Forest walks, kicking up leaves or fungal foraging; wildlife migrations at RSPB Minsmere; long, windswept walks along the coast with the dog; dining on freshly caught oysters and mussels; autumn is one of the most beautiful and bountiful seasons in Suffolk. For those wanting to make the most of the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, during the October half term or beyond, Suffolk Secrets, has come up with the ultimate cosy cottage list.

Woodburning stoves and inglenook fireplaces? Tick!  Coastal cottages, with beaches to walk along and freshly caught seafood landed daily? Tick! Forest cottages in an area of outstanding natural beauty, a magnet for dogwalkers, romantic couples and families alike? Tick! The UK's best preserved medieval village, with some of the county's best restaurants? Tick!

Out of nearly 450 properties in the Suffolk Secrets portfolio, here's their top picks for autumn.

Best for Couples

The Pink House, Southwold

Sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms

Price £620 per week 23rd - 30th October

No prizes for guessing how 'The Pink House' got its name, painted, as it is, in the traditional 'Suffolk Pink'.  Although the 19th Century house, which is close to the beach, boutiques, galleries and restaurants that line Southwold's High Street, sleeps 4, it's cosy interior makes for an ideal couples retreat. The kitchen area has been recently renovated and there is a delightful woodburner (quite the feature!) to use. 

Best for Families

NEW! 18, St James' Green, Southwold AWAITING GRADING

Sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms

Price £705 Sat 24th - 31st October

So new it's awaiting grading, the first thing you'll notice about the property is that Southwold's iconic Lighthouse appears to be within touching distance, situated just behind the house and next to the courtyard. In front, there's sea views, with the waves a mere 40 feet away. Kids will love the fact that they'll spot locations from the Children's CBBC programme, 'Grandpa in my Pocket,' which was filmed here, enjoy the Blue Flag beach and laugh their heads off at the quirky and hilarious Under the Pier show.

Best for large groups

NEW! Thalassa, Aldeburgh GOLD STAR

Sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms

Price £2,150 Friday 23rd - Fri 30th October

Is this the most luxurious, modern holiday home in Aldeburgh? We think so. Boasting a Gold Star rating, Thalassa provides holidaymakers with a generous living space on the ground floor with a beautiful kitchen and dining area as well as three enormous bedrooms with en-suite facilities and a generous sized double bedroom with a separate family bathroom. The furniture throughout the property is of a very high quality with designer finishes including Designer Guild and Jane Churchill to name a few. Outside there is a large garden and patio area with premium quality garden furniture. The sea is a five minute walk away.

Best for dog lovers

Friday Place, Middleton, nr RSPB Minsmere GOLD STAR

Sleeps 4 in 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 dogs allowed

Price £615 Fri 23rd - Fri 30th October

October marks that start of the lifting of dog restrictions on the coast, so what better way to celebrate than a break that has coast, heathland and forests on the doorstep? The village of Middleton is within easy reach of Dunwich, Aldeburgh and Minsmere, with Rendlesham and Tunstall forests just a short drive away. The charming terraced cottage, Friday Place has two high quality bathrooms, and bedrooms, a cosy woodburner and everything else a dog-owning family could possibly need.

Best for a walk in the woods

NEW! Woodside, Tunstall GOLD STAR

Sleeps 4, 2 bedrooms

Price £561 Fri 23rd - Fri 30th October

Less well known that Rendlesham Forest but all the better for it, Tunstall Forest is in an AONB and planted with evergreen conifers, broadleaf belts and heathland areas. This cosy, bright and cheerful cottage is flanked by the forest, furnished to a high standard, has garden, woodburning stove and private parking. What more could you want? The villages of Snape, Orford and Aldeburgh are close by. 

Best for History

NEW! The Three Blackbirds, Lavenham 4 STAR

Sleeps 6, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

£1,165 during October half term week

Just check out the inglenook fireplace in this stunning three bedroom cottage! Having recently benefited from a complete refurbishment, the property offers a wealth of beams and character along with excellent accommodation all presented to a very high standard. Located in Lavenham, the UK's best preserved medieval village, why not visit the historic, 15th century 'Swan' hotel, which now boasts a brand new 4 star spa, whilst the multi-award winning 'Great House' is a must for lovers of French cuisine. 

Best for Foodies

New! Mundays, Orford 4 STAR

Sleeps 4 in 3 bedrooms

Price £625 per week Fri 23rd - Fri 30th October

Lovers of fine dining and seafood wanted! Orford, home to Ruth Watson's 'The Crown and Castle', Pinneys smokehouse, Pump Street Bakery and more is a foodies heaven, with fresh seafood landed at the harbour. Make the most of it in this contemporary, newly furnished bolthole, one of the most stunning properties in the village.

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

Notes to Editors

With nearly 450 cottages throughout Suffolk, Suffolk Secrets is the market leader in holiday accommodation in Suffolk, hosting over 40,000 people per year. Established 16 years ago, Suffolk Secrets is staffed by a local, friendly team and each and every one its cottages has been inspected by VisitEngland – the country's official tourism board.