Suffolk is an excellent vacation destination west of the North Sea. The county is known for its rich history and heritage, which can still be enjoyed by visiting one of its many museums, and its stunning scenery.
It is also a great place to come for day trips, with a wide range of fun things to see and do for visitors of all ages. No matter your budget, you’re bound to find a large number of attractions, events, theme parks, theatre productions, and family-friendly entertainment to suit your tastes. From ceramic painting to visiting a local park, you’re bound to find something you’ll enjoy here.
If you’re travelling with young ones, check out our guide to Kids Days Out in Suffolk, here!
So, get your Suffolk map ready and keep reading for some excellent ideas on what to do in Suffolk on a day out or a longer summer holiday.
Top Things to Do on Suffolk Days Out
Foxhall Stadium
827 Foxhall Rd, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP4 5TL, United Kingdom
Located in Ipswich, Foxhall Stadium (or Foxhall International Raceway) is a family-friendly attraction where Spedeworth Motorsports host regular races and events on one of their fastest tracks. Some of the major championships held here includes the National Hot Rod World Championship and the National Banger World Final.
The venue comes highly rated and is home to modern facilities, including accessible toilets. There is also a VIP lounge.
Learn more about Foxhall Stadium, here!
Coastal Voyager
Coastal Voyager Building, Stage S35, Blackshore, Southwold Harbour, Suffolk, IP18 6TA
If the sun is shining, visitors can head to the coast for a wonderful day with Coastal Voyager in Southwold on Suffolk’s East Coast.
The company offers excellent activities suitable for all ages, like half-hour trips in the water at Sole Bay, river trips where your pooch can accompany you, three-hour trips to see seals and wind farms, cruises along the coast, or a half-hour to one-hour trips where you can drive the boat yourself – under the instruction of a qualified skipper.
Find more dog-friendly activities in Suffolk, here!
Iken Canoe
Iken Cliff, Aldeburgh IP12 2EN, United Kingdom
If you’re fond of water and the outdoors, you can hire a canoe or kayak from Iken Canoe and enjoy some fun on the river when the weather is nice.
This small centre is located on the gorgeous upper reaches of the Alde estuary, near Aldeburgh on Suffolk’s stunning coast. It makes for a great activity if you’re travelling with kids, and children over the age of five are welcome!
Learn more about Iken Canoe, here!
Stonham Barns
Pettaugh Rd, Stonham Aspal, Stowmarket IP14 6AT, UK
Stonham Barns is situated in the heart of the Suffolk Countryside and offers a variety of activities for visitors to have a great day. There are retail shops and leisure facilities like the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, fishing lakes, eateries, rides, Fit Club, Garden Centre, and more. Admission and parking are free year-round.
Find more information about Stonham Barns, here!
Go Ape, Thetford Forest
Go Ape Thetford, High Lodge Forest Centre, Brandon IP27 0AF, United Kingdom
For an action-packed day out, head for the trees at Go Ape, Thetford Forest, the UK’s number one Forest Adventure.
The site is home to many activities for all ages, including the Go Ape Tree Top Adventure, where visitors can explore the towering trees and fly down zip lines! The zip lines are also part of an exciting course of Tarzan crossings and swings, all reaching up to a hundred and twenty feet above the forest floor, and thrilling rope bridges. Or, if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, you can explore by segway! Go Ape is a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Read more about Go Ape, Thetford, here!
High Lodge Leisure
Haw Wood Hinton Nr, Saxmundham IP17 3QT, United Kingdom
Spend a day in the country at the High Lodge Leisure – an excellent, family-friendly attraction. High Lodge offers golf, footgolf, fishing for visitors over the age of eight, archery for visitors over the age of seven, clay shooting for visitors over nine, and air rifle shooting for visitors over six. There is also a clubhouse open to the public, which serves excellent Sunday lunches.
Throughout the year, High Lodge Leisure hosts great youngster activity days, which offer children the opportunity to enjoy many different activities. These days are usually held during school holidays. It is recommended to book in advance.
Read more about High Lodge Leisure, here!
Jimmy’s Farm
Pannington Hall Ln, Wherstead, Ipswich IP9 2AR, UK
Frequent visitors agree that one of the best things to do while in Suffolk, is to enjoy a day of exploring at Jimmy’s Farm in Ipswich. Families can learn about farming with animals, food, and nature whilst having a ton of fun!
The farm is home to children’s adventure play areas, an animal petting zoo, a Hobbit House, and a zip line. The restaurant serves fantastic food made from only the best regional ingredients (many from the farm itself), and there is a farm shop and butchery so visitors can take something equally delicious home.
Jimmy’s Farm hosts a lot of exciting events throughout the year, and is pet-friendly as long as they are kept on a leash.
Find out more, here!
The National Stud
The National Stud, Newmarket CB8 0XE, United Kingdom
If you’re a lover of horses, why not stop by the National Stud for a fascinating guided tour?
Surrounded by acres of stunning woodland, the National Stud is a great attraction for a Suffolk day out or even exciting school trips. While you’re there, be sure to say hello to the popular miniature Shetland ponies, and visit the Stallion and foaling unit.
Learn more about the National Stud, here!
