• Children pond dipping at Rendlesham
  • Felixstowe Ferry
  • Crabbing at Southwold

Family Days Out Under £50

Taking the whole family out for the day doesn’t have to be expensive! The Suffolk Coast is full of free and low-cost activities, from skateparks to swimming, crabbing to castles. Check out the ideas below to keep the whole family entertained this summer – all without breaking the bank. 

Southwold

Family at Southwold Pier (c) Emily Fae Photography

Southwold is the perfect family friendly option for a low cost day out by the sea; take a stroll along the jaunty Pier, spend your pennies in the amusements and remember to pop into Tim Hunkin's famous automatons to spend a few coins and see the machines whirr into action.

Afterwards, let the kids burn off some energy at Southwold Skatepark – just bring their scooters or skateboards along, and it’s completely free! Then the whole family can try their hand at the Southwold heritage adventure golf for a small fee. This 12 hole adventure golf offers an historical, educational, and fun experience for families with each hole featuring information about an aspect of Southwold’s rich history.

Round off the day with something hot and delicious at The Pier's fish and chip shop. 

Bawdsey

Bawdsey Radar Museum

Head to Bawdsey Quay, where you can enjoy scenic views, spot some wildlife, take a walk and perhaps bring a picnic to eat by the water. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the historic Bawdsey Ferry across the River Deben to Felixstowe - £10 for a family of four one way and £14 for return.

Don’t miss the Bawdsey Radar Museum, where you can find out all about the pioneering use of the first fully operational radar station in the world which provided invaluable intelligence throughout the second world war. Entry is free for under 18’s and just £8 for adults. 

Felixstowe

Felixstowe Pier (c) Emily Fae Photography

Families can while away a sunny day on Felixstowe’s friendly beach, building sandcastles and paddling in the sea. Stroll along the promenade to the newly redeveloped Pier or Mannings Amusements where the kids can have fun in the amusements for just a handful of change.

The Little Ice Cream Company is a great place for a cheeky hot chocolate, a snack or an ice cream before heading to the new Activity Park on Felixstowe's seafront located between Sea Road and the Promenade. The site offers free sporting equipment and games for all ages, including table tennis, chess tables and climbing walls as well as a whole range of outdoor fitness equipment so you can work out with a glorious sea view. 

Be sure to pay a visit to Felixstowe Museum where fascinating artefacts bring to life the military and social history of the town. Adults and children alike can discover fourteen different rooms with costumes, model planes, fossils and toys as well as learning activities and new exhibitions each season. Entry is £5 for adults and £1 for children. 

Finish the day watching the big ships come into Felixstowe's port whilst tucking into sausage and chips at the View Point Cafe.

Beccles

Beccles Lido in Winter

Beccles is a charming market town with green spaces, walks and lots to explore. Browse in the independent shops and pick up a bargain in one of the many charity shops. Then head down to the quay to watch the boats go by and enjoy a picnic and play in the park.

A hidden gem is Beccles Lido; an outdoor heated swimming pool open during the warmer months, with a small fee for swimmers and spectators (book ahead to reserve your space). Or hop on board the Big Dog Ferry and sail down the River Waveney to the pretty village of Geldeston and back.

Bungay

BUngay Castle

Discover the historic town of Bungay, and pay a visit to the mysterious ruins of Bungay Castle, which is free to enter. Families who love history can wander around the ruins, which offer an evocative photo opportunity too.

Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely walk along the River Waveney, and perhaps pay a visit to the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum in Flixton which charts the fascinating history of aviation in the east of England with a varied collection of 65 aircraft on display as well as other artefacts. It’s just £20 for a family ticket. 

Dunwich

Dunwich Beach

Dunwich boasts a stunning National Trust nature reserve where families can enjoy roaming around the areas of natural beauty, discovering birds and wildlife and taking in the fantastic views. The nearby RSPB Minsmere is a great spot for families to learn more about the avian population, go pond dipping or build a den. Take time to enjoy the nature trails and adventure playground and perhaps pay a visit to the cafe for refreshments. Entry price is £9 for adults and the first child is free, further children pay £5 and under 5’s and 16-24 year olds also visit for free.

