As lockdown restrictions ease, we know you're eager to get out and enjoy The Suffolk Coast once more. So if you're planning a day out this weekend, take a look our suggestions...
Before setting off, make sure you check out our 'Know Before You Go Guide' and respect, protect and enjoy The Suffolk Coast...
1. Discover the wilds of the Savannah at Africa Alive!
A visit to Africa Alive! promises to be a great family day out. The park is home to over 80 different species of animal including rhinos, giraffes, lions, lemurs, cheetas, meerkats and many more.
During your visit, explore the many areas of the park including Amazing African Animals, Hog Snorts, Kingdom of the Lion, Farmyard Corner and Lemur Encounters. You can get up close to many of the park's residents with an 'animal encounters' experience, enjoy a picnic followed by ice creams from one of the food kiosks and follow the trail
Booking in advance is required and you need to choose a time slot for entry, lots of information on procedures put in place to keep you safe can be found at https://www.africa-alive.co.uk/visit-the-park/coronavirus-and-your-visit/.
2. Boating on the Broads
Enjoy a day 'messing about on the river' and be a captain for the day with boat hire on the broads. Explore the beautiful byways of the River Waveney starting in Beccles with boat hire from Hippersons or Oulton Broad with Oulton Broad Dayboats. If you're feeling energetic at the end of your trip, Hippersons also offers canoe, kayak and peddle boat hire.
The stretch of river between Beccles and Oulton Broad takes you past the Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve, here you can spot some of the UK's rarest wildlife and birdlife, looking out for Marsh Harriers, bitterns, Reed Warblers and Bearded Tits. In the summer, there's also stunning displays of Southern Marsh Orchid, Marsh Marigold and Ragged Robin. At the end of the day, book a table at Oakfired at The Royal Oak in Beccles for fresh, authentic pizzas and a cold beer.
Book online, plan your visit and know before you go at https://www.hippersons.co.uk/ https://www.waveneyrivertours.com/dayboat-hire
3. Canoe along the River Alde
Spend the day travelling along the stunning upper reaches of the River Alde between Snape and Aldeburgh with a canoe from Iken Canoe. Discover creeks and flood waters, or gently glide with the tide at low water and get up close to seals basking on the mud banks as well as observing a multitude of different wading birds.
Canoes, paddleboards, Katakunas and kayaks are all available to hire, ideal for families, couples or singles wanting to get away from it all and absorp the beauty of The Suffolk Coast.
If you desire a less energetic experience, opt for the motorised dinghy or classic 21ft gaff-rigged sailing boat.
Book online, plan your visit and know before you go at http://www.ikencanoe.co.uk/
4. A day at the beach
No visit to The Suffolk Coast would be complete without a day at the beach, and you're spoilt for choice here, with over 50 miles of coastline to explore. Families will love the golden sandy beach at Lowestoft and the brightly coloured beach huts and Edwardian pier at Southwold. Find a spot on the pebbles at enjoy a dip at Aldeburgh or Felixstowe. Or if you prefer somewhere a little more remote, head to the open spaces and wild beaches at Kessingland, Covehithe, Dunwich or Walberswick.
To find the right beach for you, take a look at our beaches guide - but remember, to respect, protect and enjoy, plan ahead and know before you go.
5. Spend a day down on the farm
Re-opening to the public on 6th July, a day out at Easton Farm Park is ideal for families eager to start making memories this summer. There are social distancing measures in place to keep you safe while you explore the farm and meet the resident animals including, donkeys, pigs, cows, horses goats.
New trails have been developed along with a range of activities for you to enjoy. Takeaway food is available or you can enjoy a picnic on one of the many outdoor picnic areas.
Booking your tickets, plan your visit and know before you go at https://www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk/
6. Discover The Suffolk Coast's rare wildlife at RSPB Minsmere
Pop on your walking boots, pack a picnic and head to RSPB Minsmere to spend a day exploring the nature trails which weave through this unique reserve.
Start your day with a relaxing walk, through the bright purple heathland as the heather flowers. Tuck into your picnic in a secluded spot or on one of the picnic benches, and after lunch, head to the coastal lagoons to see an impressive variety of birds, including avocets, bearded tits and bitterns. If you arrive later in the day, stick around till dusk to hear the nightjar's churr and nocturnal animals begin to wake.
Know before you go and plan your visit at https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/minsmere/