Discover more in Suffolk
A county filled with natural beauty, from its picturesque coastline and Constable Country in the east, to wool towns in the west.
If you're looking for something fun to do with the family this May half-term, why not enjoy a day out with the kids at one of these places in Suffolk?
This half-term the lush gardens and ancient trees will come alive at Ickworth through the magic of storytelling. Join the volunteer nature explorer for a family friendly guided walk looking out for beetles, bug, birds and all the other wildlife that live at Ickworth. Go on a geocaching adventure and find the hidden treasure across the estate. Hire a bike or bring your own and explore the estate on two wheels. Bring a picnic and relax by the lake in the secluded walled garden or pick a bench by the adventure playground while the kids burn off some energy.
Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of a traditional Angl-Saxon camp this May half-term at Sutton Hoo with the Sae Wylfings re-enactment group. Pick up a trail sheet and follow the sculpture trail to explore the wider estate. In Tranmer House find out what it’s like to be an archaeologist and make your down models out of LEGO® bricks, or head to the exhibition hall and discover more about the Anglo-Saxons or go wild in the adventure playground.
There’s so much to do at Dunwich Heath this half-term. Get up close to bugs and beasties with pond dipping and bug basement sessions, pick up a tracker pack and see what wildlife you can spot, hunt for geocaches, follow a trail and discover more about the history of Dunwich, get crafty in Heath Barn or let of steam in the adventure playground. The possibilities are endless.
Enjoy a day out with the family at Flatford this half-term. There’s walking routes suitable for the whole family and geocaches to find. Come along for the Nature Spring Day on the 28 May when there will crafts, trails, and lots of activities inspired by the great outdoors. Bring a picnic or stop off at the tea room for a tasty treat before heading home.
There’s lots to spark the imagination at Lavenham Guildhall where very room tells a story. Discover how the medieval building was designed to show off the wealth of the richest merchants or find our what life was like for a prisoner at the Guildhall. Out in the garden you’ll find a 300-year-old fire engine, a dye garden and bug hotel.
Spend a relaxing day at Melford Hall with the family. Little explorers will enjoy safe, compact garden while bigger explorers can venture out into the parkland to discover the ancient trees. Inside the house uncover stories of one of Melford Hall’s regular visitor Beatrix Potter and the inspiration behind some of her most loved tales. See the original Jemima Puddle-duck and original drawings inspired by her time at Melford. Bring a picnic and kick back on the lawn or visit the tea room for lunch or a sweet treat.
For something a bit different this half-term why not book a visit to Suffolk’s secret coast? Orford Ness is a mysterious lunar-like landscape that’s been taken over by nature. Visit the exhibition and learn more about its military past then head out into to spot the wildlife that now call Orford Ness home.
There’s nothing quite like playing outdoors. Swooshing down slides, clambering over logs and letting your imagination run wild. It’s no wonder that play areas are an essential part of many family days out. Here are some top places to play in Suffolk
Fly down the zip wire, swing as high as the trees or take on the obstacle course. Kids of all ages will enjoy letting off steam in the adventure playground while the grown ups relax on a nearby picnic bench.
After exploring the Royal Burial Ground and wider estate simply hop, skip and jump your way to the adventure playground at Sutton Hoo, just a stone's throw from the cafe. Be the captain of your own Anglo-Saxon ship, balance on the tight-rope or zoom down the zip wire
Outside the tea room at Dunwich you'll find a play area with a view. Let the kids burn off some more energy on the wooden play area while the grown up relax with a coffee and admire the beautiful view out to sea.
Find out more about cycling at Ickworth, including the cycle hire hub available in the car park. Pack a picnic and start your adventure.
Spring is the perfect time to get started on our list of ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’. Here are some of the best activities to try, from stargazing to snail racing.
A county filled with natural beauty, from its picturesque coastline and Constable Country in the east, to wool towns in the west.