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Guide to Day Trips from London to Suffolk by Suffolk Guides
With such easy travel access from various counties such as Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Essex, it’s no wonder so many people choose to take a day trip to Suffolk.
When travelling from London, visitors may choose between driving, taking the train or travelling by coach. The train takes just over an hour (the same amount of time it would take to travel from one side of London to the other by Tube!), and there are a number of on-going deals available to cut down on costs when travelling by train or coach – especially during school holidays.
Once you have arrived in Suffolk, you’re sure to be spoilt for choice when trying to decide exactly how to spend your day. There are great many activities for all the family, whatever their age or interests.
To escape from the hustle and bustle of city living, take the family along to Jimmy’s Farm in Ipswich, where the little ones can meet and learn about the farm animals and then run around the Adventure Playground (suitable for both toddlers and older children). Adults will enjoy the Farmer’s Market and the Garden Shop.
Similarly, there is Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm, also in Ipswich, which was voted as Suffolk’s Best Visitor Experience 2006 and 2007 (and as a runner-up in 2008). Give the children a day to remember spent meeting and feeding all of the rare breeds. There is also a lovely riverside and park where families can picnic, and a Visitors’ Centre so they can take a souvenir back home with them.
Animals and nature are always of particular interest to children and adults alike, so a day spent in such surroundings is sure to be a unique and unforgettable experience. The Museum of East Anglian Life in Stowmarket has almost 3km of woodland and riverside nature trails for families to walk around, with very friendly animals and rare breeds of cattle.
The Suffolk Wildlife Trust in Ipswich has over 50 nature reserves that are free to visit, plus a huge number of wildlife events and family activity days.
For horse-lovers, there is Paso Finos at Ranch Pavo Real in Sudbury. Day courses, where you come and meet the horses, learn about their history and their gait, and, of course, ride them are offered alongside activities for more experienced riders. Or if bird-watching is more the order of the day, RSPB Lakenheath Fen in Brandon offers you the opportunity to spot marsh harriers, hobbies, bearded tits and warblers. It is one of the few places in the UK where golden orioles breed. There is a flexible nature trail network, four viewpoints and a visitor centre. Similarly, the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary at Stonham Aspal provides a delightful place to watch, study or simply enjoy the company of owls and other birds of prey.
If you travelled to Suffolk by train, you can continue the theme by visiting Colne Valley Railway at Castle Hedingham. Here you can meet Thomas the Tank Engine, view old fashioned steam trains and working signal boxes, and admire the outdoor Garden Railway.
Thomas the Tank Engine is also a guest at Bressingham Steam and Gardens, near Diss. Families can take a ride on Bressingham’s famous Victorian ‘Gallopers’ and journey over five miles of narrow-gauge steam railway. Later, a picnic in the beautiful gardens followed by a ride on the carousel will provide the perfect end to a wonderful day.
For adults and older children, why not spend a day tripping around Suffolk’s wonderful, historical and informative museums? You’re sure to find something to suit your particular interests, and maybe even learn something you didn’t already know!
Day trips don’t get any better than a traditional day at the seaside. Visit Southwold Pier and experience the traditional amusement arcade and pier telescopes, plus a number of places to eat and a Beach Shop selling all your seaside essentials. Just moments from the beach in Felixstowe you will find Mannings Amusement Park, full of thrilling rides (all age groups catered for), a casino, cafe & bar, plus that old seaside classic, crazy golf!
Another wonderful day trip activity is Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park in Lowestoft. There are plenty of rides with something for the whole family – ranging from the white-knuckled thrill of Thunderstruck, spinning at 360 degrees, to the more subdued Tales of the Coast, a 3-D adventure ride through underground caverns. Throughout the day there is also the sea lion show and the parrot show, plus plenty of other entertainment along with rest & refreshment facilities.
Clay pigeon shooting is another thrilling activity that children will love, and there are a number of places in the county that provide children’s tuition alongside adults’. Young shooters are welcome at Fulton’s Shooting which is situated at Lakenheath Clay Target Shooting.
As you can see, come rain or shine, there are a great many things to do when spending the day in Suffolk – whatever your age, budget or interests. Those featured here are just a taster, so book those train tickets right away!
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