Places to Visit in Suffolk - Things to do, and see...
Why come to Suffolk???
Whether its for the mild and dry climate, the clean sea and beautiful beaches, the peace and tranquillity of the unspoilt coasts and countryside, the pretty villages and quaint market-towns which give you a real sense of history, the superb golf courses, the fabulous food, the award-winning attractions or the huge number of exciting events and range of activities… you’ll want to come back time and time again
The Suffolk Heritage Coast
With its gently undulating terrain and unspoilt countryside the area is ideal for walkers or cyclists, and the wonderful views and magnificent skies have inspired generations of writers and artists.
Places To Visit
Within easy reach of the A12 and serviced by local buses and trains, Saxmundham is conveniently located for days out to all places of interest in the Suffolk Heritage Coastal area and to other major attractions of East Anglia.
Within 30 mins drive: Within 45-60 mins drive: |
The A12 is less than 1 mile away; Snape is 4 miles (approx 10 mins drive), and Aldeburgh is 8 miles (approx 15 mins drive). Local bus/train services - 250 yards. (There is no train noise at the cottages!)
Places of popular general interest within easy reach of Saxmundham include the Steam-Engine Museum at Leiston, the riverside town of Woodbridge and the ever-popular seaside towns of Aldeburgh (from where to watch the yachts race during the Summer Regatta) and Southwold (with its famous lighthouse, pier, Adnams brewery, and harbour). Plus... Walberswick - for the annual crabbing championships.
There is so much to see and do in the area, you’ll want to come back time and time again
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The Suffolk Climate
East Anglia seems to be the driest part of the country – with the least rain. Which is good news for holiday-makers! Even when there is pouring rain across the nation, Suffolk and Norfolk seems to avoid the worst of it!
Any light summer rain or spring showers will not stop you getting out and about to enjoy the area (there is a selection of umbrellas at both cottages to help you stay dry!), and winter rain will give you the perfect excuse to stay in! To relax, and do nothing – except perhaps light a fire and get comfortable in front of a film you’d been meaning to watch or to read a book you’d not found the time for.
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Summer
Summers can be hot, with temperatures rising to 25-30 degrees in August in recent years – time to head for the sea! Summer sun often lasts well up to the end of September, with temperatures of above 20 degrees. (An ideal time to take your summer holiday if you don’t need to keep to the school holidays – the beaches, pubs, towns and attractions are less busy too!) June is just as pleasant, and by late July temperatures begin to rise significantly and the area becomes more busy.
Winter
Winters can be that lovely crisp-cold, with beautiful bright skies when frost is on the trees – ideal for wrapping up warm for a long walk before going back to your cottage to sit in front of a roaring fire. Temperatures can fall to -5 degrees, but are usually around 7- 10 degrees – and, there has been snow at Christmas in recent years – making the festive season feel really traditional.
Spring & Autumn
The spring and autumn months in Suffolk tends to be pleasantly mild to warm, with October being particularly mild compared to the rest of the country (temperatures of 20-22 are not unusual).
N.B. This information should be used as a guide only, and is based upon our own observations.
For the latest weather forecast for the region, from the BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/4186?&search=saxmundham&itemsPerPage=10®ion=&area=Saxmundham
SPECIAL INTERESTS:
Music & The Arts; history/heritage; food & drink; the countryside/nature/conservation; birdwatching; boating; golf; cycling; fishing
The Countryside
County and Country Fairs are an opportunity for the local communities to celebrate the rural way of life and are very popular with visitors too! They are big, bustly events and are often held in large show-grounds or in the grounds of Country House estates. The ‘Suffolk Game & Country Fair’ held at Glemham Hall in May each year is just 5 miles away (approx 10 mins by car); the (Suffolk) County Show is held during the May Half-Term holidays at Trinity Park, Ipswich, and is the biggest show of the County - with amazing ring displays, and over 1,000 livestock exhibits; and the Heveningham Hall Country Fair is held near Halesworth, in July. (See the Calendar of Annual Events for more details…)
Suffolk Coasts and Heaths – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
The whole area of coastline from the River Stour in the south to almost Kessingland and Lowestoft in the north - plus the estuaries, marshes and heaths inland from it - has been designated by the Government as an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ (AONB).
