Suffolk is a beautiful place to visit, offering many fantastic places to discover and explore. From countryside to the coast, Suffolk has it all! Why not visit Bury St Edmunds Cathedral and go shopping for the day, or go on a relaxing walk on Dunwich beach - There is so much to do and see.
1. St Edmundsbury Cathedral and Abbey Gardens
Bury St Edmunds is a beautiful historic Suffolk town known for its sights and shopping. Why not try popular cafes such as Really Rather Good, which situates opposite the cathedral or Harriet’s Cafe well known for their cakes and afternoon tea!
Bury St Edmunds offers a unique shopping experience, offering high street shops and boutique brands. There is also an award winning market, which takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays offering a large selection of fresh local produce, flowers and even handmade pizza stalls! Did you know that Britain’s smallest pub is situated in the heart of Bury St Edmunds? The Nutshell pub is a well-known tourist attraction for local and worldwide visitors.
St Edmunsbury Cathedral is a wonderful building next to the Abbey Gardens. It lights up beautiful at night, opposite The Angel Hotel. The Abbey Gardens attracts thousands of local visitors and tourists each year, with its stunning floral displays as well as ancient monument ruins. It is owned by St Edmunsbury borough council and the grounds often hold many events such as the annual Bury Festival and the Christmas Fayre. Whenever you plan to visit in Bury St Edmunds, you won’t be disappointed.
2. Framlingham Castle
Framlingham Castle makes a great day out for families. There is lots to discover at the castle such as the Wall Walk, where you can enjoy the spectacular views of Framlingham and surrounding countryside. If you have young children, they might like to take a different approach down the 6.6 metre slide! There is an onsite food kiosk and shop where you can pick up garden gifts, local jams and many more products.
There are also some fantastic events that take place at Framlingham Castle such as an outdoor cinema, castle tours and other fun activities. It’s perfect for Easter and summer holidays as well as educational school trips.
Prices
Adult: £8.90
Child (5 – 15 years): £5.30
Family (2 adults and 3 children): £23.10
Opening times
Please see the seasonal opening times on the website
Address
Church Street
Framlingham
Suffolk
IP13 9BP
Contact number
01728 724189
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/framlingham-castle
3. Aldeburgh Beach
Aldeburgh is a lovely town and beach to visit in the summer, with a high street full of shops and restaurants to take a look at. There is also the famous Fish and Chip shop – You can’t visit Aldeburgh without trying their famous fish and chips!
Aldeburgh is also great for dogs as there is a scenic walk from Aldeburgh into Thorpeness, where you will come across the House in the Clouds.
4. Ickworth House
Ickworth House is a beautiful Georgian palace, set in the English landscape. It is a National Trust property, which displays a large silver and art collection situated near Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk.
There are many seasonal exhibitions and activity days for children, with plenty of eateries and souvenir shops.
Opening times – Please visit website for more information
House: 11am – 5pm*
Café: 10.30 – 5pm
Gardens: 9-5.30pm*
Parkland, woods and Children’s playground: 9am – 5.30pm*
*Tours only between 11am to 12noon and 4pm to 5pm.
Tickets
Please visit website for more information
House
Adult: £12.60
Child: £6.35
Family: £31.55
Parklands and gardens only
Adult: £6.35
Child: £3.15
Family: £15.55
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth
5. Dunwich Heath and Beach
Dunwich Heath and Beach is a peaceful nature reserve along the Suffolk Coast. Dunwich is well known for its tea rooms, shopping and dog walks.
There are many places to go birdwatching where you will see some of nature’s most precious and rare birds.
Close to Dunwich beach is a hotel, pub and restaurant called The Ship. It’s a great place for lunch or dinner after a walk down the beach or heath. It also accommodates dogs, which welcomes a lot of dog walkers that visit too.
It’s the place to visit for a peaceful stroll along the beach, with an ice cream in hand!
Opening times
Please visit website for more information
Heath: Dawn to dusk
Shop: 10am – 5pm
Tea room: 10am – 5pm
You can get to Dunwich, either by car, train, cycle path, bus or by foot
Address
Coastguard Cottages
Minsmere Road
Dunwich
Suffolk
IP17 3DJ
The Ship hotel, pub and restaurant – Trip advisor reviews
Opening times
Monday – Friday: 8am – 9pm
Saturday and Sunday: 8am – 9pm
Contact details
01728 648219
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunwich-heath-and-beach
Top 5 activities with the kids
There is plenty to keep the kids entertained in Suffolk. From theme parks to forest trails. Who wouldn't want to explore Rendlesham Forest's UFO Trail?
