Suffolk Tourist Guide - Articles
Half Term Things to do in Suffolk
Half Term Things to do in Suffolk
There’s plenty going on in Suffolk this half term for the children and we’re constantly adding new events, so keep an eye on this page.
The Felixstowe Regatta, sponsored by the Haven Gateway Partnership, will take place from 24th to 26th May in the waters off Felixstowe and Harwich, and is expected to attract entries from around the UK and from Europe, including yachts from Holland, Belgium and France.
The Regatta will follow a new programme this year, with two races on the Saturday and two races on the Sunday, with three to count. Bank Holiday Monday will feature a bonus day of racing, including two 12-metre challenge races.
The Regattas' favourite band 'Contraband' will once again entertain the entrants in the marquee on Saturday evening, with the lightship clubhouse offering an a la carte menu for those wanting an alternative to the fast food on offer.
For more information please see the Regatta website at Felixstowe Regatta.
Saturday 24 May, 7 - 10pm, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
Italianate Tour and Supper
Enjoy an evening of discoveries on a tour of Ickworth House exploring its Italian connections and collections. Followed by a three-course culinary tour of Italy in the West Wing restaurant, overlooking the beautiful ‘Italianate’ gardens. Please state dietary requirements when booking.
£38. Includes admission to the park. Booking essential see Ickworth House
Saturday 24 May, 10.30am, Lavenham Guildhall
Discover Medieval Lavenham
A Blue-badge guided walk around the historic centre of this unique medieval village. Join us for coffee and shortbread in the tea-room where the Guildhall Manager will give a short talk about the building before you set off to discover the hidden gems of Lavenham. Tour lasts around two hours and includes a visit to the church, one of the finest in East Anglia.
£8, (NT members £6). Booking essential
Sat 24 May – Sun 1 Jun, 11am – 5pm
TRADITIONAL GAMES AT THE CASTLE, at Framlingham Castle
Rattle your brains and try your hand at a variety of classic games including skittles and croquet. Loads of fun for all the family!
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
Saturday 24 May, 9.50am, Orford Ness, National Trust
Bombs & Beasties Guided Walk
A leisurely five mile, all-day walk and talk with a warden, looking at various aspects of this unique site - once a top secret military test site now a National Nature Reserve. Will include some areas not normally open to the public. Meet 9.50am prompt at Orford Quay. Depart approx. 4pm. Limited to 24 places. Bring own food and drink. Wear clothing suitable for the weather. Binoculars/camera useful.
£14.50 (NT £12)
Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum Family Fun Day
Flixton, Nr. Bungay
Sunday May 25th 10.00am – 4.00pm FREE
This free family fun day will feature many activities that all the family can enjoy. There will be over 50 historic aircrafts to see, exhibitions on civil and military aviation in East Anglia from throughout history and as well as open cockpits and Link Trainer flights.
Visitors on the day can also enjoy the Silver Bird Music Show, face-painting, air-raising fun from stand-up science man Rex Garrod of ‘Robot Wars’ fame and demonstrations of vintage communications equipment and amateur radio.
There will also be numerous stalls, including cakes, books, plants and 1940s clothing – so come along for a fun and free day out!
For more information about the fun day please contact Pam Veal, Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum on 01986 896644 or see Aviation Museum website
Sunday 25 May, 2 - 4pm, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
Past and Present Tour
Learn about the secret history of Ickworth Park and Gardens as Head Forester, Head Gardener and the National Trust’s Regional Archaeologist lead you on this fascinating tour. Please wear stout shoes and waterproofs.
£12. Includes admission to the park. Booking essential see Ickworth House
Design the Emperor’s New Clothes @ Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich
Mon 26th May – Sun 1st June
Are you a fashion designer in the making? Do you love getting creative? Then why not come along to Christchurch Mansion and create some new clothes for a Chinese emperor.
Drop-in activity, 10am – 4.30pm
50p per child, suitable for ages 6+
Free admission to Christchurch Mansion
THE DUGOUT is a new all day holiday childcare programme for 8-12 year olds which is delivered in the grounds of Ipswich Town Football Club at Portman Road.
THE DUGOUT will be open from 8.30am till 6pm. We do not publish the full timetable for each day due to event changes brought about by adverse weather and availability, but the main activities on each day are as follows...