In the Suffolk Heritage Coastal region it encompasses Rendlesham Forest, near Woodbridge (on the River Deben); Walberswick, Southwold and the River Blyth; Aldeburgh, Snape and the River Alde; and RSPB Minsmere and Dunwich Heath – from where to see the magnificent flowering heather and stunning views across Sole Bay from the Coastguards Cottages on the clifftop.
There are a number of highly popular activities and an extensive programme of guided walks and family activities throughout the year. These include the regular ‘Walks with the Warden’ guided tours of the area with information on the local wildlife, and ‘Deer Safaris’ – Landrover 4 x 4 Tours to see the rutting Red Deer. (Most need to be pre-booked.)
At Minsmere there are 2 nature trails, 2 to 9-mile walks (including circular routes) and the 8 observation hides offer superb views of many birds, insects, mammals and flowers throughout the year; and at Snape there are river trips and guided walks along the Alde estuary.
For information/events at Minsmere Nature Reserve, from the RSPB: www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/m/minsmere
The Suffolk Coast and Heaths is a fantastic place to explore on foot. Walking is probably the best way to experience everything the area of outstanding natural beauty has to offer. There are routes suitable for all levels of interest and ability, so whether you're a serious long distance walker or just fancy a short stroll in some beautiful countryside, there's bound to be something suitable.
For more information about the area, from Suffolk Coasts & Heaths:
http://www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org/
‘Corner Cottage’ and ‘Flint Cottage’ are Members of ‘CONNECT’ – so you too can support the conservation work in the AONB Suffolk Coasts & Heaths.
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History/Heritage
The entire area is steeped in history, and there is much to see. From quaint period cottages lining the narrow streets of historic towns, to the ancient castles at Framlingham and Orford. There is the Tide Mill on the Quay at Woodbridge, the Norman Church at Blythburgh, the Abbey ruins at Leiston, the Anglo-Saxon exhibition at Sutton Hoo (excavated in 1939 after the ship-burials of Saxon Kings had laid undisturbed for 1,300 years!), and Dunwich - the ‘town which fell into the sea’ during the middle ages.
There are also windmills, historic houses and gardens... a whole host of National Trust and English Heritage sites, and numerous interesting museums to visit. Highlights include the grand house and gardens at Somerleyton Hall, near Lowestoft; the Theatre Royal at Bury St. Edmunds (the only surviving example of a Regency Playhouse in the UK); and Melford Hall in Long Melford, Sudbury – an Elizabethan house with beautiful gardens.
Helmingham Hall Gardens – 9 miles north of Ipswich, on the B1077
Set in a 400 year old deer park, the amazing Tudor Hall is surrounded by a wide moat with draw-bridge, and has a stunning walled garden. Cream teas served in the Coach House tearooms.
Melford Hall – Long Melford, Sudbury
A romantic Elizabethan mansion with a panelled Tudor Great Hall, Regency Banqueting House, beautiful gardens and parkland walks - where Beatrix Potter is said to have stayed.
Somerleyton Hall – 10 mins drive from Lowestoft
A magnificent early Victorian residence in Anglo-Italian style, with sumptuous State Rooms and 12 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens which include one of Britain’s finest mazes.
Glemham Hall – on the A12, close to Saxmundham (approx 10 mins drive)
A Tudor house with Great Hall dating from the 16th Centurey, plus a classic rose garden.
Orford Castle – Orford B1084, signposted off A12 (approx 30 mins drive)
Managed by English Heritage, the castle has an intriging warren of passageways and chambers, plus spectacular views over Orford Ness from the top.
Framlingham Castle – Framlingham, signposted off A12 (approx 20 mins drive)
Also managed by English Heritage, Framlingham Castle is 12th century fortress, once a refuge for Mary Tudor, with stunning views across miles of beautiful countryside from the top.