1. Rendlesham Forest UFO Trail
Take your children somewhere a little strange and unique in the holidays or weekend, with the Rendlesham Forest UFO trail! The length of the UFO trail is 3 miles long, but if you would like to explore further, the forest has beautiful walks throughout to offer.
There is a brand new addition to the trail, where you will be able to see the UFO that was believed to be sighted in 1980.
“Lovely forest, great for kids and dog!” – TripAdvisor review
Address
Rendlesham wood
Woodbridge
Suffolk
England
Contact details
01394 450164
www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/englandeastanglianoforestrendlesham
2. Pleasurewood Hills
There are many rides and attractions set within 52 acres at Pleasurewood Hills, which are suitable for all of the family.
Pleasurewood Hills is a great day out, around 10 minutes from the town centre of Great Yarmouth. There is so much to explore, from rollercoasters and log flumes to family fun in the kids zone where you will find fantastic shows from sea lions and playful parrots.
“Good day out” – TripAdvisor review
Opening times
Seasonal opening times - Visit website for more information
Ticket prices
Gold (12+ years): £20 online, £22 gate price
Silver (11 years and under): £17 online, £19 gate price
Under 1 metre: Free
OAP/Disabled/Carer: £15 online, £16 gate price
Address
Leisure Way
Corton
Lowestoft
Suffolk
NR32 4TZ
Contact number
01502 586000
3. Africa Alive
Make your day out an adventure, with Africa Alive. There are many things to do and see with friends or family such as animal experiences with Meer cats, events, activities and displays at the discovery centre. At the discovery centre you can get hands on with smaller animals like reptiles and small mammals, great for younger children.
Africa Alive is perfect for summer holidays and educational school trips.
Address
Whites Lane
Kessingland
Lowestoft
Suffolk
NR33 7TF
Contact number
01502 740291
www.africa-alive.co.uk
4. Go Ape Thetford
Get active with Go Ape in Thetford. There are many fun activities to do with all family and friends. You can head into the forest with high wire tree top adventures, zip trekking adventures and forest Segway experiences.
The Go Ape site in Thetford is set within 50,000 acres of forest and is the largest man made forest. There are many facilities at Thetford such as bike hire, cycle trails, walking routes, kids play areas as well as onsite parking and food and drink.
Opening times
Visit website for more information
Prices
Tree Top Adventure
Baboon (10 – 15 years): £52
Gorilla (16+ years): £33
Tree Top Junior
All ages over 1 metre: £18
Forest Segway
Riders (10+ years over 7 stone): £35
Address
High Lodge Forest Visitor Centre
Santon Downham
Brandon
Suffolk
Ip27 0AF
Contact number
0845 5193072
www.goape.co.uk/days-out/thetford
5. Suffolk Owl Sanctuary
Suffolk Owl Sanctuary is based in Stonham Aspal in Suffolk starting as a charity, promoting owl conservation throughout the UK. It’s a delightful place to visit, watch or to simply learn more about the owls.
The owl sanctuary is open 7 days a week, 10am to late afternoon (except over Christmas holiday periods).
Prices
Summer – Open daily 10am-5pm
Come & Go Pass (April 1st – late September)
Adults: £7.50
Seniors: £6.00
Juniors 4 – 14 years: £6.00
Family Group (5): £27.50
Disabled visitors: as above
Carers: Free
Children under 4 years: Free
Visit website for more information
Address
Stonham Barns
Pettaugh Road
Stonham Aspal
Suffolk
IP14 6AT
Contact number
08456 807897
www.owl-help.org.uk
Top 5 restaurants in Suffolk
On your visit to Suffolk, make sure you book a table with one of these delicious restaurants. Why not explore what Aldeburgh has to offer and go out for an evening meal?
1. The Lighthouse
www.lighthouserestaurant.co.uk
77 High Street
Aldeburgh
IP15 5AU
England
2. The Regatta
www.regattaaldeburgh.com
171-173 High Street
Aldeburgh
IP15 5AN
England
3. Maison Bleue Restaurant
www.maisonbleue.co.uk
30-31 Churchgate Street
Bury St Edmunds
IP33 1RG
4. 1921 Angel Hill
www.nineteen-twentyone.co.uk
19-21 Angel Hill
Bury St Edmunds
IP33 1UZ
England
5. Mariners Restaurant of Ipswich
www.marinersipswich.co.uk
Neptune Quay
Ipswich
IP4 1AX
England