Planning your perfect Suffolk break: Southwold, Walberswick, Bury St Edmunds, and Ipswich.
By Carl Scott
A three-night weekend is better value than two.
The idea of The Bucket List is that each month we present you with an itinerary for a 3-night break, to take all the planning out of it for you. It’s just part of our constant desire to make sure you have the best experience with us. There’s so much research going back years, proving that many people (as many as a third!) value holidays more than a pay rise, and if you’re too busy (or just can’t be bothered) to plan that free time, then we’ve done all the heavy lifting for you! Because we care.
We do offer a 2-night weekend, but at Woodfarm, the longer you stay, the lower the price per night. Not only that, but we have so much feedback from guests who tell us that they wish they’d stayed longer when they only stay for 2 nights.
As it’s packed with ideas, you know on Sunday night you can just relax and enjoy another night in your Barn or Barge and make the world wait another day, whilst you carry on soaking up Suffolk.
And our four-night Monday to Friday midweek break is even better value!
With a new The Bucket List every month, you could also pick ‘n’ mix the days as the list grows, and if you are staying with us a for a 4-night midweek break, you can either take a day to laze about in your Barn or Barge, or pick another day from another list!
So without further ado, here is Bucket List #4, all about Southwold, Walberswick, Bury St Edmunds, and Ipswich. A 3-Day Bucket List Adventure. A beautifully planned springtime (or any time) itinerary, with space for your own reflections and memories.
Day One: Southwold, Walberswick & Dunwich Heath
Seaside charm, local brews, and natural beauty.
Morning: Southwold Pier
Begin your Suffolk adventure at the iconic Southwold Pier, a 623-foot structure extending into the North Sea. This pier combines traditional British seaside fun with quirky attractions.
Under the Pier Show: Discover a collection of eccentric, handcrafted arcade machines that offer a unique and entertaining experience.
Scenic Views: Stroll along the pier, enjoy the sea breeze, and capture photos of the colourful beach huts lining the shore.
Cafés and Shops: Explore various eateries and boutiques offering local delicacies and souvenirs.
Southwold Pier, Southwold, Suffolk, IP18 6BN
Opens from 9:30am
Free entry (some machines take coins)
Visit Website
Late Morning: Adnams Brewery Tour
A short walk from the pier brings you to the legendary Adnams Brewery, a staple of Southwold since 1872.
Brewery Tour: Learn about the brewing process, explore the facilities, and hear about Adnams’ proud heritage.
Tasting Session: Sample a variety of their beers, spirits, or alcohol-free options.
Shop: Pick up your favourite tipple or a gift to take home.
The Swan Courtyard, Market Place, Southwold, IP18 6EG
Tour times: 11am or 1:30pm
£25pp approx. (advance booking recommended)
Book Your Tour
Lunch: The Bell Inn, Walberswick
Cross the River Blyth to the charming village of Walberswick and enjoy lunch at the rustic Bell Inn, a classic Suffolk pub with bags of atmosphere.
Menu Highlights: Fresh seafood, hearty mains, and pub classics.
Atmosphere: Cosy fires, wooden beams, and a dog-friendly garden in warmer months.
Surroundings: After lunch, stroll through the village or along the dunes.
Ferry Road, Walberswick, IP18 6TN
Serving from 12pm
Visit Website
Afternoon: Dunwich Heath & Beach Walk
After lunch, drive to Dunwich Heath, a peaceful coastal nature reserve managed by the National Trust.
Walking Trails: Follow scenic trails across heath and cliff paths.
Wildlife Spotting: Look out for Dartford warblers, early butterflies, and adders basking in spring sun.
Beach Time: End with a walk along the shingle shore or watch the waves from the cliffs.
Dunwich Heath, IP17 3DJ
Free for NT members; small parking charge
Visit Website
Day Two: Bury St Edmunds & Ickworth House
History, gardens, elegant dining, and stately homes.
Morning: Abbey Gardens and St Edmundsbury Cathedral
Start your day with a walk through Abbey Gardens, a beautifully landscaped park set among the ruins of a once-mighty Benedictine abbey.
Spring Flowers: Daffodils and tulips are at their best in April.
Historic Ruins: Explore the evocative stone arches and walls.
Admire the stunning Gothic Revival architecture and Millennium Tower of the Cathedral. Learn the rich history through a guided tour or visit the shop and café.
River Walk: Follow the River Lark or visit St Edmundsbury Cathedral next door.
Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1XL
Open daily
Free entry
Visit Website
Lunch: The Angel Hotel
Dine at the historic Angel Hotel, an iconic Georgian coaching inn where Charles Dickens once stayed.
Menu: Classic British dishes with seasonal, local ingredients.
Atmosphere: Elegant interiors, beautiful views over the Abbey, and luxurious afternoon teas.
Recommendation: Book ahead for their popular Afternoon Tea experience.
Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1LT
Visit Website
Afternoon: Ickworth House
End the day exploring the grand Ickworth Estate, a unique rotunda-style National Trust property.
Architecture: Admire the Italianate mansion and its opulent interiors.
Gardens: Stroll through the walled garden and seasonal flower borders.
Woodland Walks: Trails for families and nature lovers alike.
Ickworth, Bury St Edmunds, IP29 5QE
Free for NT members; entry fee for others
Visit Website
Day Three: Ipswich – Arts, Boats & Riverside Wanders
Culture, green space, waterside dining, and reflection.
Morning: Christchurch Mansion & Park
Visit Christchurch Mansion, a free-to-enter museum and gallery set within leafy Christchurch Park.
Art Collection: See works by Constable and Gainsborough in their Suffolk context.
Park: Take a relaxed walk among spring blossoms, ancient trees, and friendly squirrels.
Soane Street, Ipswich, IP4 2BE
Open from 10am
Free entry
Visit Website
Lunch: The Mariners Restaurant
Enjoy elegant French-inspired dining aboard The Mariners, a floating restaurant moored on the Ipswich Waterfront.
Menu: Seasonal French-British dishes, including seafood and classics.
Views: Watch boats drift by as you dine.
Atmosphere: Ideal for a relaxed but special lunch.
Neptune Quay, Ipswich, IP4 1AX
Visit Website
Afternoon: Ipswich Waterfront Walk
End your trip with a wander along Ipswich Waterfront, a lively marina with a mix of history and modern charm.
Stroll: Walk along the quayside with views of boats and architecture.
Shops & Galleries: Stop into DanceEast, independent cafés or small galleries.
Final Moment: Reflect with a coffee by the water before heading home.
Your April Bucket List – Tick-Off Time!
- Walked Southwold Pier & played the arcade
- Tasted a beer, gin, or alcohol-free drink at Adnams
- Had lunch at The Bell Inn, Walberswick
- Watched the sunset or walked at Dunwich Heath
- Explored Abbey Gardens & the Abbey ruins
- Enjoyed afternoon tea at The Angel Hotel
- Visited Ickworth House & its gardens
- Admired a Constable at Christchurch Mansion
- Dined on the water at The Mariners
- Strolled the Ipswich Waterfront and watched the boats
