Make the most of our stunning scenery, good weather, award-winning attractions and unique experiences and enjoy quality family time together at one of these must-do days out this summer on the Suffolk Coast...
Crabbing at Walberswick
The village of Walberswick is synonymous with seaside fun with its wonderful walks amongst the dunes, a sandy beach and plenty to see and explore. But a trip here wouldn’t be complete without trying your hand at the traditional past time of crabbing.
It’s a fun and inexpensive way to pass the time with kids, who will be delighted and intrigued by the curious crustaceans. Just pick up a crabbing line from one of the local shops or vans (though a piece of string with a stone attached will do just as well), choose your bait and drop your line into the water. It is rumoured that crabs are partial to raw liver or a fish head but most people opt for a piece for streaky bacon. Just remember to be gentle with any crabs you catch and return them safely to the water at the end of day.
Go pond dipping with Suffolk Wildlife Trust
From tiny meadows to rolling heaths, Suffolk Wildlife Trust's 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 - ideal for a family day out!
Wildness as far as you can see, the new Carlton Marshes nature reserve is fantastic for families; with lots of events and activities to enjoy, walks to explore, a play park and a cafe serving delicious lunches, snacks, hot drinks and ice creams.
Find a nature reserve near you at https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves
Boating on the broads
Oulton Broads are the largest protected wetlands in Britain and a recognised National Park. Explore this stunning landscape by boat with the whole family, a nautical adventure for your young sailors.
Hire a self-drive boat by the hour or day from Oulton Broad Dayboats or Hippersons Boatyard in Beccles and spend time floating along the Broads’ southern gateway, where the river Waveney meets the sea. The boats are easy to drive and the price includes life jackets, fuel and insurance. Enjoy the sights and the wildlife, stop for a picnic, explore the market town of Beccles or hop across the border and stop at the Roman fort at Burgh Castle.
Find out more at https://www.waveneyrivertours.com/ and https://www.hippersons.co.uk/explore
A day on the farm at Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park
Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park is a truly unique place where you are invited to 'Share the Good Life'. A great day out for the whole family, the park is home to 100 species and breeds from capybara to crocodiles, pigs to pelicans and even monkeys! Visitors can hand feed some animals using the food available and get even closer to amazing animals with special animal talks and activities on every day.
Over in the butterfly house, you'll see beautiful and colourful tropical butterflies gracefully flutter by you. Enjoy a taste of the great outdoors in the 100 acre walk while little ones can let off steam on the bouncy pillows and huge adventure play area.
Plan your visit at https://jimmysfarm.com/
Cycle the UFO trail at Rendlesham Forest
Rendlesham Forest is a glorious area of woodland and the perfect place to slow down and get back in touch with nature. Youngsters can scramble, slide and swing away on the adventure playground, complete with zip-line, while adults relax and enjoy a picnic. But the highlight of the trip for youngsters has to be the UFO trail.
Known as Britain’s own ‘Roswell incident’ and with some surprising parallels, the ‘Rendlesham forest incident’ is a tantalising mystery for budding alien hunters. The story goes that in December 1980 locals were alarmed to see several unexplained lights in the sky descending into RAF Woodbridge and when they entered the area to investigate they were startled to see what they described as a glowing object, metallic in appearance, with coloured lights. After a few days the object had vanished, leaving only burn marks on the ground. But is the story true? Make up your own mind as you complete the trail, taking in the replica model of the UFO alongside other evidence on display.
Plan your visit at https://www.forestryengland.uk/rendlesham-forest
Step on board one of the foot ferries of The Suffolk Coast
A well known ‘life hack’ for walkers and cyclists on the Suffolk coast, the four foot ferries of The Suffolk Coast at Walberswick, Bawdsey, Butley and Harwich can save you over 75 miles of travel on inland roads, and are a handy way to take a short, convenient trip across the rivers Blyth, Deben and Orwell. It’s exciting too; little ones will discover their sense of adventure as they climb inside the different sized boats and whizz across the water. It’s a great way to explore further without having to get back in the car.
Check out the Foot Ferries timetable here:
Watch historical re-enactments!
Take a dip at Beccles Lido
The town of Beccles is home to the delightful lido, a glorious location to enjoy swimming outdoors with all the family. The heated open-air pool is located just next to the river Waveney and is surrounded by paved and grassy areas, complete with picnic benches and sun loungers; perfect for sunbathing.
There’s a separate toddler and paddling pool, ideal for little ones too, plus there's hot showers and beach hut changing rooms.
Plan your visit at https://www.beccleslido.com/
Safari Park Fun
There's so much to see and do at Africa Alive! in Kessingland; get up close to the animals of the African Savannah, discover fun facts about the park's inhabitants in the Discovery Zone, let kids burn off some energy on the outdoor play area and take a ride on the safari train.
There are plenty of add-on experiences to enjoy too including being a keeper for the day, close encounters with rhinos and lions and 'world of darkness' to meet the nocturnal inhabitants.
Plan your visit at https://www.zsea.org/reserve
Discover The Suffolk Coast by Boat!
Step on board Jet Adventures boat 'Shearwater' and whizz out to sea, enjoying the adventure, thrill and excitement that comes with being on an open boat!
There are a range of trips on offer (under 4s not permitted) setting off from Lowestoft, you can speed out of Lowestoft Harbour along the coast into Norfolk to Scroby Sands to see the seals, go sightseeing along the Suffolk Coast or look for cetaceans.
Book your trip at https://www.jetadventures.co.uk/
Further south, you can step on board the Harwich Ferry from Shotley Marina or Landguard in Felixstowe and see the seals in their natural environment basking and lolloping on the shore, or popping their heads up around the boat. It's a beautiful way to experience the seals while immersing yourself in the stunning Walton backwaters.
Book your trip at https://sealwatching.co.uk/
A Day at the Beach
No trip to The Suffolk Coast is complete without a day at the beach! You're spoilt for choice when it comes to family-friendly resorts. In the north of the county are the glorious golden sands at Lowestoft; there's plenty of space here to set up for the day, with ice cream shops, cafes and facilities along the promenade.
Moving south, Southwold has been popular with families since the 1800s! The sand and shingle beach is backed by a charming promenade, with pastel coloured beach huts and cafes serving fish & chips and ice cream.
The shingle beach at Aldeburgh is perfect for a traditional seaside experience; pop into the town and stock up on local delicacies from one of the delis and make your way through the High Street towards the beach where you can paddle and tuck into freshly caught seafood.
At the southernmost point of The Suffolk Coast, sits the traditional seaside town of Felixstowe. The sandy beach is lined with pastel coloured beach huts and is ideal for a fun day out. After a day soaking up the sun and splashing about in the waves, head to the pier to play on the traditional amusements and to tuck into an ice cream from The Little Ice Cream Company.
For more great days out, take a look below and visit our Attractions Guide!