We are very proud of our history here in Suffolk and as if to prove as such, there is a museum or attraction to meet all interests. So whether you are looking for something to do on a rainy day or want to visit gardens in a stately home, we have it all here on our doorstep!
Famous Houses & Locations
The National Trust has several properties and museums in the area including Ickworth House in Bury St Edmunds, Sutton Hoo in Woodbridge and Flatford Mill, made world-famous in Constable’s paintings.
Sutton Hoo is one of our favourite places to visit – it’s an Anglo-Saxon royal burial site, set over a beautiful 255 acre estate. Home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time you can learn all about the burial of an Anglo-Saxon King and his treasures, or, simply enjoy the views across the river Deben on a walk around the estate.
At Flatford Mill, you can enjoy the same scenery that inspired landscape artist John Constable to create his famous paintings, including ‘Dedham Vale’ of 1802 and ‘The Hay Wain’ of 1821.
Museums in Suffolk
Right on our doorstep in Ipswich town centre, there are three fantastic museums:
- Ipswich Museum with its woolly mammoth, recently renamed Wool.i.am, is well worth a visit. The exhibitions range from war time living, stuffed birds and mammals of the Victorian era to local relics discovered from the Stone Age period. Free entry but remember it is closed on a Monday
- Just down the road from the museum, in the town centre park, is Christchurch Mansion. The mansion dates back over 500 years and has a large Constable art collection as well as illustrations of life through the ages. Again entry is free although there are sometimes special exhibitions which have a small charge
- Ipswich Transport Museum is a hidden gem, housed on the outskirts of town. Full of buses, trams, cars and bikes, this volunteer-managed museum will keep visitors of all ages happy!
Just down the road in Stowmarket is the Museum of East Anglian Life. A visit here is a great way to understand how the County has grown and the changing way of life in Suffolk through the generations. Brilliant for children and adults alike.
Be King for the Day at a Suffolk Castle
If castles are your thing, Suffolk boasts no less than FIVE for you to visit.
Our favourite is Framlingham Castle. This 12th-century castle is in great condition and gives a real idea of what life would have been like living and working in such an environment. Various activities and events take place over school holidays and bank holidays so it’s worth checking out their website.
Enough of the attraction is inside to make it worth a visit on a rainy day, and on a sunny day you can take a picnic, explore the grounds and spend time outside in the courtyard.
A Gardener’s Delight
Helmingham Hall Gardens will satisfy all of you amateur horticulturists and budding gardeners out there. More a park than a garden, you will be treated to sights of local deer, as well as seasonal beds and fantastic displays of colour – it even has a moat!
The Hall itself was completed in 1510 – built by the Tollemache family who have lived in Suffolk since the days of the Norman Conquest. It’s main attractions are its two rose gardens and tea rooms, where you can enjoy a quintessential English cream tea.
Opening days and times do vary so check out the website to plan your visit.
Explore a Piece of Coastal History
Alongside farming and country life, you can also learn more about the historical importance of Suffolk as a coastal county, with a visit to the 18th-century Languard Fort museum, just 20 minutes away at Felixstowe.
Languard was the site of the last opposed seaborne invasion of England in 1667 and was manned through both World Wars, playing an important anti-aircraft role during the Second World War. It was finally disarmed and closed in 1956. The audio guide is well worth getting when you explore the fort.
We really could go on forever with this list of historic attractions – there are far too many churches, cathedrals, museums and parks to mention, but check back soon for more tips on what to see and do once we’ve got our breath back!
In the meantime, have a look at The National Trust, British Heritage and Suffolk Tourist Guide for more ideas and details.
