My daughter’s first go to to Suffolk got here when she was simply two, and we’ve been going again as usually as we are able to ever since – as a result of with so many issues to do in Suffolk with youngsters, it’s exhausting to withstand the temptation to e-book one other vacation there.
incorporates affiliate hyperlinks*
From fairly Aldeburgh, the place we scoffed fish and chips and soaked up the solar by the ocean, to our mini highway journey of East Anglia, visiting Sutton Hoo and Orford Citadel, it’s straightforward to discover, perfect to combine some coast and countryside, plus there are some nice household points of interest in Suffolk too.
Relying the place you keep, it’s straightforward to pop into Norfolk as properly… though you received’t be in need of issues to do in Suffolk with youngsters if you happen to don’t wish to mix each counties in a single break. Right here’s my choose of the most effective.
Castles and historic homes
Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge
It’s a narrative that’s straight from a fairytale – a king buried below a hill along with his treasure, undisturbed for hundreds of years. Till a small crew of archaeologists found “the discover of a lifetime” within the mounds at Sutton Hoo on the eve of the Second World Battle.
The ultimate resting place of the King of the Wuffinga, Raedwald, King of East Anglia who dominated within the seventh century, his boat had rotted away however the treasured gadgets of his hoard survived, from jewelry to gold cash and an intricate steel helmet.
There’s a treasure path for teenagers, plus dressing up and you’ll stroll out to the burial mounds, in addition to visiting Tranmer Home, embellished as it could have been in the course of the Second World Battle.
Prebook tickets right here
Learn extra about our go to to Sutton Hoo with youngsters
Framlingham Citadel, Framlingham
Framlingham citadel, which dates again to the twelfth century, has seen its share of momentous historical past – Mary Tudor was proclaimed Queen right here, and the Earls and Dukes of Norfolk have been each buddy and foe to monarchs over the centuries.
Right now, one of the vital thrilling issues to do is to move out alongside the wall stroll, 10.5 metres up, and gaze our throughout the grounds and lake.
There are common household actions and a few enjoyable video games and quizzes for teenagers to strive too, in addition to the chase to race across the slopes main right down to the outdated moat – the workhouse is the one surviving constructing.
Prebook tickets right here
Take a look at my overview of a day trip at Framlingham Citadel with youngsters
Orford Citadel, Orford, Woodbridge
Easier than a number of the sprawling castles you’ll discover elsewhere in England, Orford Citadel nonetheless towers 90ft excessive from the highest of its grassy mound, above the little city of Orford.
Constructed within the twelfth century by Henry II as a logo of royal energy, 91 steps lead you up the spiral staircase to some unbelievable views throughout the river and countryside to Orford Ness nature reserve.
On the prime, it’s also possible to discover the outdated bakehouse, in addition to recognizing unique tiles on the way in which up, bedchambers for a very powerful inhabitants and visitors and a chapel, in addition to studying extra in regards to the legend of the wild man of Orford who was caught in fishermen’s nets and held right here.
Prebook tickets right here.
Learn extra about our go to to Orford Citadel with youngsters
Ickworth, Bury St Edmunds
The Italianate palace of Ickworth is called a lot for its lovely gardens and grounds as for the home, with its uncommon rotunda.
With 1,800 acres to discover, you received’t be in need of a stroll, and in January and February, you may see carpets of snowdrops throughout a number of components of the grounds, in addition to discovering an all-weather path and play space.
There’s additionally an opportunity to see how the servants lived, venturing into the servants’ quarters, together with tales of a number of the most vibrant earls and marquesses who’ve referred to as Ickworth residence.
Prebook tickets right here.
Animal points of interest
Easton Farm Park, Woodbridge
Easton Farm Park is ideal in case your youngsters like to get arms on with the animals, with an opportunity to stroke and meet bunnies, pygmy goats, horses, donkeys and guinea pigs.
It’s additionally an ideal place if you happen to’re visiting Suffolk within the rain with youngsters – as I can attest, having ended up exploring throughout a torrential summer time downpour – with tiny tractors and play areas inside.
Or there are pony and tractor trailer rides when it’s dry, plus a path via the water meadows.
Take a look at my overview of a (moist) day trip at Easton Farm Park
Africa Alive, Lowestoft
From a safari prepare journey to lemur encounters, Africa Alive would possibly simply be top-of-the-line methods to expertise Africa and not using a passport.
Whilst you’re on this large park you may feed giraffes, see rhinos, and lions, plus there’s a farmyard that youngsters will love too. Add within the discovery centre too, and Africa Alive is definitely a full day’s journey all by itself.