Kentwell Hall – Long Melford, on the Suffolk/Essex borders
Regular award-winning re-creations of 16th Century everyday life – including special events with 75-300 Tudors (in full costume) creating a living history for visitors.
Museum of East Anglian Life – Stowmarket
An 80 acre site with 14 historic buildings – including a working mill and smithy; Suffolk Punch horses, and a riverside Nature Reserve.
West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village – 7 miles north-west of Bury St. Edmunds
Circa 420-650 AD – a careful reconstruction of an Anglo-Saxon village, visitors can go into the houses and imagine living in Anglo-Saxon times.
Sutton Hoo – Woodbridge, off A12 (approx 20 mins drive)
One of the greatest archaeological treasures ever found in Britain - the ship burial of an Anglo-Saxon king and his most treasured possessions which had lain undisturbed for 1,300 years. You can walk around the burial mounds and visit the award-winning exhibition with its full-size reconstruction of the burial chamber and displays of original Anglo-Saxon treasure on loan from the British Museum.
For information/events at Sutton Hoo (and other NT sites), from the National Trust: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-suttonhoo
For information/events at Framlingham Castle, from English Heritage:
www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/conProperty.23
For information/events at Orford Castle, from English Heritage:
www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/conProperty.38
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Constable Country
The quintessentially English painter John Constable was born in Suffolk and produced much of his work in Dedham Vale and the Stour Valley – on the border of Essex and Suffolk. Within 45 mins to an hours drive of Saxmundham is the pretty town of Dedham, and Flatford Mill – where John Constable famously painted ‘The Haywain’. Today, the mill building is managed by the National Trust as a heritage centre for visitors. You can hire a rowboat to take a trip down the River Stour from Dedham to Flatford to see the exact location in the painting, before stopping for lunch at the riverside Tearooms.
For information about Flatford, Dedham Vale, and the Constable Exhibition, from the National Trust: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-flatfordbridgecottage
SPECIAL INTERESTS:
Music & The Arts; history/heritage; food & drink; the countryside/nature/conservation; birdwatching; boating; golf; cycling; fishing
Music and ‘the Arts’
For music lovers, Benjamin Britten's concert hall at Snape Maltings (home of the Aldeburgh Festival Music) is only 4 miles away. A guided tour of the concert hall itself will tell you of its history as a maltings, and the complex also has a cafe/restaurant and some interesting shops and artists’ galleries to browse around. In the grounds, there are Henry Moore sculptures to find, and all around you there are stunning views across the marshes and the River Alde estuary.
For lovers of other forms of art, there are regularly poetry festivals, literary events, theatrical productions and art exhibitions in the area. During the summer months there are also a number of outdoor music festivals, and open-air concerts and theatre – including on Dunwich Heath and in Rendlesham Forest (see the ‘Calendar of Annual Events’ for more details)
For information/concert listings from Snape Maltings Concert Hall:
www.aldeburgh.co.uk/events
For general tourist information (from Suffolk Coastal District Council):
www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk/yourfreetime/whatson
Birdwatching
The R.S.P.B. Nature Reserve at Minsmere is just 6 miles away, and the bird sanctuary at Havergate Island and the reserves at Aldeburgh and Southwold are both all within easy reach. These are home to the graceful Avocet and, if you are lucky, you may also hear the Bittern or see the Marsh Harrier.
For information/events at Minsmere Nature Reserve, from the RSPB: www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/m/minsmere
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Havergate is a small island in the River Ore and is famous for its breeding avocets and terns, which can be seen throughout the spring and summer. Access is by boat only and the trip to the island helps you really feel you're getting away from it all.
For information/events at the Havergate Island Reserve, from the RSPB: www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/h/havergate/index.asp
To see a wide variety of species within a relatively small area, the North Warren Reserve is easily accessible – and just on the edge of the coastal town of Aldeburgh (towards Thorpeness) its only about 7 miles away.
