Suffolk

Enjoy a bracing winter walk along the coast as you watch the waves crashing on the beach. Look out for the migrating birds such as Hen Harriers, Merlins, Brambling, Redwings and Fieldfares flying in the big open skies. Little visitors can follow a trail across the heathland on the look out for winter wildlife. Warm up in the tea room with a hot cuppa and tasty treat.

Get a whole new perspective of the Sutton Hoo landscape this winter. Once the leaves have fallen the views open up across the River Deben toward Woodbridge in a way not possible at other times of the year, and for the first time can be appreciate from the new viewing tower. One weekends you can visit Tramner House and the Exhibition Hall to find out more about the famous 1939 excavation of the Great Ship Burial and the Anglo-Saxon story that was uncovered. Follow the sculpture trail through the woodland and follow the quest of Edwin the young warrior to find the magic drinking horn then warm up in the café with a hot cuppa and snack or light lunch.

This winter explore Ickworth on foot or on wheels as you follow the multiuse trail around the wider estate. Enjoy frosty mornings in the crisp fresh air, or a late afternoon stroll with stunning winter sunsets across the rolling hills. Winter is also snowdrop season at Ickworth with different varieties blooming from October all the way through to April. In January families can join Percy the Park Keeper on a winter wander trail. Visit the West Wing for a spot of retail therapy in the gift shop, a browse in the second-hand bookshop or a warming drink or light lunch in the cafe.

Flatford is an ideal place for a winter walk. Follow the many paths that lead across the Dedham Vale to Dedham and beyond, passing through the landscape that inspired Constable. Take in the beautiful views that are opened up through the trees once the leaves have fallen. Look out for the first snowdrops and aconites in the woods and hedges, then stop off at the café for a well earned warming drink and snack.

This beautiful Tudor mansion has had its share of trials and tribulations, but thanks to many generations from medieval monks to the Hyde Parker family, who still live there, this home still stands today. With twists around every corner, from Beatrix Potter sketches to collections of naval painting and Chinese porcelain, everything tells a story and everyone has left their mark. Melford Hall is now closed for winter.

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.

If you're in Suffolk, then head to Sutton Hoo and explore our new sculpture trail, will you be able to help Edwin the young warrior find his magical drinking horn? You can also go on a sensory adventure after dark at Ickworth or wrap up warm and enjoy a trip to the beach 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.