The beach at Dunwich is perfectly wild – a broad shingle stretch popular with dog walkers. See if the kids can find stones with a hole right through them- a sign of good luck and protection of East Anglian folklore. If you are there on a weekend, pay a visit to Dunwich Museum to learn about the town's fascinating history, in particular the ‘Lost City of Dunwich’.

Framlingham

Child at Framlingham Castle

A perfect town for a stroll, a browse and a glimpse of history, families can follow the town trail which takes visitors on a tour of Framlingham’s sites of historic interest. On Saturdays and Tuesdays catch the hustle bustle of the market, with fresh local produce on sale. Explore the historic Framlingham Castle – famously the inspiration for Ed Sheeran’s song ‘Castle on the Hill’. A family tickets costs £29.40 and once inside families can enjoy the castle grounds, complete the magnificent ‘wall walk’ and take part in events and interactive activities such as dressing up and ‘spin the king’. Pop your head into the second hand bookshop, you might just find a bargain to take home.  

Ipswich

Ipswich Christchurch Mansion gardens

For a fun and free day out in Ipswich, visit Holywells Park; a 67-acre public park featuring a children's play area, water play facilities (in summer), and beautiful gardens, and what’s more- entry is free. If you’re a family fascinated by history make your way to Christchurch Mansion which offers a rich experience blending historical exploration with interactive activities and exhibits. Step back in time as you explore period rooms, from the Tudor kitchen to the Victorian wing. Then, head outside to Christchurch Park, where you’ll find play areas, tennis courts, and beautiful picnic spots.There’s also a tearoom where you can pick up some refreshments and maybe an ice cream or two to round off your day. 

Lowestoft

East Point Pavilion garden

Lowestoft is a great location for a fun family day out by the sea. Start your day at Lowestoft's sandy South Beach, take a walk along as the waves roll in and make your way all along the seafront pausing at the amusements at the Claremont Pier to spend some loose change on the games.

Head to the East Point Pavillion and step inside for a great atmosphere, comfy areas to sit and good coffee. Keep an eye on their website for free activities and events which take place throughout the year such as arts and crafts, music and markets.

If you have any vehicle enthusiasts in the family it is well worth taking a trip to the East Anglian Transport Museum where you can ride on working trams, trolley buses and a narrow gauge railway. Wander the exhibition halls, street scenes and peruse the examples of trams, motor buses, vintage cars and lorries as well as vans and taxis. Entry is £12 for adults and £7 for children. 

Oulton Broad

Oulton Broad Boats

Oulton Broad is a unique area which forms the southern gateway to The Broads National Park. There’s plenty for families to do; head to Nicholas Everitt Park where there’s lots of space to run around, a playground, beautiful views of the Broads and even a Banksy! The museum within the park is free to enter and has a range of historical displays, fossils and artefacts as well as vintage toys and famous Lowestoft porcelain.

For a unique experience, hire a self-drive boat from Oulton Broad Dayboats- with a 1 hour slot costing £40. 

Thorpeness

Thorpeness Meare

Originally designed as a holiday village where families could relax and enjoy the simple things, nowadays, Thorpeness is a quirky place where you can easily spend a day enjoying old fashioned fun. The Meare, at the centre of the village is a shallow boating lake inspired by 'Peter Pan.' Boat hire is affordable, and families can spend hours exploring the lake's islands and hidden treasures.

Thorpeness Golf Course is just a stroll away, here you can enjoy a round of miniature golf at Jiggers 9 hole miniature golf course, just  £4 adults, £2.50 for under 16's or £12 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children).

Afterwards, take a walk to see the House in the Clouds, an iconic and whimsical landmark. There’s a lovely cafe which has an antiques emporium attached, you’ll be fascinated by the Aladdin’s cave of treasures and perhaps you’ll pick up something to take home. Don’t forget to venture to the pebbly beach and enjoy the crashing waves while you relax and take in the view. 