For more information, or events, at North Warren, from the RSPB: www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/n/northwarren/index.asp
Orford Ness is the largest vegetated shingle spit in Europe. It is a Nature Reserve with internationally important flora and fauna and an extremely important breeding area for water-birds, particularly the very rare Little Tern. Orford Ness also has a fascinating 20th Century military history – and formally a secret Cold War military test-site. Access is by ferry from Orford Quay.
For more information/opening times, etc., from the National Trust: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-orfordness/w-orfordness-wildlife_habitat/w-orfordness-wildlife_habitat-birds.htm
Locally-produced ‘Suffolk Food’
Due to the advantageous climate, East Anglia is well known for its arable farming. It is also the largest pork-producing area of the country, so ‘local pork’ will often be on the menu. And, when you are this close to the coast, fish is always on the menu! It will be whatever the fishing boats landed that morning in Aldeburgh, Orford or Lowestoft, so you know it will be fresh! (There’s nothing quite like fish & chips by the sea!)
The restaurants, pubs and cafes in the region serve what is ‘in season’ at the time – whether asparagus or samphire, crab or pheasant…
Beer and Ale
The hugely popular Adnams beers are sold in most pubs across Suffolk, and now in many supermarkets too. The brewery, in Southwold, has expanded into new premises over recent years, and their range now extends to a dozen or more different beers (some seasonal or special editions) plus wines and champagnes – sold from their Kitchenware & Wine Stores in Southwold and Woodbridge.
You can take a tour of the Adnams Brewery, to see the brewing process for yourself. It lasts about an hour and finishes with a sampling of the various beers and ales produced there. £10.00 per person (includes a bottle of beer to take away with you). Advance booking required.
The annual ‘Stowmarket Beer & Brewing Festival’ is held each June, plus there are several localised beer-tasting events throughout the year organised by small, independent brewers or pubs - which prove very popular.
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Wine-Tasting
The reputation of English wines has improved considerably in the last 10 years or so, and there are two very well-established vineyards nearby – Shawsgate, (near Framlingham) and Bruisyard (both within 20 mins drive of Saxmundham) – which offer tours of the vineyards and organised wine-tastings (booked in advance).
Food Safari
‘Food Safaris’ are becoming increasingly more popular. These are organised trips where you go out with a group and (under the direction of a Guide) you can pick wild mushrooms, samphire, berries, even edible flowers from the local hedgerow, heaths and woods – and later cook and taste what you have foraged.
Food & Drink Festivals
Food ‘festivals’ are very popular events in Suffolk, and are celebrations of the best examples of Suffolk produce. The very popular ‘Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival’ is held at Snape Maltings (just 4 miles – approx 10 mins drive from Saxmundham) towards the end of September each year, and the subsequent ‘fringe’ events are held at various smaller venues in the surrounding area. Other large events include… the ‘Ipswich Food, Drink and Garden Festival’ in May each year, and the ‘Festival of the Sea’ held at Southwold in June.
More quirky food events include… ‘Apple Day’, held in Woodbridge each October; and the ‘Suffolk Herring Festival’! (See the ‘Calendar of Annual Events’ for more details)
There are also regular weekly Farmers’ Markets held all year, and some excellent Farm Shops nearby – all selling home-grown and locally-produced seasonal foods every day.
Farm Shops (all within approx 10-15 mins drive)
• Maple Farm – Kelsale, Saxmundham
• Railway Farm – Benhall, Saxmundham
• Reckford Farm – Middleston, Saxmundham
• Friday Street – Farnham, Saxmundham
• ‘Farm Shop & Café’ – on the A12 (near Marlesford)
Regular Farmers’ Markets (all within 30-45 mins drive)
• Snape Maltings – 1st & 3rd Saturday mornings
• Beccles (heliport) – 1st & 3rd Saturday morning
• Ipswich (Corn Hill) – 1st Sunday (10am -4pm)
• Halesworth (Holton Village Hall) – 2nd Saturday morning
• Woodbridge – 2nd & 4th Saturday mornings
• Easton Farm Park (nr Wickham Market) – 4th Saturday morning
• Southwold (Pier) – 4th Saturday morning
Boating
If you like boats, there are numerous adventures to be had! You can hire a motor-launch for the day from Beccles, to travel along the broads; relax during a gentler journey around the Mere at Thorpeness in a row-boat, hired by the hour; or take an exhilerating sight-seeing trip along the coastline from the quay at Orford or the harbour at Southwold!
