Things to do in Suffolk

Our pick of the top attractions and things to do in Suffolk...
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The tranquil county of Suffolk can be the perfect antidote to our frenetic modern lives. Things here seem much more relaxed than at some of Britain’s other coastal haunts. Time spent in this Suffolk could look something like this…

Start by watching sunrise over the sea at Britain’s most easterly point in Lowestoft. Take an early morning ‘wake up’ walk on one of its wide sandy beaches, before heading down the coast to RSPB Minsmere for a bit of world-class bird watching and a nature-filled wander amid some of the country’s most unspoilt coastal scenery.

Now, carry on southwards to one of the county’s trendiest destinations for a spot of lunch. Aldeburgh is a seaside town with pastel-coloured holiday villas lining the promenade and a pebble beach with fisherman’s huts selling their daily catch. The town has connections to the composer Benjamin Britten – on the beach you’ll find a 13-foot-high shell sculpture (a nod to the fact that Britten used to take afternoon walks along the beach).

 
Image top right: ©VisitBritiain/Rod Edwards

Afterwards head for a bit of art and culture at Snape Maltings at nearby Saxmundham. This beautiful old building is packed with boutique shops, cafés and galleries and hosts lots of live entertainment and events.

If history is more your thing then how about Sutton Hoo, Framlingham Castle, or Sudbury Hall and the National Museum of Childhood? Sutton Hoo is an Anglo-Saxon royal burial site on a 255-acre estate with far-reaching views over the River Deben. Surrounded by parkland and a picturesque lake, Framlingham Castle has a wall walk with breath-taking views and a history involving Mary Tudor. Finally, Sudbury Hall offers an opulent historic country home along with a museum dedicated to exploring the childhoods of times gone by.

If you’d rather stretch your legs some more then head to Dunwich Heath which offers you peace and quiet and a true sense of being at one with nature. The heath is home to species such as the Dartford warbler, nightjar, woodlark, ant-lion, adders and much more. From July to September, Dunwich Heath is alive with colour – a patchwork of pink and purple heather and coconut-scented yellow gorse is an unmissable experience.

Then as evening draws in, you could head to lovely Southwold for a meander along its 623-foot-long pier. You can’t beat a bit of good, old English seaside entertainment, and it doesn’t get much better than this.


Suffolk’s town jewels

Suffolk also boasts quaint towns, pretty parks and gardens, and some of the best shopping around…

Beccles
On the Norfolk/Suffolk border, Beccles is a peaceful market town made up of small squares and winding streets, alongside the River Waveney. You’ll find the town full of quirky, independent shops, restaurants and cafés. After treating yourself to local delicacies you can then enjoy a riverside walk or hire some watercraft and take to the river.

Bury St Edmunds
A unique combination of medieval architecture, pretty gardens and modern shops mean this historical town is a place worth exploring. There is the monastery ruins to see, or take a stroll along the Lark and Linnet rivers, through the Abbey Gardens or around the weekly market.

Ipswich
An ideal way to see Ipswich, Suffolk’s county town, is via a chartered cruise on the River Orwell. Situated just over six miles inland on the banks of the river, Ipswich is a place of maritime history. If you prefer to stay on dry land then there are plenty of places to eat and drink that take advantage of the waterfront location in the marina area.

 

Lavenham
Considered to be Britain’s best preserved medieval village, timber framed buildings line the narrow streets and lanes of this charming place and lead up to the impressive market place. Over 300 buildings are listed as being of historical and architectural interest. The village is a hub of boutique shops and galleries, along with having restaurants, cafés and pubs.

Thorpeness
This unique village was the dream of a wealthy Scottish barrister. He wanted to create an adult playground for his family and friends. The Meare is a boating lake like no other with islands named by JM Barrie and each with their own attraction. Nowhere is the lake more that three-feet deep, providing a safe boating environment for all.

Woodbridge
On the edge of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Woodbridge is a vibrant market town on the banks of the River Deben. Here you’ll also find the Woodbridge Tide Mill, dating from 1170. A walk into the town centre will lead you to a host of vintage stalls and outdoor markets.

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