• TTDA - Africa Alive - Children at lookout

Summer Days Out on The Suffolk Coast

The summer holidays are almost here, and there’s plenty on offer across The Suffolk Coast to keep the whole family entertained; a day out at one of the region’s top attractions, an outdoor adventure, a festival or carnival or something fun and free!

Attractions

TTDA - Africa Alive - Boy feeding giraffe

Located just south of Lowestoft in Kessingland, Africa Alive is home to animals of the African savannah; lions, rhinos, giraffes, meerkats and many more! There’s plenty to see and do, the park is spread across 100 acres and you have ample opportunity to get up close to many of the park’s residents including lemurs, aardvarks, and new for 2019, the ‘feed a giraffe’ experience! Children will love taking a ride on the safari train, plus there’s an outdoor play area and indoor soft play area for them to explore. 

Families with young children will also love a day at Easton Farm Park. Here they can experience life on a working farm and meet many of the furry inhabitants including bunnies, chicks, goats, donkeys, cows and pigs. Take a trip around the farm on the barrel bugs, train or tractor, ride a pony and visit the play area complete with zip wire, sandpit and bouncy cushion.

Open for visitors 7 days a week, Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife 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. For young ones the two bouncy pillows, giant sandpit and huge adventure play will all be a hit.

When the weather is hot, cool down and have fun at Beccles Lido. The traditional outdoor pool is situated on the banks of the River Waveney and includes a splash pool for babies and toddlers, a children’s pool, and the main large pool with slide. The giant inflatable makes an appearance most days and there’s a café on site serving reasonably priced meals, snack, drinks and ice creams.

Outdoor Adventures

Rendlesham Forest - (c) Emily Fae Photography

Explore the stunning landscape of the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape with a visit to National Trust Dunwich Heath. Set off on foot or bicycle and explore the footpaths that take you through a myriad of habitats, discovering some of Suffolk’s rare wildlife and birdlife. From July to September, the heath comes alive with colour; a patchwork of pink and purple heather and coconut scented yellow gorse. The perfect place to enjoy a summer picnic, and dogs are welcome too!

Throughout the summer, there are a number of family events and activities taking place at RSPB Minsmere including pond dipping, owl pellet dissecting, bird ringing demonstrations, family nature walks and wild woods forest school where for six mornings children aged 7-11 can take part in activities such as den building, learning basic bushcraft and playing games around the campfire. Whilst the kids are being kept entertained, adults can explore the award-winning nature reserve followed by coffee and cake in the café.

Fun and Free!

TTDA - Beaches - Boys in Sea

A fun-filled day out doesn’t have to cost the earth, on the Suffolk coast there’s plenty to do that will keep all members of the family entertained, and they don’t cost you a penny! Visit the child-friendly beaches at Lowestoft, Felixstowe, Southwold and Aldeburgh for a day of sandcastle building, paddling in the sea and collecting shells, or head to the coastal village of Walberswick with a bucket and line for a crab catching competition!

Explore the forest at Rendlesham by bike or by foot or walk along the banks of the River Waveney from Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Carlton Marshes to Oulton Broad where you can stop for a go on the swings and slide in Nicholas Everitt Park before catching the Powerboat championships which take place on the broad every Thursday evening throughout the summer. 


For more summer days out inspiration and to plan your summer holiday, take a look at our 'Explore' guide!




Things to see and do

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

Pakefield Riding School 

Pakefield Riding School

One of the oldest and best-known horse riding centres and stables in East Anglia.

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Free wifi 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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High Lodge Leisure

High Lodge Leisure

If you are looking for a place to try out a diverse range of activities then look no further than High Lodge which is home to an array of first-class sporting activities. Suitable for individuals, groups or businesses for corporate activities.

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Free wifi 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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Easton Farm Park 

Easton Farm Park

Woodbridge

A family day out to remember. Home to many friendly resident animals, including curious calves, cheeky goat kids and adorable lambs, Easton Farm Park never ceases to be a popular day out for all ages!

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Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

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

Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape

Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape

The Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape is a stunning landscape packed full with wildlife and exciting places to explore and discover. 

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Dog friendly Cycle friendly

Africa Alive Zoological Reserve

Africa Alive Zoological Reserve

Kessingland

Make your day out an adventure with a visit to Africa Alive Zoological Reserve.

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Free wifi Wheelchair Accessible

Discover Landguard

Discover Landguard

The Landguard Peninsula is located at the southerly most point of the town of Felixstowe. 

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Dog friendly Cycle 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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Hippersons Boatyard 

Hippersons Boatyard

Some of the best ways to see and experience the river! Hippersons Boatyard offers day boats, canoes, kayaks, stand up paddleboards (SUPs) and pedal boat hire on the southern reach of the Norfolk Broads in Beccles. 

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Free wifi Dog friendly Visit England Rose Award

Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park 

Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park

Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park is an award winning wildlife park, rare breeds farm, restaurant and wedding venue based in the heart of Suffolk.

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Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible

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

Anglia Indoor Karting 

Anglia Indoor Karting

With indoor racing karts and their professionally designed, exhilarating multi-level circuit, Anglia Indoor Karting brings the thrill of motorsport to all adrenaline-seekers!

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Free wifi Wheelchair Accessible

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

Deben Cruises

Deben Cruises

Enjoy a two-hour river cruise along the River Deben with Deben Cruises.

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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