The World Cup runs until 19 July this year, and if you don't follow football, the last few weeks of any tournament can feel like the whole country's living room has been taken over.

Why The Firs makes a brilliant half-term family escape — outdoor space, the coast nearby and cosy lodges. A Suffolk countryside retreat 2 hours from London, 45 minutes from Norwich.

The Firs is a comfortable countryside base for Latitude Festival at Henham Park (23–26 July 2026) — skip the campsite and stay in a lodge with a hot tub. 2 hours from London, 45 minutes from Norwich.

Snape Maltings is the cultural heart of the Suffolk coast in summer — concerts, the Aldeburgh Festival, galleries and riverside walks, under an hour from The Firs. A countryside retreat 2 hours from London.

Bungay and the Waveney Valley make a great summer day out from The Firs — castle ruins, riverside walks, St Peter's Brewery and the Black Shuck Festival (31 July–5 August 2026). A countryside retreat 45 minutes from Norwich.

Two of East Anglia's finest gardens are an easy drive from The Firs — Helmingham Hall and Somerleyton Hall, both open through summer. A countryside retreat 2 hours from London, 45 minutes from Norwich.

Visit Suffolk's vineyards in summer from The Firs — Valley Farm Vineyards at Wissett is just 15 minutes away for tours and tastings. A countryside retreat 2 hours from London, 45 minutes from Norwich.

Summer at The Firs means wild swimming in the moat, long days in the gardens and wood-fired hot tubs under late sunsets. A countryside retreat in Suffolk, 2 hours from London, 45 minutes from Norwich.

The best Suffolk beaches for a summer day out from The Firs — Southwold, Aldeburgh, Walberswick and Dunwich, all under half an hour. A countryside retreat 2 hours from London, 45 minutes from Norwich.