Baylham Home Uncommon Breeds Farm, Ipswich
Excellent with youthful youngsters, you may get near pleasant livestock on the Baylham Home Uncommon Breeds Farm, with a free bag of feed to supply to cows, sheep, goats, alpacas, pigs, and poultry residing right here.
Because the title suggests, lots of the animals on this farm are uncommon breeds that you simply aren’t prone to see in very many locations, and there’s a lot to study alongside the farm path. Don’t miss the prospect to cuddle a goat too!
Jimmy’s Farm, Ipswich
Not removed from the border with Essex (we visited whereas staying in Mistley), it’s additionally straightforward to achieve Jimmy’s Farm from fairly Pin Mill in addition to Ipswich. And with its farm and wildlife park, to not point out some excellent meals within the cafe and store, it’s positively price a day trip.
There are over 80 completely different species of animals, so that you’ll discover farmyard creatures (together with some uncommon breeds) but additionally meerkats and wallabies plus camels and crocodiles.
Together with the furred and feathered inhabitants, there are some nice indoor and out of doors play areas too – together with enormous bouncy pillows plus mushy play – and the prospect to go wilder nonetheless within the woodland.
Camel Park Oasis, Halesworth
The Oasis Camel Centre is the one camel park within the UK, making it a considered one of a form day trip which additionally helps endangered camels within the wild.
Whilst you’re there you may journey on camels and donkeys, stroll alongside llamas, and meet plenty of different animals you received’t be capable of get near wherever else, in addition to some extra acquainted fluffy inhabitants and play areas.
It’s price understanding that it’s finest to take money with you – its location means knowledge (and due to this fact working card machines) isn’t all the time assured and the closest ATM is six miles away.
Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, Stowmarket
Whether or not your youngsters are Harry Potter followers or simply love animals, the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary is a beautiful place for a day trip in Suffolk with youngsters.
House to all kinds of owls in addition to a household of meerkats, it’s also possible to meet falcons in addition to watching flying shows and talks. The sanctuary treats injured owls and helps to return them to the wild too.
Do prebook as restricted numbers imply you could not in any other case be capable of go to.
Open air in Suffolk with youngsters
Gainsborough Path, Sudbury
You possibly can’t go to Suffolk on a household vacation with out exploring a number of the beautiful countryside and the Gainsborough Path is a beautiful, straightforward means to do this with youngsters.
The three.5 mile lengthy path wraps round Sudbury, taking you on an journey to see Suffolk at its wildest, with extra stretches deliberate as properly.
Alongside the way in which you would possibly spot butterflies, kingfishers, (innocent) grass snakes, and different native wild animals, as in contrast to a lot of the Suffolk countryside, the land right here has by no means been farmed so its splendidly biodiverse and unspoiled.
Thetford Forest, Brandon
This enormous Forestry England web site, stretching for 18,720 hectares on the border of Suffolk and Norfolk, has hundreds to find for all ages.
For older youngsters and extra adventurous youthful ones, there’s a Go Ape excessive ropes course, together with the treetop journey for teenagers over 1m tall, in addition to segways via the forest (with a weight minimal slightly than age, however normally for older tweens/teenagers and up).
There are numerous strolling trails too, together with a simple stroll nature path at Excessive Lodge, a stroll via the pine bushes, Gruffalo path and extra at Lynford Arboretum, together with an accessible path that’s straightforward to observe with a buggy: nice if you happen to’re visiting Suffolk with a child or toddler.
Thorpeness Meare, Thorpeness
A day exterior with a little bit of a distinction, Thorpeness Meare isn’t greater than three ft deep wherever, so it’s an ideal place to get out on the water – preserve a watch open for the quirky Home within the Clouds when you do.
You possibly can rent rowing boats, kayaks, canoes, punts, dinghies, and sail boats, relying how a lot talent you’ve obtained or effort you wish to put in! Massively standard on a sunny day, Thorpeness Meare operates on a primary come, first served foundation, so if you wish to make sure you get a ship be sure you get there early.
Thorpeness can also be walkable from Aldeburgh alongside the coast path for a bonus little bit of contemporary air and train – a part of the route follows an outdated railway line so it’s flat and straightforward sufficient for teenagers too.
Bromeswell Inexperienced, Woodbridge
One in all a string of nature reserves in Suffolk, Bromeswell Inexperienced has a round path to wander round as you uncover the vegetation and wildlife of a string of habitats, together with moist meadows, saltmarsh and woodland.
Maintain a watch out for widespread lizards basking on sunny days. There are dozens of web sites if you wish to discover the fens and marshes in Suffolk with youngsters too.
