Suffolk Tourist Guide - Articles
Eggcellent Adventures in Suffolk over the Easter holidays!
This year Easter stretches from Good Friday 21st March to April 20th as School Holidays are varied. In Suffolk there are lots of events and Festivals taking place over Easter, which is traditionally the time that many of our top attractions reopen.
For a comprehensive overview of Suffolk's Attractions for children please see Days Out in Suffolk . For more gentle Things to Do in Suffolk, including a listing of National Trust and English Heritage properties, please click on the link
We have several major new exhibitions opening in Suffolk this Easter including -
Life and Death of a Kingdom: East Anglia 500 - 869AD at Sutton Hoo, National Trust
March - Sun 2nd Nov 2008 10.30am - 5pm
A major new exhibition exploring the birth, life and death of the area that became the Kingdom of East Anglia. Exhibition features a rich display of some of the most precious and important artefacts made in the area and is the first comprehensive display of artefacts from the royal ship burial at Snape, Suffolk. The exhibition also showcases treasure from the great ship burial at Sutton Hoo excavated in 1939 and other objects.
ALSO there will be an Easter Trail at Sutton Hoo, Friday 21 March – Monday 24
10.30am – 5pm
A family favourite - find the clues, solve the puzzle and claim the chocolate!
£2 per trail. see Sutton Hoo
Framlingham Castle reopens offering families a day out worth talking about
Framlingham Castle is throwing open its gates this Easter weekend following a major investment programme at the site. This important historic property has been transformed with the family visitor in mind and a raft of new developments will bring its 800 year old history to life for children and adults alike.
A new exhibition in the old Poorhouse, 'Framlingham Castle: From Powerhouse to Poorhouse', takes visitors through eight centuries of colourful heritage. A lively animated video sets the scene, while interactive displays encourage children to get involved in hands-on activities that teach them about the history of the castle.
The curtain wall is a special feature of Framlingham Castle and a brand new audio tour leads visitors on a stunning walk along the tops of the castle walls. The tour has two versions; a lively history of the castle narrated by characters 'Topsy and Turvy' that offers a fun and educational guide for children and a more in-depth guide for adults that gives a detailed insight into the estate's history.
The new developments are not restricted to the castle alone. Framlingham Mere, home to a host of flora and fauna, has also benefited from investment. The mere provides a habitat for a range of wildlife, offering a unique environment for over 80 species of birds and almost 300 types of plant. A new trail leaflet gives visitors suggestions of things to look out for - perfect for engaging children in a bit of nature-spotting.
After exploring the castle, the space within the castle walls offers a great place for a family picnic and the giant games are guaranteed to amuse the whole family. Test out your building proficiency with the 'Build a Brick Red Chimney' game. Or why not try a game of 'Kings, Earls, Cobblers and Spinners' - a version of family favourite 'Snakes and Ladders', but with latrines instead of snakes!
ALSO Friday 21 – Mon 24 Mar, 11am – 5pm
EASTER FAMILY FUN at Framlingham Castle
Take part in an egg trail and collect your own Easter goodies at this family event.
Adult £5.50, Conc £4.40, Child £2.80, Family £13.80, EH members free.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
See Framlingham Castle
How about taking a course during the holidays? At Assington Mill they're running some courses over holidays that would be good for children, such as
A day on badgers
Wilderness weekend for parents and children
Bushcraft
Dowsing for beginners
Coracle making
See Assington Mill for booking and further details.
Or you could try a clay pigeon shooting course - Fultons Shooting offer introductory sessions for complete novices and children (see Fultons Shooting), and at Lakenheath Clay Target Centre you can all practice your new skills!
See Courses in Suffolk for other ideas.
EASTER EVENTS
On Good Friday 21 March, 11am – 4pm, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
Easter Bunny Day
Hop over to Ickworth for a family activity day with rabbit-related fun. Meet a rabbit, follow a bunny trail, take part in lots of new crafts and games. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Recommended ages 4 to 11.
