• Articles - Plan your  Half Term - Mum and Daughter on Beach

Plan your Half Term Break!

There's plenty to do to keep the whole family entertained on The Suffolk Coast this half term...

Our guide has all you need to know to plan your holiday this May!

Where to Stay

Plan your Half Term - Family at Beach hut - Emily Fae Photography

There's plenty of places on The Suffolk Coast that can accommodate the whole family. If you fancy somewhere you can call your own for the week, choose from one of the many self-catering cottages, barns, houses and apartments that are on offer. 

If you would prefer to put your feet up, then book a stay in a hotel or bed and breakfast; whether you want to be a stone's throw from the sea, in the centre of a pretty market town, or nestled in the Suffolk countryside, you're sure to find the ideal place to rest your head after a packed day of family fun. 

And of course the family dog is welcome too as many of The Suffolk Coast's places to stay will accommodate your 4-legged friend

What to Do

Bawdsey Ferry - Emily Fae Photography

Children will love the golden sands of Lowestoft beach or just a mile away you will find Oulton Broad; take a stroll through the Edwardian Nicholas Everitt Park where children will enjoy playing in the play area or hire a boat and sail along the River Waveney to Beccles. 

Meet the animals of the African savannah at Africa Alive! in Kessingland, before heading to Southwold for a walk along the Pier, stopping by the Under the Pier show; a collection of hand-built, wacky machines that kids and adults will love!

The whole family will be entertained with a trip to Landguard Fort in Felixstowe, join one of the guided tours and afterwards stop by Mannings Amusements to play on the 2p machines. Spend the morning feeding the lambs, pigs and chickens at Easton Farm Park and the afternoon walking the castle walls at the historic Framlingham Castle, where Mary Tudor was proclaimed Queen of England. 

If the weather is a little damp, then the whole family can enjoy a whizz around the circuit at Anglia Indoor Karting, a trip to one of Suffolk's many museumsor see a show at Felixstowe Spa Pavilion or The Marina Theatre

For more information on Suffolk Coast attractions and things to do, visit our 'Things to Do' guide.

What's On

Girls on Landguard Beach - Emily Fae Photography

There's a jam-packed schedule of events during February half term, here are just a few dates for your diary, but be sure to keep checking our 'What's On' guide for up to date event listings...

Beccles Food & Drink Festival 2019 - 25th May 

A wide variety of local and regional food and drink stalls feature, along with a cookery theatre, buskers and a children's activity hub with face painting, Punch and Judy and storytelling, are set to make this a fun-filled free event for all the family.

Magic Monday at Easton Farm Park- 27th May

A great day out for young families, Easton Farm Park's magic-themed day provides additional excitement.

See the magician, jugglers and clowns. Enjoy magical shows, face painting, balloon art and more - A great day out for the family.

Half Term Fun at The Red House, Aldeburgh - 28th May - 2nd June

Enjoy family-friendly activities over the May half term at The Red House, Aldeburgh. Spring is a time when the garden is bursting into life. Birds are singing, leaves are unfolding, butterflies are emerging and mammals have woken from their winter sleep. During the May half-term come and explore the wildlife at The Red House with our family-friendly activities. 

Framlingham Gala Fest - 27th May 

A fun-filled day takes place on the Castle Meadow on Bank Holiday Monday. There will be entertainment and acts throughout the afternoon including live music until 8pm, you can have-a-go at archery, play the side stall games, and little ones can take part in traditional races including a sack race. 

Also for the children, there will be face painting, games and magic by Magic Olly. The funfair will also be open all afternoon. 

Family Events at RSPB Minsmere - 28th - 31st May  

There's always something for families to discover, enjoy and explore at RSPB Minsmere. Daily from Tuesday 28th May, join Minsmere guides as they dip their nets into the Minsmere pond and discover what lives beneath the surface.

On Wednesday 29th May, you can find out what local owls been eating as Minsmere rangers dissect pellets collected by the Suffolk Community Barn Owl project and discover what small creatures they have been hunting and feeding upon.

And on 30th May, don't miss Waveney Bird Club’s ringing demonstrations! They offer unique and rare opportunities to experience close encounters with the Minsmere birds – you never know what you might see!

The Ness Beach School - 29th May 

The Ness Beach School is free for families to join, meeting at Ness Point at 10am and returning after an educational and fun journey along the coast line in North Lowestoft.

For full event listings and things to do, see below:



Things to see and do

High Lodge Leisure

High Lodge Leisure

If you are looking for a place to try out a diverse range of activities then look no further than High Lodge which is home to an array of first-class sporting activities. Suitable for individuals, groups or businesses for corporate activities.

Read more >
Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

Halesworth and the Blyth Valley

Halesworth and the Blyth Valley

The Blyth Valley runs 17 miles inland from the coast at Southwold to Laxfield via Halesworth and Huntingfield and is a superb destination for walking, cycling & wildlife-watching as well as being known for its welcoming pubs and local produce!

Read more >

Allen Gardiner River Cruise Restaurant 

Allen Gardiner River Cruise Restaurant

Ipswich

Allen Gardiner River Cruise Restaurant provides a unique and exciting dining experience offering breakfast, lunch, sunset supper or dinner cruises. 

Read more >
Dog friendly

The Suffolk Punch Trust

The Suffolk Punch Trust

Woodbridge



The Suffolk Punch Trust is an educational and environmental charity dedicated to breeding and preserving the critically endangered Suffolk Punch horse. 

Read more >
Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

Snape Maltings

Snape Maltings

Snape

Snape Maltings sits on the bank of the River Alde, surrounded by an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and just five miles from Aldeburgh.

Read more >
Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible EV charging

Woodbridge Tide Mill 

Woodbridge Tide Mill

Woodbridge

The Tide Mill has stood here, on the bank of the River Deben, for over 850 years.

Read more >

Easton Farm Park 

Easton Farm Park

Woodbridge

Fun family day out on the farm. Home to plenty of farm animals, including a new contingent of ducklings, lambs, foals, chicks, piglets and calves every spring, Easton Farm Park never ceases to be a popular day out for families and school trips.

Read more >
Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

Marina Theatre

Marina Theatre

The Marina Theatre is proud to be Lowestoft’s not-for-profit professional theatre. Their charity number is 1149133. 

Read more >
Wheelchair Accessible

Visit Felixstowe 

Visit Felixstowe

Everybody loves a great day by the sea, and Felixstowe has great days for everyone.

Read more >

Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape

Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape

The Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape is a stunning landscape packed full with wildlife and exciting places to explore and discover. 

Read more >
Dog friendly

Oulton Broad Day Boat Hire

Oulton Broad Day Boat Hire

Self drive boat hire from as little as 1 hour to a full day, spend time afloat in the newly created Broads National park here in Suffolk. 

Read more >
Dog friendly

Sailing Barge Victor 

Sailing Barge Victor

Sailing Barge Victor is a perfect marriage of a majestic and traditionally rigged 19th century sailing vessel with comfortable, modern facilities for guests.

Read more >

Orwell Lady river trips

Orwell Lady river trips

Ipswich

From April to December each year, Orwell Lady cruises up and down the beautiful and historic River Orwell from Ipswich waterfront, offering passengers a choice of trips and experiences whilst taking in the beautiful wooded stretches of the river, local wildlife and points of  interest.

Read more >
Dog friendly

Africa Alive Zoological Reserve

Africa Alive Zoological Reserve

Kessingland

Make your day out an adventure with a visit to Africa Alive Zoological Reserve.

Read more >
Free wifi Wheelchair Accessible

Suffolk Escape Room

Suffolk Escape Room

Suffolk Escape Room is situated in the unique location of  original war time Nissen Huts in the Suffolk countryside.

Read more >
Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

Discover Landguard

Discover Landguard

The Landguard Peninsula is located at the southerly most point of the town of Felixstowe. 

Read more >
Dog friendly

O&C Butcher

O&C Butcher

Aldeburgh

Aldeburgh has changed in many ways over the last hundred years, but one business has been an ever present in the town.

Read more >

The Cut - Halesworth

The Cut - Halesworth

Halesworth

The Cut Arts Centre offers Halesworth and the surrounding countryside an extensive range of arts, music, theatre, dance, comedy, cinema, workshops and art exhibitions. 

Read more >
Free wifi

National Trust Sutton Hoo

National Trust Sutton Hoo

Woodbridge

This hauntingly beautiful 255 acre estate, with far-reaching views over the River Deben is home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time.

Read more >
Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

Mannings Amusements

Mannings Amusements

Mannings Amusements have been providing traditional family fun on Felixstowe Seafront since 1946!

Read more >
Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

Suffolk Wildlife Trust 

Suffolk Wildlife Trust

Felixstowe

From tiny meadows to rolling heaths, the nature reserves extend all the way along the Suffolk Coast from Trimley Marshes at Felixstowe to Lound Lakes north of Lowestoft and are some of Suffolk's most inspiring wild places. 

Read more >

Hippersons Boatyard 

Hippersons Boatyard

Some of the best ways to see and experience the river! Hippersons Boatyard offers day boats, canoes, kayaks, stand up paddleboards (SUPs) and pedal boat hire on the southern reach of the Norfolk Broads in Beccles. 

Read more >
Free wifi Dog friendly Visit England Gold Award

Southwold Pier

Southwold Pier

Southwold

Southwold is a popular destination for the many visitors to the East Coast and its most prominent attraction, the pier, hosts a wide range of things to see and do.

Read more >
Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

Beccles Lido & Big Dog Ferry

Beccles Lido & Big Dog Ferry

Beccles

Swim and have fun at Beccles Lido, take a relaxing river trip on Big Dog Ferry or hire a canoe, kayak or paddleboard with The Canoe Man.

Read more >
Wheelchair Accessible

Anglia Indoor Karting 

Anglia Indoor Karting

With indoor racing karts and their professionally designed, exhilarating multi-level circuit, Anglia Indoor Karting brings the thrill of motorsport to all adrenaline-seekers!

Read more >
Free wifi Wheelchair Accessible

Landguard Fort

Landguard Fort

Felixstowe

Discover the rich military and maritime heritage of Landguard Fort, one of England's best preserved coastal defences, with a history spanning almost 450 years.

Read more >
Dog friendly

The Long Shop Museum

The Long Shop Museum

Leiston

Based in the original Richard Garrett and Sons Town Works, The Long Shop museum tells an inspiring story of enterprise and innovation.

Read more >
Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

East Anglia Transport Museum

East Anglia Transport Museum

Lowestoft

The only museum in East Anglia where you can ride on working trams, trolley buses and narrow gauge railway!

Read more >
Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

Waveney River Tours

Waveney River Tours

Lowestoft

Conducted river tours and day boat hire through the Waveney Valley and the Broads National Park.

Read more >
Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

Deben Cruises

Deben Cruises

Enjoy a two-hour river cruise along the River Deben with Deben Cruises.

Read more >

Southwold Cycle Hire

Southwold Cycle Hire

Southwold

Pick up bikes from the beachside hut in Southwold or get cycles delivered to you!

Unlike a larger town, there aren’t any major roads in Southwold, meaning it’s a far safer environment for anyone on two wheels. Plus it only takes a few minutes pedalling in any direction before you are taking in scenic views, whether it’s a breathtaking coastal panorama or Suffolk’s rural landscape.

Read more >
Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

Lady Florence River Cruise Restaurant 

Lady Florence River Cruise Restaurant

Lady Florence River Cruise Restaurant provides a unique and exciting dining experience offering breakfast, lunch, supper and dinner cruises from Orford Quay.

Read more >
Dog friendly Allen Gardiner - Good Food Gold Seal Award

Visit Deben Peninsula

Visit Deben Peninsula

The Deben Peninsula is located in Suffolk between the Deben River to the South and the Alde & Ore Estuary the North.

Read more >

The Red House, Aldeburgh

The Red House, Aldeburgh

Aldeburgh

Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears' home in Aldeburgh offers a charming snapshot into the couple's life. The farmhouse, nestled in a beautiful five-acre garden, is home to their collections and archive, alongside a gallery space, museum shop and café.

Read more >
Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

Felixstowe Spa Pavilion Theatre

Felixstowe Spa Pavilion Theatre

A glorious seafront theatre and restaurant complex, with stunning views, an art deco auditorium for up to 900 people and a fabulous British Seaside and Mediterranean-style fish, meat, pizza, pasta & grill menu. 


Read more >
Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

National Trust Dunwich Heath

National Trust Dunwich Heath

Dunwich Heath and Beach is a precious landscape on the Suffolk coast where you can experience a true sense of being at one with nature. 

Read more >
Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

Visit Waveney Valley

Visit Waveney Valley

Running through the border between Norfolk and Suffolk, it's hard not to fall in love with the Waveney Valley. Discover a timeless rural landscape, where the pace of life is slow and the folk are friendly.

Read more >

RSPB Minsmere Nature Reserve

RSPB Minsmere Nature Reserve

Westleton

Discover nature together on the beautiful Suffolk coast. Wander among the wetlands and woods, potter along the beach, and pause to watch some amazing wildlife. 

Read more >
Free wifi Wheelchair Accessible EV charging

Pakefield Riding School 

Pakefield Riding School

One of the oldest and best-known horse riding centres and stables in East Anglia.

Read more >
Free wifi Wheelchair Accessible

Felixstowe Seafront Gardens

Felixstowe Seafront Gardens

The restored Felixstowe Seafront Gardens sit on cliffs between the town centre and beach.

Read more >

Suffolk Museums

Suffolk Museums



There are more than 60 museums in Suffolk. Each one is unique, and they are all packed with fascinating stories and objects. If you want to know more about the past and how it has affected the present, just come and take a closer look.

Read more >

Angels & Pinnacles (Suffolk churches)

Angels & Pinnacles (Suffolk churches)

Angels and Pinnacles helps you discover Suffolk’s magnificent medieval churches, among the finest in Europe.

Read more >

Suffolk Food Hall and Cookhouse

Suffolk Food Hall and Cookhouse

Ipswich

Suffolk Food Hall has everything you’d expect from a large farm shop and more. It is the 10 year Champion of Champions for Local Food (Countryside Alliance rural oscars) and it’s also an ideal location to the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

Read more >
Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

WHERE TO EAT

Café Bencotto

Café Bencotto



Café Bencotto is part of Yeo Group - a group of individual venues in Felixstowe. Offering Mediterranean style fayre, the sophisticated yet informal interior complements the food freshly prepared in the open plan kitchen.

Read more >
Free wifi Wheelchair Accessible