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EITW ESSEX TTD

The 11 best things to do in Essex

From hidden underground bunkers to big-hitter attractions, there are plenty of more things to do in Essex than TOWIE

Forget any preconceptions you have about this English county: there are so many fun things to do in Essex. This varied area begins on the urban fringes of  London at one end and blends into rural Suffolk countryside at the other. Then there’s the 350 miles of coast, 35 islands, two international airports (Stansted and Southend ) and the oldest recorded town in Britain. From nature and nightclubs to seaside attractions and historical monuments, first-time visitors might be surprised by just how diverse this county is. The only way is—you guessed it—Essex.

Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere.

Find out more about   how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world .

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Best things to do in Essex

Colchester Zoo

1.  Colchester Zoo

Where is it? Colchester.  What is it? Home to actual dragons (of the komodo kind), this award-winning zoo is one of the biggest and best in the country. Its 60 acres of parkland are home to more than 260 different species, so there’s loads to pack into a day trip here. Why go? Hand feed elephants and giraffes, walk through underwater tunnels as sea lions swim overhead and, on sunny days, be transported to African plains in the Kingdom of the Wild, where you can feel like you’re on safari watching white rhino, ostrich and zebra.

Tiptree Tea Room at the Jam Factory

2.  Tiptree Tea Room at the Jam Factory

Where is it? Er, Tiptree. Obviously.  What is it? If the jam world had celebrities, Tiptree Jams would be an A-lister. You can find several Tiptree tea rooms across Essex, from Chelmsford and Billericay to Osea and Saffron Walden. But to learn about its origins, spend the day where it all began: in its namesake village. Why go? A day at the Tiptree factory will be jam-packed (pun intended). Find out about the history of the Wilkin & Son and Tiptree preserves in the Jam museum – the family made their first pot of jam in 1885 – then head to the tea room for afternoon tea to sample some of the sweet stuff. Don’t forget to stop off in the shop to pick up your favourite preserve for the cupboards at home.

Mersea Island

3.  Mersea Island

Where is it? In the Blackwater and Colne estuaries.  What is it? You’d better check the tide times before heading to Mersea Island, because at high tide The Strood – the only road connecting it to the mainland – is covered by water. This little estuary island offers the simple pleasures of a day by the seaside, complete with colourful beach huts, delicious seafood and a charming small-town vibe. Why go? If the seafood world is your oyster, Mersea is the pearl. Lovers of shellfish should visit The Company Shed to sample the world-famous oysters – this small, no-frills restaurant always has a queue outside. Continue a fishy theme with an afternoon crabbing from the small jetties and admiring the boats and peaceful estuary views from the beachfront.

Mountfitchet Castle

4.  Mountfitchet Castle

Where is it? Stanstead Mountfitchet. What is it? This Motte and Bailey castle went through Roman, Saxon and Viking hands, before 1066 when the Normans made it into a castle like you see today. After coming to ruin, Mountfitchet Castle and its Norman village have been artfully reconstructed. Why go? Essex boasts several impressive castles, and the big names like Colchester or Hedingham might be the first to spring to mind. Lesser-known Mountfitchet is a reconstruction (the original was also made of wood), but it’s also the only castle of its kind rebuilt on its original site. Step back in time to the Middle Age – and you can also feed the friendly animals wandering around the place.

Secret Nuclear Bunker

5.  Secret Nuclear Bunker

Where is it? Just outside the village of Kelevdon Hatch.  What is it? Visit Essex’s best-kept secret: an underground nuclear bunker. Strong enough to withstand a nuclear blast, this hidden bunker started life as an RAF air defence station, before becoming a regional government HQ. It was decommissioned after the Cold war and is now open to the public for self-guided tours.   Why go? A mast and simple-looking bungalow are the only things marking the entrance, but descend the 120m reinforced tunnel and you’ll find yourself in the heart of a nuclear shelter. Imagine life here by visiting the rooms built to recycle air and communicate with the outside, try on gas masks and even eat in the canteen. Afterwards, why not try an aptly-themed onsite escape room by Clue HQ?

Dedham Vale

6.  Dedham Vale

Where is it? North of Colchester.  What is it?  Dedham Vale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the  picturesque Stour Valley sit pretty in the middle of Constable Country. Dedham village is filled with quaint cottages, tearooms and churches, and surrounded by ancient woodlands, verdant meadows and accessible walks – it’s the perfect escape to the countryside. Why go? It’s little wonder the surroundings here have inspired artists and writers. Follow the easy two-mile walk through fields of cows from Dedham to Flatford Mill. Or if you prefer, hire boats and row the same route along the River Stour. Finish your trip with cake in one of the many tearooms in the area, or head to nearby Le Talbooth restaurant for a top-notch dinner.

Firstsite

7.  Firstsite

Where is it? Colchester.  What is it? This visual arts space opened in 2011 and showcases an ever-changing creative programme of exhibitions, films, performances and events. Its contemporary golden building designed by architect Rafael Viñoly is work of art in its own right. Why go? With plenty going on (and free entry), it’s always worth checking to see what’s on at this under-the-radar gallery. Past exhibitions have included some big names, like pop-art poster boy Andy Warhol. There are plenty of alternative film screenings and art classes too for both kids and adults.

Southend pier

8.  Southend pier

Where is it? Southend-on-Sea.  What is it? Extending out into the sea for more a mile, Southend pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world. For more than 100 years, it’s survived fires, storms, boat collisions and two world wars – not bad going for a seaside attraction. Why go? As much a British seaside icon as fish and chips and striped deckchairs, no day at the beach would be complete without a mooch down the pier. It’s quite a walk, so take the electric train that runs the length of the pier one way, and save your energy for mini golf…

Sugar Hut

9.  Sugar Hut

Where is it? Brentwood.  What is it? This restaurant, cocktail bar and night club shot to fame several years ago thanks regular appearances on the popular reality show ‘ The Only Way is Esse x’ . Why go? There’s a reason this venue attracts revellers from all over the UK (and beyond). With a classy dress code and plenty of hen/stag dos around, you’re guaranteed to have a good time dancing the night away here – and who knows, you might even see a few famous faces while you’re at it.

Audley End House and Gardens

10.  Audley End House and Gardens

Where is it? Just outside Saffron Walden. What is it? The opulent Jacobean mansion at the heart of the estate is one of the most impressive of its kind. An English Heritage site, you can wander the mansion’s great hall, state apartments and library, then spend time in the tranquil surrounding gardens. Why go? There’s lots to see at this historic property. Head down to the servants’ quarters, where costumed characters will help you imagine life here in its Victorian heyday. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the stable yard either, where you can meet the resident horses and catch a riding display.

Harwich Redoubt

11.  Harwich Redoubt

Where is it? Harwich.  What is it? This pleasingly circular fort was originally built to protect the Harwich harbour against Napoleonic forces (a destiny it luckily never had to fulfil). The ancient monument has since been restored to its former glory and is now open as a museum. Why go? The volunteers from the local historical society run the museum – and they are full of passion and knowledge for the place. See some of the original canons that manned the fort, as well as exhibitions of military and maritime collections. If you like your history lessons all guns blazing, reenactments of battles are sometimes held outdoors in the summer.

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Things to Do in Essex, England - Essex Attractions

Things to do in essex, explore popular experiences, popular cities in essex.

places to visit suffolk essex

Ways to tour Essex

places to visit suffolk essex

Private 4x4 Safari - VIP Tour from Portland - Cruise Ship Special

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  • Private Guided Historic Colchester and Lavenham Tour

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Roman Visitor Outdoor Escape Game in Colchester

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Zombie Scavengers Game - Southend-on-Sea, UK

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60 minute Thames & Medway Estuary Helicopter Tour

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Colchester Walking Tour + Farmers Market

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Historic Walking Tour of Colchester

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Tours of Colchester

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Lost Centurion Outdoor Escape Game in Colchester

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Private 4x4 Safari - VIP Tour - Southampton - Cruise Ship Special

Top attractions in essex.

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Fun & Games

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Walking Tours

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Historical Tours

Self-guided tours, private sightseeing tours, half-day tours.

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What travelers are saying

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  • Adventure Island
  • Tiptree Jam Museum & Tea Room
  • Weeleyhall Wood
  • Colchester Zoo
  • Hylands Gardens & Parkland
  • Imperial Bird of Prey Academy
  • Green Island Gardens
  • Partyman World of Play
  • Bridge End Garden
  • Private Cruise Ship Special from Portland (Stonehenge) UK
  • Private Cruise Ship Special from Southampton Port
  • London Private Layover Tour from London Stansted Airport
  • London Private Layover Tour From London Stansted Airport
  • Cluetopia - Clacton Escape Rooms
  • Maldon Escape Rooms
  • Cluetopia - Walton Escape Rooms
  • Chelmsford Escape Rooms
  • Keylock Games

Phone: 01394 445225 | Email: [email protected]

Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape

50 Things to Do categories:

Places to Visit

Cultural heritage, leisure activities.

Landscapes and Nature

Relics and reminders from Suffolk’s long history have, over time, become part of the landscape. The burial mounds at Sutton Hoo which date back to the 6th Century and the unique polygonal tower of Orford Castle built in the 12th Century demonstrate how the past influenced the landscape.

There is significant religious heritage that can be seen in the ruins of Greyfriars Priory, in the unique thatched roof of St Peter’s Church in Westleton and in the classical Georgian towers at Mistley.

Our Top Heritage Things to See:

View of Sutton Hoo tower

Visit this Anglo-Saxon royal burial site located near Woodbridge for the improved visitor experience including a new viewing tower.

View of Dunwich Greyfriars

Greyfriars Priory

Grade II listed ruins of a mid-13th century Franciscan friary near the village of Dunwich.

View of Orford Castle

Orford Castle

Home to one of England’s most complete and unusual keeps, visitors can explore the castle from the basement up to the roof.

View of Westleton Church

St Peters Church

The exterior of the church is unusual because it has no tower or spire and it also has a thatched roof.

View of Mistley Towers

Mistley Towers

Overlooking the River Stour, the two porticoed towers stood by the end of an unconventional Georgian church designed by Robert Adam in 1776.

The AONB has a huge range of things to see and do, from getting up close to the famous Suffolk Punch horse to staying in House in the Clouds in Thorpeness. Dunwich Museum reveals the history of the city under the sea, while Landguard Fort, Bawdsey Radar Museum and HMS Ganges Museum all look at the area’s military history.

There is an opportunity to see how local food and drink is produced such as flour at the Woodbridge Tide Mill or beer and gin at the Adnams Brewery Tour. The vast coastline and estuaries provide an opportunity to explore the area by boat, with not only several foot ferries but also tour operators that offer pleasure trips on the rivers.

Our helpful visitor destination organisation, The Suffolk Coast , is an ideal start for exploring even more. 

Our Top Places to See:

Two horses by a fence

Suffolk Punch Trust

The farm located on the Deben Peninsula not only breeds endangered Suffolk Punch horses but has rare breed animals and runs events throughout the spring and summer.

Group of kids at Dunwich museum

Dunwich Museum

The village of Dunwich was once a large, thriving port but was lost to the sea over six centuries ago. The museum tells the story of the town and the lost city under the water.

Closeup of Southwold pier sign

Southwold Pier

Originally built in 1900, Southwold Pier once welcomed holiday makers arriving by steamboat. Today the Pier offers attractions, entertainment, food and drink .

View of House in the Clouds

The House in the Clouds

Nestled in the skyline at Thorpeness, this quirky house was built to cover a former water tower. Today, the house is available as a holiday let.

Group of kids running in Landguard Fort

Landguard Fort

One of England’s best-preserved coastal defences surrounded by the Landguard National Nature Reserve in Felixstowe. Visitors to the fort can learn about its history and enjoy re-enactments.

View of Tide Mill with boat in foreground

Woodbridge Tide Mill Museum

One of the first tide mills in the country is still working on the same site well over 800 years later. Visitors will not only discover how the flour is made but can buy a sample to take home.

View from inside Ganges museum

HMS Ganges Museum

The museum, located in Shotley Gate, is dedicated to the 160,000 boys who went through the Royal Navy Training Establishment between 1905 to 1976.

Group of people beside machine

Adnams Brewery Tours

Adnams have been brewing beer in Southwold for almost 700 years and the tours take visitors behind the scenes to see how the different beers and spirits are brewed today.

Group of people on small ferry

Suffolk Foot Ferries

There are four foot ferries operating across estuaries in the AONB; Walberswick-Southwold, Butley, Felixstowe-Bawdsey, and Shotley-Harwich-Felixstowe.

People at Bawdsey Gallery

Bawdsey Radar Museum

Following an investment in 2016, visitors to the museum can now enjoy an award-winning exhibition about the development and use of radar from the 1930’s, through WWII to the present day.

For locals and visitors alike walking is one of the most popular pastimes in the AONB and there are several long-distance paths and numerous footpaths to choose from.

Whatever the distance, walkers can see unique landscapes including shingle beaches, heathland, saltmarshes and forest and see the species that live there. The AONB website has over thirty walking guides that are free to download.

Our Top Walks:

Person walking along river bank

Long Distance Walks

Enjoy the challenge of a longer walk over several days, on the Suffolk Coast Path, Sandlings Walk and Stour & Orwell Walk.

Closeup of post pointing to Snape Warren

Sailors Path

Beautiful walking route between Aldeburgh and Snape Maltings exploring varied landscapes and the Snape Warren Nature Reserve.

places to visit suffolk essex

Suffolk Walking Festival

Annual celebration of walking in the county that takes place throughout May.

View of Orwell bridge from heath

Orwell Country Park

Officially opened 1995 and on the edge of Ipswich, the park follows the Orwell estuary and covers almost 500 acres.

Landscape view of river bank

A quiet spot along the River Orwell with heathland, wooded cliffs and river valley.

The Suffolk Coast &Heaths AONB has a rich and varied cultural heritage. Aldeburgh and Snape are world-renowned for their close links to 20th Century composer Benjamin Britten and the annual Aldeburgh Festival is now in its 74th year.

Other festivals include: literary festivals such as Way with Words at Southwold, and the music festival Latitude, which has been attracting some of the biggest names in rock and pop since 2006.

At Snape Maltings there is an opportunity to enjoy sculptures by Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and Alison Wilding, while Maggi Hambling’s Scallop sculpture can be found on the beach at Aldeburgh.

Our Top Cultural Activities:

Way with words festival

Way with Words

Every November the coastal town of Southold opens its door for this popular five day literary festival.

Multi-coloured sheep at Latitude festival

Latitude Festival

Now in its 14th year, this annual music festival takes place in Henham Park, near Southwold.

Scallop statue on beach

Maggi Hambling ‘Scallop’ sculpture

Installed on Aldeburgh beach in 2003, ‘The Scallop’ commemorates composer Benjamin Britten and displays a quote from Britten’s Peter Grimes ‘I hear those voices that will not be drowned’.

Landscape view of Snape and river

Snape Malting s

One of the world’s leading centres of music, Snape Maltings, originally a working maltings, became a concert hall in 1965 as avenue for the Aldeburgh Festival of Music.

View of Red House in Aldeburgh

One of the most popular seaside towns in Suffolk and well known for its links to composer Benjamin Britten. You can visit his home The Red House which is famous for their great fish and chips!

There are numerous ways to get active in the AONB. You can explore the area by bike or visit Tunstall and Rendlesham Forests which both have dedicated trails for families and advanced mountain bikers. There are canoes and paddleboards available to hire at several beach locations as well as great spots for crabbing.

Every year, the AONB takes part in the Great British Beach Clean which is a great way for people to help in the effort to improve the local environment.

Our Top Leisure Activities

Landscape view of river with boats in foreground

Iken Canoes

Explore the River Alde by canoe, kayak or stand up paddleboard and keep an eye out for otters and seals who often visit the area.

Kids crabbing by river

There are lots of great spots for crabbing in the AONB and popular locations are Walberswick, Bawdsey or Felixstowe Ferry.

People picking up litter at a Beach Watch event

Great British Beach Clean

There are lots of ways to support your local environment but a popular way to get started is to join the annual Great British Beach Clean which takes place between 18-21 September 2020.

Woman and children in front of beach houses

Swimming and Sandcastles

Suffolk’s beaches are a mix of sandy and shingle and many people enjoy taking a dip or spending a family day out making sand castle in front of traditional beach huts.

Couple walking in a forest

Rendlesham Forest

1,500-hectare mixed woodland near Woodbridge offering walking, cycling and orienteering trails including the famous UFO trail.

Man on bike cycling through forest

Tunstall Forest

Tucked between Tunstall and Blaxhall Commons, the forest is home to many ground nesting birds including Nightjar and Woodlark. There is also the Viking Trail – a 10-mile advanced mountain biking route.

Couple and dog walking on beach

Suffolk is a very dog friendly county and there are fantastic walks for dogs. While some beaches restrict dogs in the summer months, many are open. The AONB encourages owners to take responsibility for reducing dog disturbance of wildlife.

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Become a beach detective

Download our handy guide to help understand all the items you might find on our shingle beaches.

You may also be interested in meeting the Beach Bonkers organisation for a day out looking for treasures.

