21 of the best places to visit in Suffolk in 2021

Every county in the UK has its best things to see and do, but we think the best things to see and do in the country can be found right here in Suffolk. Whilst this might sound like a bit of a stretch, we’re hoping that you’ll stick with us (and be suitably convinced) by our list of 21 of the best places to visit in Suffolk in 2021:

1. The beaches

Suffolk is home to a range of amazing beaches up and down its coastline on the North Sea. With stunning seaside towns, such as Lowestoft, in the north, Felixstowe in the south, or Aldeburgh and Southwold in the centre, there’s plenty of places for visitors to meander up and down the coastline. In summer, we’d wager that there’s few better ways of spending the day than strolling along the magnificent piers and watching your money disappear in the arcades.

2. West Stow – Nr. Bury

Nestled away north of Bury is the village of West Stow, which boasts an impressive recreation of an Anglo-Saxon village. As well as the recreations, it is a country park offering a nice range of walking routes to enjoy.

3. Clare Country Park

Situated between Haverhill and Sudbury lies the tranquil town of Clare – a real jewel in the crown of South Suffolk. Clare Castle Country Park hosts a heritage walk and also features the remains of a Priory and Castle.

4. Ickworth House – Nr. Bury

Found just a few miles south of Bury St Edmunds in the picturesque village of Horringer, is Ickworth House. Owned by the National Trust since 1998, this destination makes for a great day out and its estate, as all of its parkland, is well worth exploring.

5. High Lodge – Thetford Forest

Nestled away in the Thetford Forest park, on the border of Norfolk and Suffolk, is High Lodge. Here, you can enjoy a jam-packed day out where you can go climbing in the trees at Go-Ape, walk, run or cycle around the tranquil routes.

6. Phoenix Cycleworks – Kentford, Newmarket

Fancy an adrenaline packed day shredding amazing jump lines? If that’s your thing, you’ll get everything you want by heading over to Phoenix Cycleworks to enjoy a fantastic pump track.

7. Wildtracks Outdoor Activity Park – Red Lodge, nr Mildenhall

Another adrenaline packed day is on offer at Wildtracks – with activities like archery, go-karting, motocross riding, quad biking and more, you are sure to have a phenomenal day out!

8. Lavenham

This beautiful village near Sudbury is an unmissable destination for Harry Potter fans. The Lavenham Guildhall was used as filming locations in the films for scenes in Godric’s Hollow and it’s a town with vast history, full of Tudor houses and over 300 listed buildings. 

9. Framlingham Castle

In the hometown of one of Suffolk’s most notable singers, Ed Sheeran, lies Framlingham Castle. Built in the 12^th century as a traditional motte and bailey, it looks over the picture-perfect village and is an ideal spot for a sunset stroll.

10. Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park – nr Lowestoft

In a village, just north of Lowestoft, lies Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park. For an adrenaline-filled day, with a beach a short stroll just a short distance away, there’s few destinations as good as this. 

11. Sutton Hoo – Woodbridge 

Sutton Hoo, a national trust site outside of Woodbridge, is two medieval cemeteries dating back to the 6^th and 7^th centuries. Discovered in the summer of 1939, there’s a range of archaeological items to study and the location was recently the setting for Netflix’s The Dig. 

12. Africa Alive! – Kessingland, nr Lowestoft

Located just south of Lowestoft is Africa Alive, a preservation home to more than 80 species of animals from around Africa who roam around 100 acres of land.

13.  Newmarket Racecourse

Newmarket, a town situated on the Suffolk/Cambridgeshire border is famous for its horse heritage and is frequented by the Queen when the race season arrives each year. So, why not head over to Rowley Mile racecourse on race day to enjoy a special day out? Even better, you can catch a live performance from a band if you stop by for a Newmarket Night.

14. Kentwell Hall – nr Long Melford

Just north of the tranquil village of Long Melford lies the stately home of Kentwell Hall. With most of its buildings dating back to the 16^th century, this house has appeared in many films such as Narnia and has a strong reputation amongst historical home aficionados.

15. Alton Water – nr Ipswich

Alton Water is the largest manmade reservoir and offers visitors a range of activities to enjoy. With fishing, cycling, walking routes, different types of watersports, camping and more on offer, it’s got something for everyone to enjoy on a day out.

16. Suffolk Owl Sanctuary – Nr Needham Market

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary is a registered charity, caring and overseeing rehabilitation for owls and promoting their conservation. Open to the public, they hold regular flying displays of the owls and it’s here that visitors can see the most beautiful owls and birds of prey which populate Suffolk

17. Greene King Brewery – Bury St Edmunds

If you are a beer lover – you will love the Greene King Brewery in Bury St Edmunds. With the option of walking around the brewery to see how this iconic British brewery makes its beer, and with plenty of ales to sample, this destination really does sell itself.

18. Ipswich Waterfront

Located on the Neptune Marina near the centre of Ipswich, Ipswich Waterfront is a hive of activity. With stunning scenery looking over the marina, and plenty of restaurants, pubs and bars to choose from, the Waterfront is a fantastic place to chill out for the day.

19. Christchurch Park – Ipswich

Where else would you want to be on a stunning summer’s day than a picturesque park complete with tennis courts and all of the dining spots necessary for soaking up the sun?

20. Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm – Nr Needham Market

A working livestock farm, outside of Ipswich, Baylham House Rare Breed Farm promises a relaxing day out for its visitors. With conservation of farm animals, as well as fishing lakes on the site for those who are into fly and trout fishing, the farm offers a truly traditional Suffolk experience, and is certainly one we would recommend if you’re after a farmstay feel, without the mucking out! Why not take a little walk around Needham Lake whilst you’re here.

21. Banham Zoo – Nr Diss

A popular destination for all the family (and yes, just a short trip over the Suffolk border into Norfolk), Banham Zoo spans over 50 acres and is home to a variety of majestic, magnificent animals. 

All Set for Suffolk?

No matter if you’re staying on board Onderneming in Snape Maltings, or Twee Gebroeders in Woodbridge, or at one of our Barns and Cottages, you’ll have no difficulty in accessing a selection of these fantastic destinations in Suffolk to enjoy in 2021.