First up, let’s get down to Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park to meet over 80 species and breeds, from crocodiles, camels and capybara to skunks and guinea pigs. Enjoy free play in WonderWood, find friendly birds in the Tropical House and wander the grounds to say hi to tapir, wallaby, coati and raccoons.
Bring your beach gear for Aldeburgh’s beautiful sand and shingle, and wrap up the day with the best fish and chips on the east coast. Or try Thorpeness, another lovely shingle beach just a short stroll from cafes, pubs and plenty of ice cream. Or discover a dual Tarzan swing and tandem zipwires at Go Ape Thetford.
Brave the high ropes, try the sky maze, navigate the marsh walks and glide along an enchanted river at Bewilderwood. Head to CurveMotion for roller-skating, soft play and body zorbing. Or send the pins flying at Bury Bowl, a 12-lane alley with Sega arcade zone, TV sports lounge and café.
Get some vitamin D down them at Bradfield Woods, one of Britain’s finest ancient woodlands with coloured trails of varying lengths and a visitor centre. Keep the theme going at Brandon Country Park, with 30 acres of managed parkland, a famous arboretum, the haunted mausoleum and miles of nature trails.
Stroll the estate, with orchard, woodland and lake walks from 15 to 45 minutes. Head into Bury St Edmunds to potter around the Abbey Gardens that include formal planting, ruins, sports facilities, and an aviary. Refuel in the café. Stick around to see the cathedral with its 12th-century Norman tower.
At Ickworth, see an Italianate palace in the heart of Suffolk, with a classical rotunda and immaculate gardens. Visit Holkham Hall on the coast, rich in history and with a walled garden to explore, rope course to tackle and trails to wander. Stick around for Holkham Beach, one of the most unspoilt in the country and home to a swim-friendly lagoon.
Get down to Newmarket Racecourse for a friendly flutter and for live-music nights that feature big names. Settle back in a punt and glide along the College Backs in Cambridge. Discover The Broads, home to more than a quarter of Britain’s rarest animals and plants. Or take a treetop or zipwire adventure at Go Ape Thetford.
Debate which award-winning beer, wine or spirit you’ll take home from Adnam’s Brewery. Test-drive them at the tasting bar. Visit Blackthorpe Barn for the Christmas market, art exhibitions during the year and the café for Bakewell slices and mulled wine. While away a day shopping Bury’s high-street names and quirky independents.