Child £3, accompanying adults free. No booking required. Park admission applies
see Ickworth House
Good Friday Easter Egg Hunt - 21 March at The Anchor, Nayland
11.30am to 1.00pm
Easter fun for children of all ages! Meet the Easter Bunny, Easter chicks and other spring babies, decorated egg competition. £3 per child including a chocolate treat. (Free to loyalty scheme members children/grandchildren).
See The Anchor Inn, Nayland
Sunday 23 & Monday 24 March, 1.30 - 5pm, Melford Hall, National Trust
Easter Egg Hunt
Can you find the Easter eggs hidden in Melford Hall garden? Complete the story by finding the hidden eggs and claim your chocolate prize.
Child £1 See Melford Hall
Sunday 23 & Monday 24 March, 11 - 4pm, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
Easter Egg Trail
Easter eggs have ‘eggsploded’ on Ickworth! Join an Easter trail in Ickworth’s grounds to find your Easter treat. Recommended ages 4-11.
Child £3.50, accompanying adults free. Park admission applies. see Ickworth House
Sunday 23 March
11am - 3pm
The Great Egg Hunt, Dunwich Heath, National Trust
Enjoy family activities in the Heath Barn Field Study Centre and follow trails onto the heath to claim a chocolate prize. Competitions and crafts too.
Child £5. Booking not required
Gruesome Graves Tours at Sutton Hoo, National Trust
March: Mon 24, Tues 25, Weds 26, Thurs 27
April: Tues 1, Weds 2, Thurs 3
2pm
Children are invited to a special tour of the Anglo-Saxon burial mounds – and bring your parents.
Family £6.50 Adult £2.50 Child £1.50.
Book on the day (places limited, please arrive early!) see Sutton Hoo
Monday 24 March – Easter Monday
Come and meet the lambs and go on an Easter Egg Hunt at The Lindsey Rose
3.00pm – 5.00pm
£4.95 per child (price includes drink and ice cream)
Pub open all day for drinks; lunch 12.00 – 3.00 See The Lindsey Rose
Monday 24 March to Sunday 6 April
10am – 4pm
Easter Egg Trail, Dunwich Heath, National Trust
Follow the trail, find the clues, solve the puzzle. Trail leaflet available from the Shop
£1. Booking not required
Wednesday 26 March, 11am – 4pm, Lavenham Guildhall
Family Fun Day – Looking at Animals
Fun for the whole family, with hands-on activities including discovery trails, model-making, paper crafts and much more.
Normal admission + £2 per child. No booking required See Lavenham Guildhall
Thursday 27 March, 2pm, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
Woodland Ramble
Explore your senses on a guided walk for children in a woodland environment. Smelly cocktails, leaf rubbings, scavenger hunts and more. Tour begins at Information Kiosk. Recommended ages 4 to 11.
Child £2.50, accompanying adults free. Booking essential see Ickworth House
29th March Farmily Fun Day and Dog Show at Jimmy's Pig Farm
Edith Pretty Tour & Tea*at Sutton Hoo, National Trust
Sunday 30 March
2 – 4pm
A fascinating tour of Sutton Hoo, focussing on the life of Edith Pretty who found Anglo-Saxon treasure and donated it to the nation. Includes access to Tranmer House (Mrs Pretty’s former residence), not normally open to the public. Followed by a cream tea.
see Sutton Hoo
Sunday 30 March, 11.30am – 12.30pm, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
Guided Parkland Walk
Take a journey through the history of Ickworth Park. Meet at West Wing Reception.
No booking required. Park admission applies see Ickworth House
APRIL
Tuesday 1 April, 11am – 4pm, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
April Fools & Jesters
Be a jester and have a fun filled day of tomfoolery as you try your hand at juggling, Shakespearian insults, jokes and limericks. Recommended ages 4-11.
Child £3. Accompanying adults free. Park admission applies. see Ickworth House
Friday 4 April, 11am - 4pm, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
Spring Arts & Crafts
Family activity day celebrating the season with arts and crafts. Recommended ages 4-11.
