What springs to mind when I say Suffolk? Charming villages, medieval towns, picturesque coastlines? If you’re planning a staycation this could be the perfect spot for your family. This historic East Anglian county is shrouded in history and there is plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Sutton Hoo
Sutton Hoo is a stunning estate set in a whopping 255 acres with beautiful views over the River Deben. It is home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in modern history! Discover the incredible story of the ship burial of an Anglo-Saxon king and his treasured possessions. You can tour the royal Anglo-Saxon burial mounds with a ‘Gruesome Grave’ guide! These family-friendly tours take place during most holidays and are completely free.
Pleasurewood Hills Family Theme Park
Pleasurewood Hills Family Theme Park is just a short drive from the seaside town of Great Yarmouth. The park has rides and attractions to suit all ages! If you’re a thrill seeker you’ll love Wipeout with its top speed of 50 mph, or hold on as you climb to 60ft high on Enigma. They even have a Sea Lion show, what’s not to love?!
Africa Alive!
Africa Alive!, formerly known as Suffolk Wildlife Park, is a zoo located in Kessingland. You get to explore the sights and sounds of Africa and discover lions, giraffes, meerkats, hunting dogs and many more animals. The “Plains of Africa” – is the perfect place to spot five different species of African savannah animals, including giraffes and rhinos. You can even climb aboard the safari road train and explore the park.
Framlingham Castle
Framlingham Castle is in the market town of Framlingham. It was once a fortress where Mary Tudor was proclaimed Queen of England. You can walk the ramparts of the castle and enjoy the fantastic views. It was built in the 12th century by Roger Bigod, Earl of Norfolk, and was home to the dukes of Norfolk for over 400 years.
Southwold Pier
At Southwold Pier, you’ll find delicious food, excellent shopping, breathtaking sea views and eccentric British seaside fun reaching 623 feet into the North Sea from the Suffolk coast. There are various events throughout the year including traditional Punch and Judy shows.
Leiston Abbey
Leiston Abbey is one of Suffolk’s most impressive monastic ruins – in about 1363 the abbey was moved away from what was evidently a rather unhealthy location on the swampy ground and rebuilt on its present site. Leiston Film Theatre is also nearby.
Rendlesham Forest
Young explorers can go looking for UFOs in Rendlesham Forest. The forest is the setting for the well-known UFO incident which happened on 26th December 1980. It’s reported that Servicemen who were stationed at RAF Woodbridge saw lights in the trees and discovered a conical object the size of a car, floating in a forest clearing. There is also a great play area with slides, zip lines and swings.
Have you stayed in Suffolk? Do you have any tips on must-see places during your stay?
Suffolk looks like an amazing county with so much to do. I really need to arrange a trip down there as we have never been x
It’s such a beautiful part of the Country, I don’t think we truly appreciate how great our Country really is sometimes 🙂 x
Suffolk looks like an amazing county with so much to do. I really need to arrange a trip down there as we have never been x
Oh do go, I promise you won’t be disappointed it’s a beautiful part of the UK x
I have never been to Suffolk but it looks beautiful and rich in history. I love places with some Tudor history, they are always so interesting. It would bore my family but I would head straight to Framlingham.
Framlingham is beautiful isn’t it, I love a bit of history too x
Oh Africa Alive looks FAB! We love exploring new places and it sounds as though there is a lot to do in that area!
I am always drawn to the zoo wherever we go, I just love watching animals x
We are not too far from Suffolk and from this post it looks like a great place to discover. We have been to Africa alive, but not in ages though.
You’ll have to add it to your list, there are lots of great places to visit x
I can remember visiting Sutton Hoo as a I kid with school! Looks like there is loads more to do.
You’ll have to plan a visit back and see what has changed 😉
I’d love to explore Suffolk as a family looks like so many fab things to do and the beach looks lovely – I think I went to Sutton Hoo as a child!
Sutton Hoo definitely seems to have featured in a lot of people’s childhoods. You can’t beat a trip to the seaside can you 🙂 x
Ooh I love that pier, wish we had one nearby!
There’s something about a pier isn’t there, I love them 🙂
Great post – this will come in handy. We’re in Cambridge, so not far and do find ourselves in Suffolk often. The Africa Alive sounds incredible – will remember that one! x
Oh yes Suffolk will be perfect for you to visit, let me know what you think if you visit Africa Alive x
Lots of brilliant places to visit, we love a trip a castle and that theme park looks brilliant. My girls would love it!
I know what you mean, I am a sucker for a castle too. So much intrigue and history x