Tuesday 27th May: Orienteering (Thetford Forest),
Wednesday: Martial,
Thursday: Specialist Football Coaching,
Fridays: Football and Ten-Pin Bowling
To book your child on please call the Ipswich Town Community Trust's Booking Hotline 0845 1 369 333 or for further information please call 01473 400545
On the Trail of Fashion @ Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich
Mon 26th May - Sun 1st June
Come along to Christchurch Mansion and discover fashion from throughout the ages in a fun and family friendly quiz trail.
Discover why the Tudor’s wore those silly ruffs around their necks, and why Victorian skirts were so wide. This self guided trail will lead you to some amazing portraits that you will see like you have never seen before, so come along and take part.
Free Activity, 10am – 4.30pm
Free Admission to Christchurch Mansion
Tuesday 27 May, 11am - 3pm, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
Children’s Magic Workshop
Be a magician for the day! Spend the day training and learning magic spells and later perform your skills in front of your sorcerer friends. Lunch and all materials provided.
Child £25. Includes admission to the park. Booking essential see Ickworth House
Gruesome Graves Tours at Sutton Hoo, National Trust
Tues 27 & Thurs 29 May, 1pm & 3pm
Children are invited to a special tour of the Anglo-Saxon burial mounds – don’t forget your parents!
Price: Family £6.50. Adult £2.50. Child £1.50. Book on the day. Places limited, please arrive early! see Sutton Hoo
Warrior Tales @ Ipswich Museum, High Street
Tues 27th – Fri 30th May
Celebrate Local History Month by coming to Ipswich Museum and hear fascinating stories from the past.
Come along and meet our fabulous Anglo-Saxon Warrior and hear his tales of battle and everyday life. Find out who he defeated and why – you’ll be amazed by his fascinating facts!
Free. Drop-in Event
Sessions at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm
Free admission to Ipswich Museum
Anglo-Saxon Helmet and Sword Making @ Ipswich Museum, High Street
Tue 27th – Fri 30th May
Come along to Ipswich Museum and discover more about the fabulous Anglo-Saxons. See beautiful objects in the museum and discover stories from the past before taking part in a fun and creative activity session.
Our friendly artist will help you make your very own foam Anglo-Saxon helmet and sword. What will yours be like and what fantastic things will inspire you? Come along, find out and soon you will be ready to lead your own small Ango-Saxon army!
Bookable Activity, £2 per child. Book by calling 01473 433554
Sessions start at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30am, 2pm and 3pm
Free Admission to Ipswich Museum
Suffolk Show 2008 Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th May 2008
This year’s Show is bigger and better than ever before, jam packed with entertainment for all the family. With demonstrations, exhibitions, the vintage fun fair and with live music in the early evening it provides the perfect recipe for a great day out!
There are 670 livestock and equine classes competing for over £70,000 in prize money. For those that enjoy a little retail therapy there are over 700 tradestands to visit, such as fashion retailers, gardening, craftsmen and much much more.
For more details see Suffolk Show
Sandtray archaeology at Sutton Hoo, National Trust
Weds 28 May, 2-3pm
Learn how to excavate! Suitable for ages 7 +.
Price: £2 per child. Book on the day.
Wednesday 28 May, 11am – 4pm, Lavenham Guildhall
Family Fun Day – Looking at Spinning & Weaving
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 Sutton Hoo
Thursday 29 May, 11am - 1pm or 2 - 4pm, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
Amateur Archaeology Day
Learn about landscape and archaeology with children’s activities, a practise excavation and an archaeological tour of Ickworth. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Recommended ages 5-11.
Child £3.50, accompanying adults free. Booking essential see Ickworth House
Meet the Travelling Storyteller @ Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich
Fri 30th May – Sun 1st June
Come along to Christchurch Mansion this half term and hear tales that will take your imagination on journeys far and wide! Gather around our travelling storyteller to hear her fantastic stories from around the world. Discover what happened when the Emperor decided to be fitted for new clothes and more in this fun storytelling session suitable for all the family.
Free
Drop-in Event
Sessions at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm
Free admission to Christchurch Mansion
Saturday 31 May, 1.30pm – 5pm, Melford Hall, National Trust
Family History Day
Join the Society of Genealogists for an introduction to tracing your family tree. There will be drop-in advice sessions, talks and special trails for children.
31st May Farmily Fun Day with Scarecrow Olympics at Jimmy's Pig Farm
MORE HALF-TERM THINGS TO DO IN SUFFOLK COMING SOON!
There’s plenty going on in Suffolk this half term for the children and we’re constantly adding new events, so keep an eye on this page.
The Felixstowe Regatta, sponsored by the Haven Gateway Partnership, will take place from 24th to 26th May in the waters off Felixstowe and Harwich, and is expected to attract entries from around the UK and from Europe, including yachts from Holland, Belgium and France.
The Regatta will follow a new programme this year, with two races on the Saturday and two races on the Sunday, with three to count. Bank Holiday Monday will feature a bonus day of racing, including two 12-metre challenge races.
The Regattas' favourite band 'Contraband' will once again entertain the entrants in the marquee on Saturday evening, with the lightship clubhouse offering an a la carte menu for those wanting an alternative to the fast food on offer.
For more information please see the Regatta website at Felixstowe Regatta.
Saturday 24 May, 7 - 10pm, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
Italianate Tour and Supper
Enjoy an evening of discoveries on a tour of Ickworth House exploring its Italian connections and collections. Followed by a three-course culinary tour of Italy in the West Wing restaurant, overlooking the beautiful ‘Italianate’ gardens. Please state dietary requirements when booking.
£38. Includes admission to the park. Booking essential see Ickworth House
Saturday 24 May, 10.30am, Lavenham Guildhall
Discover Medieval Lavenham
A Blue-badge guided walk around the historic centre of this unique medieval village. Join us for coffee and shortbread in the tea-room where the Guildhall Manager will give a short talk about the building before you set off to discover the hidden gems of Lavenham. Tour lasts around two hours and includes a visit to the church, one of the finest in East Anglia.
£8, (NT members £6). Booking essential
Sat 24 May – Sun 1 Jun, 11am – 5pm
TRADITIONAL GAMES AT THE CASTLE, at Framlingham Castle
Rattle your brains and try your hand at a variety of classic games including skittles and croquet. Loads of fun for all the family!
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
Saturday 24 May, 9.50am, Orford Ness, National Trust
Bombs & Beasties Guided Walk
A leisurely five mile, all-day walk and talk with a warden, looking at various aspects of this unique site - once a top secret military test site now a National Nature Reserve. Will include some areas not normally open to the public. Meet 9.50am prompt at Orford Quay. Depart approx. 4pm. Limited to 24 places. Bring own food and drink. Wear clothing suitable for the weather. Binoculars/camera useful.
£14.50 (NT £12)
Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum Family Fun Day
Flixton, Nr. Bungay
Sunday May 25th 10.00am – 4.00pm FREE
This free family fun day will feature many activities that all the family can enjoy. There will be over 50 historic aircrafts to see, exhibitions on civil and military aviation in East Anglia from throughout history and as well as open cockpits and Link Trainer flights.
Visitors on the day can also enjoy the Silver Bird Music Show, face-painting, air-raising fun from stand-up science man Rex Garrod of ‘Robot Wars’ fame and demonstrations of vintage communications equipment and amateur radio.
There will also be numerous stalls, including cakes, books, plants and 1940s clothing – so come along for a fun and free day out!
For more information about the fun day please contact Pam Veal, Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum on 01986 896644 or see Aviation Museum website
Sunday 25 May, 2 - 4pm, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
Past and Present Tour
Learn about the secret history of Ickworth Park and Gardens as Head Forester, Head Gardener and the National Trust’s Regional Archaeologist lead you on this fascinating tour. Please wear stout shoes and waterproofs.
£12. Includes admission to the park. Booking essential see Ickworth House
Design the Emperor’s New Clothes @ Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich
Mon 26th May – Sun 1st June
Are you a fashion designer in the making? Do you love getting creative? Then why not come along to Christchurch Mansion and create some new clothes for a Chinese emperor.
Drop-in activity, 10am – 4.30pm
50p per child, suitable for ages 6+
Free admission to Christchurch Mansion
THE DUGOUT is a new all day holiday childcare programme for 8-12 year olds which is delivered in the grounds of Ipswich Town Football Club at Portman Road.
THE DUGOUT will be open from 8.30am till 6pm. We do not publish the full timetable for each day due to event changes brought about by adverse weather and availability, but the main activities on each day are as follows...