£2.50 per child, accompanying adults free. No booking required. Park admission applies. see Ickworth House
Friday 4 April, 10.30am – 4pm, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
Helen Stevens Workshop
We invite you to the second in a series of one day events based around art embroidery with a morning of discussion and entertainment and then a hands-on mini-masterclass, at the end of which each guest will be able to take home their own stitched memento reflecting the season. Helen M. Stevens (SWA) is the author of 12 books on the subject of embroidery, and has displayed work at the British Museum. All materials provided. Morning coffee and pastries, two-course lunch and afternoon tea and cakes included.
£45. Includes admission to the park. Booking essential see Ickworth House
5th April Farmer’s + Gardener's Market at Jimmy's Pig Farm
The Kingdom of the Angles Lecture Lunch Series (1)* at Sutton Hoo, National Trust
The Birth of a Kingdom
Sunday 6 April
11.30am – 2pm
Time Team historian Dr Sam Newton presents a series of three lecture lunches on the Kingdom of the Angles.
Today’s event explores the forces that combined to establish the kingdom of the Angles. Includes coffee on arrival (from 11am) and two-course hot lunch
see Sutton Hoo
Gardening at Melford Hall, Melford Hall, National Trust
Monday 7 April, Monday 2 June, Monday 7 July, Monday 1 September
10am - 3pm
Join our team of green fingered volunteers as they work in this lovely National Trust garden. A chance to test your gardening skills, see the work that goes on behind the scenes and meet new people – you might get hooked and come back for more!
Admission free with a pair of gardening gloves See Melford Hall
Italian Evening - 11 April 2008 at the Suffolk Food Hall
Enjoy an evening of Italian food, wine and song on Friday 11 April 2008. Recital by Ipswich High School Choir on their return from their Italian Choral Tour.
Reception from 6.00pm, recital at 6.30pm followed by Dinner in the Samford Restaurant.
£19.85 per head to include a glass of Prosecco and canapes on arrival.
To make a booking please call 01473 786 616 or see Suffolk Food Hall
Sunday 13 April, 11.30am – 12.30pm, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
Guided Parkland Walk
Take a journey through the history of Ickworth Park. Meet at West Wing Reception.
No booking required. Park admission applies see Ickworth House
Friday 18 April to Thursday 22 May, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
Horringer Women’s Institute Exhibition
Includes open weekend, 19 and 20 April - come and chat to the WI and find out about Theodora Hervey’s WI connections.
Normal admission applies see Ickworth House
Adnams Beer Dinner - Friday 18th April 2008 at Ufford Park Hotel, Golf and Spa
An evening not to miss with Head Brewer Mike Powell-Evans from Adnams talking you through various beers to compliment your 3 course dinner for only £30.00 per person. Numbers strictly limited to 50). Bedrooms available at a special rate of £59, bed and breakfast per room for all events (subject to availability). See Ufford Park Hotel, Golf and Spa
Saturday 19 April, 11am – 4pm, Lavenham Guildhall
Guild Open Day – From Fleece to Scarf
Taking a new fleece, the Guild will show us the various processes involved in turning it into a scarf to wear.
Normal admission, no booking required
Adnams at Sutton Hoo: Wine Tasting & Tour* at Sutton Hoo, National Trust
Sunday 20 April
11am-1pm
Join us for an informal house tour at Sutton Hoo followed by a wine tasting hosted by Sigi Mermagen from Adnams Wine Cellar & Kitchen Store (Woodbridge). The event will take place in Tranmer House (Edith Pretty's former home) not normally open to the public.