Sail boats sailing through Orwell bridge

River boat trips

Take a different look at the beautiful Suffolk coast and rivers by enjoying a sightseeing or charted boat cruise

Landscape and Nature

Without doubt, the scenic beauty of the AONB makes it a unique place to live and to visit. Central to this is connecting with nature and being close to so many different and rare habitats including estuaries, reed beds, saltmarshes and shingle.

Enjoyment with respect is our advice. Many rare birds make the AONB their home including the woodlark, nightjar and Dartford warbler while others such as the Redshank and Oystercatcher come for the breeding season. Other threatened species such as the silver-studded blue – the UK’s rarestbutterfly can also be found in the patchwork of ancient heathland.

There are plenty of opportunities to learn more about the plants, animals and birds in the AONB by visiting nature reserves managed by the RSPB, Suffolk Wildlife Trust and National Trust.

Our Top Natural Places

Winding river surrounded by marshes

Orford Ness

Internationally important Nature Reserve with the best conserved area of vegetated shingle in Europe.

Small river running towards camera

Deben estuary

A Site of Special Scientific Interest covers the River Deben and its banks, along the 16 kilometres from its mouth at Felixstowe Ferry to Woodbridge, home to 40% of Suffolk’s saltmarshes.

Landscape view of Shingle Street

Shingle Street

A coastal hamlet famous for its shingle beach providing a home to a variety of wildlife including birds and insects.

Landscape view of a pond

Suffolk Wildlife Trust

Numerous nature reserves are owned by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, who manage almost 8,000 acres of unique habitats and support threatened species such as dormouse, hedgehog, swift, water vole and lapwing.

Field in Sutton Heath

Sutton Heath

Managed by the Woodland Trust, this mixed woodland features sweet chestnut, pine, oak trees, most of them 70-100 years old, as well as several varieties of bat.

Landscape view of Covehithe beach

Benacre National Nature Reserve

With a combination of reedbeds, lagoons as well as woodland and heathland, the nature reserve is home to over 100 bird species.

Path by some trees

Wrabness Nature Reserve

Overlooking the River Stour and managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust, Wrabness is home to many species including the Nightingale and Short-eared Owl.

Redshank fishing in shallow water

The RSPB has several reserves across the AONB providing an opportunity to visitors to learn more about the different habitats and glimpse some of the incredible bird species that live, breed and feed in Suffolk.

Landscape view of Dunwich beach

Dunwich Heath and Beach

One of several National Trust reserves at Dunwich you can follow the family wildlife trails and learn about the different species who live and breed on the heathland. There are also accessible routes for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

places to visit suffolk essex

places to visit suffolk essex

Places to visit in Suffolk

Visit Suffolk for the quintessentially English experience. Immerse yourself in live music festivals, swanky coastal towns, and local microbreweries producing some of the best beer in the world. Suffolk is packed to the brim with adventure; explore safari parks where you can see lions and zebra roaming free, or rent a pastel beach hut on the North Sea and enjoy all that an English seaside holiday has to offer. If it’s history you’re after, then explore Bury St Edmunds and its historical architecture before enjoying one of those local beers in Britain’s smallest pub.

places to visit suffolk essex

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places to visit suffolk essex

Gold winner: Thorington Theatre

Head into the Sussex woods to enjoy a play, musical or live music at this sustainably built outdoor theatre – winner of the New Tourism Business of the Year Award 2023.

places to visit suffolk essex

Reconnect with nature at Dunwich Heath

Tucked away on the coast, Dunwich Heath is one of the more remote and dramatically beautiful parts of Suffolk.

Location: Dunwich , Suffolk

places to visit suffolk essex

Take a luxury break at Kesgrave Hall

Treat yourself to a stay at Kesgrave Hall, a boutique hotel housed in a Georgian building just outside Ipswich.

Location: Kesgrave, Suffolk

places to visit suffolk essex

A coastal break with a unique twist

Swap a standard double for a balancing barn or geometric house, both are worthy of spot on Grand Designs.

Location: Thorrington & Thorpeness, Suffolk

places to visit suffolk essex

Holiday amongst the clouds

For a fairytale holiday on the Suffolk Coast, drop your bags off at The House in the Clouds, a weird and wonderful holiday home.

Location: Thorpeness, Suffolk

places to visit suffolk essex

Enjoy a stay in this unique holiday home

Stay in Hill House Hall on Woodbridge’s Market Hill, one of the oldest houses in Suffolk packed with personality and surprises.

Location: Woodbridge, Suffolk

places to visit suffolk essex

Stay in a 200-year-old tower

Book a stay in a converted 19th century fort, where sea views and dreamy skies are all part of the décor.

Location: Shingle Street, Suffolk

places to visit suffolk essex

Take a tour of Adnams Copper House Distillery

The most energy-efficient distillery in the UK, producing high quality vodka, gin, whisky and more from grin to glass.

Location: Southwold, Suffolk

places to visit suffolk essex

Discover Maggi Hambling’s The Scallop

The Scallop, this iconic image of the Suffolk Coast arrived on Aldeburgh beach in 2003, courtesy of local artist, Maggi Hambling.

Location: Aldeburgh, Suffolk

places to visit suffolk essex

Get close to the deer at the Red Deer rut

The majestic red deer is our largest land mammal: a beautiful creature, from hoof to antler, whose iconic silhouette has captivated us for centuries.

Location: Minsmere, Suffolk

places to visit suffolk essex

Saxon Heritage at Sutton Hoo

See one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time at Sutton Hoo.

places to visit suffolk essex

Discover the coastal charm of Felixstowe Ferry

This beautiful village at the mouth of the river Debden is an idyllic place to while away the hours.

Location: Felixstowe Ferry, Suffolk

places to visit suffolk essex

Stay in an eco-lodge at Somerleyton Estate

Wake up surrounded by nature in an eco-lodge on the banks of tranquil Fritton Lake.

Location: Lowestoft, Suffolk

places to visit suffolk essex

September events: Help yourself to the best food and drink in Aldeburgh

Fine food, local brews and idyllic seaside make the perfect ingredients for a tasty weekend away.

places to visit suffolk essex

Family summer holidays at Oulton Broad

If you’re looking for inspiration about where to go with the family this summer, might we suggest the rather lovely town of Oulton Broad.

Location: Oulton Broad, Suffolk

places to visit suffolk essex

Wonky cottages and golden sands in Suffolk

One glimpse of the wonky old cottages lining the main street is enough to convince you that this village has hardly changed in centuries.

Location: Walberswick, Suffolk

places to visit suffolk essex

Fall in love with picture perfect Lavenham

With its winding streets lined with thatched cottages and medieval timber-framed buildings, it’s very easy to fall in love with Lavenham.

Location: Lavenham, Suffolk

places to visit suffolk essex

Discover a glamping oasis in the heart of Suffolk

If the thought of camping conjures images of screaming kids and collapsing tents, then relax, have a cup of tea and check out Suffolk’s Alde Garden.

Location: Saxmundham, Suffolk

places to visit suffolk essex

Experience Somerleyton Hall’s romance, history and grandeur

Step back in time with a visit to one of Suffolk’s best-preserved stately homes and gardens, near the town of Lowestoft.

Location: Somerleyton, Suffolk

places to visit suffolk essex

Stay and sail along Suffolk’s Heritage Coast on a sailing course

Enjoy the gentle pace of Suffolk’s rivers and coast, then bed down in a boutique hotel at night, with Viking Mariners’ stay and sail packages.

Location: Ipswich, Suffolk

places to visit suffolk essex

May events: Get down to The Suffolk Show

Take your family on a weekend break to Suffolk’s biggest and barmiest event near Ipswich and see the Shetland Pony Grand National.

places to visit suffolk essex

Enjoy a budget break on the Suffolk coast

Low on cost, rich in outdoor fun – Suffolk has plenty to offer holidaymakers on a cheap weekend break.

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Nearby counties to visit.

places to visit suffolk essex

Visit Essex to explore wild countryside, spot some of England’s most varied wildlife, and see masterfully preserved heritage. There’s something for everyone in this seaside county.

places to visit suffolk essex

Visit Cambridge to see the world’s fourth oldest university. Hire a punt, look round the galleries and explore its 31 colleges, it’s impossible not to be captivated by the academic spirit.

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The Crazy Tourist

Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Places to Visit in Suffolk (England)

15 Best Places to Visit in Suffolk (England)

Without a city to speak of, the County of Suffolk is scattered with rural towns, and many of these are as divine as any you’ll see in England.

In the south the idyllic countryside of water meadows and mills by the River Stour was immortalised by the 19th-century painter John Constable.

Further west are the Wool Towns, medieval communities that time forgot and whose half-timbered houses have set the scene for movies like Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

And last but not least is the coast, with towns that are authentic and low-key like the rest of the county, all the more appealing for it.

Lets explore the best places to visit in Suffolk :

1. Bury St Edmunds

Bury St Edmunds Cathedral

Proud host of the only cathedral in Suffolk, Bury St Edmunds may well be the most beautiful town in the county.

There’s history from all sorts of different periods, and many buildings in the town are even older than they look because the old timber-framing was bricked over in the 1700s, as was the Georgian fashion.

St Edmundsbury Cathedral should be on your agenda, as should the ruined Bury St Edmunds Abbey, standing in serene gardens that you enter via a stunning Norman gateway.

More recent but no less fabulous is the Theatre Royal, the only surviving regency theatre in England, newly restored to its pre-Victorian glory.

The Greene King brewery is also in Bury St Edmunds, brewing ale for more than 200 years and welcoming you for tours.

Ipswich

On the Orwell Estuary, Ipswich is a town that vies for the title of the oldest in England.

Its history goes back to the 600s when a Saxon settlement took shape around the docks.

All the way through the middle ages, Ipswich was a key port for trade with Europe.

This legacy is recognised during the Ipswich Maritime Festival in August when there are street markets, historical re-enactments and old sailboats visit the town.

As it was in the past, the waterside area is the most engaging part of Ipswich, where old warehouses are now apartments, restaurants and galleries, and the University of Suffolk injects some youthful energy.

In the Buttermarket area, see the Ancient House, a fine 14th-century merchant’s house embellished with the “pargeting”, decorative plasterwork, that East Anglia is known for.

3. Southwold

Southwold Pier

Suffolk has a speciality in charming, understated seaside towns, and Southwold is one of the best.

Take the pier for instance, which instead of tacky amusements has a restaurant, cute little cafes and vintage-style coin-operated machines that have helped win it “Pier of Year”. Further down the coast, the oldest part of Southwold is a knot of painted old houses and maritime inns, all commanded by the Southwold Lighthouse, commissioned in 1890 and still working today, guiding vessels into the harbour and sending a warning signal 24 miles out to sea.

Call in for a look around and to climb the 92 steps to the platform at the top.

4. Newmarket

Newmarket Racecourse

In the far west of the county, the name of this fabled market town is practically a byword of horseracing.

Newmarket is the birthplace of the sport, with races recorded as far back as the 12th century.

It is also the centre for horse-breeding and training in England, and the Jockey Club is headquartered right in the town.

To illustrate its status, nine of Britain’s 32 prestigious Group 1 races are run at the Newmarket Racecourse, which also has the National Horseracing Museum, indispensable for anyone interested in the sport.

5. Lavenham

Lavenham

The Suffolk Wool Towns are considered among the best-preserved medieval settlements in England.

These got rich from the wool trade in the middle ages, when nearly all of their landmarks were built.

Lavenham, now a village, was once one of the wealthiest towns in England and now has some 340 listed buildings.

One of these is the Church of St Peter and St Paul, completed in 1525 and seen as a masterwork of Late Perpendicular Gothic design, crammed with wondrous decoration, like the 14th-century painted rood screen.

There’s loads more to see, like the 16th-century timber Guildhall, which recounts Lavenham’s history perfectly as it was a hub for business in the 1500s, but by Victorian times was a workhouse once the wool trade had died off.

Lavenham’s architecture appeared in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Parts I and II.

6. Long Melford

Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford

A fine complement to Lavenham, Long Melford is also a Wool Town and has lots of sumptuous architecture from the time when it was booming.

Kentwell Hall is the grandest of all, with a facade in the gothic style from the mid-1500s, but interiors that go back to the 11th century.

You can have a good look around inside, but there are also wondrous gardens and a rare breeds farm for kids.

The Holy Trinity Church was financed by wool merchants, which explains its extravagance and scale, and its often rated among the most beautiful in the country.

The nave is the longest of any parish church in England and nearly all of the traceried windows contain their original medieval glass.

7. Felixstowe

Felixstowe

There are two sides to Felixstowe, and the difference between them is night and day.

In the south is the largest container port in the UK, receiving 3,000 gigantic cargo ships a year on a headland guarding the Stour Estuary.

It’s an eye-opener to see such the port and its traffic in action.

Landguard Fort on the headland is run by English Heritage and was in use from the 16th century all the way up to the Second World War.

And then as you travel north, the docks give way to pebble beaches and an Edwardian coastal town.

Felixstowe Pier has the requisite amusement arcade and the foreshore is a sequence of pretty gardens landscaped at the turn of the 20th century.

8. East Bergholt

Flatford Mill

The south of Suffolk, around the Dedham Vale Area of Natural Beauty is marketed as Constable Country.

East Bergholt was the birthplace of John Constable, one of England’s most-celebrated artists who painted the local pastoral landscapes in his romantic style in the early-1800s.

Close by is Flatford Mill, an 18th-century watermill which was owned by Constable’s father and was the subject of many of his paintings, most famously Flatford Mill (Scene on a Navigable River), which is hanging at the Tate Britain in London.

The mill and its thatched cottage are now managed by the National Trust, and hold an exhibition about the artist.

9. Lowestoft

Lowestoft

The UK’s easternmost settlement is a seaside town that makes for a fun day trip in summer, especially if you have children.

There are more than enough high-quality attractions to entertain littler holidaymakers for a day or two: Africa Alive! is a conservation-oriented zoo with giraffes, zebras, water buffalo and lemurs.

While the amusement park, Pleasurewood Hills, despite being on the small side, is always adding new attractions and rides.

The beach to the south of Claremont Pier is a perennial Blue Flag winner, with immaculate sands and long promenade behind.

For entertainment and culture there’s the Victorian Marina Theatre, where the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra has a residency, or the Lowestoft Maritime Museum, which dips into the town’s seafaring past and former fishing industry.

10. Sudbury

Sudbury

East of the Dedham Vale, Sudbury is a historic market town on the River Stour.

Sudbury was the birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough, England’s pre-eminent portrait painter of the mid-18th century.

Gainsborough’s beautiful house is preserved as a museum for the artist, with a number of his works and information about his early years in the town.

In the countryside the Stour is implausibly pretty, nourishing water meadows that you can reach along the Valley Walk, which is both a footpath and cycle route.

Boat trips on the Stour are a tranquil way to pass a sunny afternoon, taking you past banks with grazing cattle and the tower of Sudbury’s All Saints Church in the background.

11. Woodbridge

Woodbridge

In 1939 at Sutton Hoo, archaeologists discovered the most important Saxon site in England.

It consisted of a 30-metre burial ship, most likely for the 7th-century King Rædwald, and treasures that changed people’s conceptions of Saxon workmanship.

The exhibition hall at Sutton Hoo has reconstructed the burial chamber and gives you fresh insights about the Saxons in East Anglia.

Of course there’s more to the lovely town of Woodbridge, which has been a maritime centre for hundreds of years and has a traditional harbour on the River Deben.

Here, clad with white weatherboarding, is the Woodbridge Tide Mill, which is 800 years old and continues to grind flour.

12. Framlingham

Framlingham Castle

This market town often polls as one of the most liveable places in the county, but it also has huge historical importance: Framlingham Castle was constructed in the 1100s and was the seat of some of England’s most powerful families.

All kinds of political intrigue and plots have been hatched at this spot.

One momentous event was Mary Tudor retreating here in 1553 after the death of Henry VIII and summoning an army to march on London and take the throne.

The castle is in fantastic condition and you can walk along the battlements for inspiring views.

Spare some time for the Church of St Michael, recognised for its Thamar Organ, one of just a handful in England to survive the Civil War in the 17th century.

Orford Castle

On the River Alde, which weaves through a coastal wetland region on the way to the north sea, Orford is a small town with a maritime character and a whiff of brine.

Orford Ness is protected as a nature reserve and adored by boaters, especially on clear days when the whole landscape glistens in the sun.

There’s a quaint old quay by the water, the sort of place that has a pub called “The Jolly Sailor”. You can catch a ferry across the river to the wetlands or go for crisp walks on the beach.

Orford Castle gazes out over the Ness and was ordered by Henry II in the 12th century to firm up the royal power base in the area.

The keep is in excellent condition and has a very unusual appearance, possibly inspired by medieval Byzantine architecture.

14. Aldeburgh

Aldeburgh

A coastal town with a blue flag pebble beach, Aldeburgh is oriented towards visitors, but it would be wrong to call this unspoiled place a seaside resort.

Aldeburgh has little in common with classic English seaside destinations, and is instead more of a historic village by the sea.

