Top 12 Things To Do In Suffolk, England

things to do in sufolk
Priyanka
Priyanka 
Updated
| 5 min read

Suffolk is an East Anglian county with bountiful natural wonders that make an ideal spot for short vacations or week-long breaks. Whether you are looking for romantic things to do in this city or wanting to try some fun stuff with your kids, you will be spoiled for choices. You can enjoy outdoor activities such as bird watching, cycling, and photography or just relax on the beachfront. One can’t have a dull moment in this beautiful city thanks to its medieval towns, gardens, and majestic castles which add colours to this picture-postcard destination. Curious minds will definitely love visiting historic sites such as Bury St Edmunds and Constable Country. Want to know more? Scroll down to read about the top things to do in Suffolk, UK.

1. Learn how to stand up paddleboard in Lowestoft (from USD 36.0)

If you are craving some action-packed adventure in Suffolk, gear up for paddleboarding lessons in Lowestoft. The session will start off with your acquiring knowledge about the weather and tides. Then, you will receive a quick lesson on water safety and paddleboarding. With every try at this water sport, you will get to cover greater distances. Lowestoft is an easterly town known for being the first place in the UK to witness sunsets. It is home to numerous pristine beaches where you can not only learn paddleboarding but also soak in beautiful views complete with golden sands, cosy huts, and surreal sunsets.

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Stand Up Paddlboarding Lowestoft Beach

Duration: 2 hours

31 reviews

2. Know the fascinating stories of Kentwell Hall in Sudburry

Kentwell Hall, Long Melford, Suffolk-14297792671
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ben Babcock used under CC BY 2.0

One of the best Tudor houses in England, Kentwell Hall is a hidden gem in Suffolk that features numerous works of art from the 14th century, including tapestries, pictures, and stained glass windows. Sprawling over 30 acres (12 ha) of land, this hall has beauty hidden in its every nook and corner. Its cedar lawn forms an ideal setting to admire the tall trees and a sculpture inspired by the Tower of Babel. With its unparalleled beauty and classic architecture, it forms a venue for many TV shows and film shootings too. You can tour the house or walk around the gardens if you want to go back in time.

Kentwell Hall

Address: Long Melford, Sudbury CO10 9BA, United Kingdom

Website: Kentwell Hall

Opening hours: 11am - 3pm (daily)

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3. Taste local delicacies at Suffolk Food Hall in Ipswich

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Suffolk Food Hall on Thursday, February 4, 2021

Regarded as the best food venue in the UK, Suffolk Food Hall serves you freshly prepared local cuisines. With all sorts of food such as traditional and local meat, pastries made from scratch, and a selection of fresh produce, the food hall has everything that one can ask for and more. Additionally, you can also accentuate the fun by heading for a scenic walk along the river or relishing a cup of coffee in the cafe. Don’t miss out on The Cookhouse, which is a beautiful on-farm restaurant where you can relish the best food in the city.

Suffolk Food Hall

Address: Ipswich IP9 2AB, United Kingdom

Website: Suffolk Food Hall

Opening hours: Sun: 9:30 am - 4 pm; Mon - Sat: 9am - 4:30 pm

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4. Try the thrilling rides of Pleasurewood Hills in Lowestoft (from USD 34.0)

If you are travelling to Suffolk with your little one, Pleasurewood Hills certainly deserves a place in your travel itinerary. Have unlimited fun at this adventure site that welcomes you with numerous rides and shows. The theme park has over 35 rides that will raise your adrenaline in no time. There is a separate kid zone that offers a great variety of ride options to the little adventurers. Flying elephants, teacups, mini pirate ships, and funky flyers— the list of kid rides goes on.

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Skip the Line: Pleasurewood Hills Ticket

Duration: 6 to 8 hours

Suffolk Tour Guide

Cheryl Cade

Cheryl Cade

5. Learn the process of brewing craft ales at St. Peters Brewery in South Elmham

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by St. Peter's Brewery Co. Ltd - Official Page on Friday, February 21, 2020

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Suffolk countryside, St. Peter’s Brewery is one of the original craft breweries of England where you can learn the detailed process of brewing. Visitors can take an informative tour around the bottling hall and brewery and taste some of the finest beers in the area. At the end of the tour, you will get to bring home a complimentary beer. This brewery is nestled in St. Peter South Elmham, which is also known for its unadulterated cityscapes and high-quality water used in brewing. Additionally, this place houses a bar and a restaurant where you can savour lip-smacking meals with your family.

St. Peters Brewery

Address: St Peters Hall, Bungay NR35 1NQ, United Kingdom

Website: St. Peters Brewery

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 4pm

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6. Take the little ones for lamb-cuddling in Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm

Check out our new lamb holding area in our new lambing shed! 1 Hour 10 minutes to go until we open

Posted by Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm on Saturday, February 11, 2023

If you are touring the beautiful countryside of Suffolk with your little ones, you can visit this livestock farm for a fun day out. The farm is home to some rare species of animals that are reared and domesticated. You can spend a relaxing day on the farm while the kids can feed the cows and lambs. The farm also sells great-quality honey and wool fleeces. You must also try the meat from some rare breeds that are packed with delicious flavors.

Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm

Address: Mill Ln, Baylham, Ipswich IP6 8LG, United Kingdom

Website: Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 9 GBP (11.09 USD)

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7. Develop your cycling skills in Rendlesham Forest

Rendlesham Forest
Source: Photo by user

Known for its famous sighting of a UFO in the fall of 1980, Rendlesham Forest offers an ideal space for cycling trails, summer picnics, and other recreational opportunities.

