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.

0

Ickworth Estate

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

The Rotunda is viewed from across the North Lawn with daffodils in the foreground and a family enjoying time together

Sutton Hoo

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

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.

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

View of Dunwich Heath and Beach with a moody sky in the background

Coast and Countryside

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

Walks

Two children sit on a red sofa in a wood-panelled room, filling out an activity trail

Family days out

Visitors relaxing with their dog at Porter's Lodge Café at Ickworth, Suffolk

Dog-friendly places

Visitors enjoying a drink on the terrace at Ickworth Estate

Places to eat

Discover Easter Adventures near you

Celebrate Easter with the National Trust in Suffolk. Explore the beautiful places we care for on a nature-themed trail with fun for the whole family. All trails are £3.50 which includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and a dairy or vegan and Free From* chocolate egg. *Suitable for people with milk, egg, gluten, peanut and tree nut allergies.

A young girl in wellies pushing a wheelbarrow next to colourful bunting

The Dig: A Story Unearthed

The Dig is a film by Netflix which was released in 2021 - but did you know it was inspired by a true story? Read on to discover more.

Carey Mulligan as Edith Pretty and Ralph Fiennes as Basil Brown

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

Ickworth Estate | Albana Walk

A short circular walk through some of the woodlands around Ickworth. If you have the energy when you walk along the Trim Trail try your hand on various fitness objects, ranging from pole climbing to ladder walks and leap frog.

View of the path in the Albana Woods at Ickworth

River View walk at Sutton Hoo (green walk)

Explore the estate surrounding the Anglo-Saxon royal burial site at Sutton Hoo on the circular River View Walk, which runs through woodland and offers views across the River Deben.

Dunwich Heath orange trail

Follow the orange trail if you want a bit of everything on your walk, from the swathes of heather making up the heath with the rare Dartford Warbler maybe making an appearance, to the statuesque woodland where you might spot a flash of red and black as a Greater Spotted Woodpecker wings by, and the open expanse of the grassland where Stone Curlews and Hares hide amongst the swaying fronds.

A woman walking along a footpath at Dunwich Heath

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.

Three sisters ride bikes out into the sunny parkland at Ickworth Estate

Events coming up in Suffolk

There's always lots going on at National Trust places near you, with a host of events and adventures that everyone can enjoy. See what's happening in Suffolk.

Volunteer costumed interpreter in the Kitchen in the Basement at Ickworth, Suffolk.

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

Heathland species increase as Dunwich heather continues recovery

Despite continued hot weather, the heather at National Trust Dunwich Heath is continuing to recover, just three years after being severely damaged by drought.

A close up of the pink flowers of the heather at Dunwich Heath

The Dig: A Story Unearthed

The Dig: A Story Unearthed is a new exhibition coming to Sutton Hoo this May. It tells the untold stories of the real people featured in The Dig, a film by Netflix that explores the story of the excavation of the Great Ship Burial at Sutton Hoo in 1939.

1300 trees planted at Ickworth Estate to tackle ash dieback and secure next generation of ancient trees

Rangers at the Ickworth Estate have planted 1,300 trees this winter, to restore a landscape devastated by ash dieback, and support the growth of the next generation of ancient and veteran trees.

Ranger planting at tree at Ickworth Estate

Time Team at Sutton Hoo

Missing pieces of a 6th century Byzantine bucket have been uncovered at Sutton Hoo, during a month-long archaeological excavation by Time Team at the site. Time Team has been documenting this unique investigation as it's unfolded and we look forward to sharing news about the special documentary, which is due out early next year.

Rare spider species is recorded at Orford Ness

A rare species of jumping spider has been identified at Orford Ness in Suffolk.

Vegetated shingle looking out towards the pagodas

Sizewell C: Impact on Dunwich Heath

Get the latest news on the development of Sizewell C and our commitment to protecting nearby Dunwich Heath and Beach.

Sizewell C, with a giant white dome, seen on the horizon from Dunwich Heath

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

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.