In Tudor times Aldeburgh was a busy port and there are quite a few structures from this period.

See the 16th-century Moot Hall, a kind of town meeting hall which now houses Aldeburgh’s museum.

The Red House is another delightful period property, where the 20th-century composer Benjamin Britten lived.

Finally, Aldeburgh has a reputation for its fish and chips, claiming two of the best shops in the country.

Clare, Suffolk

Like the best of Suffolk’s Wool Towns, Clare is just a small settlement now, but its high status in former times lends it tons of personality.

Indeed, there are 133 listed buildings in the town, a large amount of which are from the 1500s or older.

Very evocative is the castle, which was constructed directly after the Norman Conquest and once belonged to Elizabeth de Clare, who wielded serious power in the 14th-century England.

Now it’s a picturesque ruin atop its earthen motte at the heart of a park.

Clare also has a large wool church, held as one of East Anglia’s finest and filled with interesting fittings, like the 17th-century choir stalls and a brass lectern dating to the 1400s.

15 Best Places to Visit in Suffolk (England):

  • Bury St Edmunds
  • Long Melford
  • East Bergholt
  • Framlingham

Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled

15 Picturesque Places to Explore in Essex

From picture-perfect Constable country to bustling cities filled with nightclub-loving residents, Essex—like many of its residents—is quite a character!

It’s also a gorgeous corner of the South East that sometimes gets overlooked by visitors coming further afield. This is a huge shame, as they’re missing out on some of the prettiest places England has to offer! Here are my favourite beauty spots in this underrated county…

Dedham - most beautiful places to visit in Essex

The artists amongst you will know Dedham as ‘Constable Country.’ John Constable was a famous 18th-century romantic country painter whose detailed landscape oil paintings were inspired by the area and were considered revolutionary in the art world! 

Once you visit, it’s easy to see why John Constable gained so much inspiration from what he saw! The place is genuinely beautiful, giving rise to country vistas and picturesque architecture punctuated by lush green lawns and tree lines.

Housed within are the usual village staples of beam-fronted buildings and tearooms. For the more active visitor, I recommend spending a fun afternoon floating along the River Stour in a rowing boat, taking in the legendary views! 

2. Mersea Island

Mersea island Essex

Essex is not traditionally associated with idyllic, laid-back island life, but Mersea offers exactly that! An island to the West of Clacton-on-Sea, Mersea houses colourful beach huts and sweeping open spaces to make it a hidden estuarial gem.

The island’s Western side is ideal for a postcard-perfect beach day, complete with multi-coloured huts, sandy beaches, and seafood restaurants, and I would also suggest a cheeky pint or glass of wine in one of its many pubs! 

The Eastern side has a slightly different flavour. Cudmore Grove National Park is a natural haven offering bird watchers and picnic aficionados a space to indulge in what they love.

3. Epping Forest

Epping Forest - best places to visit in Essex

If discovering lakes and treading meandering forest trails through leafy green vistas are your thing, then I would say look no further! Epping Forest straddles the Greater London and Essex border, and its excellent transport links mean it is easy to get to.

‘The Peoples Forest’ is awash with beauty and history too. Whether you are a walker (with or without a dog), a cyclist, an equestrian enthusiast, or a city type who just wants a quick ‘break’, in my opinion, Epping Forest is a treasure! 

Admission is free to the Queens Hunting Lodge, where rumour has it, Henry VIII used to take potshots at the poor, occasional passing deer. Connaught Water is one of the better-known lakes in the forest and is not far from Chingford.

I would recommend a visit. They have excellent parking and facilities, a manageable walk, and the option to feed the numerous waterfowl that inhabit the lake all year round.

As one of the oldest towns in Essex and oozing charm, I personally think Maldon is a jewel of a town! Its signatures include timber-framed medieval buildings, salt marshes, and a port laden with history. 

It’s also one of the few places in the UK where you can board a Thames barge, which at one point in time would have crowded the docks at Hythe Quay, loading and unloading their wares. Now they offer afternoon tea or sightseeing tours.

Promenade Park, known locally as ‘The Prom, ’ offers short picturesque walks, the opportunity to sit and people-watch, and maybe a bite to eat.

If the weather isn’t playing, I suggest wandering up to Bright’s Path, where you can get a chintzy cup of tea and perhaps a slice of cake! 

5. Finchingfield

Finchingfield Village Essex

If you were to open a travel dictionary and look up ‘stereotypical Home Counties village’, chances are you would find a picture of Finchingfield! The village feel in this town almost borders on the ridiculous! 

Boasting a village green, tiny stone bridges, country pubs, and even a windmill, you would be forgiven for thinking you were back in the 1930s.

Located just North of Braintree, the village isn’t exactly a tourist epicentre, but I personally think that’s what gives it most of its charm! 

6. Walton-on-the-Naze

Walton-on-the-Naze Essex

Piers, sandy beaches, ice creams, and fish and chips. What could be better? Situated on the East Coast, Walton-on-the-Naze is full of traditional British beachside charm and I’m personally a huge fan!

A huge beach with soft, clean sand means plenty of space to set up for the day, remain relatively undisturbed, or even go for a long walk. Lifeguards monitor the beach for those who fancy a dip in safety.

If getting sand everywhere fills you with horror, I recommend heading to the lovely little pier down. There, you can stroll, and numerous kiosks sell everything from whelks to souvenirs.

It makes an ideal day trip for those looking to ‘escape’ London or a weekend getaway with a stay at one of the many guesthouses here.

7. Audley End House

Audley End House Essex

Audley End House is a 17th-century mansion that has undergone various renovations and, at one point, even accommodated King Charles II. The size and grandeur of the house, located just to the West of picturesque Saffron Waldon, are breathtaking.

The gardens, in particular, are ideal for a picnic or just a lovely photo opportunity. From a historical point of view, the house has had an interesting past.

It was used in World War II to train covert Polish operatives before they were parachuted into enemy territory. If this is an area that interests you, English Heritage offers guided tours detailing this and other facts from the house’s 400-year history.

If the crowds are too great, the nearby market town of Saffron Walden offers pastel-coloured tea shops and black-and-white timbered pubs where you can grab a bite to eat and relax.

8. Colchester

Colchester - places to go in Essex

Colchester will keep you busy if you want plenty to see and do. Located in the centre of Essex, it has good transport links and is easy to get to.

It’s an attractive city with interesting historic buildings. It was built on the foundations of a Roman temple, and one of the city museums displays artefacts up to 2,500 years old.

So, it has a long history indeed! It’s a pleasant place to spend an afternoon, taking advantage of the many shops, restaurants, and cafes. Make sure you also include a visit to Colchester Castle .

The castle is well preserved and even houses a museum, making it an ideal ‘back pocket’ option for a rainy day. The castle is housed in the centre of a park so you can take advantage of the grounds on good weather days.

9. Frinton-on-sea

Frinton-on-sea Essex

If you have spent several days in Walton-on-the-Naze and fancy a change, somewhere quieter or a good walk, then Frinton-on-sea is worth visiting. If you’ve got the motivation, you can walk from one to the other and back (there is also a regular bus, however).

Frinton is the less commercial version of Walton-on-the-Naze. There are no kiosks or shops selling buckets and spades here, just well-tended promenade gardens, benches, and serenity.

The only bright thing you’ll be seeing is the multi-coloured beach huts, which are available to rent daily or weekly.

10. Hadleigh Castle

Hadleigh Castle - places to go in Essex

As a happy historical coincidence, castles were designed to give the best possible views over their surroundings. Hadleigh Castle is no exception; it offers breathtaking panoramas of the Thames estuary and Kent.

Whilst the castle isn’t exactly in tip-top condition, if you use your imagination, you might be able to envisage its former glory in days gone by.

For some atmospheric and brooding photography, you won’t find a better venue (check the weather first, as it can get a bit ‘breezy’). With limited parking, the castle can be a challenge to walk to, so take something supportive to wear on your feet.

11. Weald Country Park

Weald Country Park

Located a 15-minute drive from Brentwood, Weald Country Park is special because of deer, rolling meadows, and stunning views. With more than 520 acres, you can wander to your heart’s content.

In spring and throughout summer, the rolling grassland is dotted with outbreaks of wildflowers.

There are deer held in an enclosure that you can feed by hand, and for those with children to occupy (if the deer were not enough), the stick man play trail offers a good 2km walk with climbing, swinging, and crawling along the way.

12. Brightlingsea Beach

Brightlingsea Beach

Brightlingsea Beach isn’t the largest on our list but has a certain character. It is easily accessible and is located on the opposite side of the estuary to Mersea Island. It might not be as fashionable as Mersea, but it boasts many of the same features.

Featuring a promenade, many activities exist, whether simply paddling or trying to catch an angry crab. For sailing enthusiasts, there is a marina that celebrates regular regattas and events.

13. Waltham Abbey

Waltham Abbey - stunning places to visit in Essex

Rich in culture and activities, Waltham Abbey offers a one-stop shop. Lying just to the north of Epping Forest, you could combine the pair for a full day out.

I would say visit the Abbey itself and the pretty gardens. If you want a bit of excitement, the Royal Gunpowder Mills are a top-rated attraction with interactivity that will set your trip off with a bang.

There is a fair bit of history soaked up in Waltham Abbey; it is thought to be the final resting place of King Harold II. If you are more of an outdoors type and haven’t had a chance to get to Epping Forest, you can still get your ‘green fix’ in one of the town’s numerous picturesque parks.

14. Thorpe Bay

Thorpe Bay in Essex

Located South of Essex on the mouth of the Thames Estuary, Thorpe Bay is another seaside destination. With beach huts available for daily hire and clean sandy beaches, you can swim and bask at will. There are plenty of shops and restaurants catering to a variety of tastes.

With direct services to London, Thorpe Bay is easy to reach regardless of where you travel from. For those seeking a bit of an adventure, there are numerous water sports you can partake in, including kayaking and paddle boarding.

Thorpe Bay is ideal to escape the busier hustle and bustle of Southend-on-Sea.

15. Hylands House

Hylands House - Essex

Picturesque and classy, Hylands House is located just southwest of Chelmsford on over 570 acres of beautiful parkland. The house itself shines like a white beacon amidst the pleasant green grounds.

The entire park is open for wandering. If you like structure, there are five guided trails to follow.

For those who love Victoriana or if you want to indulge your inner ‘Mr Darcy,’ there are Victorian pleasure gardens to stroll around, laden with various floral wonders and neatly striped lawns and hedges.

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Picking a place to go is difficult when they are all so different.   You may be looking for a relaxing short break by the sea, a cultural get-away in town or to explore the countryside.  You can always mix and match your choices and whatever your plans, we will help you find your destination.   We will give you all the information you need from places to stay , places to see and all the things to things to do , and most importantly, how to get the most out of your visit.

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Hedingham castle, hylands estate, perrywood tiptree, things to do & places to visit in essex, in the spotlight.

Hedingham Castle

The 900 year old Norman keep of Hedingham Castle stands in 160 acres of spectacularly beautiful landscaped gardens and woodland where the Lindsay family, descendants of the original owners,…

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Perrywood is an independent, family-owned garden centre and nursery run by the Bourne Family in Essex.

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Prittlewell Priory

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Things to do in Suffolk

Suffolk boasts an exciting range of attractions and activities for every preference and budget. We designed this guide to provide you with things to do in Suffolk for couples, individuals, and families, which are a bit more relaxing than our Days Out Guide , as well as our Kids Days Out in Suffolk guide for younger children. We also offer a guide to Rainy Day activities in Suffolk and an all-encompassing what’s on in Suffolk guide with an updated list of all the current and future events.

Historic Interest

Suffolk in East Anglia is home to a great number of historical sites and wonderful museums, but Sutton Hoo, where Anglo-Saxon kings were buried, is one of the most significant places to visit. There is so much to explore in Sutton Hoo, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the UK, which is managed by the National Trust and offers an exhibition hall with an interesting video and a ship burial chamber reconstruction, in addition to offering special events and enticing guided tours during the warmer summer months. See Sutton Hoo for current opening hours and information.

Suffolk Punch

This magnificent Tudor house in England boasts Norfolk Horn sheep, Suffolk Punch horses , British White Cattle, Long Horn cattle, and the rare Baudet du Poitou donkey, among other animals (see picture above). The beautiful gardens include a peaceful pond housing wildlife and age-old yew trees decorated with a ‘Pied Piper’ hedge (see picture above). Kentwell Hall holds a variety of special events each year, including Tudor re-enactments, Magical Weekends, Kentwell through the Ages, and the Scaresville.

For more fun with horses, The National Horseracing Museum at Newmarket offers hours of fun for the whole family. The sport originated in Newmarket , where races are mentioned as early as the 12th century. The Jockey Club, the governing body for English horse racing, is headquartered right in the town.

Framlingham Castle & Orford Castle

Framlingham Castle and Orford Castle (pictured above and below, respectively) are two of the best-preserved and most impressive castles in Suffolk. Orford was the keep of Henry II, while Orford Castle is a maze of passageways and rooms that you may enjoy exploring daily. You may also find the sights of Orford Ness fascinating.

Colne Valley Railway

If you’re travelling to Essex from Suffolk, visiting Castle Hedingham to see Colne Valley Railway will undoubtedly be worth your time. One of Essex’s top-rated Visitor Attractions, Colne Valley is a beautiful line decorated with station buildings, bridges, and signal boxes that were all wonderfully restored. Be sure to check out the Travelling Post Office Exhibition and the Garden Railway during your visit. On warm days, visitors can enjoy a stroll around the Farm park to take in 30 acres of the tranquil countryside next to the River Colne. Beyond the abundance of well-known farm animals, you may also be lucky enough to witness Woodpeckers, Herons, Moorhens, Kingfishers, and Dragonflies.

The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway

The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway is Suffolk’s only active heritage railway with a standard gauge. discover more about the rich history of the unused tracks as you take a train ride in an authentic Victorian four-wheeled coach. The Middy also has an excellent museum with original structures, vehicles, artefacts, and exhibits. Throughout the summer season, the Middy hosts numerous special events, including bank holidays and school vacations. For more information, please see the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway. There are many National Trust sites in Suffolk that range from the breathtaking heather and beach at Dunwich Heath to the fascinating Guildhall in Lavenham. Check out The National Trust in Suffolk to find more information about some of these Suffolk locations and what’s happening there.

East Anglia Transport Museum

Take a trip on one of the museum’s working trams, trolley buses, and narrow-gauge railways to get a taste of East Anglian transit history. The museum displays trams, trolleybuses and motor buses from different areas of the country, including Eastern Coach Works vehicles, which were made in Lowestoft . Other vehicles on display include old cars, trucks, vans, and taxis, some of which are still being restored. Plenty of seating is available around the site, in addition to two picnic areas, one located at the tram stop in the woods. Toilets with baby-changing and disabled facilities are also available. All proceeds from the museum are reinvested in operating costs or preservation efforts, as all staff members are volunteers.

Historical Villages

In Suffolk, there are a lot of historical and enchanting villages to discover. Given many of the wool towns telling the tale of Suffolk’s rich history in the wool industry, Constable Country paying tribute to the life of the famous artist, Christchurch mansion speaking volumes of years long past, and so many other sites abundant in social history, it comes as no surprise that Suffolk boasts a myriad of historically significant areas for visitors to enjoy.  Lavenham , for example, is a medieval village filled with historical significance, offering every visitor a chance to step into the past. You can gain a sense of Suffolk’s wool legacy at Lavenham Guildhall, which is one of the National Trust sites, and Lavenham Little Hall, a historic house from the late 14th century found on the village’s main square that is now a quaint and interesting museum. To find more details on Lavenham, click on the provided link, and click here to learn more about Suffolk museums. Bury St Edmunds is a wonderful historic town offering an array of shops, restaurants, and cafés, as well as an ancient abbey that is situated among the beautiful Abbey Gardens. For more things to do in Bury St Edmunds, check out our guide to Bury St Edmunds here. 

For details of other Historic Sites and properties, please see Historical Places to Visit in Suffolk. Many historically significant sites in Suffolk, such as Landguard Fort, are regarded as English Heritage sites and are well-preserved to keep the stories of earlier times alive. For more information on English Heritage in Suffolk, see English Heritage, Suffolk.

Enjoy spending time in the great Suffolk outdoors? Check these out – Outdoor Sports in Suffolk Outdoor Activities in Suffolk

Check out Half Term Activities to get more information about events and things that are happening in Suffolk during the school holidays that all the family will enjoy. From theme parks like Pleasurewood Hills to fascinating animals in a lovely Suffolk nature reserve, you are sure to find something to your liking.

  • Puzzle Rooms

We at the Suffolk Food Hall are pleased to offer two enigmas: solving the mystery of Professor Campbell’s disappearance or escaping the Gamekeeper’s Bothy. Our adventure rooms combine traditional scenery with local Suffolk themes. Located in the farm buildings of the Suffolk Food Hall, under the Orwell Bridge, our adventures honour the site’s and the area’s agricultural history and are appropriate for all ages. Check out Puzzle Rooms for more info.

