Open Air Suffolk

Get a breath of fresh air! Find things to do in Suffolk out in the Open Air. Here are some of our top suggestions



Alton Water Sports Centre
Largest reservoir in Suffolk offering fishing, sailing, windsurfing, nature reserve interest, picnic area, footpaths, water sports centre extension and visitor centre. Cycle hire available.
Holbrook Road, Stutton, nr Ipswich

Brandon Country Park
32 acres in the heart of the Brecks with walks, cycle and easy access trails.
Bury Road, Brandon
01842 810185



The Brecks
One of the great natural areas of Britain with over 370 square miles of forest, heathland and countryside.
See The Brecks, Thetford.



Bury St Edmunds Abbey
The extensive remains of the wealthiest and most powerful Benedictine monastery in England, shrine of St Edmund. They include the complete 14th-century Great Gate and Norman Tower, and the impressive ruins and altered west front of the immense church. Free entry.
See Bury St Edmunds Abbey

Carlton Marshes
Over 100 acres of beautiful Suffolk grazing marsh, fens and peat pools to explore via waywarked trails.
Burnt Hill Lane, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft
01502 564250

Walking in Suffolk


Suffok is a beautiful county with lots to see and do, and what better way to get a sense of the place than walking through the open countryside and picturesque villages? Please click on the link above for more information.

Clare Castle Country Park
Beautiful quiet space that contains the remains of the 13th century stone castle
keep. The Nature Trail takes in the River Stour and the Railway Walk. Visitor Centre.
Maltings Lane, Clare 01787 277491



Dunwich Heath Coastal Centre
Enjoy wonderful walks and fabulous views at this Site of Specific Interest within an area of outstanding natural beauty.
See Dunwich Heath

Fritton Lake
A beautiful stretch of water where you can mess about on boats, children can enjoy the playground, forts and mini tractors, there's 9-hole golf, fishing,pony rides and relaxing walks.
Fritton, nr Lowestoft
01493 488288

High Lodge Forest Centre
The Forestry Commission's premier recreation site in the East of England. You can walk, cycle, play, picnic, barbecue or simply relax and enjoy the forest. There are walks ranging from one to three miles and cycle trails for all
abilities.
Santon Downham, Brandon
01842 810271

Picnic Sites in Suffolk


Picnics are fantastic for families and those wanting to relax in nature. There are loads of beautiful sites to choose from - please click on the link above.

Lackford Lakes
This nature reserve has year round importance for birds, dragonflies and other
wildlife. The visitor centre offers stunning views across the reserve and is an ideal place to start your visit.
Lackford, Bury St Edmunds
01284 728706



Leiston Abbey
One of Suffolk's most impressive monastic ruins, Leiston Abbey, formerly known as St Mary's Abbey, was founded in 1182. Leiston Abbey is open year round and is free of charge.
See Leiston Abbey



Moulton Packhorse Bridge
The English Heritage site of Moulson Packhourse Bridge is a pretty four-arched late medieval bridge, spanning the River Kennett on the old route from Cambridge to Bury St Edmunds, near the charming village of Moulton.
See Moulton Packhorse Bridge



The National Trust in Suffolk
The National Trust cares for an amazing variety of places in Suffolk, including forests, woods, fens, beaches, farmland, downs, moorland, islands, archaeological remains, castles, nature reserves and villages.
See The National Trust in Suffolk

Nowton Park
200 acres of beautiful Suffolk countryside landscaped over 100 years ago in typical Victorian style.
Nowton Road, Bury St Edmunds
01284 763666



RSPB Havergate Island
The island is famous for its breeding avocets and terns, which can be seen throughout the spring and summer. The boat trip to the island (at 10am) adds to the interest of your day out, and helps you really feel you're getting away from it all. Prior booking essential.
See RSPB Havergate Island



RSPB Lakenheath Fen
Twelve years ago, the land that is now Lakenheath Fen nature reserve was a carrot field with little to offer in the way of wildlife interest. Now it's a wetland area filled with life: marsh harriers, hobbies, bearded tits and warblers.
See RSPB Lakenheath Fen



RSPB Minsmere
A beautiful place for a day out, whether you're a birdwatcher or simply want to enjoy a country walk with the family.
See RSPB Minsmere

RSPB North Warren Nature Reserve
Stroll across the heathland to hear Dartford warblers and woodlarks, while bitterns and marsh harriers can be seen in the reedbeds. The wet grassland supports breeding waders and wintering wildfowl, including some of
the UK's only regular tundra bean geese.
See RSPB North Warren, Aldeburgh

RSPB Wolves Wood
Ancient woodland used to cover much of East Anglia. This is one of the few remaining areas, managed by traditional coppicing to benefit a variety of wildlife.
Hadleigh
01473 328006

Outdoor Activities in Suffolk


Suffolk is a glorious county with breath-taking countryside and coastal views as far as the eye can see, making it the ideal location for a great many Outdoor Activities. It is also one of the sunniest counties in the UK, with the least amount of rainfall!

Sandlings Forests
The Sandlings covers woods in Rendlesham, Tangham and Dunwich. The forests have quite a diverse mix of conifer plantations interspersed with broad leaved areas, lowland heathland and wetland areas. Rendlesham forest is the main area for recreation and there are various picnic sites and recreation areas. There are 3 circular walks including disabled trails and forest cycle trails
and an adventure playground.
Nr Woodbridge
01394 450164



Sutton Hoo
Sutton Hoo is a unique and fascinating archaeological site, described as 'page one of English history'. Anglo-Saxon themed events, wildlife/nature walks and talks, exclusive tours, ppen-air theatre, family events, children's activities and trails are all available.
See Sutton Hoo

Thornham Walks
Twelve miles of footpaths through the woodland, farmland and parkland of the
Thornham Estate.
Red House Yard, ThornhamMagna, Eye
01379 788345

West Stow Country Park
125- acre country park with a wide range of Breckland habitats - heath, woodland, river and a lake. There are nature trails, walks, bird hides and a bird feeding/viewing area, visitor centre, café, shop, picnic areas and adventure
playground.
Icklingham Road, West Stow, Bury
St Edmunds 01284 728718



There are a number of free activities in Suffolk that will get you out in the open air, such as - -

Beaches in Suffolk

Birdwatching in Suffolk

Cycling in Suffolk

Fishing in Suffolk

Suffolk Gardens



You may also be interested in viewing the following - -

Suffolk Attractions

Horse Riding in Suffolk

Outdoor Sports in Suffolk



Check out the following guides to books written on Suffolk's outdoor activities - -

Drive and Stroll in Suffolk

Walks into History: Norfolk & Suffolk

Kiddiwalks in Suffolk

Pub Strolls in Suffolk

Pocket Pub Walks in Suffolk

To take your four-legged friend along please see Dog Friendly Pubs in Suffolk

What is your favourite thing to do in the Suffolk Open Air? Maybe you have many! Please send us your reviews to suffolkguides.admin@suffolktouristguide.com.

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