Days Out within a 1 hour drive of The Suffolk Coast

The medieval city of Norwich is a vibrant and picturesque city in the heart of the Norfolk countryside. The city is a glorious place to wander whilst taking in the beautiful historic architecture including the Maid’s Head Hotel - said to be the oldest hotel in Britain, two cathedrals and even a castle.

Norwich is also full of opportunities for shopping and has been ranked in the top ten shopping cities in the UK. There are two large malls with all the most popular high street brands and for shoppers looking for something more unusual there is a market, Norwich Lanes and the historic Royal Arcade.

Stop off at one of the many independent restaurants and cafes in the city such as the stylish Stranger’s Coffee Shop or the Farmyard Restaurant to satisfy your appetite. You can also enjoy a spot of culture at Norwich’s popular Theatre Royal or visit the Forum which hosts a range of artistic and cultural events for the whole family. 

From Southwold - 56 minutes drive

From Lowestoft - 51 minutes drive

From Beccles - 34 minutes

Visit https://www.visitnorwich.co.uk/ to plan your visit.

Bury St Edmunds is a unique town echoing with a rich and varied history. At its centre is the impressive Abbey ruins, surrounded by the well-kept Abbey Gardens, a wonderful place for wandering and contemplation. T

he town centre is characterful, with a range of great independent shops as well as The Arc shopping centre for all your favourite high street brands. You can while away the time in one of Bury’s many independent coffee shops such as Cafe Kottani or the atmospherically located ‘Really Rather Good’ on the corner of Angel Hill.

When it comes to dining, Bury St Edmunds is a fantastic place for foodies, with a range of renowned independent eateries for your delectation. Sample the award winning menu at ‘The Northgate’ which offers diners a popular ‘Taste of East Anglia’ menu created with the best ingredients the region has to offer or book a table at Pea Porridge - Suffolk's first recipient of the Michelin star.

From Woodbridge - 51 minutes drive

From Framlingham - 52 minutes drive

From Felixstowe - 51 minutes drive

Go to https://www.visit-burystedmunds.co.uk/ to plan your visit.

For all the dino-fans in your family, look no further than Roarr Dinosaur Adventure Park, a Pre-historic experience like no other. This ‘Jurarassic’ park offers a range of attractions for children of all ages, with plenty to do for big and little ones.

Attractions include the Raptor Races, an expansive indoor play area, an exciting high ropes experience, and even a chance to get your hands dirty in a fossil dig. On warm days you can cool down in Dippy’s splash zone or enjoy the shade of the brand new theatre while you watch a show. Be sure to take a picnic as there are many attractive areas to sit down and replenish your energy while the kids run around and expend theirs! 

From Beccles - 49 minutes drive

From Lowestoft - 1 hour 2 minutes drive

From Halesworth - 1 hour 3 minutes drive

Go to https://www.roarrdinosauradventure.co.uk/ to plan your visit.

A great day out for families with young children, Pettitts Animal Adventure Park boasts a range of thrilling rides; take a ride on the crazy caterpillar, the safari adventure and the rocky rollercoaster and hop aboard the much-loved Pettitts railway for a leisurely trip around the park.

There are lots of different animals to see at Pettitts including snakes, lizards, parrots and even bigger creatures like ponies, pigs and wallabies. Don’t miss everyone’s favorite- the cheeky meerkats! Spend some time in Pettitts unique play areas, including the rustic Robin Hood playground with its slides and rope bridges, the idyllic Pettitts play beach and for aspiring builders- the construction playground! In addition, Pettitts hosts a range of special event days where kids can meet and greet their favourite characters such as Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol and Hey Duggie. 

From Lowestoft - 36 minutes drive

From Beccles - 46 minutes drive

From Southwold - 1 hour 6 minutes drive

Go to https://www.pettittsadventurepark.co.uk/ to plan your visit.

Suffolk is famed as the location of ‘Constable Country’ boasting the picturesque landscapes immortalised in paintings by none other than John Constable. The most famous of his works is perhaps ‘The Hay Wain’ which depicts a horse and cart crossing the River Stour. The place in the painting is Flatford and if you visit today you’ll find it amazingly unchanged by time. You can still see Flatford Mill, the White Cottage and even Bridge Cottage, which hosts a Constable exhibition for you to peruse. 

Budding artists can take their paints and find a shady spot to sit and paint their own interpretation of this famous scene.

From Woodbridge - 35 minute drive

From Ipswich - 25 minute drive

From Wickham Market - 42 minute drive

Go to https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/flatford to plan your visit.

If you are already visiting the seaside town of Lowestoft, you're only a short drive, walk or cycle from Oulton Broad, a jaunty suburb of Lowestoft forming the gateway to the Broads National Park. Oulton Broad is a great summer destination; with water sports to enjoy and a family friendly park and playground. But to really make the most of the waterways it makes sense to take to the water and explore by boat.

Whether you take a day trip out on a skippered boat or hire a vessel for a longer boating holiday you’ll find it a relaxing way to explore the area and a great opportunity to stop off at destinations along the way. You can also start your adventure further along the river at delightful Beccles or drive along to Potter Heigham or Wroxham in Norfolk and experience the broads from a different starting point. 

(To Potter Heigham) From Lowestoft - 45 minute drive

(To Wroxham) From Lowestoft - 47 minute drive

(To Wroxham) From Beccles - 40 minute drive

(To Wroxham) From Southwold - 1 hour 3 minutes drive

Go to https://www.visitthebroads.co.uk/ to plan your visit.

Suffolk's county town, Ipswich is perfect for a day out with the family, a couples date day or somewhere to enjoy some culture, good food and shopping by yourself.

Start your day in the historic cobbled lanes and peruse the independent shops and galleries, before heading to the Waterfront to discover the town's maritime history. Stop for lunch at the Salthouse Eaterie before making your way to Christchurch Park where children can let off steam in the leafy gardens. Here you can also pay a visit to Christchurch Mansion; Explore the period rooms from the Tudor kitchen to the sumptuous Georgian saloon and admire the large collection of fine art, which includes renowned Suffolk artists John Constable and Thomas Gainsborough. 

For those with children and younger family members, you could instead opt for Ipswich Museum which is home to the much-loved mammoth, 'Wool-I-Am'. Travel the globe or step back in time and see how Ipswich has changed since the Stone Age, discover the Ancient Egyptians, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Victorians and more. 

From Southwold - 1 hour 2 minutes drive

From Woodbridge - 22 minutes drive

From Felixstowe - 25 minutes drive

Go to https://allaboutipswich.com/ to plan your visit.

Enjoy a day at the races and much more at the home of horse racing, Newmarket.

Book one of the many tours on offer and you can go behind the scenes at horse racing’s headquarters, see the equine stars at work and learn about the fascinating history, heritage and culture of this unique Suffolk town.

If you enjoy the finer things in life, why not buy tickets for a race day or book the Champagne Afternoon Tea and Tour; Learn about the illustrious history of The Jockey Club and the sport of horse racing through a guided tour of The Jockey Club Rooms.

You will also enjoy a private viewing of their collection of sporting art and memorabilia before indulging in a champagne afternoon tea, which includes both sweet and savoury treats and a range of specially blended Jockey Club teas.

From Ipswich - 52 minutes drive

From Woodbridge - 1 hour 5 minutes drive

Go to https://discovernewmarket.co.uk/ to plan your visit