Lady Florence – Fine dining, whilst cruising the calm waters of the River Alde/River Ore – regardless of weather or tides. Choose from brunch, lunch or dinner cruises (Licensed).
Coastal voyager – Southwold harbour
Sea trips and river cruises departing from Southwold harbour. Choose between an exciting high-speed blast-trip (a thrilling, unforgettable half hour!); or the peace and tranquillity of a 3 ½ hour river cruise on the beautiful Blyth estuary.
The Mere – Thorpeness
The lake covers 60 acres, and has over 40 acres of water – but nowhere is it more than 3ft deep so its very safe for boating. Dinghies, kayaks, canoes, punts, sailing boats and large family rowing boats are available for hire – from short 30 mins sessions, then hourly rates apply. Its also fun for spectators too - you can amuse yourself watching enthusiastic boaters trying to teach themselves to row on the Mere, whilst you relax over afternoon tea at the café on the quay!
Outney Meadow, Bungay – off Bungay Bypasss (A143), near Broad Street (A144)
This calmer stretch of the River Waveney winds gently round the countryside and is relatively narrow and shallow, making it safe for children. You can hire Canadian (open) canoes for 2 people or kayaks (closed) for individuals, or traditional rowing boats which will fit a family in all together - £20.00 half-day or £30.00 for a full day (a returnable deposit is also payable). Paddles/oars and life-jackets provided. You can also hire bicycles (of all sizes) for £12.00 per day - including lock, helmet, bag-carrier & map.
For more information, from Outney Meadow: www.outneymeadow.co.uk/canoe-hire.htm
Automotive – planes, trains and automobiles…
There are a number of highly popular annual air-shows, boat-shows and classic car rallies in the region, from May until September each year – whether you prefer watching jet-planes in aeronautical displays, power-boat racing, or graceful sailing regattas… the novelty of hot-rods and Custom cars, or to cheer on the driver-enthusiasts as they speed past you in convoy in their vintage sports cars... See the Calendar of Annual Events for more details…
Sporting and active leisure pursuits
The area offers endless opportunities for sporting and active leisure pursuits, including… golf, fishing, clay-pigeon shooting, cycling & mountain-biking, swimming, tennis, sailing and horse riding.
Golf
There are several excellent 9-hole and 18-hole ‘Pay & Play’ golf courses in the area, offering a variety of terrain. The nearest being in Aldeburgh and Thorpeness, just 7 miles away (approx 15 mins drive) - but there are also good courses in Woodbridge and Halesworth (both within approx 30 mins drive via the A12), plus Southwold, Ipswich & Lowestoft (within approx 45 mins drive via the A12).
For more information and fees, from the golf courses direct:
Aldeburgh Golf Club – www.aldeburghgolfclub.co.uk
Thorpeness Golf Club – www.thorpeness.co.uk/course.aspx
Halesworth Golf Club – www.halesworthgc.co.uk
Woodbridge Golf Club – www.woodbridgegolfclub.co.uk/pages.php/index.html
Fishing
The whole of the coastline offers excellent opportunities for sea-fishing, whether from the beach or off the piers, quays or harbourside. There are also numerous inland waterways for freshwater fishing in lakes, rivers and on the edge of the Broads - at Beccles, for example. The nearest being at Marsh Farm, just 2 miles away – a managed lake with trout, etc.
Saxmundham has an excellent tackle shop in the town (just behind the Market Place) where you can order bait and Permits, and get up to date information on how the waters are fishing at the time of your visit. They are really knowledgeable, and, really helpful.
