What better way to entertain the kids during the summer than packing up the picnic hamper and heading out across The Suffolk Coast for a spot of al fresco dining!
We've selected some of our favourite picnic spots on The Suffolk Coast, where the kids can let off steam whilst you put your feet up and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Nicholas Everitt Park
Nicholas Everitt Park in Oulton Broad is situated on the edge of the southernmost point of the broads, so the views are pretty spectacular! The large grassed area which overlooks the broads is ideal for a game of football or rounders after you've enjoyed your picnic. You will also find a bandstand, trampolines, and cafe plus a playground complete with slides, swings, see-saw (currently closed due to COVID-19).
If ice creams are demanded afterwards (or even if they're not), then pay a visit to the cafe kiosk for delicious whippy 99s, waffle ice creams with a range of flavours and lollies, along with other sweet treats such as slush drinks and candy floss.
Walberswick Village Green
This picture-postcard green in the seaside village of Walberswick is perfect for a summer picnic. Pastel-coloured cottages and coastal villas surround the green, where there's plenty of space to lay your picnic blanket.
Children will enjoy playing on the swings and slide, whilst grown ups can enjoy a cup of coffee from one of the nearby cafes and kiosks.
You're just a short walk away from the beach and river, where you can spend an afternoon crabbing and paddling in the sea.
Rendlesham Forest
Adventure awaits you at Rendlesham Forest, explore the UFO trail through plantation, heath, and wetland before letting the kids run wild on the play area. It's a pretty impressive! With tube slide, climbing wall, obstacle course, swings and zip-line set among the forest backdrop.
Once you've built up an appetite, find a place among the trees to lay your blanket or grab one of the BBQ spots (you need to take your own BBQ along and fill out a BBQ permit form available from the info hut) if a juicy burger rather than a soggy sandwich is what you fancy.
Beccles Quay
With a large open green, you can enjoy a picnic sat among the boats at Beccles Quay. There's a selection of picnic tables located close to the play area, so you can sit and watch the children play whilst enjoying a glass of Pimms!
Dogs are welcome on the Quay (but not inside the fenced play areas) and there's plenty of space for them to enjoy a game of fetch. Once you've finished off your scotch eggs and sarnies, walk over the bridge and stop by the cafe to treat everyone to an ice cream or ice lolly.
Elmhurst Park
Located in the centre of Woodbridge and with views across the River Deben, Elmhurst Park is the perfect place to put down your blanket and enjoy a family picnic. The park has been awarded a Green Flag every year for over ten years, so it's as pretty as it is green.
There's a children's play area nearby (currently closed due to COVID-19) and lots of green space for a game of rounders or frisbee!
Dunwich Forest
With over 260 hectares of woodland and heaths, Dunwich Heath is the perfect place to head to for a woodland walk or bike ride.
A designated County Wildlife Site, Suffolk Wildlife Trust and the Forestry Commission have created a mixture of semi-natural habitats including lowland heath, wet woodland and broad leaved woodland, so you're bound to spot some of Suffolk's rare birds and wildlife, you may even stumble across some of the resident Dartmoor ponies!
National Trust Dunwich Heath has a number of footpaths leading you through a myriad of habitats where you can discover the birds and animals that call Dunwich Heath home. You can also enjoy time in the tea room and browse the gift shop.
There are plenty of picnic benches located throughout the forest, so all you need to remember are your sandwiches and lashings and lashings of ginger beer!