The 10 best things to do in Suffolk

We've found ten fun things to do in Suffolk for you to discover. Suffolk is a large county in the East Anglia region of England. It is special because this ever-up-and-coming holiday destination has loads of brilliant places to visit and things to do for everybody. Suffolk is also full of lesser-known beauty spots and attractions to uncover.

Suffolk’s visitor attractions are superb choices for a day out; there are free places to visit for those on a smaller budget as well. Outdoor activities will fill your days; consider beach days, National Trust days, forest days, and good times in the Suffolk countryside.

Come and discover Suffolk; it could become your new favourite place for an English holiday break. Browse our collection of Suffolk holiday homes today by clicking on the button below.

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Pleasurewood Hills, Lowestoft 

For the ultimate fun day out, take the kids to Pleasurewood Hills. From tots to big kids there is a ride or attraction for everyone in Suffolk’s best-loved theme park. If you are truly brave, check out the rollercoasters; for animal-mad kids, there is the Sea Lion Splash and the Birds of Paradise attractions. The Wipeout rollercoaster is always in huge demand. Fun days out await.

Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge 

Sutton Hoo is the famous ship burial site of an Anglo-Saxon king. Historians of all ages will love seeing the impressions of the king’s royal ship from the viewing tower. There are also on-site exhibitions and 255 acres of beautiful parklands to walk around, too.

Africa Alive! at Banham Zoo, Lowestoft 

Animals everywhere, all the time! Make a beeline to this amazing Africa-themed zoo near Lowestoft. Africa Alive! has got a colourful gallery of incredible creatures from noble lions to amazing zebras, plus exotic birds galore. It’s unmissable for families, old and young. There are outdoor play areas for kids and lots of feeding talks and displays to enjoy throughout your visit.

Landguard Nature Reserve walk, Felixstowe 

One of the best places for a short coastal walk in Suffolk is at Landguard Nature Reserve where you will find an old fort too. Covering 35 hectares of vegetated shingle and grassland, the reserve is home to a carpet of up to 600 different species of flora and almost as many creatures. With views across the English Channel and the deepwater docks of Felixstowe, it’s a striking spot popular with walkers. Also visit the John Bradfield Viewing Point to watch the docks in action up close.

Orford Ness, Orford 

If you are interested in nature and military secrets, then Orford Ness is among the UK’s strangest and most bewitching places to visit. You can take a boat across to this remote spit of land to walk about the former site of a secretive military base. Now managed by the National Trust, visitors are permitted limited visits to explore the huge remote area. Once visited, never forgotten.

Rendlesham Forest, Woodbridge 

If you see any bright lights after dark, call Mulder and Scully, as Rendlesham Forest is the home of the UK’s most famous UFO encounters. There’s even a UFO trail to inspire conversations about the UFO sightings that took place in this beautiful forest in December 1980. It’s a wonderful spot for long forest walks and cycle rides. A local favourite.

Walberswick walk, Walberswick

With 50 miles of coast to discover, you won’t be short of beaches to explore on your holiday to Suffolk. Our favourite is in full alignment with the Guardian film critic Peter Bradshaw’s choice. There is a circular walk that weaves around the village of Walberswick and Southwold, the beach, and the nearby marshes. Art fans may recognise the wooden crossing that inspired Philip Wilson Steer’s painting, The Bridge, which can be seen at the Tate Britain in London.

The East Anglia Transport Museum, Carlton Colville 

Cars, trains, lorries, trams, buses, and just about anything on wheels await inspection at the wonderful East Anglia Transport Museum (EATM). Offering an amazing day out for seniors and juniors alike, this auto-fixated museum is superb and a big favourite with families. There’s so much to see, and many of the vehicles originated in East Anglia too.

Oulton Broad Day Boats, Lowestoft 

Hire a boat and discover the joys of being on the water at Oulton Broad near Lowestoft. At Oulton Broad Day Boats, you can hire a launch for anything between 1 hour and a whole day. The types of boats vary too. Oulton Broad is where the River Waveney meets the sea and also the southern gateway into The Broads. Hire includes tuition, life aids, fuel, maps, and insurance.

Beccles Lido, Beccles 

Bring your swimming togs with you to Suffolk, then you can go to Beccles Lido. Enjoy a swim outdoors at one of three open-air swimming pools – one for adults and two for small children and parents. There is also a café and a picnic area to enjoy between swims. The pool is fully accessible with a hoist for those with additional mobility needs.

Map of things to do in Suffolk

Use our handy map to locate everywhere mentioned in this guide to Suffolk.

Stay at a self-catering holiday cottage in Suffolk

We have some lovely holiday cottages across Suffolk, close to each of the attractions mentioned in our guide. Why not take a look at our collection of holiday cottages and let what you find inspire your escape to Suffolk?