Not distant from this explicit reserve is Bromeswell Lakes in case your youngsters love the concept of fishing – a strict catch and launch fish farm.
Helmingham Corridor Gardens
Should you’re seeking to get outside in Suffolk with youngsters however don’t essentially wish to head proper into the countryside, Helmingham Corridor Gardens is a superb choice.
Open in the course of the summer time months, from late April to September, there’s a brand new out of doors artwork path for 2023, with greater than 50 sculptures on show across the award-winning gardens, so it’s nice for getting youngsters out and strolling.
There’s additionally a brand new cafe within the former Coach Home, which guarantees a variety of posh toasties in addition to truffles, puddings and different specials utilizing elements from Helmingham’s personal backyard and grounds
The Corridor itself is normally not open to the general public, though there are sometimes exhibitions and momentary entry, so it’s price maintaining a watch out.
Suffolk seashores with youngsters
Southwold
Should you’re searching for sandy seashores in Suffolk, Southwold is tough to beat, with loads of conventional seaside enjoyable. It’s not very massive and you’ll simply stroll round it, visiting the lighthouse, the restored pier and recognizing the colorful seaside huts (which have beforehand bought for a whopping £150,000!)
Stroll alongside the pier to see your distorted reflections within the wall of mirrors, discover the water-powered clock and don’t miss the Underneath the Pier present, with round 20 strange interactive mechanical creations.
You possibly can take excursions of Southwold lighthouse too – kids have to be over 1.1m to climb the tower, they usually happen round each half hour, lasting 20 to half-hour, with a captivating probability to find what it’s truly like inside a lighthouse.
Canines should not allowed on the primary seaside from April to September.
Aldeburgh
One in all my favorite seashores in Suffolk with youngsters, you may stroll alongside the ocean wall, spot the Scallop sculpture and play within the sandy shingle. Plus there’s nice fish and chips, in addition to ice cream, on the historic streets.
Excellent for a sunny day, you may wander all the way in which to Thorpeness or to the Martello Tower within the different course. And if it rains, there’s a unusual little museum to shelter inside for some native historical past.
The part of seaside north of Aldeburgh in direction of Thorpeness is dog-friendly year-round, although there are restrictions on the primary seaside in summer time.
Take a look at my recommendations on all the most effective issues to do in Aldeburgh with youngsters right here
Walberswick
Walberswick has one other lengthy sand and shingle seaside, however what units it aside is that it was as soon as residence to the British Crabbing Championships. And whereas the competition isn’t held there any extra, there are nonetheless loads of crabs to strive it your self!
Convey a plastic bucket to place the crabs in, a small fishing web, in addition to a web with some bait in it (they love a little bit of bacon). Catch your self some crabs, then after you’ve obtained just a few, return them the place you bought them to allow them to proceed rising.
Quieter than close by Southwold – there’s a foot ferry connecting the 2 in summer time – this dog-friendly seaside is backed by dunes and a nature reserve across the River Blyth estuary
Lowestoft
Extra traditional English seaside, Lowestoft’s South Seaside (aka Victoria Seaside) has a Blue Flag award for its clear waters and wonderful superb sand.
Past the prospect to paddle and make sandcastles, there are some enjoyable household pleasant points of interest as properly, together with favourites like loopy golf close to the seaside.
There are not any canines allowed from Could to September although.
Should you’re searching for a theme park in Suffolk, Pleasurewood Hills is simply a brief drive or bus journey from Lowestoft – with 35 rides, reveals and points of interest, together with an space for youthful youngsters, it’s open between April and October
Different household days out in Suffolk
Take a ship journey
Should you’d prefer to see Suffolk from one other angle, head out onto the water with a ship journey – there are a number of beginning in Ipswich, together with the Orwell Girl which heads lengthy the River Orwell to Pin Mill and historic Harwich.
Cruises final round 3 and a half hours – there are additionally shorter choices between one and two and a half hours that are perfect with youthful youngsters. And you’ll select between seats on the enclosed decrease deck and open-air seating on prime for the most effective views on dry days.
Ipswich Museum
It’s the pure historical past part which is the largest draw with youngsters at Ipswich Museum, however that’s solely the beginning of what there may be to see if you happen to’re searching for issues to do in Ipswich with youngsters.
You possibly can uncover native historical past, in addition to taking a visit via time to find extra in regards to the Iron Age, the Romans and the Saxons – perfect if you happen to’ve additionally seen Sutton Hoo.
There are additionally shows on Historical Egypt, plus animals together with gorillas to lions and even a uncommon sub-species of giraffe within the Victorian pure historical past assortment – and final however very positively not least, a mammoth.
Christchurch Park and Mansion, Ipswich
Constructed on the location of a twelfth century priory, Christchurch Mansion is unbelievable if you happen to’re searching for a free day trip in Suffolk with youngsters, with a mix of historical past, museum and locations to play.
You possibly can discover rooms embellished in several types from the previous 450 years, starting from the Tudors proper via to the Victorians.
There’s additionally artwork on show, together with Gainsborough and Constable, in addition to different displays, starting from ceramics to musical devices and toys – the momentary exhibitions have additionally targeted on all the things from Ed Sheeran to the ability of tales.
Bury St Edmunds
The abbey at Bury St Edmunds was as soon as among the many richest and strongest within the nation, housing the shrine of the martyred Anglo-Saxon king St Edmund.
You possibly can nonetheless go to the ruins of the abbey buildings, strolling in via the spectacular 14th century Abbey gate, seeing the Norman Tower and St Edmundsbury Cathedral, in addition to St Mary’s Church the place Mary Tudor, sister of Henry VIII (each Queen of France and Duchess of Suffolk) was buried.
Whilst you’re within the metropolis, it’s also possible to go to the 800-year-old Guildhall, residence to the one surviving Royal Observer Corps Second World Battle operations room within the nation and outdated courtroom, in addition to the medieval Moyse’s Corridor Museum with quirky collections on witchcraft and native crimes.
West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village and Nation Park, Bury St Edmunds
Set on the location of an early Anglo-Saxon village, occupied between the fifth and seventh centuries, you may transport your self again 400 years earlier than the Norman conquest at West Stow.
There are eight buildings within the reconstructed village surrounded by 125 acres of countryside, with the prospect to see uncommon breed pigs and chickens, in addition to crafts and a peek inside completely different outdated homes.
When you’ve had your fill of historical past, there are trails and walks galore via the nation park too, together with a distinctly uncommon Beowulf and Grendel path with rune quest.
In case your youngsters are followers of the Lord of the Rings, there are common occasions and actions impressed by the books too, together with a RingQuest household problem that includes a dragon and large spiders…
Discover Harry Potter in Lavenham
Harry Potter followers can’t miss the prospect to go to the half-timbered buildings within the fairly medieval village of Lavenham – higher often known as Godric’s Hole.
You possibly can see the home which doubled as Harry’s residence, whereas the traditional streets additionally featured in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, Elements 1 and a pair of below a scattering of snow (Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson had been added later with a little bit of CGI magic).
For extra nice Harry Potter days out within the UK, try my choose of the most effective
Mid-Suffolk Mild Railway, Stowmarket
The Mid Suffolk Mild Railway is Suffolk’s solely customary gauge heritage railway, with a museum for train-lovers in addition to an opportunity to make a journey on a steam prepare.
There are occasions all year long, together with Middy within the Battle Years, an opportunity to nearly return to the Forties, and Santa specials at Christmas.
Ipswich Transport Museum
There are over 100 autos on show on the Ipswich Transport Museum, all made or used within the native space over a interval of round 200 years.
So in addition to police vehicles and fireplace engines, you’ll discover bicycles, classic prams, lawnmowers and even a funeral hearse. There’s additionally a mannequin railway, the place everybody can strive their hand at driving the trains, and an exercise zone for teenagers.
Wild Raspberry Ceramic Café, Shotley
Whether or not you’ve obtained artistic youngsters or are searching for one thing to do on a wet day in Suffolk with youngsters, a go to to the Wild Raspberry Ceramic Café is simply the factor.
In addition to portray your personal ceramics – with all the things from animal figures to souvenirs and plates – there are a number of different workshops together with the prospect to strive printing, make mosaics… or slime. There are even occasional wizards and wands workshops.
Locations to remain in Suffolk with youngsters
For extra concepts of locations to remain in Suffolk with youngsters, there are some nice self-catering lodging to test into – we’ve stayed in Aldeburgh in one of many cottages from Better of Suffolk.
Or try the gathering from Sykes Cottages and holidaycottages.co.uk, which has choices in Aldeburgh, Southwold and Lowestoft, in addition to Suffolk Hideaways.
For family-friendly Suffolk resorts, glamping, farm stays and extra, there’s an ideal selection on reserving.com too.
Should you’re visiting the realm round Ipswich and the Suffolk border with Essex, you’re solely a brief drive from Colchester – try my prime issues to do in Colchester with youngsters right here
*First printed 2021, final up to date 2023*
PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN SUFFOLK WITH KIDS
Disclosure: This publish incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee
Pictures: Southwold/Framlingham/Ickworth/rabbit/owl/woodland/Ipswich marina/Christchurch mansion/Lavenham courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels
