Best Picnic Spots in Suffolk

With longer, and hotter days, the summer is perfect for enjoying a picnic with friends. All you need is a hamper full of food, plenty of refreshments, an ice cream or two, and this handy guide for the best place to picnic (and more whilst you’re there).

Clare Castle Country Park

On the border of Suffolk and Essex, you will find the picturesque market town of Clare, with a rich history, which can all be explored when you picnic at Clare Country Park. Take a picnic with you to the country park and enjoy the view you have around you. Atop a mount are the remains of Clare Castle, which originated from the 11th century, but by the 16th century, it was in ruins. Also at Clare Castle Country Park are the remains of the railway which was cut by the Beeching Cuts in the 1960s – the Old Goods Shed and the main station building which contains a café. With all that in the country park itself, and the market town of Clare, a postcard perfect town, to explore, why not picnic in Clare?

Abbey Gardens – Bury St Edmunds

In the heart of the ‘jewel in the crown of Suffolk,’ is Abbey Gardens, situated next to St Edmundsbury Cathedral. The Abbey Gardens contains the ruins of the Bury St Edmunds Abbey which was destroyed following the Reformation during the reign of King Henry VIII as he attempted to wipe out Catholicism. Now, you can take your picnic bits and enjoy the history and the tranquillity that surrounds you.  

High Lodge – Thetford Forest

Straddling the Suffolk/Norfolk border, and covering over 47,000 acres of land, is Thetford Forest, known for its natural beauty and serenity. Within Thetford Forest, you will find High Lodge, which is one of the perfect places for a picnic, with so many places to choose from. As well as that, why not take the family bikes up, or hire from the site, and enjoy a leisurely bike ride around Thetford Forest. If not biking, why not take a stroll and see the nature that the Forest has to offer. And, for the more adventurous, why not give Go Ape a try, and see the Forest from high up. With so much on offer, as well as shops and cafes on sight, High Lodge is the perfect place to picnic this summer.

Iken Cliff

Overlooking the River Alde, as it meanders out towards the North Sea, and within the Suffolk and Essex Coast and National Landscape as it meanders out towards the North Sea, Iken Cliff is a perfect picnic spot to enjoy the tranquillity and wildlife that nature has to offer. If you fancy a walk before, or after, why not take a trip to Snape Maltings, which is full of independent shops and food stalls, as well as galleries and a concert hall. What’s more, Iken Cliff is only two miles from one of our barges at Snape Maltings. So, whether you are staying with us at Snape or heading for a quiet place to picnic, to be at one with nature, why not head to Iken Cliff. 

Alton Water 

Covering over 400 acres, Alton Water has got everything for the perfect picnic, with visitors able to sit, eat and enjoy what nature has to offer around you, as you look out across the man-made reservoir. And there are plenty of activities for you, whether it be before or after your picnic, with there being cycling and walking trails around the reservoir, and equipment for hire for water sports as well as fishing. With so much to enjoy, Alton Water is an ideal place for a picnic, and so much more. 

So, whilst you’re out and about in Suffolk when staying at our Barns and Barges for rent, be sure to refer to this handy guide and picnic in some of the best places Suffolk has to offer for nature and tranquillity.