For more information, from Saxmundham Angling Centre:
www.saxmundham.org
Cycling
The Suffolk countryside is ideal for cyclists of all abilities, as it is relatively flat. There are several places nearby where you can hire bicycles - of all sizes and types – by the day or half-day. You can even hire ‘electric-bicycles’, so that when you get tired you can let the bike do the work!
Bicycles hired in Aldeburgh are ideal to cycle around the town, and to Thorpeness and back. The cycle-centre in Darsham (approx 15 mins drive from Saxmundham) also provides maps for safe off-road cycle-routes, including those suitable families with younger children. If you are feeling adventurous, the terrain in Rendlesham Forest offers much more of a challenge!
The area also offers facilities for many other sporting or leisure pursuits - including tennis, swimming, sailing and horse riding – even go-karting and clay-pigeon shooting.
High Lodge – off A12, 1 mile north of Darsham
Clay-pigeon shooting, including ‘have a go’ sessions for total novices on the first Saturday of every month - £30.00 per person.
For more information, from High Lodge: www.highlodge.co.uk
Family Holiday Activities
What to do with the kids – to keep them occupied…
Make the most of what the region has to offer - the sea, beaches and inland waterways… take them rowing, canoeing, sailing and swimming!
Close by & FREE (or low-cost)…
The adventure playground in Carlton Country Park (just 10 mins walk from the cottages), with slide, rope-swings, etc., is always a favourite! Its suitable for a wide age-range, from small children to teenagers – and hugely popular!
Go on picnics! (Always fun.) There are several organised Picnic sites locally, or just find a spot on the beach.
Build sandcastles
Fly a kite
And, don’t forget crabbing! The Annual Crabbing Championship is held in August, but crabbing will be good fun all year round!
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Days out with children – to family attractions:
Beacon Rally Karts - Martlesham – off the A12, near Woodbridge
An outdoor, off-road karting centre with three large tracks, a large spectators’ area, a ‘Pit-Stop’ refreshments cabin, race gear computer lap times and fully trained staff.
Go Ape! (high-wire forest adventure) – off the B1107, near Brandon
3 hours of tree-top adventure – climb 40ft up a rope-ladder…swing into a giant rope-net… zip-wire through trees… crawl through tunnels… cross high-wire rope-bridges…if you dare!
Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park – off A12, north of Lowestoft
The region’s biggest and best theme park, with coasters and other family favourites, plus adrenalin-fuelled, white-knuckle thrill-rides – including: ‘Wipeout’ – the tallest, fastest and most extreme rollercoaster in the region (900ft of twisted steel with speeds touching 50mph and pulling over 5Gs!) Plus, a Sea Lion show and Circus.
Easton Farm Park – off the A12, near Framlingham
A day out on the farm – Suffolk Punch horses, piglets, lambs, goats, ponies, rabbits… Children can feed the animals, ride a pony, hug a bunny, and ride on a train. There is also an indoor play-barn, outdoor adventure play area, and beautiful woodland and riverside walks.
Africa Alive! – just off the A12, south of Lowestoft
One of the UK’s largest and most exciting wildlife attractions. Hundreds of African animals and birds – giraffes, zebras, rhinos and ostriches roaming the landscape as they would in the wild.
Oasis Camel Centre – 6 miles west of Halesworth
This is a more unusual farm attraction – with camels, llamas, alpacas, goats and donkeys, plus a mini-maze, crazy golf… and llama treks!
Indoor attractions (for any rainy days):
King Pin Bowling Centre – A12, Martlesham
20 lanes, all with bumpers for children, and fully automated with computerised scoring.
Mannings Amusements – Felixstowe (Sea Road)
A traditional seaside attraction - amusement arcade with modern and vintage video games, traditional pushers and fruit machines, plus children’s fairground rides, 10-pin bowling, indoor crazy golf, pool and snooker.
East Anglian Transport Museum – Carlton Colville, near Lowestoft
Displays of buses, cars, steamrollers, and commercial vehicles and other forms of transport from a bygone age. Plus, ride on the trams, trolleybuses and narrow-gauge railway.
