As the cold snap takes hold, it's hard to imagine that in a few months time our countryside will transform and herald not just the arrival of spring, but that of  the 'spring flower tourists'.

Just an hour and a half from central London, what better way to lift the spirits than walking through a carpet of spring flowers, first snowdrops, then daffodils but it's the bluebells which usually flower in April and May (but have bloomed earlier) that really make you know that spring has well and truly sprung.

Once again, BBC's Springwatch will be filmed from RSPB Minsmere, so as well as flowers, there's no better place to see the spring migrations take place, either.

Suffolk Secrets, the county's market leader in self-catering holiday accommodation with over 350 properties on its books (many 4 star and Gold award), has selected THE best places to capture this annual spectacle, below.

Best Bluebell Woods

Captain's Wood, near Sudbourne

A Suffolk Wildlife Trust reserve and one of the last few remaining bluebell woods in Suffolk, Captain's Wood is home to thousands and thousands of bluebells which stretch as far as the eye can see. The ancient woodlands is also abundant in birds and wildlife, deer and 500 year old Oak Trees.

Where to stay?

Marshland Estate Barn, Sudbourne

Sleeps 2 in 1 bedroom. Larger groups can book Holly House Barn, which sleeps 6.

Price from £366 for 3 nights or £476 for 7 nights, Fri to Fri

Marshland Estate Barn, part of the Marshland Estate, is a spacious, Gold award barn conversion with a truly luxurious feel throughout. Situated within private grounds, it's the perfect couples retreat. The carefully renovated accommodation comprises of a large open plan living area and a wonderful first floor bedroom with its own private balcony to admire the panoramic views of the beautiful Suffolk countryside. Close to the coast between Snape and Orford, Sudbourne is home to a beautiful wildlife reserve called Captain's Wood (above)

Reydon Woods, near Southwold

Also a Suffolk Wildlife Trust reserve, Reydon Woods is carpeted with bluebells during spring time and, later, host to a plethora of wildflowers, common spotted orchids, violets, ragged-robin and primroses can be found in abundance. A beautiful and ancient woodland at any time of year,  it's also home to an abundant wildlife population including many different species of butterflies and birds including tree creepers, tawny owls and nightingales.  

Where to stay?

Friday's Cottage

Sleeps 5, 1 bathroom, 3 bedrooms, 1 pet allowed

Price: from £451 for 3 nights during April / May or £591 for 7 nights, Fri - Fri. 

Less than one mile away from Reydon Woods, Friday's cottage is a gorgeous, self-contained family cottage situated down a quiet lane. Boasting a woodburning stove for cool spring evenings, the brick cottage is surrounded by a garden. A few miles away lies the well-to-do coastal town of Southwold, famed for its Pier and Blue Flag beach. Friday's cottage is a 4 star property.

Best spring flowers

Ickworth , near Bury St Edmunds

A National Trust site and set in 1,800 acres of parkland, spring brings a flurry of flowers in the meadow, which is full of 60,000 bulbs – including early crocus and cyclamen, daffodils, tulips, scilla, chionodoxa, cowslips and bluebells. Earlier in the spring, carpets of snowdrops line woodland walks, whilst thousands of daffodils cover the lawns. There's also 2,000 lambs born anytime from March onwards.

Where to stay?

Maltings Farm, Shimpling, near Bury St Edmunds

Sleeps 4, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Price from £270 for 3 nights in April or £360 for 7 nights, Fri - Fri

A Gold award property and beautifully furnished, Maltings Farm is made up of two converted single storey farm buildings in the same grounds within the pretty village location of Shimpling, just a few miles from the market town of Bury St Edmunds. The properties are decorated and furnished to a high standard and would be the ideal base for a relaxing holiday. The Cartlodge offers a mix of contemporary and traditional aspects. Visitors can also use the tennis court.

Best for Springwatch

BBC's Springwatch will once again film at RSPB Minsmere, near Aldeburgh this year, with filming starting late May / early June. Earlier in spring, though, it's a hive of activity, with ducks beginning to leave in March and the first wading birds move through on their way north. Avocets and Mediterranean gulls return to breed among the black-headed gull colony on the Scrape, followed in mid April by the first common terns. Look for the dramatic switchback display flights of marsh harriers above the reedbeds and listen for deep booming call of the elusive male bittern. In the woods, listen for the beautiful songs of nightingales and various warblers or drumming great spotted woodpeckers. Sand martins return to nest outside the café and the first dragonflies emerge in late April. Look for Dartford warblers and woodlarks on the heath, or a basking adder, fresh from hibernation.

Where to stay?

Friday Place, Middleton

Sleeps 4, 2 bathrooms, 3 bedrooms

Price from £466 for 3 nights, £611 for 7 nights Fri - Fri

A Gold Award property within walking distance of RSPB Minsmere, Friday Place is a charming terraced cottage situated in the delightful village of Middleton.  Animal lovers can also bring 2 pets, which only adds to the appeal. The cottage offers thoughtful accommodation features for your self-catering break including two high quality bathrooms and a cosy woodburner for winter evenings. Middleton is a perfect base for those wishing to have countryside walks on their doorstep as well as the Suffolk coast being within easy reach with both Dunwich and Aldeburgh being just a few miles away. Friday Place and Heather View are situated next to each other and can be booked together to accommodate larger parties. The nearby Middleton Bell has recently received the Good Pub Guide Value Pub of the Year Award.

For bookings contact Suffolk Secrets on 01502 722717. You can also follow Suffolk Secrets on Facebook and Twitter @suffolksecrets

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Media contact: For hi-res images, to arrange a press trip or for more information, please contact Rebecca Scrase, Suffolk Secrets PR Consultant on T. 01449 677033 or M. 07985 973973 e. rebecca@rebeccascrasepr.com