Suffolk

Discover the best things to do in Suffolk, in East Anglia, from its much-loved coastline to its historic houses and medieval wool towns. Constable Country is also still very much as landscape artist, John Constable, painted it.

Places to visit

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Top places to visit in Suffolk

Ickworth Estate

Ickworth with its classical Rotunda forms the centrepiece of this estate, which is Suffolk's very own little Italy.

View of the Rotunda from the path with newly restored roof at Ickworth, Suffolk

Sutton Hoo

Home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time, an awe-inspiring Anglo-Saxon royal ship burial.

A little girl wearing pink clothes throwing a bean bag at an oversized cut out of an Anglo-Saxon animal

Melford Hall

An eclectic home, with stories of naval history and links to Beatrix Potter, set in picturesque gardens.

Lavenham Guildhall

At the heart of village life, Lavenham Guildhall is one of the most spectacular timber framed buildings of medieval England.

Flatford

Walk into a masterpiece. This charming hamlet was the inspiration for some of John Constable's most famous paintings.

Dunwich Heath

Tucked away on the Suffolk coast, Dunwich Heath and beach offers you peace and quiet and a true sense of being at one with nature.

Orford Ness

Uncover some of Britain's top secret military history when you visit this internationally important nature reserve on the Suffolk coast.

Theatre Royal

The Theatre Royal is one of Britain's most significant theatre buildings and the only surviving Regency playhouse in the country.

Top things to do in Suffolk

Oil painting on canvas, Self-portrait by Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun, signed, bottom left: L. E. Vigée Le Brun/ Naples 1791, at Ickworth, Suffolk

House and buildings

Coast and Countryside

Family walking on a footpath through the heather on Dunwich Heath, Suffolk

Walks

Two girls play Jenga together in the Walled Garden at Ickworth

Family days out

Summer days in Suffolk

Summer of Play is here

Make the most of the school holidays with the National Trust's Summer of Play. While away the hours with endless possibilities of play and opportunities to slow down, reconnect and enjoy time outside together. With ideal set-ups for families of all shapes and sizes, Summer of Play offers games, activities and trails to keep young and old entertained.

A cartoon of two children playing outside. One is juggling balls and the other is holding a pencil.

Family-friendly places in Suffolk

Looking for unforgettable family adventures in Suffolk? Whether you're planning a weekend escape or last-minute day trip, we've got you covered. Discover scenic walks, hands-on activities, exciting events and brilliant ideas of rainy days. From the best play areas to hidden gems perfect for curious kids, explore our top family-friendly places and start planning your next great day out with the National Trust.

What's on this summer in Suffolk

From outdoor theatre, live music, guided walks, craft workshops, living history and special exhibitions discover what's on in Suffolk this summer.

Event highlights in Suffolk

Celebrating 250 years in John Constable's birthday

2026 marks 250 years since the birth of one of Britain's most famous landscape artist, John Constable. Flatford and in the surrounding Dedham landscape was the inspiration for some of his most well-know paintings including The Hay Wain and Boat Building. This summer Flatford is hosting a series of events to celebrated the anniversary year including special walks and talks, outdoor theatre, art workshops, exhibitions and an art residency with local artists Tom Hobden and Phoebe Stapleton in partnership with the Essex Cultural Diversity Project

Sutton Hoo: Theatre in the Forest: Twelfth Night presented by Red Rose Chain Theatre Company

Suffolk’s biggest outdoor theatre event, Theatre in the Forest returns to Sutton Hoo for another summer of Shakespeare with an unforgettable production of Twelfth Night!

Enjoy the very best of summer with a walk in Suffolk

Get out into nature this summer with these top walks in Suffolk

Ickworth Estate | Walled Garden and Canal Walk

A circular walk taking you to the Walled Garden, and Canal lake, which is a haven for wildlife. There is a great view of the Walled Garden from the far side of the Canal lake, with St. Mary’s church, and the Rotunda behind.

Ickworth Church and Summer House from Canal Lake

Sutton Hoo woodland walk

Discover the Anglo-Saxon burial site, where a 7th-century ship was uncovered, as well as the woodland wildlife that surrounds the ancient site on the circular Sutton Hoo woodland walk.

Sutton Hoo landscape in the misty morning

Dunwich Heath pink trail

Follow the pink trail to take in the best views of the heath, with the main body of the heather flowering between late July and September. Along the trail keep an eye out for our main bird species, the Dartford Warbler, or Red deer roaming the heath, and look to the skies for the musical Skylark singing overhead.

A woman walking through the heather at Dunwich Heath, with the heather in bloom

Outdoor activities in Suffolk

Getting Active at Ickworth Estate

Getting active and out and about on your bike, or with a walk or run, is the perfect way to explore the parkland, woods and views of Ickworth Estate. Accessible routes and woodland paths cover over 26 miles of beautiful trails, offering routes for all ages and abilities to enjoy.

Family walking in the park at Ickworth, Suffolk, in summer

Visiting National Trust places in Suffolk without a car

Sustainable travel in Suffolk

There are a number of sustainable options for travelling to and from the places in our care in Suffolk, whether you’re looking to travel by train, bus, bike or foot. Here’s a little more information that can help you plan your visit.

Family on a bike ride in autumnal woods, looking at a map

Support Us

Devastating fire sweeps across Dunwich Heath

Support the Dunwich Heath Fire Appeal. Your donation could help restore damaged habitats, protect vulnerable wildlife, and aid long-term recovery efforts.

Volunteering in Suffolk

Making new friends, working in amazing places, and knowing that you're helping a cause you care about – just three great reasons to volunteer with the National Trust in Suffolk.

A volunteer room guide speaking with visitors at Melford Hall, Suffolk

Supporter groups in Suffolk

Find out what you could gain by joining a National Trust supporter group in Suffolk. Volunteer at local properties, attend talks and socialise with likeminded individuals.

A ranger and volunteer working on the heathland at Dunwich Heath and Beach, Suffolk

Places to stay

Landscapes beautiful enough to inspire a great artist and a coastline worthy of an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ status; our holiday cottages in Suffolk and along the Suffolk coast offer an inspiring place to stay.

Dog-friendly cottages in Suffolk

The exterior of The Round House, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk

Large holiday cottages and group getaways in Suffolk

Looking for group accommodation for your next large family holiday or a celebration cottage for your friends? In Suffolk, we have large cottages and groups of smaller cottages next door or nearby, offering close proximity to your group but with some added privacy.