Glass & Craft Workshops

Glass & Craft Workshops , which is near the lovely town of Ipswich , Suffolk, provides a multitude of fun craft pursuits for everybody, from babies to seniors. There are activities such as ceramic and glass painting, mosaics, decoupage, sand art, fabric fun, wood painting, and bear building, just to name a few. It is best to schedule during school breaks and weekends, but booking is not required. throughout the warm summer months, there’s a playground open for all kids.

The Suffolk Escape Room

Area 51-themed adventures are available at Saxmundham’s Suffolk Escape Room . The authentic Nissen Hut can be found on the outskirts of an American-inspired Trailer Park, immersing 2 to 8 players in a wartime experience. Players must locate and solve complex puzzles to escape, but they must do it within 60 minutes. This adventure is suited for all ages. The escape room is completely wheelchair-friendly, but at least one team member has to be able-bodied in order to solve the puzzles adequately.

The Suffolk Punch Trust

A visit to the Suffolk Punch Trust close to Woodbridge is a great way to spend the day with your family. The Suffolk Punch is a local draught horse breed named after the county in which it was developed and “Punch” for its massive muscular appearance. This is a big animal that was developed for agricultural work, particularly ploughing, and always has a chestnut coat. These hulking animals are becoming increasingly rare, but you can still catch a glimpse of them where they originated. The Suffolk Punch Trust maintains the world’s oldest Suffolk Punch stud farm, which has been in operation since the 17th century. The Trust conserves this unique breed, and here you may also see Suffolk sheep, cattle, and yearlings, as well as the renowned Large Black Pigs. There is a cafe and a visitor centre, a heritage garden filled with varieties of local horticultural, demonstrations, an activity play area, and so much more. With regular events and festivals open to the public, discover what’s on at Suffolk Punch Trust here to experience it all.

There is a myriad of things to do and see at Stonham Barns, set in the heart of the beautiful Suffolk countryside. Visitors can enjoy a range of leisure activities, retail shops, Fit Club, Garden Centre, fishing lakes and the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, where visitors may hold mesmerising owls. Stonham Barns is situated on the east side of Stowmarket on the A1120 and guarantees a wonderful time. Parking and admission are completely free throughout the year. Want to learn more? Check out Stonham Barns Leisure and Retail Village . Stargazing Ceramic Painting and Clay Studio provides a fantastic day out for the entire family. If the sun is out, you may dine on the roof terrace at the Suffolk Food Hall’s top. During this course, you will learn simple yet insightful techniques like line drawing and surface printing that will guide you to produce something truly unique. Check out our guide to some of the most eventful and adventurous Days Out , as well as Kids’ Days Out in Suffolk to find some great ideas for family days.

Sizewell B Visitor Centre

If you’re looking for a more modern adventure, check out the Visitor Centre found at Sizewell B Nuclear Power Station close to Leiston . You will learn about how nuclear power stations operate and how electricity is produced by means of nuclear power. Visitors can enjoy site tours, provided they booked beforehand.

Food and Eating Out

After many hours of exploring all the attractions and partaking in the exciting activities in Suffolk, you are likely to crave a satisfying meal.

Find all the must-visit dining spots in Suffolk in our Eating Out in Suffolk guide , and find more details on all the wonderful Farm Shops and Farmers’ markets here.

Events – music, theatre, art exhibitions and more

Suffolk always hosts a wide collection of exciting events. Ensure you don’t miss out on some of them by exploring Suffolk Event , including art exhibitions and art and music festivals. 

Looking for something to do? Find what’s on in your area –

  • Bury St Edmunds

For all the music enthusiasts out there, Suffolk houses a wide variety of concerts year-round, ranging from world-renowned professionals performing in the concert halls of Snape Maltings to amateur choirs making their voices known.

For a guide to all musical Festivals happening in Suffolk, please see Suffolk Festivals and for concerts, see Music in Suffolk

Throughout the year, Spinning Wheel Theatre provides a variety of activities for aspiring artists of all ages during the school holidays. In addition, they offer impressive professional performances that often tour Suffolk.

The Greene King Brewery and Museum is a must-see during your time in Bury St Edmund . Furthermore, a wonderful National Trust Property, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens boasts stunning Italian Gardens as well as the UK’s last working water mill found at Pakenham Water Mill. Check out our Guide to Bury St Edmund along with Days Out in Bury St Edmunds to find out more

The Suffolk Coast

There are numerous beaches to choose from should the weather be nice enough to invite you to the beautiful Suffolk Coast. There is adventure everywhere in Suffolk; you can see a great range of wildlife roaming free in safari parks and other wildlife areas, or rent a pastel beach hut on the North Sea and enjoy all that a Suffolk seaside holiday has to offer. In the lovely seaside town of Southwold, you’ll also find the Amber Shop and Museum , which tells the captivating story of Suffolk amber and displays a variety of stunning amber carvings and artefacts from countries all around the world. 

Consisting of wide stretches of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it comes as no surprise that Suffolk boasts extraordinary natural beauty, both naturally occurring and somewhat domesticated. Suffolk has several noteworthy gardens , and Helmingham Hall, which has been in the possession of the Tollemache family for five hundred years, is probably the most well-known. The Halls’ extensive gardens, which are open to the public, reflect the Tollemache family’s dedication to making them beautiful. The Tudor moated Hall, which is situated in a four-century-old deer park, is surrounded by lavish gardens. The awe-spiring gardens are further complemented by the perfect balance of natural beauty and modern elements that are inspired by a Chelsea Gold Medal Winner and famous garden designer Lady Tollemache. Here, you can find more information about Helmingham Hall , Suffolk Gardens, which are open under the National Garden Scheme, and the many other Gardens in Suffolk that are open to the public. 

If you have a passion for antiques and discovering hidden treasures, attending one of the regular auctions at Mander Auctioneers in Glemsford will make for a great day out. At a Manders auction, you can find an array of furniture, silver, pictures, ceramics, jewellery and more. Auctions are held on Saturdays, with the Friday before being a viewing day – so you can decide which item you want to snap up in advance! For more information and a list of auction dates, please click on the link above. Also, take a look at Yoxford Antiques Centre & Gardens and Woodbridge Antiques Centre if unearthing hidden treasures is your thing!

Courses are a great way to spend time in Suffolk and get to know the area.

Assington Mill

Assington Mill offers an eclectic mix of over 50 short rural skills and crafts courses throughout the year, which include beekeeping for beginners, hen keeping, storytelling, upholstery and a wealth of others, so if you fancy trying something a bit different, click the link above to find out more.

This is just a small flavour of the fantastic courses and educational days out you can find in Suffolk – please see Courses in Suffolk for much more!

Find more things to do in Suffolk by clicking on the links below –

  • Days Out in Suffolk
  • Suffolk Tourist Attractions
  • What’s On Suffolk
  • Suffolk Attractions
  • Beaches in Suffolk
  • Walking in Suffolk
  • Cycling in Suffolk
  • Current Art Exhibitions
  • Horse Riding in Suffolk
  • RSPB Minsmere
  • Fishing in Suffolk

Find information on Attractions, Festivals and Days Out in Suffolk

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20 Gorgeous Suffolk Villages: Quintessential England

The best, most gorgeous, Suffolk villages seem like they’ve been plucked right out of a postcard. Complete with pretty thatched-roof cottages, winding cobblestone streets and cosy village pubs perfect for Sunday roast.

Surrounded by idyllic countryside, meadows with flowing rivers and medieval houses that have set the scene for Harry Potter movies, the historic East Anglian county is scattered with picturesque, quintessentially English villages, brimming with charm.

Here’s a look at some of the best Suffolk villages to visit:

Table of Contents

Lavenham

One of the most well-preserved medieval villages in England , Lavenham has become famous for making an appearance in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows parts I and II. Once a prosperous Wool Town, Lavenham is blessed with a plethora of picturesque Tudor houses complete with their very own dark wood beams.

Bury St Edmunds

Though not quite a village, the town of Bury St Edmunds is a truly beautiful place. The town is host to the magnificent and only cathedral in Suffolk, the ruined Bury St Edmunds Abbey and Greene King Brewery, which has been brewing ale for over 200 years.

The maritime settlement of Woodbridge features one of the most important Saxon sites in the country and is home to the Woodbridge Tide Mill. The mill, which is 800 years old, is still working and grinding flour ‘til this day.

Nestled in the heart of the county, Coddenham’s countryside walks are what’s sets this village apart from the rest. Stroll through the meadows and countryside trails of Mill Hill Walk in the springtime and spot clusters of wild bluebells and snowdrops sprouting out of the ground.

The charming village of Cavendish is best known for its pretty pink thatched roof houses, cosy local family pub and sweet church. The village has a wonderful community atmosphere, if you’re visiting in the fall, be sure not to miss the annual bonfire night and fireworks celebrations.

The tiny village of Kersey is home to a mere 350 people, making it a traditional, quintessentially English gem. Pop into The Copper Kettle Tearoom for afternoon tea, visit the local art gallery or have a drink at the real ale pub. Just be sure not to miss the wildlife hiding in the trees around the historic properties.

Somerleyton

The thatched houses and ancient buildings surrounding the leafy village duck pond complete with weeping willow trees make the village of Somerleyton a whimsical find. Be sure to check out the roses, wisteria and climbing vines at the Somerleyton Estate’s pleasure garden.

The village of Polstead is known as much for its thatched cottages as it is for its surrounding scenic countryside walks and incredible views. Walk the Box Valley trail through the fields and woodlands and take time to appreciate the nature and wildlife on the way.

Rural, tranquil Akenham is perfect for those seeking some peace and quiet, walks in nature with their families and dogs, and beautiful sunsets. Though it lacks pubs and eateries, the nearby town of Ipswich is just a short drive away.

The enchanting former fishing village turned seaside haven with its mock Tudor houses and artificial lake is said to have inspired the story of Peter Pan. Keep an eye out for quirky and unusual architecture, like the ‘House in the Clouds,’ a former water tower that sits head and shoulders above the buildings.

Long Melford

The village of Long Melford is in itself a treasure trove of stories, stately homes and stunning architecture. Set on the banks of the River Stour bordering Essex, you can discover the wonders of Beatrix Potter stories, sip afternoon tea at Fanny Anne’s Vintage Tea Room or enjoy a cask ale at The Bull Hotel.

Rolling hills and beautiful countryside put Hinderclay on the list as one of the best villages in Suffolk. Though there isn’t a local pub, the nearby villages have a wide choice of inns to feast at on a Sunday afternoon.

The famous Wool Town of Clare is one of the tiniest towns in the county and is a proud host to a handful of timbered Tudor houses and picture-perfect pastel cottages. Clare is also home to Ancient House, one of the most important medieval buildings in East Anglia, complete with its very own intricate carvings.

Now a designated Conservation Area, Earl Soham is a mix of lush greenery, ivy-clad buildings and tiny cottages, offering a calm and tranquil atmosphere for visitors and day-trippers.

Although it’s a bustling little town, one of the oldest settlements in England is simply too good to miss. Ipswich dates back to the year 600, when Saxon settlers started sprouting up around the docks. The town’s lively waterside atmosphere has a youthful flare, with old warehouses being converted into restaurants, pubs and galleries.

East Bergholt

The village of East Bergholt is proud host to sweet thatched cottages and its very own 18 th century watermill, the Flatford Mill. Walk the traditional English roads to the bridge that runs over the river, or visit the birthplace of John Constable, the British painter.

Visit the charming village of Woolpit and you’ll find authentic brick-faced houses and tales of mysterious occurrences. It is rumoured to be home to the ‘Green Children,’ a couple of kids said to appear at random in the area, covered in green skin and speaking in foreign tongues. It is said that their descendants still inhabit the village to this day.

The parish of Ickworth is best known for its neoclassical Ickworth House, set in green parkland. It is the perfect place for peaceful afternoon strolls and a breath of fresh air.

The seaside town of Aldeburgh was home to British composer Benjamin Britten. It also has a vibrant literary and arts scene, hosting the international Aldeburgh Festival. Visitors usually flock to the shingle beach, where they can buy freshly caught seafood and dine on traditional British fish and chips.

Kettlebaston

With just over 30 inhabitants, Kettlebaston is a tiny parish a few miles down the road from Lavenham. The village is home to a cluster of houses and a church, making for a perfect short visit.

There are many beautiful, charming villages to visit in Suffolk, and though they have their similarities, each one of them is unique in their own way. Whether that’s from their architecture, surrounding landscape or old traditional folk tales, there’s something for everyone.

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The 40 best places you can visit in Essex this weekend

If you haven't visited these places before you really need to add them to your bucket list

  • 12:03, 15 MAR 2019
  • Updated 10:06, 16 MAR 2019

places to visit suffolk essex

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Essex is filled with incredible sights, popular tourist attractions and historical landmarks.

Whether it's adventure, shopping, dining or a family day out that you're after, there's something for everyone in the county.

Thousands of people flock to Essex each year to visit some of the UK's most recognised attractions, and they're equally as popular with the locals.

Essex Live has compiled a list of all the places you need to visit at some point in 2019.

40. Essex Outdoors

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: Mersea, Bradwell, Danbury and Harlow.

From zip wires to sailing, and from climbing to archery, there are a range of fun activities for the whole family at Essex Outdoors.

With four locations across the county, the centres provides high-quality outdoor learning opportunities, from activity days and Forest Schools through to residential experiences and adventurous expeditions.

It's a great place for both young and old to enjoy a day in the great outdoors.

Opening hours: N/A.

Prices: Activity days start from £38 per person, five day/four night visits from £259 per person.

39. Freeport Braintree

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: Chapel Hill, Braintree.

Essex is by no means short of shopping outlets, but Freeport Braintree is one of the most popular amongst local shoppers.

Set in a relaxing village environment, the outlet offers a variety of brands and is the perfect place to avoid the hustle and bustle of busy high streets.

Whether you're after some clothes, a bite to eat or a beauty treatment, there's something for everyone at Freeport.

Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday and Friday 10am to 6pm, Thursday 10am to 8pm, Saturday 10am to 7pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm.

Prices: Free admission.

38. Great Notley Country Park

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: Great Notley, Braintree.

There aren't many better places for a day out in the Essex countryside.

The park covers more than 100 acres of open space and is home to the county's longest play trail at 1.2km.

Kids can be entertained for hours with a giant see-saw, a climbing forest, tyre swings and forts, and the beautiful surroundings offer a perfect escape for adults too.

You can also climb through the sky on the park's Sky Ropes adventure course, which is suitable for all ages.

Opening hours: 8am to dusk.

Prices: Free admission (Sky Ropes adventure course: adults £10, juniors £4).

37. Marsh Farm

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers.

Meet the animals, feed the birds and cuddle the pets. You can do it all at Marsh Farm.

With a variety of indoor and outdoor play areas, family events and chances to interact with some of the cutest farm animals around, it's the place to be for all animal lovers this year.

Opening hours: 10am to 5pm.

Prices: Weekends and school holidays: Door admission (2+ years) - £13.75, online admission (2+ years) - £11.25.

Term time (Monday to Friday): Door admission (2+ years) - £8.50, online admission (2+ years) - £7.50.

36. Essex County Cricket Ground

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: New Writtle Street, Chelmsford.

Home to Essex County Cricket Club, the County Ground has always been an important part of Essex's sporting scene.

The stadium has been the home to the county team since 1967 with a capacity of 6,500. The ground often attracts a large home crowd and is commonly referred to as 'The Fortress' by the Essex faithful.

Opening hours: Matchday hours apply.

Prices: Matchday tickets range from £10 to £33 for non-member adults, and from £1 to £13 for non-member juniors - prices vary depending on event.

35. The Sugar Hut

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: High Street, Brentwood.

One for the Towie fans. The now globally acclaimed nightclub is known far and wide for playing a central role in the reality television show The Only Way is Essex.

Past and present members of the show regularly frequent the venue, however there's no guarantee you'll see Joey Essex and the gang when you visit.

Opening hours: Cocktail bar/coffee shop: 11am to 12am, Restaurant: 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 10pm, Club: Friday (10pm to 3.30am) Saturday (9pm to 3.30am).

Prices: Club: Thursday - Free, Friday - £5, Saturday - £10.

34. Dedham Vale

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: Dedham.

Located on the Essex/Suffolk border, the Dedham Vale provides some of the most spectacular views not only in Essex, but across the country.

The area received the 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' status back in 1970 for its stunning landscape, farmland, ancient woodlands, rivers and medows.

Covering around 90 square kilometres and with a population of just 10,000, Dedham Vale is an essential visit for those with a love for the countryside.

Opening hours: 24/7.

33. Osea Island

Daniel Radcliffe graced the shores of Osea Island in Essex

Location: River Blackwater estuary, Maldon.

One of the county's hidden gems. Set in the estuary of the River Blackwater, and only accessible via an ancient Roman causeway, you get a real sense of escape when you stay on Osea Island.

The location can be hired out for holidays and special events, with the charm of the seaside as well as an unspoilt English country village attracting people from far and wide.

The causeway also gained global attention after featuring in The Woman in Black, a 2012 film starring Daniel Radcliffe.