see Sutton Hoo
Also don't forget to look at Art Exhibitions in Suffolk for an up-to-date listing of the fantastic range of art currently being exhibited around Suffolk
For details of regular Farmers Markets click here Farmers Markets
For Concerts at ALDEBURGH MUSIC this month see - ALDEBURGH MUSIC CONCERT LISTING
For Events in Ipswich this month click here - What's On Ipswich
For events at the Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds, this month click here Theatre Royal
For a comprehensive overview of Suffolk's Attractions for children please see Days Out in Suffolk . For more gentle Things to Do in Suffolk, including a listing of National Trust and English Heritage properties, please click on the link
We have several major new exhibitions opening in Suffolk this Easter including -
Life and Death of a Kingdom: East Anglia 500 - 869AD at Sutton Hoo, National Trust
March - Sun 2nd Nov 2008 10.30am - 5pm
A major new exhibition exploring the birth, life and death of the area that became the Kingdom of East Anglia. Exhibition features a rich display of some of the most precious and important artefacts made in the area and is the first comprehensive display of artefacts from the royal ship burial at Snape, Suffolk. The exhibition also showcases treasure from the great ship burial at Sutton Hoo excavated in 1939 and other objects.
ALSO there will be an Easter Trail at Sutton Hoo, Friday 21 March – Monday 24
10.30am – 5pm
A family favourite - find the clues, solve the puzzle and claim the chocolate!
£2 per trail. see Sutton Hoo
Framlingham Castle reopens offering families a day out worth talking about
Framlingham Castle is throwing open its gates this Easter weekend following a major investment programme at the site. This important historic property has been transformed with the family visitor in mind and a raft of new developments will bring its 800 year old history to life for children and adults alike.
A new exhibition in the old Poorhouse, 'Framlingham Castle: From Powerhouse to Poorhouse', takes visitors through eight centuries of colourful heritage. A lively animated video sets the scene, while interactive displays encourage children to get involved in hands-on activities that teach them about the history of the castle.
The curtain wall is a special feature of Framlingham Castle and a brand new audio tour leads visitors on a stunning walk along the tops of the castle walls. The tour has two versions; a lively history of the castle narrated by characters 'Topsy and Turvy' that offers a fun and educational guide for children and a more in-depth guide for adults that gives a detailed insight into the estate's history.
The new developments are not restricted to the castle alone. Framlingham Mere, home to a host of flora and fauna, has also benefited from investment. The mere provides a habitat for a range of wildlife, offering a unique environment for over 80 species of birds and almost 300 types of plant. A new trail leaflet gives visitors suggestions of things to look out for - perfect for engaging children in a bit of nature-spotting.
After exploring the castle, the space within the castle walls offers a great place for a family picnic and the giant games are guaranteed to amuse the whole family. Test out your building proficiency with the 'Build a Brick Red Chimney' game. Or why not try a game of 'Kings, Earls, Cobblers and Spinners' - a version of family favourite 'Snakes and Ladders', but with latrines instead of snakes!
ALSO Friday 21 – Mon 24 Mar, 11am – 5pm
EASTER FAMILY FUN at Framlingham Castle
Take part in an egg trail and collect your own Easter goodies at this family event.
Adult £5.50, Conc £4.40, Child £2.80, Family £13.80, EH members free.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
See Framlingham Castle
How about taking a course during the holidays? At Assington Mill they're running some courses over holidays that would be good for children, such as
A day on badgers
Wilderness weekend for parents and children
Bushcraft
Dowsing for beginners
Coracle making
See Assington Mill for booking and further details.
Or you could try a clay pigeon shooting course - Fultons Shooting offer introductory sessions for complete novices and children (see Fultons Shooting), and at Lakenheath Clay Target Centre you can all practice your new skills!
See Courses in Suffolk for other ideas.
EASTER EVENTS
On Good Friday 21 March, 11am – 4pm, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
Easter Bunny Day
Hop over to Ickworth for a family activity day with rabbit-related fun. Meet a rabbit, follow a bunny trail, take part in lots of new crafts and games. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Recommended ages 4 to 11.
