As the Suffolk Coast begins to glow with the colours of autumn, it's the perfect time to gather around good food, discover seasonal flavours and enjoy memorable experiences with family and friends.
From harvest celebrations and vineyard tours to cosy food festivals and hands-on workshops, here are some of the best food and drink events taking place this autumn.
Celebrate Suffolk's Finest at the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival
Autumn on the Suffolk Coast wouldn't be complete without the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival. Returning to the beautiful setting of Snape Maltings on 26 & 27 September, the much-loved festival brings together the very best of Suffolk's food and drink producers for a weekend of delicious discoveries.
From artisan makers and local growers to award-winning producers and talented chefs, the festival is a celebration of the county's thriving food scene. Alongside tasting and shopping, visitors can enjoy demonstrations, family-friendly activities and the chance to learn more about the people, places and produce that make Suffolk such a special food destination. Best of all, the festival is a not-for-profit event, with every visit helping to support and champion the county's incredible food community.
Find out more: https://aldeburghfoodanddrink.co.uk/
Savour Seasonal Dining at Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park
Embrace the flavours of autumn with a memorable dining experience at Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park. Whether you're easing into the weekend with a leisurely Jazz Breakfast or settling in for a cosy Supper in the Barn, these special events combine delicious, farm-fresh food with live music in a relaxed countryside setting.
The Farm to Fork breakfast showcases the best seasonal produce alongside the smooth sounds of a live jazz band, while the Rustic British Farm Supper brings together hearty dishes and atmospheric live entertainment as the evenings begin to draw in. It's the perfect way to gather with friends and family, celebrate the changing season and enjoy the warm hospitality that Jimmy's Farm is known for.
Find out more: https://jimmysfarm.com/
Gather for a Special Evening at Fishers Gin
This autumn, Fishers Gin invites visitors to enjoy an unforgettable evening of exceptional food, handcrafted spirits and coastal hospitality. The September Supper Club pairs a seasonal tasting menu created by acclaimed chef Maria Elia with expertly selected wines, cocktails and an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the distillery, all overlooking Aldeburgh's iconic shingle beach.
If you can't make the Supper Club, Fishers' year-round Distillery Tours & Tastings are another fantastic way to experience one of Suffolk's most distinctive producers. Discover how their award-winning gins are crafted using locally foraged coastal botanicals, enjoy guided tastings and even create your own botanical tea, all while taking in the spectacular seaside setting.
Find out more: https://fishersgin.com/
Cook Over Fire in the Heart of the Suffolk Countryside
Reconnect with the simple pleasures of cooking over an open fire at Fire and Feast Suffolk. Their Wood Fire Cooking - The Basics workshop is a hands-on experience that goes far beyond the traditional barbecue, teaching participants how to grill, roast and bake using wood fire in a peaceful outdoor kitchen surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Suffolk countryside.
Using fresh local ingredients, you'll prepare a delicious feast while learning new techniques from expert guidance, before sitting down to enjoy your creations together in the dining tipi. With workshops running throughout the season, Fire and Feast is a wonderful way to gather around great food, learn a new skill and savour the slower pace of autumn.
Find out more: https://fireandfeastsuffolk.co.uk/
Learn the Art of Baking at The Next Loaf
There's something wonderfully comforting about baking as the days grow cooler, and The Next Loaf offers the perfect opportunity to master a new skill this autumn. Founded by Two Magpies Bakery's Rebecca Bishop, the baking school hosts a range of friendly, hands-on classes for all abilities, from mastering the fundamentals of sourdough to creating Portugal's famous Pastéis de Nata.
Whether you're looking for a unique day out, a thoughtful gift or simply want to build your confidence in the kitchen, each class combines expert tuition with delicious food and plenty of inspiration to recreate your bakes at home. It's a cosy autumn experience that's sure to leave you with new skills and something tasty to take away.
Find out more: https://www.thenextloaf.co.uk/baking-classes
Gather Local Flavours at East Point Pavilion's Farmers Market
Celebrate the very best of Suffolk's food and drink scene at the East Point Pavilion Farmers Market in Lowestoft. Held on the first Saturday of every month from February to November, it's the perfect place to discover fresh seasonal produce, artisan bakes and handcrafted treats, all made by passionate local producers.
Browse stalls filled with everything from freshly baked bread and pastries to smoked fish, homegrown vegetables, preserves, cakes and seasonal flowers, while supporting the independent businesses that make Suffolk's food scene so special. Whether you're stocking up for the weekend or simply enjoying a leisurely morning by the coast, it's a wonderful way to gather, shop local and savour the flavours of autumn.
Find out more: https://eastpointpavilion.com/
Go Behind the Scenes with Adnams
No visit to Southwold is complete without discovering the story behind one of Suffolk's most iconic brands. Adnams offers a fantastic range of tours and hands-on experiences throughout the autumn, giving visitors the chance to explore the brewery and distillery, sample award-winning drinks and even create something of their own.
Whether you choose the Brewery Tour, where you'll follow the journey from grain to glass before enjoying a guided beer tasting, or opt for a gin-making workshop, distillery tour, whisky experience or cocktail masterclass, there's something to suit every taste. It's the perfect way to gather with friends, learn something new and raise a glass to Suffolk's rich brewing and distilling heritage.
Find out more: https://adnams.co.uk/pages/tours-and-experiences
Gather for an Unforgettable Evening at The Unruly Pig
For a truly special autumn dining experience, The Unruly Pig is hosting its celebrated Unruly Nights series, welcoming guest chefs from some of the UK's top gastropubs for exclusive dinners throughout the season. Set within the award-winning 16th-century Suffolk inn, these evenings promise exceptional food, warm hospitality and a relaxed atmosphere.
With upcoming guest chef dinners in September and November, it's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy creative menus crafted by leading chefs while soaking up the character of one of Suffolk's most acclaimed dining destinations. Whether you're planning a foodie getaway or a memorable evening with friends, Unruly Nights is a delicious way to celebrate the flavours of autumn.
Find out more: https://theunrulypig.co.uk/
Unwind at Flint Unplugged
As autumn evenings draw in, Flint Vineyard offers the perfect excuse to slow down and soak up the atmosphere. Flint Unplugged is a relaxed evening of live acoustic music, celebrating talented local performers in the beautiful surroundings of the vineyard. With no amplifiers or elaborate staging, the focus is on great music, good company and an intimate, laid-back atmosphere.
Arrive early to enjoy delicious street food and a glass of Flint's award-winning English wine before settling in for an evening of live performances, all while supporting a local charity through the event's entry donation. It's a wonderfully simple way to gather with friends and make the most of an autumn evening on the Suffolk Coast.
Find out more: https://flintvineyard.com/
Discover the Coast on a Shrimping Safari
Experience Suffolk's coastline in a completely different way with A Passion For Seafood's Shrimping Safari. Led by seafood expert Mike Warner, this hands-on adventure takes you into the shallows at low tide to learn the traditional art of shrimping, uncovering the fascinating wildlife that thrives along the Suffolk Heritage Coast.
Suitable for beginners, families and curious food lovers alike, the experience ends with the best reward of all: cooking your freshly caught brown shrimps on the beach and enjoying a relaxed picnic with a glass in hand. It's a memorable way to connect with the coast, discover where your food comes from and embrace the flavours of Suffolk this autumn.
Find out more: https://www.apassionforseafood.com/
Whether you're planning a weekend escape or simply looking for your next foodie adventure, the Suffolk Coast is full of seasonal experiences to savour. Gather with friends, discover local flavours and enjoy an autumn to remember.