Prices: Holiday prices range from £245 to £2,500 per night, enquiries about corporate event prices must be made through the company.

32. Audley End Miniature Railway

Easter Special at Audley End Railway

Location: Audley End Road, Audley End

If you're looking for a magical day out with the family, this is one of the best places to go.

Take one of the many steam trains or diesel engines on a journey through the Audley End Estate woodland, boasting hundreds of majestic trees and some of the finest wildlife around.

The trains will be running from March 23 onwards, and with a variety of upcoming events on the calendar, you can make your Easter holidays extra special with a trip to the magic railway.

Opening hours: 2019 opening hours have not yet been released.

Prices: Single train ride and fairy walk: Adults/Children - £9, Under 2s - Free.

31. New Hall vineyards

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: Chelmsford Road, Purleigh.

Tucked away in the Purleigh countryside, the New Hall vineyards have played an important role in the history of English wine for centuries.

According to records, the first vineyard on the site was planted in 1120, making it one of the oldest vineyards in the country, and with more than 65 hectares of vines, it's also one of the largest.

They have now become East Anglia's signature grape variety and the source of many international wine competitions, so it's well worth a visit, especially for wine lovers.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm, Saturday 10am to 2pm, Bank holidays (by appointment only).

Prices: Free admission (Open tours: £30 per person).

30. Cliffs Pavilion Theatre

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: Station Road, Southend-on-Sea.

For theatre and musical lovers, Cliffs Pavilion is one of the most popular venues in the county.

As well as hosting a number of big-name shows, including Peter Pan and Aladdin, the Pavilion has seen plenty of musical greats take to its stage over the years.

One Direction, Paul McCartney, Blur, Oasis, you name it.

Located close to the Southend coastline, it's an ideal setting for one of the most popular arts theatres in Essex.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 8pm, Sunday (three hours prior to start of the show).

Prices: Ticket prices vary depending on the individual show, visit the Southend Theatres ' website for more details.

29. Promenade Park

The splash park at Promenade Park in Maldon

Location: Park Drive, Maldon.

With popular attractions and incredible scenery all year round, Maldon's Promenade Park is a great place for all the family to enjoy a day out.

Take to the children's playgrounds, try your luck at adventure golf or just enjoy an afternoon stroll by the waterside.

And with food and drink aplenty, you'll never be short of things to do.

Prices: Free admission (prices vary for individual attractions).

28. Cressing Temple Barns

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: Witham Road, Cressing.

It may be one of the county's oldest attractions, but it's still one of the most popular.

The Cressing Temple Barns are full of history and architectural beauty, making them the ideal location for weddings, picnics or even just an afternoon in the Essex countryside.

You will also find a Wilkin & Sons Tiptree Tea Room on your visit, and with admission at Cressing Temple usually free, it's an ideal spot for all the family.

Opening hours: 10.30am to 4pm.

Prices: Admission usually free (prices may apply on event days).

27. Brentwood Ski Centre

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: Warley Gap, Warley, Brentwood.

One for adventure seekers. Whether you want to brush up on your skills, have some fun or get ready for your next winter holiday, Brentwood Ski Centre offers a great choice of outdoor sports for all ages.

From skiing to snowboarding to sliding down a ski slope in a rubber ring, there's something for everyone, no matter how much experience you have on the slopes.

Opening hours: October to April: Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm, Saturday 12pm to 8pm, Sunday 10am to 8pm.

May to September: Monday and Friday 10am to 8pm, Tuesday to Thursday 10am to 10pm, Saturday 12pm to 6pm, Sunday 10am to 6pm.

Prices: Recreational use: Adults - £18, Juniors (under 16) - £16, One hour tubing session: £14.

26. Heybridge Basin

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: Heybridge, Maldon.

In the summer months, you'll do well to find a better spot for a drink and a bite to eat in Essex.

The Basin is located at the end of the 13-mile Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation and contains the sea lock that joins the canal to the Blackwater estuary.

You can enjoy one of the many coastal walks that run through and from the Basin, and you can enjoy views of Osea Island from the water's edge.

And don't forget The Jolly Sailor and The Old Ship pubs, as well as the Tiptree Tea Room by the water. You'll be spoilt for choice while you relax and enjoy the spectacular Essex scenery.

Opening hours: 24/7 (pub and café opening times apply).

25. Sea Life Adventure

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea.

Just a short walk away from Southend's popular Adventure Island, Sea Life provides even more fun for the whole family by the sea.

You can say hello to the sharks, fish, penguins, turtles as well as a variety of other wildlife.

And the centre's brand new Wild exhibition now gives visitors the chance to meet meerkats and even macaques.

Opening hours: February to October: 10am to between 5pm and 8pm depending on the time of year.

November to January: 10am to 5pm.

Prices: Door admission/online prices: Adults - £17.50/£12.95, Children - £12.50/£8.95, Students - £13.75/£10.20, Seniors - £13.75/£10.20.

24. East Anglian Railway Museum

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester.

Immerse yourself in a real steam railway museum and get up close and personal to a wide range of steam trains, diesel locomotives and vintage carriages.

The centre is an accredited museum, part of the European Route of Industrial Heritage and a VisitEngland Quality Assured Visitor attraction.

With a museum, a heritage centre and its very own café, there's enough to keep even the most dedicated of train fanatics entertained for a whole day.

And for the younger visitors, you may even see Thomas the Tank Engine make his way through the museum.

Opening hours: 10am to 4.30pm.

Prices: General admission: Adults - £7, Children (4 to 15) - £4, Under 4s - Free.

23. Hedingham Castle

All the fun will take place at Castle Hedingham

Location: Castle Hedingham, Halstead.

Built in the 12th century, Hedingham Castle offers more than 900 years of incredible history.

The building's unique design is enough alone to attract families to the famous landmark, but with jousting, vintage car shows, and medieval fairs taking place throughout the year, there's far more to see than what meets the eye.

And of course, the castle makes the perfect venue for weddings, with a backdrop to die for.

Opening hours: Opening times vary depending on individual event.

Prices: Prices vary depending on individual events, see Hedingham Castle's website for more details.

22. Grayson Perry's 'A House for Essex'

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: Black Boy Lane, Manningtree.

This is by far one of the most unique and eye-catching designs in the county.

'A House for Essex', designed by Chelmsford-born contemporary artist Grayson Perry, is an incomparable house overlooking the River Stour in the west of the county.

With two bedrooms and two bathrooms inside the wonderfully-wacky property, it's available to rent for two or three night breaks, with prices ranging from £995 to £2,200 for up to four guests.

If you have the chance, it really is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Prices: Prices range from £995 to £2,200 for up to four guests.

21. Old MacDonald's Farm

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: Weald Road, Brentwood.

There's never been more fun at the farm. From mid February, Old MacDonald's Farm in Brentwood opens its doors again to families from all over the county.

Go on a journey on the farm-themed train, ride the 'doggy dog rollercoaster' and make your very own structures in the JCB construction zone.

And when you've had enough fun on the rides, you can go and say hello to the alpacas, llamas, deer, meerkats as well as all the other classic farm animals.

Prices: Door admission/online admission: Adults - £16/£14, Children (2-15) - £15/£13, Under 2s - Free, Seniors - £14/£12.

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20. Battlesbridge Antiques Centre

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: Maltings Road, Battlesbridge.

The Battlesbridge Antiques Centre is one of several places that sells antiques in the village, but it's by far the most popular and recognisable location.

Set in a series of old barns and farm buildings, the centre offers a variety of stalls selling garden furniture, pots and ornaments, whilst others sell lots of household items including linen, china and glass.

So whether you're looking for an antique masterpiece or just a bargain buy, you're sure to find something to take home at Battlesbridge.

19. Abberton Reservoir

The stunning setting of Abberton Reservoir

Location: Abberton,

Take a walk at Essex Wildlife Trust's Nature reserve and enjoy some of the most stunning panoramic views around.

There are various routes that can take you around the reserve; it's 900-metre circular footpath takes you through a variety of habitats including grassland and shrub areas.

Keep an eye out for the array of birds, butterflies and other wildlife that roam the reserve.

Whether you're a wannabe wildlife explorer or just someone who enjoys a peaceful stroll across the scenic Essex countryside, this is the place to be.

Opening hours: Visitor centre and nature reserve: 9am to 4pm.

Prices: Free admission (non-Essex Wildlife Trust members asked for donations).

18. Chelmsford Cathedral

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: Duke Street, Chelmsford.

Both inside and outside, Chelmsford Cathedral is one of the most spectacular settings in the city.

Despite being located close to the city centre, it's set away from the hustle and bustle of the High Street and a walk around the grounds is the perfect way to unwind.

It's one of the youngest cathedrals in England, but it's also one of the most attractive with it's breathtaking architecture and designs.

There's even a free app you can use during a self-guided tour around the cathedral to learn more about its history.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 7.45am to 6pm, Sunday 7.30am to 5pm.

17. Firstsite

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester.

Firstsite is one of the more modern top attractions in Essex after opening its doors to the public in 2011.

The visual arts organisation houses a variety of contemporary art, exhibitions, films, events and is also available to hire for corporate events and weddings.

Its spectacular design, both inside and out, more than catches the eye, and it's a must-see for anyone with a taste for art.

Prices: Prices vary depending on individual events, see Firstsite's website for more details.

16. Tiptree Jam Factory Shop and Museum

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: Factory Hill, Tiptree.

Wilkin & Sons is one of the most recognisable brand names in Essex, and you can immerse yourself in the history of the company at the Tiptree Jam Factory museum.

From being founded in 1885 right up to the present day, you can explore the tools, products and machinery used over three centuries by the company on its way to becoming a globally-recognised preserves brand.

And if you want to taste the food for yourself, head next door to the Tiptree Tea Room and Shop to get your hands on some fresh Wilkin & Sons produce . You won't regret it.

Opening hours: Winter: Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 4.30pm, Sunday 10am to 4.30pm.

Summer: Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm.

15. Intu Lakeside Shopping Centre

intu Lakeside

Location: West Thurrock Way, Grays.

You can find arguably the biggest and most popular shopping centre in Essex at Intu Lakeside.

With shops, restaurants and activities to suit everybody's needs, you'll never be short of things to do or see.

The complex also plans to open a brand new trampoline park, the UK's first Nickelodeon family entertainment centre as well as a Hollywood Bowl later this year as part of its latest leisure development.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm, Saturday 9am to 9pm, Sunday 11am to 5pm.

14. Naze Tower

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: Old Hall Lane, Walton-on-the-Naze.

One of the most recognisable Essex coastline landmarks, it stands at 86ft tall in Walton-on-the-Naze.

The Naze Tower offers visitors the chance to see far and wide across the west of the county on its roof viewing platform, with spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding area.

There is also an art gallery which features three exhibitions each year, as well as a museum that explores the fascinating history of the Tower.

And after all that, make sure you have a bite to eat and a refreshing drink in the Tower's tea room .

Opening hours: March to October: 10am to 5pm.

Prices: Adults - £3, Children (4-15) - £2, Seniors and students - £2.50, Under 4s - Free.

13. The Oyster Bar

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: Coast Road, West Mersea.

If you want a real taste of Essex, this is the place to go.

The Oyster Bar became a huge success after it opened in 2006 and offers quality fresh fish , as well as some of the "best oysters that can be found in the world".

Bred in the creeks of West Mersea and processed next door to the restaurant, the oysters really couldn't be more local.

And with a fully licensed restaurant, the Oyster Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a meal and a drink while taking in the fresh air of the seaside.

Opening hours: April to October: Sunday to Thursday 9am to 5pm, Friday to Saturday 9am to 10pm.

November to March: Sunday to Thursday 9am to 4pm, Friday to Saturday 9am to 10pm.

July to August: Sunday to Wednesday 9am to 5pm, Thursday 9am to 10pm, Friday to Saturday 9am to 10pm.

Prices: Various prices apply for purchasing food.

12. Chelmsford City Racecourse

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: A131, Chelmsford.

Chelmsford City Racecourse, formerly known as Great Leighs, takes pride in being the only racecourse in the county.

It is Britain's newest racing venue which offers thrilling all-weather racing under the floodlights, and is also home to a number of high profile acts and events throughout the year.

The award-winning facility is a must-see attraction for anyone who hasn't been, and whether you're a fan of the races or you just want to enjoy a day out with the family, make sure you check it out.

Opening hours: Opening times vary depending on individual meetings and events.

Prices: Admission prices vary depending on meetings and events, see Chelmsford City Racecourse's website for more details.

11. Hylands Park

Hylands Park in Chelmsford

Location: London Road, Writtle, Chelmsford.

When considering which is the most spectacular part of the county, Hylands Park is right up there.

The Grade II listed public park covers 574 acres of historic parkland on the outskirts of Chelmsford and is home to the stunning Hylands House.

The renovated Neo-Classical villa can be hired out for special occasions including weddings, celebrations and business events, and is even open to the public on select days.

You can also find a café, visitor centre and resident artist studio within the grounds, and there are numerous paths and open areas to explore.

Opening hours: Gates open at 7.30am.

10. Mountfitchet Castle

Mountfitchet Castle

Location: Stansted.

The castle is a national Historic Monument, protected by the Department of the Environment.

Believed to have been an early Iron Age fort and Roman, Saxon and Viking settlement, the castle and its grounds have an historic story to tell.

After 1215, the castle site lay overgrown and forgotten for more than 700 years until its reconstruction.

It now offers visitors the chance to explore its stunning remains.

It's the only wooden Motte and Bailey castle and village to be reconstructed on it’s original historic site anywhere in the world - so if that's not a reason to visit, then we don't know what is.

Opening hours: March to November: 10am to 5pm.

Prices: Adults - £12, Children (3-13) - £10, Seniors - £11.50.

9. Southend Pier

Southend Pier

Location: Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea

This major Essex landmark lies on the south coast of the county.

Southend Pier is the longest pleasure pier in the UK, stretching 1.34 miles into the Thames Estuary.

It's been standing since 1830 and has lived through fires, boat crashes and some of nature's harshest attacks. It's an historical Essex icon known to people across the country.

A train ride along the pier will take you from one end to the other, or you can walk the full distance, which is likely to take 25 minutes.

Because of its history and the records it holds, it has to place high on the list of things to see in Essex.

Opening hours: Spring: Monday to Friday 8.15am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 8.15am to 8pm.

Summer: 8.15am to 8pm.

Autumn: Monday to Friday 8.15am to 6pm, Saturday to Sunday 8.15am to 8pm.

Winter: Wednesday to Sunday 9.15am to 5pm.

Prices: Return train/walk both way prices: Adults - £5.20/£2 (April to November) £1 (November to April), Children (3-16) - £2.60/£1 - Concessions - £2.60/£1).

8. Adventure Island

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea.

You only need to walk a matter of metres from the front of the pier to find another of Southend's top attractions.

Adventure Island amusement park sits on the town's coastline and offers a variety of rides and attractions for people of all ages.

Can you brave Risk? the biggest roller coaster at the park? Or maybe you fancy a ride on one of its many water slides or other high velocity coasters?

One thing's for sure, it's a great day out for all the family.

Opening hours: Low season: 11am to between 4pm and 4pm, High season: 11am to between 8pm and 10.30pm.

Prices: Free admission (prices apply for wristbands/rides/attractions, from £20 to £32).

7. Layer Marney Tower

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: Roundbush Road, Layer Marney.

Another landmark to add to Essex's substantial list of historic buildings.

Layer Marney Tower is the tallest Tudor gatehouse in the country, however it's not easy to spot until you're almost upon it.

But when you do see it, the design will take your breath away. The Tower offers guided tours for large groups, or you can take a walk around the grounds at your own leisure.

It really is one of Essex's great treasures, one you have to visit at some point this year.

Opening hours: March (Sunday and Wednesday) 12pm to 5pm.

April to June (Sunday and Wednesday) 12pm to 5pm.

July to August (Sunday to Thursday) 12pm to 5pm.

September (Sunday and Wednesday) 12pm to 5pm.

Bank holidays (Sunday and Monday) 11am to 5pm.

Prices: Day tickets: Adults - £9, Children - £5, Family (2 adults 2 children) - £25.

6. Lee Valley White Water Centre

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: Station Road, Waltham Cross.

From white water rafting on the Olympic course to family paddling on the lake, there's something for everyone at Lee Valley.

The centre was an official London 2012 Olympics venue and offers a variety of action-packed water sports for both adults and children.

Have a go at the exhilarating hydropseeding, ride the waves in rubber donuts or even practice your strokes with some open water swimming.

Opening hours: Gates are open from 8am to 8pm (Saturday - Tuesday) and from 8am to 9pm (Wednesday - Friday).

Activity opening times vary.

Prices: Free admission (prices apply for individual activities, see Lee Valley's website for more details).

5. Beth Chatto Garden

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: Clacton Rod, Elmstead, Colchester.

Beth Chatto OBE was an award-winning plantswoman. She took an overgrown wasteland of brambles, parched gravel and boggy ditches, and transformed it into one of the county's finest natural spectacles.

The Gardens remain a family-run business, managed by Beth's granddaughter, Julia Boulton, but the stunning seven-acre centre is open to members of the public to explore at their leisure.