Child £3, accompanying adults free. No booking required. Park admission applies
see Ickworth House
Good Friday Easter Egg Hunt - 21 March at The Anchor, Nayland
11.30am to 1.00pm
Easter fun for children of all ages! Meet the Easter Bunny, Easter chicks and other spring babies, decorated egg competition. £3 per child including a chocolate treat. (Free to loyalty scheme members children/grandchildren).
See The Anchor Inn, Nayland
Sunday 23 & Monday 24 March, 1.30 - 5pm, Melford Hall, National Trust
Easter Egg Hunt
Can you find the Easter eggs hidden in Melford Hall garden? Complete the story by finding the hidden eggs and claim your chocolate prize.
Child £1 See Melford Hall
Sunday 23 & Monday 24 March, 11 - 4pm, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
Easter Egg Trail
Easter eggs have ‘eggsploded’ on Ickworth! Join an Easter trail in Ickworth’s grounds to find your Easter treat. Recommended ages 4-11.
Child £3.50, accompanying adults free. Park admission applies. see Ickworth House
Sunday 23 March
11am - 3pm
The Great Egg Hunt, Dunwich Heath, National Trust
Enjoy family activities in the Heath Barn Field Study Centre and follow trails onto the heath to claim a chocolate prize. Competitions and crafts too.
Child £5. Booking not required
Gruesome Graves Tours at Sutton Hoo, National Trust
March: Mon 24, Tues 25, Weds 26, Thurs 27
April: Tues 1, Weds 2, Thurs 3
2pm
Children are invited to a special tour of the Anglo-Saxon burial mounds – and bring your parents.
Family £6.50 Adult £2.50 Child £1.50.
Book on the day (places limited, please arrive early!) see Sutton Hoo
Monday 24 March – Easter Monday
Come and meet the lambs and go on an Easter Egg Hunt at The Lindsey Rose
3.00pm – 5.00pm
£4.95 per child (price includes drink and ice cream)
Pub open all day for drinks; lunch 12.00 – 3.00 See The Lindsey Rose
Monday 24 March to Sunday 6 April
10am – 4pm
Easter Egg Trail, Dunwich Heath, National Trust
Follow the trail, find the clues, solve the puzzle. Trail leaflet available from the Shop
£1. Booking not required
Wednesday 26 March, 11am – 4pm, Lavenham Guildhall
Family Fun Day – Looking at Animals
Fun for the whole family, with hands-on activities including discovery trails, model-making, paper crafts and much more.
Normal admission + £2 per child. No booking required See Lavenham Guildhall
Thursday 27 March, 2pm, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
Woodland Ramble
Explore your senses on a guided walk for children in a woodland environment. Smelly cocktails, leaf rubbings, scavenger hunts and more. Tour begins at Information Kiosk. Recommended ages 4 to 11.
Child £2.50, accompanying adults free. Booking essential see Ickworth House
29th March Farmily Fun Day and Dog Show at Jimmy's Pig Farm
Edith Pretty Tour & Tea*at Sutton Hoo, National Trust
Sunday 30 March
2 – 4pm
A fascinating tour of Sutton Hoo, focussing on the life of Edith Pretty who found Anglo-Saxon treasure and donated it to the nation. Includes access to Tranmer House (Mrs Pretty’s former residence), not normally open to the public. Followed by a cream tea.
see Sutton Hoo
Sunday 30 March, 11.30am – 12.30pm, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
Guided Parkland Walk
Take a journey through the history of Ickworth Park. Meet at West Wing Reception.
No booking required. Park admission applies see Ickworth House
APRIL
Tuesday 1 April, 11am – 4pm, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
April Fools & Jesters
Be a jester and have a fun filled day of tomfoolery as you try your hand at juggling, Shakespearian insults, jokes and limericks. Recommended ages 4-11.
Child £3. Accompanying adults free. Park admission applies. see Ickworth House
Friday 4 April, 11am - 4pm, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
Spring Arts & Crafts
Family activity day celebrating the season with arts and crafts. Recommended ages 4-11.