Suffolk Punch Trust
Sink Farm, St Davids Lane, Hollesley, Woodbridge IP12 3JR, United Kingdom
The Suffolk Punch Trust aims to protect the oldest breed of English working horse, the critically endangered Suffolk Punch horse, by raising awareness, breeding, and training people to work with these magnificent creatures.
Visitors to the Trust can enjoy a variety of activities, including spending time at the play areas, taking strolls through the stables, visiting the petting zoo, stopping by the Heritage Museum and Suffolk Heritage Garden, or browsing at the gift shop. The Trust is also home to the Suffolk Punch Café, an ideal place to stop for refreshments after a busy day of visiting the farm.
National Horse Racing Museum
Palace St, Newmarket CB8 8EP, United Kingdom
Horse lovers will also be delighted by Suffolk’s National Horse Racing Museum. The museum is located in Newmarket, inside what’s left of Charles II’s Palace House.
Here, visitors can learn more about Suffolk history and the origins of horseracing. The museum is home to various fascinating exhibits with interactive displays. The location is also home to complimentary attractions such as Retraining of Racehorses and the Packard Galleries of British Sporting Art. It makes for an excellent afternoon activity with the whole family.
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Rendlesham Forest Centre, Tangham IP12 3NF, United Kingdom
The Suffolk Coast and Heaths Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty is home to a wonderful environment brimming with wildlife and awe-inspiring places to discover. There’s something for everyone, thanks to the 155 miles of unspoiled and tranquil landscape. The area features wildlife areas such as estuaries, ancient heaths, windswept shingle beaches, and villages and towns abundant in social history.
There’s no end to the pleasures of taking a brisk morning walk along the beach, biking through country lanes, sailing the historic estuaries, or simply sitting for hours watching some of England’s rarest wildlife. Visitors can discover the beauty of Sutton Heath on two beautiful walks, or follow the Sailor’s Path to Suffolk’s coast and Snape village, walking in the footsteps of the seafarers. Alternatively, you can spend the day discovering all the interesting things on offer in the coastal village of Kessingland.
Learn more about Kessingland, here!
Sutton Hoo
Tranmer House, Woodbridge IP12 3DJ, United Kingdom
If you’re fond of history, be sure to stop by Sutton Hoo on your next trip to Suffolk. At this Anglo-Saxon burial site, archaeologists found a staggering twenty-seven-metre-long ship and dazzling treasures. The excavation also unearthed artefacts like silverware, textiles, feasting vessels, gold jewellery, and a human mask. It is believed to have been the burial site of an Anglo-Saxon king.
Sutton Hoo has over two hundred acres of land well worth visiting, especially if you’re fond of the outdoors. It is also dog friendly.
Lavenham Medieval Village
Widely acknowledged as one of England’s best medieval wool towns, Lavenham is known for its beautiful church, stunning timber-framed buildings, and fascinating history dating back to the Saxon times. It is also known for featuring in the Harry Potter film franchise.
Along with its historic sights, Lavenham is home to excellent restaurants, pubs, and antique shops worth stopping by. It is the perfect place for a relaxing day trip.
Abbey Gardens in Bury St. Edmunds
Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 1LS, United Kingdom
While the Abbey in Bury St Edmunds is more than worth visiting by itself, many people visit solely for its gardens. Here, guests can enjoy relaxing strolls along the grounds, ancient ruins, stunning flora, and an aviary. The gardens are also pet friendly, ideal for tourists travelling with their pooch.
Pleasurewood Hills Family Theme Park
Leisure Way, Lowestoft NR32 5DZ, United Kingdom
This is an excellent attraction for families and visitors of all ages. The park is home to thrilling rides, ideal for adrenaline junkies and the brave at heart. There are also live displays of birds and sea lions, and a cub house for younger kids to play in. Some of the most popular rides include the Jolly Roger, the Cannonball Express, and the Wipeout.
If you get hungry or thirsty, the park is also home to a variety of delicious eateries where visitors can stop for lunch.
East Anglia Transport Museum
Chapel Rd, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft NR33 8BL, United Kingdom
Located in Oulton Broad, the East Anglia Transport Museum is another great option if you’re fond of history and looking for an activity on days out in Suffolk. The museum is home to various historic transportation vehicles, and visitors can learn more about how transport in Suffolk has changed over the years.
There is also a gift shop, ideal for purchasing souvenirs or books, and tearooms where visitors can enjoy light refreshments.
Find Things to do, Attractions, and Festivals in Suffolk
These are just a sample of the hundreds of activities and things to do in Suffolk. We guarantee that you will find plenty to keep you busy and happy here.
Looking for something to do? Click on the links below to find out what’s on in your area.
For events happening during the school holidays, please see Half Term Activities.
Related Content
- Suffolk Festivals
- Suffolk Tourist Attractions – guides to both action-packed activities and subdued, relaxing attractions in Suffolk
- Suffolk Attractions
- Beaches in Suffolk
- Walking in Suffolk
- Suffolk Museums
- Farm shops and Farmers Markets
- Cycling in Suffolk
- Art Galleries
- Current Art Exhibitions
- Courses in Suffolk
- Horse Riding in Suffolk
- RSPB in Suffolk
If you’ve visited Suffolk on a day out recently, we hope you enjoyed your stay! Where did you go? What was your best experience? Please let us know by contacting [email protected].
