrels wander  through garden. Add a dusting of snow and it's the perfect winter wonderland.  Ideal for walking, cycling and exploring the many paths through the forest, it's also a great base for the Suffolk Coast and Heaths.  Close to Aldeburgh, and only four miles from the village of Snape, Snape Maltings and Woodbridge, you are spoilt for choice for things to do.

Price: £.1,225 including booking fee

Best for coastal breaks

Where? The Lookout, Aldeburgh

How many? Sleeps 6, 2 bathrooms, 3 bedrooms

When? XMAS, Saturday 20th Dec - Sat 27th Dec

Why? Those wanting a Christmas break by the beach (think long, windswept walks along the pebbles) will be thrilled by this: right in the centre of the Georgian town and moments from the sea.  Good kitchen, circular dining table and newly decorated living room. Heaps of dining choices for Xmas dinner including the 4 star Brudenell overlooking the sea where a  6 course meal costs £90 per person starting at 12pm.

Price: £825 for week including booking fee

Where? Ann Page Cottage, Aldeburgh

How many? Sleeps 6, 4 bedrooms

When? XMAS, NEW YEAR or both: Mon 22nd Dec - Mon 29th Dec or Mon 29th Dec - Mon 5th Jan

Why?  Lovely coastal walks, fresh fish available on the shingle beach from the fishermen who land daily, a plethora of dining choices for Xmas dinner including the 4 star Brudenell overlooking the sea.  6 course meal £90 per person starting at 12pm. Ann Page Cottage is a delightful period property, comfortably furnished and boasting a pretty rear courtyard garden situated in Aldeburgh's High Street.

Price: £1,040 for either week including booking fee w/c 22nd Dec or £940 w/c 29th Dec

Where? Curlew Cottage, Reydon near Southwold

How many? Sleeps 6, 2 bath, 4 bed, 2 pets allowed

When? XMAS: Mon 22nd Dec - Mon 29th Dec

Why? It's Christmas, so why not treat yourself in this gorgeous, well appointed modern property where you get to bring your pets with you for Xmas.  A short 5 minute drive to Southwold, where The Crown Hotel,  voted Suffolk Dining Pub of  the Year by for second year running (Good Pub Guide) has Xmas lunches for £80pp, £30 per child for a 5 course lunch. As an Adnams pub (the famous brewer has it's HQ in town), you can't get closer to locally brewed Xmas drinks.

Price: £875 for either week including booking fee

Best for large groups

Where? Contmadene, Aldeburgh

How many? Sleeps 10 but only max of 8 adults per party. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms

When? NEW YEAR: Monday 29th Dec - Mon 5th Jan

Why? Ideal for friends or family gatherings and close to the beach, the whole family will be kept entertained by the games room with snooker table and pool balls whilst two reception rooms have  TV/ DVD, so kids can watch one thing while adults another. Cotmandene is the most beautiful period house situated at the top of Aldeburgh's famous Town Steps in Park Lane. Light, bright and fabulously furnished to a very high standard.

Price:  £2,125 including booking fee

Where? 10 Park Lane, Southwold

How many? Sleeps 7, 4 bed, 2 bath.

When? NEW YEAR: Mon 29th Dec - Mon 5th Jan

Why? One of best located properties in Southwold, 1 minute from market place, the house has glorious views of both the sea and village green. It's also one of the very few places available for New Year in Southwold so our advice is: get in quick!  As well as being able to enjoy Southwold Pier, open every day except Christmas day, the attractions of, Africa Alive! and Pleasurewood Hills, both open over Xmas / NY period, mean the kids won't be short of things for entertainment, even when the shine of Christmas gifts has faded.

Price: £1,405 including booking fee

Best for Christmas calorie burning

Where? Feathers, Blythburgh

How many? Sleeps 6, 2 bath, 3 bedrooms

When? XMAS and NEW YEAR 22nd Dec - 29th Dec or 29th Dec - 5th Jan

Why? Even though RSPB Minsmere (where Springwatch was filmed this year) nearby, no need to leave the property, as use of indoor pool, gym and games room. Communal garden leads to river and reed beds. Very stylishly furnished. Other things nearby: Dunwich Heath (cycling, walking, birdwatching, Southwold short drive away). It is a small, quiet village with an historic public house serving good food, fine views of the estuary and the famous 13th Century church known as the Cathedral of the Marshes. The village pub, the White Hart, is an Adnams pub, open for drinks on Christmas day.

Price: £800 including booking fee for w/c 22nd Dec or £725 for w/c 29th Dec

Best for All Ye Faithful

Where? Church Cottage, Wangford, near Southwold

How many? Sleeps 7, 2 bathrooms, 3 bedrooms

When? XMAS 7 nights beginning 22nd December

Why? Oh come, all ye faithful! Overlooking the Church, as the name suggests, means the run up to Christmas will be full of pealing bells whilst inside the 400 year old property, there's a fabulous kitchen to cook in and a large table (with church pews) to sit around. The local pub is open for Christmas lunches / dinner, Boxing Day, too, priced at a very reasonable £39 per person.  Church Cottage is well equipped and has the advantage of a pretty south-facing walled cottage garden. It's also only a moment's walk to the village pub, the Angel Inn,  which serves food daily and a well stocked local shop. Southwold, Aldeburgh and the Heritage Coast nearby, as is Dunwich Heath, a wild stretch of heathland, and RSBP Minsmere nearby.

Price: £725 for a week including booking fee

Best Kept Suffolk Secret

Where? River End Cottage, Beccles

How many? Sleeps 6, 2 bathrooms, 3 bedrooms, 2 pets allowed

When? XMAS, NEW YEAR of both, w/c 22nd Dec or 29th Dec

Why? We're known for our 'Suffolk Secrets' and this is one: just awarded a 4 star Visit England award, this beautifully presented property is located down a private lane yet is a stone's throw from Beccles Quay and situated in the gorgeous market town of Beccles, set on the River Waveney. It's an idyllic Christmas setting, lit up with Christmas lights, ideal for riverside walks, a base for exploring the Broads (Suffolk and Norfolk) boating and more, the village is dominated by the detached 16th century bell tower of St Michaels Church, where Horatio Nelson's mother, Catherine Suckley, married the Rev Edmund Nelson in 1749. The 'Wine Vaults' in town is noted on Trip Advisor as an ideal Christmas Dinner meal location. Just saying...

Price: £820 w/c 22nd Dec or £740 w/c 29th December, both prices include booking fee

For bookings, call Suffolk Secrets on 01502 722717 or visit www.suffolk-secrets.co.uk