£2.50 per child, accompanying adults free. No booking required. Park admission applies. see Ickworth House
Friday 4 April, 10.30am – 4pm, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
Helen Stevens Workshop
We invite you to the second in a series of one day events based around art embroidery with a morning of discussion and entertainment and then a hands-on mini-masterclass, at the end of which each guest will be able to take home their own stitched memento reflecting the season. Helen M. Stevens (SWA) is the author of 12 books on the subject of embroidery, and has displayed work at the British Museum. All materials provided. Morning coffee and pastries, two-course lunch and afternoon tea and cakes included.
£45. Includes admission to the park. Booking essential see Ickworth House
5th April Farmer’s + Gardener's Market at Jimmy's Pig Farm
The Kingdom of the Angles Lecture Lunch Series (1)* at Sutton Hoo, National Trust
The Birth of a Kingdom
Sunday 6 April
11.30am – 2pm
Time Team historian Dr Sam Newton presents a series of three lecture lunches on the Kingdom of the Angles.
Today’s event explores the forces that combined to establish the kingdom of the Angles. Includes coffee on arrival (from 11am) and two-course hot lunch
see Sutton Hoo
Gardening at Melford Hall, Melford Hall, National Trust
Monday 7 April, Monday 2 June, Monday 7 July, Monday 1 September
10am - 3pm
Join our team of green fingered volunteers as they work in this lovely National Trust garden. A chance to test your gardening skills, see the work that goes on behind the scenes and meet new people – you might get hooked and come back for more!
Admission free with a pair of gardening gloves See Melford Hall
Italian Evening - 11 April 2008 at the Suffolk Food Hall
Enjoy an evening of Italian food, wine and song on Friday 11 April 2008. Recital by Ipswich High School Choir on their return from their Italian Choral Tour.
Reception from 6.00pm, recital at 6.30pm followed by Dinner in the Samford Restaurant.
£19.85 per head to include a glass of Prosecco and canapes on arrival.
To make a booking please call 01473 786 616 or see Suffolk Food Hall
Sunday 13 April, 11.30am – 12.30pm, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
Guided Parkland Walk
Take a journey through the history of Ickworth Park. Meet at West Wing Reception.
No booking required. Park admission applies see Ickworth House
Friday 18 April to Thursday 22 May, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
Horringer Women’s Institute Exhibition
Includes open weekend, 19 and 20 April - come and chat to the WI and find out about Theodora Hervey’s WI connections.
Normal admission applies see Ickworth House
Adnams Beer Dinner - Friday 18th April 2008 at Ufford Park Hotel, Golf and Spa
An evening not to miss with Head Brewer Mike Powell-Evans from Adnams talking you through various beers to compliment your 3 course dinner for only £30.00 per person. Numbers strictly limited to 50). Bedrooms available at a special rate of £59, bed and breakfast per room for all events (subject to availability). See Ufford Park Hotel, Golf and Spa
Saturday 19 April, 11am – 4pm, Lavenham Guildhall
Guild Open Day – From Fleece to Scarf
Taking a new fleece, the Guild will show us the various processes involved in turning it into a scarf to wear.
Normal admission, no booking required
Adnams at Sutton Hoo: Wine Tasting & Tour* at Sutton Hoo, National Trust
Sunday 20 April
11am-1pm
Join us for an informal house tour at Sutton Hoo followed by a wine tasting hosted by Sigi Mermagen from Adnams Wine Cellar & Kitchen Store (Woodbridge). The event will take place in Tranmer House (Edith Pretty's former home) not normally open to the public.
see Sutton Hoo
Also don't forget to look at Art Exhibitions in Suffolk for an up-to-date listing of the fantastic range of art currently being exhibited around Suffolk
For details of regular Farmers Markets click here Farmers Markets
For Concerts at ALDEBURGH MUSIC this month see - ALDEBURGH MUSIC CONCERT LISTING
For Events in Ipswich this month click here - What's On Ipswich
For events at the Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds, this month click here Theatre Royal