If you want to brush up on your cycling skills, the forest provides ample area to do just that, and you might even become a pro at cycling at the end of your visit. Alternatively, you can take a scenic stroll in Tangham Wood and admire the unique sculptures while the little ones enjoy themselves and have a good time in the play area.

Rendlesham Forest

Address: Tangham IP12 3NF, United Kingdom

Website: Rendlesham Forest

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 5 GBP (6.16 USD) - all-day parking

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8. Walk on the walls of Framlingham Castle

Framlingham Castle aerial image - Suffolk UK 03
Source: Photo by Flickr user John Fielding used under CC BY 2.0

Dating its presence back to the 12th century, this historic castle forms an ideal destination for family vacationers on a quest to learn about history. The present-day castle is a monument that features a spacious public garden and an exhibition of an old Framlingham workhouse. Tourists should never miss out on the Wall Walk, which involves exploring on a 10.5-m (34 ft) high wall that boasts mesmerizing views of the Framlingham market town. If you are here with your kids, purchase the popular Under Attack family trail to keep them entertained. A shop and a cafe are found on the property as well.

Framlingham Castle

Address: Church St, Framlingham, Woodbridge IP13 9BP, United Kingdom

Website: Framlingham Castle

Price: Adult: EUR 12.50 (15.09 USD); Child: EUR 7.50 (9 USD)

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9. Get lost in the passages and halls of Orford Castle

Orford Castle Keep
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Keith Roper used under CC BY 2.0

If you want to delve deeper into the rich history of Suffolk, you can’t miss out on visiting the royal Orford Castle, which stands out with its polygonal structure and vintage vibe. The Upper Hall display unit of this castle features a host of collections including medieval seals, coins from the past, and Roman brooches. Once you are done exploring the interiors, head to its roof to soak in the spellbinding views of Orford Ness.

Orford Castle, Woodbridge

Address: Castle Hill, Orford, Woodbridge IP12 2ND, United Kingdom

Website: Orford Castle, Woodbridge

Price: Adult: 8.70 EUR (10.54 USD); Child: 5.20 EUR (6.30 USD)

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10. Wander the treasures through halls and pathways of Ickworth House, Park and Gardens

Ickworth House Garden
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Maria used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Whether you are here for a quick bike ride, a walk, or a house tour, this 1,800-acre (728.4 ha) property has a lot to offer to its visitors. This country house in Suffolk is a Neoclassical building comprising two wings. While the East Wing has been turned into a luxury hotel, the West Wing became a cafe and visitors’ centre. Despite the modern upgrades, the house still beautifully preserved its historic charm and is one of the go-to spots for art connoisseurs. Visitors can head to the basement for a glimpse of what life was like in the 1930s.

Ickworth House, Park and Gardens

Address: The Rotunda, Horringer, Bury Saint Edmunds IP29 5QE, United Kingdom

Website: Ickworth House, Park and Gardens

Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)

Price: Adult: EUR 15 (18.20 USD); Child: EUR 7.50 (9.10 USD)

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11. Enjoy a delightful snack with breathtaking views at The Clockhouse in Southwold Pier

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Southwold Pier on Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Are you looking for a restaurant with a perfect blend of good ambience and tasty meals? If yes, make your way to The Clockhouse restaurant where you can relish the views of waves breaking into the shores while enjoying the freshly prepared dishes. The restaurant is known for serving the best coffee and cakes in the town. Visitors also rave about their Margherita pizza and sandwiches which are prepared by expert chefs. If you just want a light snack, you can go for an afternoon tea as well. The staff members are amiable and will welcome you with a heartwarming smile.

The Clockhouse, Southwold Pier

Address: Pier, N Parade, Southwold IP18 6BN, United Kingdom

Website: The Clockhouse

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12. Spend a day in the farmland of The Hollesley Bay Colony Stud


Regarded as the oldest Suffolk Punch stud farm, Hollesley Bay Colony Stud is an ideal spot to meet beautiful horses and understand their role in farming. Though these horses were primarily used for agricultural purposes, they also help in forestry work and artillery transportation. This place also houses a heritage museum that contains an exhibit hall that gives insight into what rural life was like. There are also items from the past such as vintage groceries and an old tractor. Your kids will instantly fall in love with the numerous activities offered here such as Pets’ Paddock, where they will get to see rabbits and guinea pigs, and a personalised tour.

The Hollesley Bay Colony Stud

Address: Sink Farm, St Davids Lane, Hollesley, Woodbridge IP12 3JR, United Kingdom

Website: The Hollesley Bay Colony Stud

Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 10:30am - 3:30pm (closed on Tue)

Price: Adult: EUR 6.50 (7.89 USD); Child: EUR 3 (3.64 USD)

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Enjoy your Suffolk tour to the fullest

Captivating vistas, architectural wonders, culinary delights, and streets steeped in rich history— Suffolk is a perfect blend of fun, beauty, and peace. While the town has a lot of things in its reserve for peace seekers, there are plenty of activities for adventure enthusiasts too such as beach attractions and theme parks where you won’t get a single dull moment. If you are tempted to experience everything that this stunning town has to offer, pack your bags and add an unforgettable chapter to your travel diary.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Meet Priyanka Sharma, an inquisitive travel writer with more than 3.5 years of experience in the industry. Despite earning a master's degree in human resources from Pune, India, her unwavering love...Read more

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