Tuesday 27th May: Orienteering (Thetford Forest),
Wednesday: Martial,
Thursday: Specialist Football Coaching,
Fridays: Football and Ten-Pin Bowling
To book your child on please call the Ipswich Town Community Trust's Booking Hotline 0845 1 369 333 or for further information please call 01473 400545
On the Trail of Fashion @ Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich
Mon 26th May - Sun 1st June
Come along to Christchurch Mansion and discover fashion from throughout the ages in a fun and family friendly quiz trail.
Discover why the Tudor’s wore those silly ruffs around their necks, and why Victorian skirts were so wide. This self guided trail will lead you to some amazing portraits that you will see like you have never seen before, so come along and take part.
Free Activity, 10am – 4.30pm
Free Admission to Christchurch Mansion
Tuesday 27 May, 11am - 3pm, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
Children’s Magic Workshop
Be a magician for the day! Spend the day training and learning magic spells and later perform your skills in front of your sorcerer friends. Lunch and all materials provided.
Child £25. Includes admission to the park. Booking essential see Ickworth House
Gruesome Graves Tours at Sutton Hoo, National Trust
Tues 27 & Thurs 29 May, 1pm & 3pm
Children are invited to a special tour of the Anglo-Saxon burial mounds – don’t forget your parents!
Price: Family £6.50. Adult £2.50. Child £1.50. Book on the day. Places limited, please arrive early! see Sutton Hoo
Warrior Tales @ Ipswich Museum, High Street
Tues 27th – Fri 30th May
Celebrate Local History Month by coming to Ipswich Museum and hear fascinating stories from the past.
Come along and meet our fabulous Anglo-Saxon Warrior and hear his tales of battle and everyday life. Find out who he defeated and why – you’ll be amazed by his fascinating facts!
Free. Drop-in Event
Sessions at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm
Free admission to Ipswich Museum
Anglo-Saxon Helmet and Sword Making @ Ipswich Museum, High Street
Tue 27th – Fri 30th May
Come along to Ipswich Museum and discover more about the fabulous Anglo-Saxons. See beautiful objects in the museum and discover stories from the past before taking part in a fun and creative activity session.
Our friendly artist will help you make your very own foam Anglo-Saxon helmet and sword. What will yours be like and what fantastic things will inspire you? Come along, find out and soon you will be ready to lead your own small Ango-Saxon army!
Bookable Activity, £2 per child. Book by calling 01473 433554
Sessions start at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30am, 2pm and 3pm
Free Admission to Ipswich Museum
Suffolk Show 2008 Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th May 2008
This year’s Show is bigger and better than ever before, jam packed with entertainment for all the family. With demonstrations, exhibitions, the vintage fun fair and with live music in the early evening it provides the perfect recipe for a great day out!
There are 670 livestock and equine classes competing for over £70,000 in prize money. For those that enjoy a little retail therapy there are over 700 tradestands to visit, such as fashion retailers, gardening, craftsmen and much much more.
For more details see Suffolk Show
Sandtray archaeology at Sutton Hoo, National Trust
Weds 28 May, 2-3pm
Learn how to excavate! Suitable for ages 7 +.
Price: £2 per child. Book on the day.
Wednesday 28 May, 11am – 4pm, Lavenham Guildhall
Family Fun Day – Looking at Spinning & Weaving
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 Sutton Hoo
Thursday 29 May, 11am - 1pm or 2 - 4pm, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
Amateur Archaeology Day
Learn about landscape and archaeology with children’s activities, a practise excavation and an archaeological tour of Ickworth. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Recommended ages 5-11.
Child £3.50, accompanying adults free. Booking essential see Ickworth House
Meet the Travelling Storyteller @ Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich
Fri 30th May – Sun 1st June
Come along to Christchurch Mansion this half term and hear tales that will take your imagination on journeys far and wide! Gather around our travelling storyteller to hear her fantastic stories from around the world. Discover what happened when the Emperor decided to be fitted for new clothes and more in this fun storytelling session suitable for all the family.
Free
Drop-in Event
Sessions at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm
Free admission to Christchurch Mansion
Saturday 31 May, 1.30pm – 5pm, Melford Hall, National Trust
Family History Day
Join the Society of Genealogists for an introduction to tracing your family tree. There will be drop-in advice sessions, talks and special trails for children.
31st May Farmily Fun Day with Scarecrow Olympics at Jimmy's Pig Farm
MORE HALF-TERM THINGS TO DO IN SUFFOLK COMING SOON!