Explore

Head east to explore the delightful Suffolk seaside with the genteel towns of Southwold, adored for its fantastic pier, iconic lighthouse and quirky beach huts, and Aldeburgh, renowned for fishing boats bringing in the latest catch to tempt you at award winning restaurants.

They are near inviting villages with fish 'n' chips, old fashioned pubs and those all-important presents to bring home from boutique shops.

The Suffolk coast stretches for 50 miles through Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a heritage coastline, lending itself to an old-fashioned day out at the seaside.

There is also world-class culture at Snape Maltings concert hall, close to Aldeburgh.

From the tiny fishing village of Orford to the seafront gardens at Felixstowe and to the wide sandy beaches at Lowestoft, there is never a dull moment along the Suffolk coastline.

Hiring a boat and spending a lazy few hours on the rivers and broads makes for an extremely relaxing visit meandering through quaint villages and towns, and navigating different stretches of water.

The Broads cover 200 miles of navigable water in serene countryside close to Norwich. Choose Wroxham as your prefect place to hire a boat or, for those wishing to keep their feet dry, they can browse in a huge shopping centre there.

A trip can be combined with a ride on a steam train taking you into the countryside where there are magical woods, mystical grand houses, fairy tale hamlets and migrating birds to spot.

The expansive skies attract photographers, while walkers, cyclists and runners can spend hours on a variety of routes throughout the beautiful landscape.

Beautiful tree-lined walks are available at Thornham Walks, a countryside estate home to more than 12 miles of walking.

Stretching across 2,000 acres of farmland, parkland and woodland, the estate in rural North Suffolk also features a popular cafe, thriving artisan businesses, a walled garden and fishing lakes.

The walks are open almost every day and information is available through the onsite visitor hub which has a display about the estate and the history. A playground and picnic area are among many features of the estate.

There are also networks of walks in Stoke Ash and Walsham Le Willows close to your accommodation.

Stunning spas aplenty to relax in for a day out are found nearby, all within about an hour's drive. Please check with the spas direct for availability of day passes.

The Riverhills Health Club & Spa near Ipswich, is just over 15 miles away. There is also a swimming pool. 

The Dunston Hall Hotel just south of Norwich, is around 23 miles away. It has a spa and swimming pool. 

The Bannatyne Health Club and Spa in Bury St. Edmunds, is about 26 miles away. It also has a swimming pool and restaurant.

The stunning Imagine Spa at Park Farm Hotel & Leisure close to Hethersett, Norwich, is a little under 29 miles away. It has a Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and swimming pool.

For history lovers, combined perhaps with a chance to spot singing sensation Ed Sheeran, there is Framlingham Castle, a magnificent 12th century fortress consisting of a curtain wall with 13 towers.

Surrounded by parkland and a picturesque lake, it is run by English Heritage in the lovely old market town of Framlingham, where Ed Sheeran grew up. His song Castle on the Hill is centred upon the castle.

The castle offers a perfect family day out where you can enjoy themed events, an exhibition, shop and cafe, walk round the wall and take an audio tour.

Eye, also a market town, has a small motte-and-bailey castle in the town centre open to the public.

This is a large Neolithic flint mining complex, five miles from Brandon, managed by English Heritage. Grime's Graves is the only Neolithic flint mine open to visitors in Britain.

This grassy lunar landscape of 400 pits was first named Grim's Graves by the Anglo-Saxons. It was not until one of them was excavated in 1870 that they were identified as flint mines dug over 5,000 years ago.

A small exhibition area illustrates the history of this fascinating site. Visitors can descend nine metres (30 ft) by ladder into one excavated shaft to see the jet-black flint, however children under seven are not allowed into the shaft.

Set amid the distinctive Breckland heath landscape, Grime's Graves is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a habitat for rare plants and fauna.

Less than an hour's drive away is Norwich, where there is always something to do to keep everyone entertained from family-friendly activities to excellent shows at the theatre.