While you're there, make sure you visit the nursery, the gift shop and of course the Tearoom and Gravel Garden Restaurant.

There aren't many finer sights in Essex and that's why it makes the top five.

Opening hours: March to October 10am to 5pm, November to February 10am to 4pm.

Prices: January 14 to March 31 - £4.50, April - £6.95, May to September - £8.45, Children - Free.

4. RHS Garden Hyde Hall

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: Creephedge Lane, Chelmsford.

The natural beauty that the Essex countryside has to offer is emphasised with yet another garden entry on the list.

The RHS garden at Hyde Hall is constantly evolving and is surely one of the finest gardens in the East of England.

More than 360 acres in size, the gardening team strives to retain the original charm of the area, while at the same time aiming to restore much of the estate to its former rural glory.

And it's not just plants and flowers on show, you can also explore the various architecture at the site as well as see the butterflies and birds that are abundant at Hyde Hall.

Opening hours: March to October 10am to 6pm, November to February 10am to 4pm.

Prices: (without Gift Aid) - Adults - £11.80, Children (5-16) - £5.90, Family (2 adults 2 children) - £29.60.

3. Audley End House and Gardens

Audley End

Location: Audley End Road, Audley End.

Audley End's Mansion House is arguably Essex's finest country home, and one of the best in the whole of the UK.

On your visit you can wander the impressive great hall, magnificent state apartments, intimate dressing rooms, libraries and 18th century gothic-style chapel with more detail than ever before.

You can also visit one of the venue's resident horses at the Victorian stable, or take a look around the estate's service wing and beautifully-designed gardens.

There's a children's play area as well as the Servants' Hall Tea Room which will ensure the whole family enjoys a day out at Audley End.

Opening hours: Opening times for 2019 dates will be released in due course.

Prices: (without Gift Aid) - Adults - £18.10, Children (5-17) - £10.90, Concession - £16.30, Family (2 adults up to 3 children) - £47.10).

2. Colchester Castle

places to visit suffolk essex

Location: Colchester (off High Street)

With so much to do and with so much history to explore, Colchester Castle is right up there when it comes to places to visit in Essex.

The castle's keep is the largest ever built in the UK and the largest that remains in existence throughout Europe.

It also houses a museum that takes visitors on a journey through the centuries of history at the castle. You can try building an arch using the sponge bricks and immerse yourself in a number of interactive exibits.

You can also pay a visit to the jail, if you're feeling brave enough.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 11am to 5pm.

Prices: Adults - £7.60, Children (4-16) - £4.75, Concessions - £4.75.

1. Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo

Location: Maldon Road, Colchester

According to the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Attractions, Colchester Zoo is the second best zoo in UK, and it stands proudly at the top of our list of the best places to visit in Essex.

Home to 240 species and set in 60 acres of parkland and lakes, the zoo is also listed as the 11th best in the world.

It's the largest private zoo in the UK and uses some of its income to fund its charity, Action for the Wild, which assists conservation projects all over the world.

Visitors can get up close to some of the wild's finest and rarest species, with animals from all over the world housed at Colchester Zoo.

You can also be a keeper for the day, become part of the Kids' Zoo Academy and even have your birthday party there. The list of opportunities is endless.

Opening hours: Opens at 9.30am every day except Christmas Day. Closing times vary from 4.30pm to 6.30pm depending on the time of year.

Find full opening times on Colchester Zoo's website .

Prices: Door admission/online admission: Adults - £17.99/£15, Children - £13.99/£10, Seniors - £15.99/£15.

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places to visit suffolk essex

Things to do in Suffolk

Whether you’re holidaying in Suffolk as a couple, a family with little ones or teens, or you’re coming to celebrate a sparkling occasion with a favourite group of pals, you’ll need a list of great things to do that offers fun and entertainment for everyone.  

We’ve done the hard work and put together a list of all our favourite things to do in Suffolk, including ideas for a rainy day, inspiration for things to do with the kids, and dog-friendly activities right the way across the county.  

So, whether you’re a culture vulture, adrenaline junkie or top sports fan, check out what’s on in Suffolk for you. And if you’re feeling inspired to take a trip to the UK’s most easterly county, browse our huge range of holiday homes.

Skip to:  

  • For couples
  • For younger children
  • For older kids
  • For friends
  • For culture vultures
  • For foodies
  • For sports fans
  • For being outdoors
  • For rainy days
  • For adrenaline junkies
  • For animal lovers

Things to do in Suffolk for couples  

Couples in Suffolk

Whether you’re heading off on your first weekend away with your new beau or celebrating your 50th wedding anniversary, Suffolk is an ideal destination for a romantic break. With plenty of opportunities for strolls while holding hands, top-notch restaurants for a candlelit dinner, and bars for those late-night, just the two of you drinks. Here are our favourite things for couples to do in Suffolk.  

Late-night beach stroll  

What says romance more than a walk along a moonlit beach, hand in hand with your loved one? Suffolk is the perfect place to make that happen. The Suffolk coast stretches for almost 50 miles so you’ll find plenty of spots for a stroll, shoes in hand, and waves lapping your toes.   

Watch a show  

Suffolk has a large number of theatres dotted all over the county, from the Grade I-listed playhouse Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds to the award-winning New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich. So whatever your taste in theatrical entertainment, including comedy, drama, rock and roll, and ballet, Suffolk will no doubt have a show for you and your partner to be entertained by.       

River cruise  

Boats on the river

A perfect way to make new memories is a romantic river cruise on the Orwell Lady . Departing from Ipswich, there’s a whole host of trips on offer to suit all tastes. Alongside the regular sightseeing cruises, you can enjoy an afternoon tea on the water, ideal for a day date. For those that like to boogie, they run regular event nights such as 70s disco, or for a real taste of romance, watch the sun go down on their sunset cruises.  

Picnic in Abbey Gardens  

The Abbey Gardens in the heart of Bury St Edmunds is a perfect spot for enjoying time with your other half in peaceful surroundings. Created in 1831 as a botanic garden, Abbey Gardens has transformed over the years, with numerous different areas to capture the interests. Explore the ruins of the Abbey of St Edmund, meander through the Rose Garden, or take a walk alongside the picturesque River Lark. Once you’ve discovered your perfect picnic place, pop down a rug and people-watch while you eat.  

Suffolk Secrets have a whole host of properties for you to enjoy a romantic holiday with your beloved. For a sprinkle of extra romance check out our  hot tub cottages , or perhaps make the most of being away without the kids and book in one of our luxury properties for two.   

Things to do in Suffolk for younger children  

Family days out in Suffolk

Suffolk is the perfect county for a holiday with little ones. With miles of beaches, holiday cottages in the heart of the action, and plenty of family-friendly activities on offer - suitable even for the youngest of guests - you’ll have a perfect stay either by the coast or in the country.  

Visit Thorpeness   

Thorpeness is a magical place to visit, whether for a day trip or to stay in one of our many holiday cottages. Once a tiny fishing village, the estate was turned into a fantastical holiday village in the early 1900s. With its country club, beach and interesting architecture, it’s a wonderful place to visit no matter your age, but little ones especially with love the magical boating lake, inspired by J.M. Barrie’s (himself a regular visitor to the village) Peter Pan, complete with mini-islands dotted throughout. You can find out more about the history of Thorpeness in our guide .

Easton Farm Park  

Ideal for small visitors to Suffolk, Easton Farm Park is an excellent way to spend a fun-filled family day out. There are animals to meet, a family train, a Barrel Bug ride, an adventure playground, and indoor soft play - perfect for visiting whatever the weather. They also run events throughout the year to keep the whole family entertained.  

Opening hours: 10am–4pm, 7 days a week

Price: General admission off peak £10 (under 2s go free). Event days/weekends £14 pre-booked, £15 on the day (under 2s go free).  

Hit the beach  

Beach in Suffolk

Whatever the weather, one of our top recommendations for things to do with children in Suffolk will always be to hit the beach! With almost 50 miles of coastline, there are plenty of beaches to choose from , from quiet bays to big family shores with ice cream and fish and chips on tap. In the winter, wrap up warm with the little ones and explore the rock pools or try and find gemstones on the Amber Coast , and in the summer enjoy splashing in the sea.  

Southwold Maize Maze  

With a play park, zip wires, jumping pillows, and ride-on tractors, to name but a few activities, Southwold Maize Maze is a fabulous place to spend a day with the kids! There’s also a delicious café on site and walking trails. But it’s in the summer when this fantastic venue really comes into its own, with its amazing Maize Mazes! The Main Maze is fun for the whole family and the Mini Maze is perfect for little visitors.  

Opening hours: Vary throughout the year, check the website for full details

Whether you’re bringing babies, toddlers, or older children to Suffolk on holiday, we have a wide range of properties to suit all needs, many properties come with all you’ll need for a family break from cots and highchairs to board games and games rooms .  

Things to do in Suffolk for older kids  

Teenagers go-karting in Suffolk

Whether your pre-nagers and teenagers are history buffs, beach bunnies, or like to keep active, there’s plenty to do and see in Suffolk to keep even the grumpiest teens entertained! Here are some of our favourite Suffolk activities for older children.  

Suffolk Ski Centre  

This fun-filled activity venue has something for everyone. Hit the (dry) slopes and try your hand at skiing or snowboarding; lessons and courses are available. If you don’t fancy your chances of staying upright, there’s also the option of tobogganing (4+) or ringos (8+). Those with a head for heights can take on Suffolk Leisure Park ’s climbing wall and high ropes course. Or for a more sedate day out, it’s also the home of the Ipswich Driving Range where there is a mini golf course for the whole family to enjoy.    

Anglia Indoor Karting  

If you have a young Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen if your family, make sure you head to Anglia Indoor Karting in Ipswich for a day of thrills! Kubz Karting is suitable for 5 to 7 year olds, and kids aged 8 to 15 can take on the children’s track. Older teenagers get the full thrills on the adult track.  

Opening hours: 10am–10pm  

Price: Children’s Arrive and Drive £20.50 for 12 laps. See the website for full details.  

Southwold Pier  

Southwold Pier

Tagged as “British Seaside Family Fun” at its loudest and brightest, Southwold Pier is guaranteed fun for the whole family come rain or shine. As a family, check out the Under The Pier Show, a unique collection of some of the most eccentric interactive inventions in the world. For older kids, load them up with change in the arcade while you sit back with a coffee and cake in one of the pier’s restaurants.  

Curve Motion  

Let the teens go retro at the roller disco! Curve Motion is an exciting indoor interactive venue offering activities for all the family including roller skating, soft play, and mega slides. Featuring the biggest play frame in East Anglia, there is also a wide variety of interactive areas for ages up to 12, as well as mega slides suitable for all ages and a vertical drop slide. An ideal venue if you’re a family with children spread across a range of ages. Take the toddlers to soft play, and let the pre-teens loose on the slides while the teenagers skate and make friends.   

Opening hours: Different sessions are available throughout the day  

Price:  Play & Skate (weekends and holidays) 5–12 years £16.95. Skate only 13+ years £9.95.  

Whatever the size of your family, we have a wide range of child-friendly properties. To help keep the kids entertained, we have cottages with fantastic extra features such as swimming pools , perfect for making memories to last a lifetime.  

Things to do in Suffolk for dogs

Dogs in Suffolk

With a long coastline and miles of rolling country, Suffolk is a fantastic place for a holiday with the furry members of your family. Towns such as Aldeburgh and Southwold are always popular coastal hot spots for a dog-friendly holiday and inland, there’s a whole host of dog-friendly towns to choose to visit or stay in. Our favourite dog-friendly things to do in Suffolk are.....  

Ickworth Estate  

With miles of parkland, ancient woodland, and working farmland, the Ickworth Estate is a great place for long walks with the dogs. They’re welcomed across the estate on leads (except for the Italianate Garden and Walled Garden) and dog water is available across the property. For a special treat, dog cupcakes, and ice cream are available from Porter's Lodge.  

Jimmy's Farm  

One of only two wildlife parks in the country where you can bring your dog, Jimmy's Farm is a fantastic day out for the whole family including the four-legged members. On the lead, they’re allowed across most of the park, except for indoor areas, meaning you and your dogs can check out the animals and activities across the estate. Dogs are also welcome in the snug area of the restaurant so you can enjoy lunch and a day out with the pooches.  

Beach walks  

Walking a dog on the beach

If your pup loves nothing more than the feeling of sand under their paws and splashing in the waves, then they’ll love a trip to Suffolk! With its 50 miles of coastline, there are plenty of places for them to enjoy a walk on the beach. Some of the bigger beaches do have seasonal restrictions for dog access, but there are plenty that allow your furry friends all year around including Covehithe Beach and Walberswick. See our guide to the top Suffolk beaches .

Visit a dog-friendly pub  

Put tired paws (and feet) up at one of Suffolk’s dog-friendly pubs after a long day exploring the county. Wherever you’re staying, you’ll no doubt find a pub nearby that welcomes pups with open arms, and maybe even a dog biscuit! The Ship at Dunwich and The Westleton Crown have their own doggy menus, and The Kings Head in Orford has a cosy fire for your pooch to curl up in front of.  

After busy days getting muddy paws or exploring sandy shores, you and your pups will need a paw-fect property to relax at, and we have you covered with our range of Suffolk dog-friendly cottages. Whether you’re after a beachfront apartment or a large country abode, we’ll have your dream holiday let.  

Things to do in Suffolk for friends  

Friends having fun in Suffolk

Whether you want to gather the gang to celebrate a big birthday, have a short break with the girls, or a refined break with your couple friends, Suffolk has things to do for the most varied of interests.  

Hit the races  

Newmarket is one of the UK’s most well-known racecourses and is a perfect activity for a group on holiday in Suffolk. With a wide range of meets and festivals throughout the year, it’s a great day out whatever your interests. Racing fans can get close to the action or if you’re more into hospitality than horses, there’s a selection of options to suit different tastes or budgets.  

Visit a vineyard  

Suffolk is something of a secret hot spot for vineyards. There are several spread out across the county creating some of the finest English wines. Many of which offer tours, or have restaurants on site to enjoy a delicious dinner with your drink. Giffords Hall offers private vineyard tours for groups of two and above, and Flint Vineyard has a range of experiences including their Discovery Tour which includes lunch.  

Spa day  

Girls on a spa day

Perfect for a day out with the girls, Suffolk has a wealth of spas available. Catch up with your bestie whilst having a massage, mingle with your mum friends in the sauna, or get the whole girl gang together to relax around the pool. We love the spa and afternoon tea option at Riverhills Spa in Ipswich, the incredible outdoor pool at Aqua Sana Spa at Elveden Forest, and the treatments available at  Spa Kesgrave Hall .  

Coastal Voyager  

If you like to feel the wind in your hair and the waves beneath you, we’d highly recommend taking your friends on the Coastal Voyager . Setting off from Southwold, there’s a selection of trips available, from a 30-minute sea blast to a cruise on the River Blyth. The boat is also available for private hire if your group wants it to themselves.  

Booking : Via phone or at the Coastal Voyager Office at Southwold Harbour

Price: 30-minute coastal voyage £31 adults and £18 for children (13 and under). 3-hour private charter (up to 12 people) £490.  

Whether your crew is 2 or 22 people, we have a property for you! If you’re bringing the whole gang check out our large cottages, and if your group's perfect end to a day would be relaxing in some warm bubbles, we have a hot tub holiday for you too.  

Things to do in Suffolk for culture vultures  

The Scallop on Aldeburgh Beach

Culture and Suffolk go hand in hand. It has produced some of the nation’s most famous painters in Constable and Gainsborough, as well as arguably the country's most famous composer Benjamin Britten, alongside a whole host of writers, actors, and performers. Those that like their holidays with a side of culture will love a stay in Suffolk.  

Celebrate Benjamin Britten  

One of Suffolk’s most famous sons is musician, conductor, and composer, Benjamin Britten - and there are plenty of ways to celebrate this musical genius when on holiday in the county. During the summer months, you can visit the Red House , the home he shared with partner Peter Pears, to learn more about his history and see his collections and exhibitions. Or you can take in a concert or performance at Snape Maltings where you’ll find Britten Studio and the larger Concert Hall. Another must-see for Britten fans is The Scallop on Aldeburgh Beach, a sculpture which is a tribute to him on the beach he walked daily by local artist Maggi Hambling.  

Constable Country  

Constable Country in Suffolk

Taking in the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and straddling the border between Suffolk and Essex is Constable Country. This beautiful area, full of picture-perfect villages and instantly recognisable views, has gained its name due to its links to the famous landscape artist John Constable. A visit to the site of the famous Hay Wain painting, Willy Lotts House is a must-do for culture-lover visitors. See our full guide to Constable Country for more information.

Gainsborough's House  

Suffolk’s other most famous artistic son, Thomas Gainsborough, was born in Sudbury, Suffolk in 1726, and went on to become a highly renowned portrait and landscape painter. His childhood home has now been turned into a museum, aimed at celebrating Gainsborough as well as his local contemporaries such as John Constable. Having undergone a £10 million refurbishment, the Gainsborough's House museum now houses paintings, books, and artifacts from his life, a most interesting way to spend a day.  

Opening hours: The museum and visitor shop are open from 10am until 5pm daily    

Price: Adults £17.50, children £5 (including gift aid donation)    

Visit Lavenham   

Lavenham, nestled in the heart of the stunning Suffolk countryside, is one of England’s finest medieval wool villages. Medieval charm can be found around every corner with its winding streets, thatched cottages, and timber-framed buildings. Lavenham truly is the perfect place to visit if you wish to immerse yourself in Suffolk’s rich history. See our top 10 things to do in Lavenham for more inspiration. 

Whatever type of culture floats your boat, you’ll be able to find the perfect property from which to explore Suffolk. Britten fans should head to Aldeburgh , whilst you can get the full Constable Country experience from one of our many cottages in the area.   

Things to do in Suffolk for foodies  

Montage of food in Suffolk

From Michelin-star restaurants to some of the best fish and chips in the world, Suffolk is an ideal destination if your favourite things to do on holiday include trying incredible local food and drinks.   

Afternoon tea  

Suffolk has a huge range of delicious spots to enjoy an afternoon tea. From The Swan at Lavenham ’s famous luxury tea to an afternoon tea with a side of activity at Southwold Boating Lake , there’s something for everyone. Even the doggos don’t miss out on afternoon tea in Suffolk, with The Ickworth Hotel offering The Waggy Tails Tea Time where dogs can dine on dishes including homemade paw-nut butter biscuits, canine carrot cake with pawsome frosting, and a puppacino! See our top 5 recommended afternoon teas in our guide.

Fish and chips on the beach  

Suffolk is famous for fish and chips and a visit to the coast just can’t be done without grabbing a portion from one of the many chippies, and (weather permitting) eating them on the beach. Maybe not haute cuisine, but there’s nothing quite like it! Whilst you’ll find battered cod and deliciously salted chips right across the county, Aldeburgh is an absolute hot spot for these tasty treats. Aldeburgh Fish and Chip Shop has been operating for over 50 years and is widely regarded as being one of the best in the whole of Britain.  

Make your own gin  

To say that gin has become the 'in thing' in the last few years would be an understatement, and if you and your fellow Suffolk visitors are partial to a G&T, then you can make your visit extra special by enjoying a Make Your Own Gin Experience at Adnams Gin Lab in Bury St Edmunds. You will learn about how to craft a great-tasting gin, from balancing a wide variety of flavours and aromas to understanding the influence of the distillation process. Your Gin Maker will help you develop your own recipe from a selection of provided botanicals and you will go on to distill, fill and name your bottle.  Now that’s an incredible souvenir to take home from a holiday!  

Chocolate masterclass  

Another fantastic way for foodies to get hands-on in Suffolk is to try one of Artistry in Cocoa’s Workshops . There are masterclasses, family workshops, and adult chocolate-making classes among the fun activities on offer at the Newmarket venue. A perfect way to spend time with family or friends in Suffolk.  

Whether you want to be in the heart of the action to try all the tasty pubs and restaurants in your chosen town or have a huge kitchen to cook up all the fresh local food you’ve purchased whilst on your Suffolk adventure, we’ll have the perfect holiday cottage for you.  

Things to do in Suffolk for sports fans  

Playing golf in Suffolk

It doesn’t matter if your sporting interests lie in taking part or sitting back and watching, you’ll find some exciting ways to make sporting memories whilst on holiday in Suffolk.  

National Horse Racing Museum  

Suffolk’s most famous sport is no doubt horseracing, and whether you’re already a passionate punter or have never watched a race, we think a visit to the National Horse Racing Museum is a must-do in Newmarket. The museum tells the story of horseracing in a fun and interactive way, and no visit would be complete without trying out the racehorse simulator!  

Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday 10am–4pm  

Price: Adults £15, children (under 16) free 

Ipswich Town FC  

If you're a football fan, or just fancy trying something different on your holiday, why not take a trip to Portman Road to watch Ipswich Town ? They currently play in the Sky Bet League One and tickets are available for matches throughout the season at very reasonable prices.  

Ipswich Speedway  

Ipswich Speedway

If faster thrills are more your thing, then a visit to the Foxhall Stadium to watch the Ipswich Witches Speedway team is an absolute must! Events run on various evenings from March to August and you'll see some top-class biking action.    

Hit the golf course  

If you’re a golfing fan, then Suffolk will make a fantastic holiday destination as it has several courses across the county to suit everyone from beginners to pros, all set within swathes of beautiful countryside. Fynn Valley Golf Club near Ipswich has a challenging 18-hole course with picturesque valley views, tree-lined fairways, contoured greens, and just under 100 bunkers, while The Royal Worlington and Newmarket Golf Club’s 9-hole course has been called the best 9-hole golf course in the world.

The sport doesn’t even have to stop once you’re back at your holiday cottage if you don’t want it to! We have cottages with swimming pools and tennis courts, for active holidays, or if fishing is your hobby it’s available at or near  these holiday lets .  

Things to do in Suffolk for lovers of the outdoors 

Dog in the Suffolk countryside

Suffolk is a fantastic place for those who love being outdoors. With its miles of coastline, rivers, and rolling countryside, it’s perfect for long walks, cycling or even taking to the water in a canoe. Here are our top four active things to do in Suffolk.  

Rendlesham Forest  

Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Rendlesham Forest is a wonderful day out for the whole family. Explore the ancient woodland on foot, on two wheels, or even on four hooves as horses are allowed. There's something for everyone, including children's play areas, cycle trails, sculptures to discover in Tangham Wood, and plenty of places for a picnic. Make sure you walk the UFO Trail and discover more about the famous UFO sighting in December 1980.

Alton Water  

For those who like to stay active on holiday, Alton Water is a must-visit whilst in Suffolk. For a waterside, dog-friendly Suffolk walk, you can't beat the Alton Water Circular Trail. An easy and mostly flat 8-mile route around the reservoir, it takes around 3 hours to complete on average. You can also cycle the route if you prefer to be on two wheels. Or if you would rather be on the water rather than next to it, there are a range of water sports available.  

Bike through Dedham Valley  

Hire some bikes and whizz through the Dedham Valley AONB . There are numerous routes available from short family-friendly trails perfect for a picnic along the way, to all-day routes for serious cyclists. The Painter’s Trail is a 69-mile route taking you through the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Stour Valley, passing major artistic landmarks on the way, and cycling through the scenery that inspired some of the world’s greatest landscape painters.  

Canoe through Suffolk

Canoeing in Suffolk

Suffolk has a multitude of rivers, perfect for exploring by canoe, kayak, or even stand-up paddleboard. Remember, you’ll need a river license but if you don’t have the gear, that can be easily hired from providers around the county. A meander down the river from Sudbury offers excellent views and landmarks as you go, or if you like your paddles with extra wildlife, we’d recommend a trip from Snape Maltings where the marshlands give chances to see a variety of creatures.  

For easy access to all those country walks and rides, take a look at our countryside cottages. And after such busy days, you’ll need the perfect Suffolk holiday home to relax in, so why not book a hot tub cottage to soak those sore legs?   

Things to do in Suffolk for rainy days  

Cinema in Suffolk

Let’s face it, you can’t always rely on the Great British weather to provide end-to-end sunshine, even when holidaying in the height of summer. So, it’s always good to have a few ideas for rainy days in your back pocket. Here are some of our favourite things to do on rainy days in Suffolk.  

Ipswich Transport Museum  

From buses to bicycles, lawnmowers to lorries, and fire engines to funeral hearses, you’ll find it all at Ipswich Transport Museum . Learn about the history of the area and transportation, and for little ones, there are activity zones and a model railway.  

Opening hours: Vary through the year, check the website for details  

Price: Adults £9 and children £5  

Catch a movie  

Heading to the cinema is always a good idea for a rainy day, and there are a number of them right across Suffolk. Aldeburgh Cinema has been running for over 100 years, and still maintains lots of its original features, as does the beautiful Leiston Film Theatre . Or to watch in complete comfort, book a sofa at the Ipswich Empire !  

Go back in history at Christchurch Mansion  

Christchurch Mansion

One of Suffolk’s most treasured buildings, Christchurch Mansion is a Tudor home-turned-museum in Ipswich. Step back in time and discover the lives of the people who have called it home. From the Tudor kitchen to the Georgian saloon, there’s interesting history all around.  

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday (November–February) 10am–4pm, (March–October) 10am–5pm

Visit Lavenham Guildhall  

Often described as one of England’s finest timber-framed buildings, Lavenham Guildhall takes visitors on a journey through five centuries of history as seen by those who worked and lived there. Alongside the fascinating museum is the Courtyard Garden, filled with plants used to make dye for Lavenham’s famous wool.     

Opening hours: Vary throughout the year, see the website

Price: Adults £8.50, children £4.25  

Whether you want to visit Suffolk in spring, summer, autumn, or winter, we’ll have a cottage for you. For cosy evenings in after rainy days out, we’d recommend curling up by the fire in one of our cottages with a wood burner.  

Things to do in Suffolk for adrenaline junkies  

Activities for adrenaline junkies in Suffolk

It doesn’t matter if being an adrenaline junkie means riding a rollercoaster or jumping out of a plane to you, you can do it all in Suffolk. Whilst Suffolk is normally thought of as a pretty flat country, you’ll need a head for heights for some of these adventurous days out!  

Feel the thrills at Pleasurewood Hills  

Dare to ride the white-knuckle rides at East Anglia’s biggest theme park, Pleasurewood Hills . Adrenaline junkies can be hurled through the huge loops on the Wipeout rollercoaster or test out the Jolly Roger with its 60mph vertical drop.      

Opening hours: April–October, times vary  

Price: Tickets start at £18.50 

Reach new heights at Clip n Climb  

From toddlers to big thrillseekers, there are lots for everyone to do at Ipswich’s Clip n Climb . With its 10m-high climbing walls and extreme challenges, the Leap of Faith and Vertical Drop Slide, you’ll need a head for heights and an adventurous spirit to reach the summit!  

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, times vary - see the website for more details

Price: £16.99 per person (children and adults)  

Go ape at Go Ape  

Child at Go Ape

Zip wire through the Thetford Forest, 35 feet above the ground, at Go Ape . Make your way through a series of platforms to get to the final challenge. Perfect for those who like a little thrill on their holidays!  

Opening hours: Open daily, different slots available

Price: Treetop Challenge £35 (other courses available)  

Skydive over Suffolk  

Fancy hurling yourself out of a plane at 13,000 feet and seeing Suffolk from a new perspective? Head to Beccles Airfield and find out who the brave ones of the group are with a skydive. UK Parachuting offers tandem jumps as well as courses in Suffolk.

After all that action, you’ll definitely need a nice relaxing holiday home to rest your head, and wobbly legs. We have a huge range of cottages across the county, from coast to country, perfect for wherever your action holiday in Suffolk takes you.  

Things to do in Suffolk for animal lovers  

Animals in Suffolk

If you’re a family that just can’t get enough of creatures big and small, then you’ll love a self-catering break in Suffolk. With animals from giraffes to horses and lions to owls, there are plenty of things to do in Suffolk for animal lovers  

Africa Alive  

Say hello to the giraffes, lions, chimps, and other wild animals at Africa Alive! near Lowestoft. Set in 100 acres of idyllic Suffolk countryside, Africa Alive Zoological Reserve, run by the Zoological Society of East Anglia is a national conservation hub committed to preserving the future of animals. To make your trip extra special, they have a range of animal experiences on offer so you can get extra close to the residents.   

Opening hours: 9.30am-4/5.30pm (dependent on the date) 

Price: Adults £23 and children £17 (including donation)  

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary  

Bird lovers should take a visit to the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary to see over 70 owls and birds of prey from all around the world. There’s a magical woodland walk, Meerkat Kastle, bug hotels, ladybird houses, and a hedgehog hotel too so there’s plenty to see and do. Summer months also bring with them spectacular flying displays. 

Opening hours: Open daily, check the website for times

Price: Adults £9.05 and children £7.70  

Oasis Camel Park  

Camel

If you’ve always wanted to get up close and personal with a camel, or take a ride on one, there’s only one place in the UK that it’s possible – The Oasis Camel Park in Suffolk. There’s more than just camels on offer though, there’s a whole host of animals including lemurs, meerkats, and wallabies. There are also pedal go-karts, play areas, and crazy golf to keep everyone entertained.   

Opening hours: Daily 1 April to 29 October, 10.30am-5pm  

Price: Adults £11 and children (3-16 years) £10  

Suffolk Punch Trust  

The Suffolk Punch Trust is dedicated to protecting the critically endangered Suffolk horse, England’s oldest breed of working horse. And you can help them with their work by enjoying a fantastic day out meeting these gentle giants. There are tractor rides, a play park, meet the animals, walking trails and so much more on offer at the farm.  

Opening hours: 10am–4pm (selected days throughout the year – check the website for full details)  

Price:  Adults £10 and children (2-16 years) £5  

If you’re an animal lover you’ll be glad to know we have a wide range of properties available to you. If you want to see animals before you’ve even left your accommodation, don’t miss out on our holiday cottages on working farms.  

Holidays in Suffolk

Now you have the activities sorted, it’s time to select your Suffolk holiday home. With our range of over 700 properties right across the county, you’ll be spoilt for choice. 

Whether you require a dog-friendly holiday cottage, family-friendly self-catering accommodation, or a home that’s large enough for all your friends, we have something for you. And if it’s the something special that makes your holiday dreams come true, we have hot tub holidays and cottages with swimming pools and games rooms too!  

See our full range of cottages in Suffolk. 

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.

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Essex Explored

Travel Inspiration For Essex & The Surrounding Areas

The Ultimate Guide of Things to do in Essex UK!

I was born and raised in Essex. I’ve been to many places but there are still areas that I’m yet to cover! This post is a work in progress that I plan to continuously update as I explore and find new things to do in Essex! Hopefully, you’ll find something that catches your eye! For many districts, I have written more in-depth articles which include more information about many of the attractions!

Things To Do In Essex

Braintree district.

The Best Things To Do In Braintree Essex

Flitch Way Country Park – A 15-mile walk along a disused railway line between Braintree and Bishop Stortford. The Booking Hall Cafe is a good place to stop for a drink and a snack (with toilets).

Rayne Station Flitch Way Essex

Great Notley Country Park – Large park with play equipment, walking/horse trails and Sky Ropes climbing course. Visiting the Great Notley Country Park in Braintree

Hedingham Castle – Hedingham Castle is a 900-year-old castle, popular as a wedding venue, with large grounds, events throughout the year and now an escape room!

Finchingfield – Said to be one of the most photographed villages in the county, with a duck pond, windmill, tea rooms and St John The Baptist church.

Cressing Temple Barns – Dating back to the 13th century, Cressing Temple Barns are free to visit. I like the Walled Gardens and the Tiptree Tearoom. Events are held throughout the year (some have an entrance fee).

Blackwater Alpacas and Pygmy Goats – At Blackwater Alpacas and Pygmy Goats , visitors can go alpaca hiking, hand-feed the goats and alpacas and even have cuddles with the baby goats!

Baby Pygmy Goat at Blackwater Alpacas and Pygmy Goats Essex

Boydell’s Dairy Farm – This is a small working farm that offers hands on guided tours where visitors are able to milk a cow and feed the farm animals.

Colne Valley Railway – The Colne Valley Railway is a railway museum with train rides, ride-on miniature railways and model trains. The Santa Christmas event is always popular!

*Blake House Craft Centre and Maze – Here you’ll find a range of local small businesses along with a mini-golf course, play equipment and during the summer season, a large corn maze with over 5 miles of trails!

*Marks Hall Estate – Located in Coggeshall, Marks Hall Estate has woodland trails, an arboretum and two lakes.

Uttlesford District

( Flitch Way Country Park – The Flitch Way crosses both Braintree and Uttlesford districts!)

Hatfield Forest – Hatfield Forest is run by the National Trust. There are lots of woodland trails, a fishing lake and hidden geocaches! Parking in £8 (free for National Trust members). Facilities include a cafe and toilets.

Stansted Airport – Not exactly somewhere you can visit, but Stansted Airport is Essex’s largest airport and is considered one of the ‘London’ airports. Ryanair and Jet2 offer the most flights to destinations across Europe.

Flying From Stansted Airport

Mountfitchet Castle & Norman Village – This is an open-air Norman village museum, documenting what life would have been like 900 years ago. Goats, chickens and deer roam freely around the castle grounds!

*Audley End Miniature Railway – I love a miniature railway! The Audley End Miniature Railway has diesel and steam trains that travel through the woods along a 1.5-mile track. Teddy bear scenes are in the woods and guests can try to spot them using an I-Spy sheet. There’s also an Enchanted Fairy and Elf woodland walk. The Christmas events are VERY popular. Across the road is Audley End House and Gardens , an English Heritage site.

Colchester Borough

11 Fun Things To Do In Colchester, Essex

Colchester Zoo – I love Colchester Zoo ! Over the years it has just got bigger and better. My favourites are the chimpanzees and meerkats. You’ll also see: elephants, rhinos, zebras, hippos, orangutans, sea lions and more! Several hands-on experiences include feeding the giraffes, elephants and rainbow lorikeets.