Long Shop Museum – Leiston, 5 miles (10 mins drive) from Saxmundham
Set in the original building of the Richard Garrett Engineering Works are WW2 US Air Force and Zeppelin crash displays, in addition to the Victorian well and fire engines.
Southwold Pier – Southwold (approx 30 mins drive from Saxmundham)
An award-winning Visitor Attraction, Southwold Pier is ever-popular.
Indoor Swimming Pools
(some with a flume):
Leiston Leisure Centre (approx 10 mins drive from Saxmundham)
Ipswich (approx 45 mins drive from Saxmundham)
Bungay Leisure Centre (approx 30-40 mins drive from Saxmundham)
Calendar of Annual Events
March
Aldeburgh Literary Festival
April
Aldeburgh Easter Festival
Felixstowe Easter Fair
‘St. George’s Day Weekend’ (town festival), Saxmundham
May
Felixstowe Historic Vehicle Rally
Suffolk Game & Country Fair - Glemham Hall
Bury Cultural Festival - Bury St. Edmunds
Woodbridge Horse Show
Felixstowe Spring Fair
Pulse Fringe Festival - Ipswich
Suffolk Folk Festival - Woodbridge
Ipswich Food, Drink & Garden Festival
Felixstowe Drama Festival
Framlingham Gala
Suffolk Show - Trinity Park, Ipswich (the county’s biggest event of the year)
June
Suffolk Open Studios – at artists’ own studios, in various locations in the area
‘Laugh in the Park’ Comedy Festival – Southwold
Stowmarket Festival of Beer & Brewing
Festival of the Sea – Southwold
IP-ART (Ipswich Arts Festival)
Aldeburgh (music) Festival – Snape Maltings
Sutton Hoo Poetry Festival
Southwold Summer Theatre - May/June
July
East of England Tennis Tournament - Felixstowe
Latitude Festival - Southwold
Felixstowe Fushsia Festival
Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival
Hachfest Live Music Festival - Hacheston, near Woodbridge
Suffolk Punch Horse Show – Ipswich
Honda Powerboats Grand Prix – Lowestoft
Suffolk Classic Car Rally
Eastern Lights Motorcycle Cavalcade
Debenham Arts Festival
Heveningham Hall Country Fair – near Halesworth
Bures Music Festival (Jazz by The Stour) - Dedham
Aldeburgh Summer Theatre - July to September
August
Snape Proms – Snape Maltings
‘Gig in the Park’ – Halesworth
Aldeburgh Carnival & Parade
Snape Poetry Prom
Festival of Classic & Sports Cars
Oulten Sailing Regatta
Lowestoft Carnival & Parade
Roughan Air Display & Classic Car Show
Suffolk Villages Festival – various locations
Felixstowe Carnival
national Hot-Rod, Custom & Drag-Racing Show
St. Bartholomew’s fair - Southwold
Woodbridge Regatta
Thorpeness Regatta and fireworks
Hot Rod and Classic Vehicle Rally - Felixstowe Prom
Westleton Barrel Fair
The British Open Crabbing Championship, Walberswick
September
Art on the Prom, Felixstowe
‘Harvest’ (Festival of Food & Music) – Jimmy’s Farm
Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival – Snape Maltings
Aldeburgh Food & Drink Fringe Festival – various locations locally
Maritime Woodbridge
Heritage Open Days
October
Saxmundham Arts & Entertainment Festival
Apple Day - Woodbridge
Suffolk Herring Festival – Middleton, Saxmundham
Britten Festival - Snape Maltings
Halesworth Arts Festival
November
Aldeburgh Poetry Festival
Lavenham Literary Festival
‘Ways with Words’ Literature Festival – Southwold
December
Christmas Street Fair - Woodbridge
Christmas Carol Evening - Woodbridge
Bury Traditional Christmas Street Fair – Bury St. Edmunds
Snape Maltings Christmas Concert