The attractions include Norwich Cathedral, the cobbled streets and museums of old Norwich, Norwich Castle, Cow Tower, Colman's Mustard Shop and Museum, Dragon Hall and The Forum.

Norwich is one of the UK's top ten shopping destinations, with a mix of chain retailers and independent stores as well as Norwich Market, one of the largest outdoor markets in England.

It is also a city for foodies, being in the centre of a large agricultural landscape means there is an abundance of fresh local produce.

Norwich is a city that celebrates the independent, stimulates creativity, promotes change and encourages diversity. Known as the City of Stories, you will bring home many stories of your visit.

This beautiful mediaeval town with a fine cathedral is referred to as the Jewel in the Crown for Suffolk.

Bury, as it is commonly known, stands out for 1,000 years of history and it contains beautiful outside spaces, a great mix of independent and High Street favourite shops and for being Suffolk's foodie town with fantastic eateries.

A dog-friendly town with many places welcoming our four-legged visitors.

Home of St Edmund, the original patron saint of England, it is also home to the delicious Greene King beers which have been brewed here for more than 200 years.

Bury St Edmunds Guildhall contains the only surviving WWII Operations Room of the Royal Observer Corps (ROC) – an unsung group of local heroes who were the 'eyes and ears of the RAF' during the Battle of Britain.

The fun starts here with action-packed thrills among the rides, shows and attractions at the theme park near Lowestoft which boasts the biggest roller-coaster in East Anglia.

Billed as family fun, the theme park still attracts many people without a family who want to let their hair down and have a traditional day out.

This is the place where people scream and laugh together in a safe environment and escape the pressures of modern life. Fast or slow, there are different types of rides suitable for everyone aged from nine to 90.

Away from the rides, there are sea lions putting on a show, beautiful parrots to admire, ponies to saddle up and take for a jaunt, and chair lifts to give you stunning views of the park.

This is a bustling family complex filled with an abundance of attractions and activities in the Suffolk countryside, situated on the A1120 tourist route.

Offering facilities to suit all ages, the onsite attractions include Stonham Golf Park with pirate themed adventure golf, nine-hole golf course, simulator bays and foot golf.

The vibrant shopping village is filled with a plethora of unique shops where you can even decorate your own teapot.

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary is home to over 80 stunning owls and birds of prey from around the world, where you can watch an amazing flying display, say hello to the mob of cheeky Meerkats and enjoy the children's play area.

The site is home to the Legends Bar, Mid Suffolk Showground and Aspal Theatre, offering visitors numerous events and shows throughout the year.

Suffolk offers a fantastic experience for both novices and experienced horse riders - tranquil countryside and miles of unspoilt coastline make the county the place to be at one with your horse. 

Here you'll find miles of bridleways, quiet country lanes and a horse friendly public, plus lessons to help you stay in the saddle.

Suffolk has retained its agricultural industry so there are plenty of stables here and generally you can still hire a horse or pony at very reasonable rates. 

Check out the North Manor Equestrian Centre, Halesworth; Valley Farm Riding and Driving Centre, near Woodbridge, and Poplar Park Trekking Centre, also near Woodbridge.

Eye Equestrian horse riding school is located 3.2 miles away and has a 5-star rating.

When you want to treat yourself then you will be hard pushed to top a visit to Wyken, a lively and creative community housed on 1,200 acres near Bury St Edmunds.

The medieval 400-year-old barn houses the restaurant and country store.

With a focus on sustainability, much of the meat such as venison, hogget, pork and game are reared on the estate, and salads and vegetables are grown in the kitchen garden. Solar panels provide electricity, and all the heating is supplied by chip and firewood from rotational coppice from ancient woodlands.

The restaurant is consistently praised in The Good Food Guide and the Michelin Guide, serving a blend of modern and traditional European dishes.

Suffolk is spoilt for an excellent choice of old fashioned village pubs, often with a roaring log fire, and many of them are dog-friendly, cater for children and have beer gardens. Some include a children's playground.

The Stoke Ash area features the award winning 17th century White Horse coaching inn situated in the village with food normally available from breakfast onwards.