Framlingham Castle in Suffolk

6 interesting places to go in Suffolk

If your holiday adventures are taking you to Suffolk, you’ll be amazed at the wide variety of attractions on offer. Highlighted below are 6 places to go in Suffolk that will guarantee amusement for the whole family!

1. Southwold

The picturesque coastal town of Southwold offers a variety of attractions for children and adults. Enjoy a scenic boat trip or try your hand at a round of golf. The Southwold Museum offers great insight into the history of the area through diverse exhibitions that offer entertaining learning for all the family. The sandy beach is also great for relaxing in the sun or getting the kids to test their sandcastle building skills. The Southwold Pier offers a number of shops to visit as well as an amusement arcade for bucketfuls of family fun.

2. Sutton Hoo

Head 9 miles northeast of Ipswich and you’ll find Sutton Hoo, an Anglo-Saxon burial ground located within a 255-acre estate. An excavation in 1939 in mound one unearthed the burial location of a king and the remains of a 7th century wooden ship containing a number of treasures. At Sutton Hoo, you can explore the estate’s Edwardian house and replicas of the treasures found in mound one. Kids can test their excavation skills and there are a number of woodland walks where you can explore the lovely grounds of the estate. An adult ticket is £7.15 and a child ticket is £3.70. The pretty market town of Woodbridge is a short drive away and also well worth visiting.

3. Aldeburgh

From water sports to cultural attractions, there is a wide choice of activities and attractions to discover in and around Aldeburgh. Explore nature on horseback in Tunstall Forest or travel on foot in the beautiful Minsmere Nature Reserve. Kids can hone their detective skills on the Aldeburgh Mystery Treasure Trail. Visitors can step into the past by exploring the ruins of the 14th century Leiston Abbey in nearby Theberton. Aldeburgh Golf Club offers the choice between a 9-hole and 18-hole course. If you love the water, then a visit to the Meare will certainly float your boat. This lake in Thorpeness offers more than 40 acres of water and a number of small islands to explore, with the option to hire kayaks, dinghies, rowing boats and sailing boats. The lake is no deeper than 3 feet so this is a safe and fun activity for older and younger visitors to enjoy. Music lovers may also be keen to visit during the Aldeburgh Festival of Music and the Arts which takes place in June.

4. Ipswich

Located next to River Orwell, Ipswich has plenty of attractions that cater to everyone. The grand Christchurch Mansion contains an impressive collection of artwork by John Constable as well as galleries showcasing both international and local talent. Discover Ipswich’s history in the museums or take a guided walking tour of the town. There are also a number of parks that are ideal for picnics and relaxed strolls or you can opt for a sedate river cruise.

5. Kentwell Hall, Gardens and Farm

Located in the charming village of Long Melford is the stately Kentwell Hall with its spectacular gardens and rare breed farm. Explore the luxurious interior of the house, stroll through the stunning gardens and visit the working farm with donkeys, cattle, goats, sheep, horses and a number of different fowl. Kentwell also hosts seasonal events so you may want your visit to coincide with one of these for an entertaining day out. Check the Kentwell Hall website for opening times and prices. Melford Hall is also a beautiful building to visit that hosts a number of family-friendly events as well throughout the year. The village is an attraction in and of itself, with a variety of shops providing a pleasant way to spend a few hours exploring.

6. Framlingham Castle

Once home to Mary Tudor, the spectacular Framlingham Castle was constructed in the 12th century and offers stunning views of the Mere. Visitors have the opportunity to walk along the walls as well as learn about the castle’s history through an exhibition and explore the interior through self-guided tours. A family ticket costs £17.40. There are themed games for children and a selection of seasonal events hosted at the castle, such as Halloween and festive themed family trails. There are also a selection of superb attractions in and around Framlingham that offer great entertainment, such as the twice-weekly market days in town, Easton Farm Park with a petting zoo, as well as Rendlesham Forest which is a beautiful spot for cycling and walking.

Other Attractions

In addition to the sights above, Suffolk has an abundance of other attractions that won’t disappoint. Music fans may want to visit the Latitude Festival which takes place each year in Southwold. The Sunrise Coast offers an amazing outdoor adventure, with fantastic award-winning beaches and opportunities to explore the Suffolk Broads. Gainsborough's House in Sudbury is also a must for fans of the artist Thomas Gainsborough. Alternatively grab the family troupe and get swinging from the treetops at Go Ape in Brandon.

Experience captivating culture and the amazing outdoors in stunning Suffolk

A holiday in Suffolk provides the opportunity to explore diverse interests, from cultural and historical tours to modern-day outdoor adventures that will leave you eager for more. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, with friends or heading on a solo excursion, Suffolk’s charms are sure to please.

This article was last updated on November 14, 2013
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