10 Best Days Out in Suffolk for Everyone

Here are the best days out in Suffolk, for you to make the most of your trip. Whether you’re in the county for a few days, a week, or you’re just in Suffolk for a day trip, here are the best things to do for a great day out.

Suffolk is a beautiful county located on the East Coast of England, complete with stunning coastlines and beautiful scenic views. It has numerous scenic towns and villages filled with old-world charm. Suffolk has inspired many artists and writers by its simplicity, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage.

Days out in Suffolk can help you unwind and relax. If you want to make some unforgettable memories and explore some of the many fun things to do in Suffolk, read on…

10 Best Days Out In Suffolk

Here are the best days out in Suffolk for you, difficult part will be deciding which one to go on. Stay for a few days out in Suffolk, you’ll want to when you see the beaches!

day out in Suffolk

1. Visit the historic Framlingham Castle

Framlingham Castle is built around the River Ore and is divided into three main areas: the Inner Court, the Bailey, and the Lower Court. These areas are surrounded by lush and green farmlands.

The castle is a favourite tourist spot and has garnered a huge amount of popularity after the release of Ed Sheeran’s “Castle on the Hill”. He’s from around here and it’s said that this is the castle he was writing and singing about, not all the other castles in England that like to claim the same!

Suffolk days out

Framlingham Castle also has huge historical importance, as Mary Tudor was announced Queen of England within these walls. The major tourist attraction is the Wall Walk across the 13 towers that protect and shield the castle. The walk will give you a glimpse of the beautiful countryside area around the castle. Visiting the castle is one of the best days out in Suffolk for adults.

Framlingham Castle is shaped in a rough circle and consists of a thick and broad curtain wall, wrapping all the 13 towers.

2. Stroll in the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum

The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum is fondly known as ‘Middy’, and the story behind the museum is really interesting. With low profits and little success, the station was shut down after struggling for 50 years. The relics of the station were resurrected in the year 1991 as Suffolk’s one and only gauge railway museum.

what to do in suffolk

The renovation of the station was done with great precision and was kept as authentic as possible. In 2014, the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Station was awarded as the Suffolk Museum of the Year.

Currently, the station runs a steam train starting from the month of May till September every Sunday. The museum is organising special steam train rides for Christmas and New Year’s too.

Book your unforgettable train ride in advance for your days out in Suffolk and thank us later!

3. Explore the ruins of Leiston Abbey

This is one of the most architecturally stunning monuments in Suffolk and is an abode for people who admire the mystery of ruins and enjoy the company of historical relics (if that sounds like you, check out our England UNESCO sites too). The Ruins of Leiston Abbey were founded in the year 1182 by Ranulf de Glanville and was dedicated to St. Mary.

things to see in suffolk

The Abbey is situated between open fields to give you a spectacular view. The most stunning construction is the 16th Century brick gatehouse, the North part of the Leiston Abbey has some spectacular ruins from the ancient architecture.

If you want to pack something extra into your day out in Suffolk, around 12 minutes drive away from the Abbey is the RSPB Minsmere Nature Reserve in Saxmundham. You can learn about some of the UK’s rarest wildlife, get stuck into the family-friendly activities on offer, or just walk around the beautiful coastal area to look at the birds (and if you’re lucky, otters!)

4. Stroll through the beautiful Waveney Valley

Waveney Valley is one of the most beautiful locations in Suffolk. It has a chain of interconnected rivers, streams and mills, and Waveney Valley is known as the most scenic spot in Suffolk. (So, perfect for any days out in Suffolk!)

what to do suffolk

Oulton Broad is the largest lake in Suffolk and is an excellent place to enjoy a calming boat ride surrounded by wildlife and pristine water. The Waveney Valley is stretched across a vast area and includes the small towns of Beccles and Bungay. Tourists can enjoy several activities like exploring the local markets and enjoy some authentic cuisine, canoeing and swimming in the nearby lakes, and strolling in the beautiful environment of the valley.

This place is a heaven for all nature lovers and should be in your itinerary for the best days out in Suffolk. If you’re a fan of the rivers in England, you’ll like it here.

5. Spend some quality time at Pleasurewood Hills

If you’re planning to visit Suffolk with your family then the Pleasurewood Hills should be on top of your Suffolk itinerary. The theme park is spread across 59 acres and caters to everyone’s wants. Don’t expect Alton Towers or Thorpe Park adrenaline rushes, but a lovely family day out in Suffolk.

Pleasurewood Hills has more than 35 rides, including crazy rollercoasters for all. Kids can also enjoy a separate fun and safe zone with exciting rides, games, and other fun activities.

Pick up some tasty scran at Roosters or Smokey Joe’s Bear’s Grill, or if you want you can bring in your home-cooked food and enjoy a relaxing and fun picnic with your favourite people. The park also has a zoo for entertaining tourists and animal lovers.

6. Discover magical Ipswich

Ipswich is one of the oldest towns in England and has an abundance of history, culture, and tradition. Ipswich is an amazing blend of modernity and old-world charm with a stunning waterfront.

days out in ipswich

Suffolk day trippers can enjoy a visit to the Ipswich Museum, which showcases the 1500-year-old heritage of the area with artefacts, art, and relics from the bygone era. If you’re looking for nightlife in Suffolk, Ipswich is one of the best spots in the county.

Ipswich is one of the best days out in Suffolk, and is even on our list of the 28 Most Interesting Towns in England You Need to Visit.

7. Learn the history of Sutton Hoo

Sutton Hoo is just down the road from Ipswich, so you can make a day of it. Known as one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time, Sutton Hoo is an Anglo-Saxon burial chamber of incredible treasures. Whether you’re into history or not, Sutton Hoo estate offers great woodland walks to suit families, as well as Tranmer House and the High Hall exhibition.

Think you recognise Sutton Hoo? Maybe you watched the Netflix movie called The Dig, which tells the story of the excavation of the Great Ship Burial. Fascinating stuff for history fans and movie fans alike, and a great addition to any days out in Suffolk.

8. Enjoy Beautiful Sunrise at Lowestoft

Lowestoft is the easternmost town in the UK situated on the North Sea, and so is a spectacular place to watch the sunrise. It’s one of the most favourite tourist spots in Suffolk with stunning golden sand beaches, the beautiful town of Kirkley and you can enjoy sailing and power boating in the region of the Broads.

days out suffolk

Lowestoft is also a paradise for wildlife, and the area is rich in natural flora. Tourists can visit Lowestoft Maritime Museum and can witness interesting artefacts, medals, and statues of some unforgettable heroes like Robert William Hook, a brave RNLI coxswain who saved around 600 lives.

Lowestoft is a natural wonderland that will have you snapping pictures left, right and centre on any days out in Suffolk.


9. Enjoy the Amazing Africa Alive

As the name suggests Africa Alive takes you into the mesmerising world of wildlife and adventure in Africa. This masterpiece is stretched over a vast area of 100 acres in the Suffolk countryside and attracts a large number of tourists every year.

day out at africa alive

Africa Alive is also an exciting spot for bird watchers as it has some of the most spectacular and beautiful birds in the area around Wader’s Walk and Woodland Walk. Another major attraction here is ‘Plains of Africa’, a spot to witness and enjoy the company of some exotic Savannah animal species.

There are some amazing animal experiences at Africa Alive. You could sign up for the Africa Alive Junior Keeper Experience, the Rhino experience, the Giraffe Experience, the Lion Experience or the Meerkat Experience at Africa Alive.

10. Visit beautiful Bury St Edmunds

Bury St Edmunds (usually called Bury) is home to the original patron Saint of England, Saint Edmund. It’s surrounded by countryside and has lots to do if you’re into walking or history. Back in the Medieval times, the Abbey was one of the most powerful Benedictine monasteries in the country. When it was dissolved in 1539, Edmund’s burial place became a mystery, but rumour has it he could be buried somewhere within the Abbey.

Bury St Edmunds is a great place for any days out in Suffolk for foodies, as it has ample fine dining, pub food, and great options for drinks too. You can also do lots of shopping in Bury St Edmunds, with the perfect mix of high street stores and independent boutiques. If you like walking, art, theatre, live music and film, Bury has something for you.

Abbey Gardens and St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds, England

Definitely check out the Theatre Royal, famous for being the last remaining Regency playhouse in the country. Built in 1819, it still boasts lots of its original features, and puts on some fantastic shows from some of the best theatre groups and performers in the UK. For something a bit different, there’s also the National Horse Racing Museum in nearby Newmarket, where you can learn about the history of horse racing.

The best days out in Suffolk

days out in suffolk

Enjoy the best days out in Suffolk for adults and children with beautiful scenic views, by marvelling at the ancient ruins, strolling on the boardwalks, exploring the pretty villages and enjoying calming boat rides.

We hope that the ideas shared above for days out in Suffolk make your trip memorable and beautiful.


Quicklist: best days out in Suffolk

  • 1. Visit the historic Framlingham Castle
  • 2. Stroll in the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum
  • 3. Explore the ruins of Leiston Abbey
  • 4. Stroll through the beautiful Waveney Valley
  • 5. Spend some quality time at Pleasurewood Hills
  • 6. Discover magical Ipswich
  • 7. Learn the history of Sutton Hoo
  • 8. Enjoy Beautiful Sunrise at Lowestoft
  • 9. Enjoy the Amazing Africa Alive
  • 10. Visit beautiful Bury St Edmunds
Vicky

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