Discover Dunwich Heath, alive with nightjars and woodlarks, and then the beach. Head to Southwold beach for the famous Edwardian pier and beach kiosks serving local ice cream. Enjoy family fun at Easton Farm Park, home to donkeys, pigs and alpacas. Or meet everything from capybara to crocodiles at Jimmy’s Farm.
See the pictures as they once were at Aldeburgh. Ride the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway, the county’s only standard-gauge heritage railway, offering steam open days and events. Meet the heavy horses of Suffolk Punch Trust. Or enjoy a dinosaur-themed day out at ROARR!, with treetop adventures, furry cuties and a maze.
Go crabbing at Walberswick. Delve deep into the world of textiles and agriculture at the Museum of East Anglian Life. Go Ape on the treetop challenges and forest segways at Thetford. Follow the clues on the app and crack the Southwold Mystery Treasure Trail. Or enjoy a truly wild experience at Africa Alive.
Swim outdoors in the summer months at Beccles Lido. One hump or two? Head to Camel Park Oasis for the children’s play areas, crazy golf, land train and mini maze, plus camel rides and llama walks. Or glide along the River Alde in canoes or on stand-up paddleboards with Iken Canoe and Kayak Hire.
Ride horses from North Manor Equestrian Centre or bikes from Southwold Cycle Hire. Walk all of 500 metres to find Halesworth Golf Course, set in 200 acres of glorious countryside. Keep the clay-pigeon population in check at High Lodge Leisure. Or see real birds at RSPB Minsmere.
Take a trip up the Suffolk coast or along the Blyth Estuary on the Coastal Voyager RIB. Dive into the world of period furniture, books and collectables at Yoxford Antiques, from where items often get sold on in London at premium prices. Or shop, catch concerts or fine-dine at Snape Maltings.
Walk the Suffolk coast through Rendlesham Forest or from Aldeburgh to Thorpeness. See where they filmed Netflix’s The Dig at Sutton Hoo. Taste the coastal botanicals that make Fisher’s Gin special on a distillery tour, or see how great ale is made at Adnam’s Brewery.
Pamper yourself with a calming massage or relaxing facial at Seckford Hall spa, then sample the two AA Rosette restaurant or afternoon tea. Discover the quaint high streets of Woodbridge, Aldeburgh and Southwold (made for pottering), castles at Framlingham and Orford, and Melford Hall, home to wild stories of naval exploits.