Colchester Zoo Kingdom of the Wild Rhinos

Colchester Castle – Another Norman museum is Colchester Castle, however it documents 2000 years of Essex history, dating back to the Roman era. You can pay an additional fee for a guided tour which visits the underground vaults and up on the castle roof. Castle Park is a lovely large outside space too.

Mersea Island – Mersea Island is accessed by a tidal causeway, where for 1 week a month, the water covers the road twice a day, cutting the island off from the mainland! West Mersea Beach has lovely colourful beach huts with a large beach and shallow waters.

West Mersea Beach Huts Essex

Tiptree Jam Museum and Tearooms – An Essex made company and product is Tiptree Jam, dating back to 1885. They now product other products such as gin and honey. The factory is located in Tiptree and the museum is free to visit. During the summer they offer tours of the fruit farm. There are also 10 Tiptree Tea Room locations spread all over Essex (including one at the factory)!

Abberton Reservoir – This is a large wetland area great from bird and wildlife watching. There are walking trails around the reservoir. For £1 visitors can purchase a map to find 7 characters on the Brambly Hedge sculpture walk. Families include a visitor centre, a cafe and shop, toilets and a play area.

Chappel Viaduct – Chappel Viaduct is one of the largest brick structures in England. It’s popular for photos due to the illusion under the arches! It’s part of the Essex WWII trail, with pillboxes and anti-tank obstacles around the base of the viaduct. Millennium Green is a nice little nature walk with a boardwalk around the Water Meadow Nature Reserve.

Chappel Viaduct Arches

Dedham Vale – Dedham Vale is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Essex/Suffolk border. It’s also known as ‘Constable Country’ as it was an inspiration for the artist ‘John Constable’. A popular activity in Dedham village is to hire rowboats to row along the River Stour. Just across the border in Suffolk is Flatford Mill , a National Trust site.

*Layer Marney Tower – Layer Marney Tower is a Tudor Palace built in the 1520s. You can climb up the tower and visit the gardens and farm. There’s also glamping tents available for a mini break!

Tendering District

9 Best Things To Do In Clacton, Essex

Clacton-On-Sea Pier – Clacton Pier first opened to the public in the 1870’s. It was recently renovated to include an indoor soft play area and mini-golf. Of course, there’s a large arcade, fairground rides and even a double-storey go-kart track!

Tricky Escape – Escape Room – Tricky Escape is one of my favourite escape rooms that I’ve completed so far! I did the ‘Magic & Mystery’ room which is loosely based on Harry Potter (so, of course, I was going to like it). It’s very well done and the staff are great. There’s a second location in Harwich!

Things To Do In Walton On The Naze Essex!

Walton-On-The-Naze: Naze Tower – There are ‘two’ main areas of Walton, the town area and then the Naze. The Naze end is a wildlife area with coastal walks and the Naze Tower. It was built in 1720 and acted as a navigation tower. Inside is a small museum, a tea room and you can climb up to the observation point at the top.

Brightlingsea – I love Brightlingsea Beach, there’s a shallow tidal pool and a seawall walk with a couple of places for food takeaways/ice cream. It’s a nice place for a little day trip.

Dovercourt Lighthouses – You may have seen pictures of the Dovercourt Lighthouses on Instagram, these lighthouses are in stilts in the water! In Harwich, there are a couple of forts and a lighthouse (on land) that you can visit too.

Dovercourt Lighthouse Essex

A House For Essex (Wrabness) – While near Harwich/Dovercourt, make sure to visit A House For Essex too! It’s a work of art, created by FAT Architecture and Chelmsford born artist, Grayson Perry. A House For Essex can actually sleep up to 4 people, with a 2 night midweek stay started at £975.

Maldon District

Fun Things To Do In Maldon Essex

Maldon Promenade Park – This is a riverside park in Maldon with a large parking area, seawall walks, mini-golf, a splash park and several different food and drink options. Events are held in the park throughout the year, including the Maldon Mud Race .

Maldon Prom in Essex England

Museum of Power – Another miniature steam railway! The Museum of Power has a 1/4 mile track around the grounds. There’s also a little fairy garden and of course a steam and engine museum.

Heybridge Basin – Just down the road from Maldon is Heybridge Basin. This is the point where the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation (a man-made canal) meets the river estuary via a lock. There are a couple of pubs, a Tiptree tearoom and river walks.

Osea Beach Huts – The Osea Beach Huts are another of those ‘photo spots’. A line of 10 beach huts on stilts stand a stone’s throw from the sea wall. When the tide comes in it cuts them off from dry land. In all honesty, they do look better when the water covers them as some of the boards leading up to them are a bit broken.

Osea Beach Hut at Sunset Essex

14 Places To Go Glamping In Essex!

*Mundon Petrified Oaks – Jelena from ‘Mate We’re Lost’ recently wrote a guest post about the Mundon Petrified Oaks , so I haven’t seen them personally. A field just outside Maldon has a field full of oak trees that no longer grow leaves! From the pictures, they look very creepy surrounded by other trees that are still very much alive!

Chelmsford District

7 Things To Do In Chelmsford Essex

Hylands Park and House – Hylands Park is a large park and house, they often hold various events in the grounds, throughout the year. When events aren’t taking place, there are lots of walking trails to enjoy!

Jump Street – The Jump Street location in Chelmsford is awesome, purely for the ‘ Clip N Climb ‘ centre! Whether you’re an adult or a kid, it can be challenging for everyone! For adults, it’s worth upgrading to the extreme package just for access to the additional elements.

Clip n Climb at Jump Street in Chelmsford Essex

Paper Mill Lock – Paper Mill Lock is another lock along the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. It’s exactly halfway between Chelmsford and Heybridge Basin. There’s a tearoom with homemade cakes and sandwiches and you can also go on 1-hour canal boat trips (I went on one when I was a kid!).

*RHS Garden Hyde Hall – Hyde Hall is part of the Royal Horticultural Society and has 20 different themed gardens such as a rose garden, dry garden, a woodland garden and a reservoir and bird hide. During the winter (mid-November to the beginning of January), they have their ‘Glow’ illumination event.

Southend-On-Sea Borough

10 Best Things To Do In Southend Essex

Adventure Island – Essex’s only theme park! Located on Southend seafront is Adventure Island! With over 40 rides and attractions and 10 thrill rides, there’s something for everyone. My personal favourite is Rage (roller coaster pictured below). Entrance into the park is free and then you can buy wristbands for unlimited rides. (*Tip* Wristbands are MUCH CHEAPER if booked online in advance). There are some additional ‘pay to play’ attractions such as mini-golf and the dodgems that don’t require a wristband.

Rage at Adventure Island Southend on Sea Essex

Southend Pier – Southend Pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world at 1.34 miles long! If you don’t want to walk, you can jump on the train which has return or single trips available.

Sealife Adventure – Also located along the seafront is Sealife Adventure ! Originally it was an aquarium (with penguins and otters!), but after the closure of Tropical Wings, a group of meerkats and 3 tortoises were re-homed at Sealife Adventure. They also have some rescued Macaque monkeys.

Harlow District

The Panic Room – Escape Room – Another great Essex escape room is ‘ The Panic Room ‘ in Harlow. They have 6 different themed rooms and the rooms are sometimes changed out to keep things fresh!

Epping Forest District

Lee Valley White Water Centre – Lee Valley was one of the locations used in the London 2012 Olympics. It’s open to the public for water sports such as rafting and kayaking. I went Hydrospeeding which uses a bodyboard (costing £50 for 90 minutes)!

Brentwood Borough

*Brentwood Karting – I was sad to discover that the Rayleigh Karting track has recently closed. However, there is a large outdoor track in Brentwood that’s the fastest track in South-East England. The fastest karts can reach speeds up to 50mph! I’m hoping to visit in 2021!

(Essex Districts I have yet to fully explore (as an adult): Epping Forest District, Brentwood Borough, Basildon District, Castle Point Borough, Rochford District)

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Suffolk Your Local News for Suffolk County, New York

Rain Fog/Mist

New Update: These Areas Will See Most Rainfall From Pre-Easter Storm Now Sweeping Through

A slow-moving pre-Easter storm moving up from the south is now bringing widespread rainfall to the East Coast.

Areas farthest east and along the coast are expected to see the most rainfall from a pre-Easter storm sweeping through the East Coast.

places to visit suffolk essex

Rain has become steady on Thursday morning, March 28, and will be heavy at times, especially along the coast.

The wet weather has already resulted in the postponement of some scheduled Major League Baseball openers, including the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies.

Rain will continue to fall through Thursday evening as low pressure strengthens offshore. 

Western portions of the region will see .5 to 1 inch while eastern areas will see 1.5 to 1.75 inches, according to the National Weather Service.

Locally higher amounts are possible, and there could be ponding on roadways in those areas.

"Many of the beach communities from Maryland to New Jersey, Long Island, New York; and Massachusetts will be in for a thorough soaking," according to  AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Dombek.

Thursday's high temperature will be around 50 degrees.

Rain will continue into Thursday evening before winding down overnight.

A total of about an inch of rainfall is expected during the storm, with locally higher amounts.

Showers could linger into past daybreak on Good Friday, March 29 followed by gradual clearing, and then mostly sunny skies with a high temperature in the low 50s.

It will be breezy on Friday with wind gusts as high as 30 miles per hour in spots.

Look for another sunny and pleasant day on Saturday, March 30 with a high temperature in the mid-50s.

Clouds will thicken overnight with showers possible at times.

Easter Sunday, March 31 will be mainly sunny with a high temperature in the mid-50s.

Clouds will thicken as the calendar flips to a new month on Monday, April 1 with a chance of rain during the day and a higher likelihood at night. The high temperature will be in the mid-50s.

Check back to Daily Voice for updates.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Suffolk and receive free news updates.

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  1. 15 Picturesque Spots to Explore in Suffolk

    Dedham Vale borders Suffolk and Essex and is home to numerous scenes that inspired famous artists. Here, you can boat in the River Stour, go for pretty riverside walks, explore cosy pubs, and enjoy the glorious scenery. If you want to see the best area, I suggest not missing Dedham, Stratford St Mary, and Stoke-by-Nayland. 4. Ipswich Waterfront

  2. 15 Best Places to Visit in Essex

    Lets explore the best places to visit in Essex: 1. Colchester. Source: flickr. Colchester Castle. The oldest town, not just in Essex but the entire country, Colchester was the capital of Roman Britain for a time. If this has caught your attention then Colchester Castle should be your first stop.

  3. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Suffolk

    Lovely gardens with much to see, from the abbey ruins to the well maintained flower beds. 6. East Anglia Transport Museum. A Heritage Transport museum which includes buses, cars, vans, trams, trolleybuses, a narrow gauge railway and a 'Tar, Sweat and Steam' building displaying the history of roadbuilding.

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    Places to visit in Essex . There's more to Essex than reality TV. History buffs will love travelling through time as they start by exploring Roman Britain, and venture through motte-and-bailey Norman keeps, Tudor forts, and finally Victorian country estates and gardens. ... Suffolk. Visit Suffolk to see swanky coastal towns, landscapes ...

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    Visit Essex's best-kept secret: an underground nuclear bunker. Strong enough to withstand a nuclear blast, this hidden bunker started life as an RAF air defence station, before becoming a ...

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    Built by the first Earl of Suffolk, Lord Treasurer to James I, this Jacobean-style house is one of the most magnificent of its type in England. See full details. ... Gardens. Recommended in Great British Gardens 2019 and Essex Days out as well as visit Essex. Featured in Country Life Feb 2019, The English Garden Feb 2021 and Nov 2021. In 2023 ...

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    Of the many attractions in Suffolk, these include breathtaking castles at Framlingham and Orford, medieval towns and villages, and stately homes and gardens offer chances for exploration and adventure. There's plenty of fun stuff for kids in Suffolk, including rare breed farms, animal and wildlife parks, living museums, forest playgrounds ...

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    The AONB has a huge range of things to see and do, from getting up close to the famous Suffolk Punch horse to staying in House in the Clouds in Thorpeness. Dunwich Museum reveals the history of the city under the sea, while Landguard Fort, Bawdsey Radar Museum and HMS Ganges Museum all look at the area's military history.

  9. Places to visit in Suffolk

    Places to visit in Suffolk. Visit Suffolk for the quintessentially English experience. Immerse yourself in live music festivals, swanky coastal towns, and local microbreweries producing some of the best beer in the world. Suffolk is packed to the brim with adventure; explore safari parks where you can see lions and zebra roaming free, or rent a ...

  10. Attractions & Activities Archive

    Get to know Suffolk and all there is to see and do. There is a huge variety of things to see and do in Suffolk with attractions including breathtaking castles, medieval towns, stately homes and gardens all offering chances for exploration and adventure. There's also plenty of fun stuff for kids in Suffolk, including rare breed farms, animal ...

  11. 15 Best Places to Visit in Suffolk (England)

    In the Buttermarket area, see the Ancient House, a fine 14th-century merchant's house embellished with the "pargeting", decorative plasterwork, that East Anglia is known for. 3. Southwold. Source: flickr. Southwold Pier. Suffolk has a speciality in charming, understated seaside towns, and Southwold is one of the best.

  12. 15 Picturesque Places to Explore in Essex

    11. Weald Country Park. Located a 15-minute drive from Brentwood, Weald Country Park is special because of deer, rolling meadows, and stunning views. With more than 520 acres, you can wander to your heart's content. In spring and throughout summer, the rolling grassland is dotted with outbreaks of wildflowers.

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    LET'S START EXPLORING SUFFOLK NOW The Suffolk Coast This is a much-loved destination, and here you will encounter world-class culture, exquisite food, heritage and wildlife. It has over 50 miles of stunning coastline, peppered with historic fishing towns and villages, each with its own story to tell. This is east coast Britain which means it's one of the first places in the country you get ...

  14. Things to Do & Places to Visit in Essex

    Search and discover some great things to do and see in Essex. With a large range of activities, attractions and places to visit in Essex from arts, culture & entertainment venues, family friendly activities, history & heritage to nature & wildlife, shopping, spas & wellbeing, and even things to do for free, you will certainly be spoilt for choice.

  15. Things To Do & Days Out

    There is a myriad of things to do and see at Stonham Barns, set in the heart of the beautiful Suffolk countryside. Visitors can enjoy a range of leisure activities, retail shops, Fit Club, Garden Centre, fishing lakes and the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, where visitors may hold mesmerising owls. Stonham Barns is situated on the east side of ...

  16. Best Places To Visit In Essex: Five Of The Prettiest Villages

    Here are five of the best places to visit in Essex, and where to eat, drink and stay while you're there. ... Credit: Getty Images. Set on the Essex and Suffolk border and nestled within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known as Dedham Vale, the village of Dedham is simply charming. The Vale is nicknamed Constable country after the ...

  17. 20 Gorgeous Suffolk Villages: Quintessential England

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  18. 10 Best Days Out in Suffolk for Everyone

    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 ...

  19. The 40 best places you can visit in Essex this weekend

    Dedham Vale (Image: Visit Essex) Location: Dedham. Located on the Essex/Suffolk border, the Dedham Vale provides some of the most spectacular views not only in Essex, but across the country. The area received the 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' status back in 1970 for its stunning landscape, farmland, ancient woodlands, rivers and medows.

  20. The best things to do in Suffolk

    Alongside the fascinating museum is the Courtyard Garden, filled with plants used to make dye for Lavenham's famous wool. Opening hours: Vary throughout the year, see the website. Price: Adults £8.50, children £4.25. Whether you want to visit Suffolk in spring, summer, autumn, or winter, we'll have a cottage for you.

  21. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Essex

    These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time. 2023. 1. Colchester Zoo. 6,486. Zoos. Colchester Zoo is constantly developing and has won many awards for its work. With over 270 species to see, set in 60 acres of beautiful parkland and ...

  22. 12 Suffolk towns you need to visit

    3) Aldeburgh. A wonderful mix of music, food and a friendly atmosphere - Aldeburgh is perfect for the whole family. Located on the Suffolk coast, its Blue Flag, shingle beach is a favourite amongst tourists and locals alike. A weekend at the seaside is the perfect excuse to stay in one of Aldeburgh's glorious seafront cottages.

  23. The Ultimate Guide of Things to do in Essex UK!

    Just across the border in Suffolk is Flatford Mill, a National Trust site. *Layer Marney Tower - Layer Marney Tower is a Tudor Palace built in the 1520s. You can climb up the tower and visit the gardens and farm. There's also glamping tents available for a mini break! Tendering District. 9 Best Things To Do In Clacton, Essex

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    Easter egg health warning issued by Essex and Suffolk doctor. A doctor has pleaded with families to "resist the urge" to eat an entire Easter egg in one go during this weekend's celebrations. Dr ...

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    Western portions of the region will see .5 to 1 inch while eastern areas will see 1.5 to 1.75 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Locally higher amounts are possible, and there could be ponding on roadways in those areas.