Walberswick

Walberswick ice cream van

Famous for crabbing, Walberswick offers families the chance to try their hand at this most traditional pastime; all you need is a crabbing line, bait, and a bucket. Little and big kids alike will be transfixed as they drop the line down into the water and wait for a bite - then it’s just the tricky task of pulling the line up without the crabs letting go and falling back into the water! 

Explore the sandy beach and dunes, great for running up and sliding down, as well as hide and seek amongst the grasses. And perhaps round off the day at Solebay Fish Company with some steaming hot, fresh cut chips for £5 a portion and a battered sausage for £4.50.

Woodbridge

Woodbridge Tide Mill and Marina

Families can enjoy a budget-friendly day out in and around Woodbridge with a mix of history, nature, and adventure. From April 2025, families can visit the Woodbridge Tide Mill Museum for £15 and see a working historic mill in action. Entry to Parham Airfield Museum is free and visitors can explore the history of WWII aviation.

You could head to Rendlesham Forest Centre and follow the famous UFO Trail, with only a small parking fee, as you uncover the mystery of Suffolk’s most famous extraterrestrial sighting. For a deep dive into Anglo-Saxon history, National Trust Sutton Hoo offers a hands on, immersive experience for just £24 per family.

Take a look at more purse-friendly things to do below!



Things to see and do

Felixstowe Museum

Felixstowe Museum

Explore the fascinating artefacts and collections of Felixstowe Museum, which brings alive the military and social history of this seaside town.

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Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

Harbour Ferry Boat Rides 

Harbour Ferry Boat Rides

The Harbour Harwich Ferry is a historic foot and bicycle ferry service that has been linking Harwich in Essex, with Shotley and Felixstowe in Suffolk since 1912. It's not just a practical way to travel, but also a delightful experience for all ages. Here are some highlights of the ferry service and trips on offer:

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Dog friendly Cycle 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. 

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Dog friendly

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.

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Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

Mannings Amusements

Mannings Amusements

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

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

Bawdsey Radar Museum

Bawdsey Radar Museum

Bawdsey Radar Museum tells the story of the first operational radar station in the world where radar was developed that helped win the Battle of Britain. 

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Free wifi 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.

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Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

Seashore Village Felixstowe

Seashore Village Felixstowe

If you enjoy a day at the seaside, then you will love the new Activity Park and Accessible Beach Chalets to hire right next to the promenade at Felixstowe.

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Wheelchair Accessible

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.

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Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

East Point Pavilion

East Point Pavilion

Listen to live music, shop artisan crafts, enjoy fantastic food, grab a drink and take in the sea views at Lowestoft’s latest good times spot.

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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. 

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Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

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. 

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Free wifi Wheelchair Accessible EV charging

Christchurch Mansion

Christchurch Mansion

Christchurch Mansion is a magnificent Tudor building packed with fascinating history, located in the heart of Ipswich within the stunning Christchurch Park. 

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Wheelchair Accessible

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.

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Southwold Maize Maze

Southwold Maize Maze

A great day out for the whole family, Southwold Maize Maze has lots to do! With 2 mazes to explore, jumping pillows, fast double zip line, ride on tractors, nest swing, climbing towers, slides, sandpits and more!

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Somerleyton Hall Gardens

Somerleyton Hall Gardens

Considered one of the finest gardens in East Anglia since the mid-17th century, the Somerleyton Hall Gardens continue to delight visitors of all ages.

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Framlingham Castle

Framlingham Castle

Explore Suffolk's famous 'Castle on the hill'.

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Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

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. 

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Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

Woodbridge Tide Mill 

Woodbridge Tide Mill

Woodbridge

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

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Jiggers 9 Hole Miniature Golf

Jiggers 9 Hole Miniature Golf

9 hole miniature golf course set on the banks of Thorpeness Meare. 

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Dog friendly

Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum 

Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum

The Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum, located at Flixton near the market town of Bungay, is recognised as East Anglia's Aviation Heritage Centre.


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Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible