Suffolk

Autumn is a special time at Dunwich Heath as the winter migrating birds arrive. Look out for Fieldfares, Redwings, Hen Harriers and Merlins as they return to our coast and listen out for the huge variety of birdsong. The deer rut is a seasonal highlight as the stags bellow across the heath and prepare to fight off other stags. Little explorers can follow a trail, go searching for bugs or build a den. Stop off at the tearoom for a light meal or pick up a drink or snack from the kiosk.

Visit Sutton Hoo this autumn, where you can climb to the top of the new 17 metre viewing tower for stunning, elevated views across the Royal Burial Ground and over the tree canopy down to the River Deben towards Woodbridge. Follow the sculpture trail and follow the quest of Edwin the young warrior to find the magical drinking horn. Experience a new archaeology trail exploring how the special landscape was formed. In Tranmer House and the Exhibition Hall you'll also be able to find out more about the famous 1939 excavation of the Great Ship Burial and the Anglo-Saxon story that was uncovered.

Experience the joys of autumn at Ickworth. See the changing colours as you explore the estate on the multi-use trail or wander through the woodland as the leaves fall from the trees. Families can pick up an activity sheet and enjoy a sensory adventure in nature. Visit the House Reveal exhibition in its final weeks as it shines a new light on some of the most significant items in the collection. Visit the café for a hot drink or lunch, indulge in some retail therapy in the gift-shop or browse the second-hand bookshop in the West Wing.

In the 200th anniversary year of the Hay Wain, visit the countryside that inspired this famous painting. Walk along the ancient paths and tracks that lead through the landscape, offering stunning views and glorious autumn colour across the Dedham Vale. Follow a trail or join in the anniversary celebrations with photographic workshops led by artists in residence Liz Harrington and Laurence Harding. Pop into the tea room and enjoy a warming hot drink and cake or light lunch with beautiful view across the River Stour.

Enjoy the gardens and parkland as the season changes at Melford Hall. The park walk is a highlight at this time of year – stroll through the picturesque Suffolk countryside, enjoying views of the mellow red brick house and across the village, framed by dazzling autumn colour. The parkland is home to a large number of significant trees, see if you can spot the gnarled branches of the ancient oaks, trees that have stood on the land since Anglo-Saxon times.

Take a stroll around the scenic village of Lavenham as the colours change to rich reds, oranges and browns. The railway walk from Lavenham to Melford takes in the rolling Suffolk countryside, and is the perfect way to appreciate the autumn colour. Have a go at the ‘Wool, Wood and Witches Marks’ quiz trail and uncover interesting, creepy and surprising facts about the Guildhall, or explore the village with a scavenger hunt, searching for interesting features in the crooked buildings. Stop for a sweet treat, hot and cold drink or light lunch at the tea room.

Head to Sutton Hoo to pick up your copy of the Anglo-Saxon beast story quest this autumn, will you be able to help Edwin the young warrior find his magical drinking horn? Follow a family trail at Melford Hall and Lavenham, go on a sensory adventure in nature at Ickworth or discover the creepy crawlies that live in the bug basement at Dunwich Heath.

Take walk in the landscape that inspired John Constable at Flatford, or discover the beauty of Suffolk's coast and heaths at Dunwich Heath or Sutton Hoo? There's river estuaries to explore at Kyson Hill and Pin Mill, the picturesque wool towns of Lavenham and Long Melford or the rolling hills of the Suffolk countryside at Ickworth.