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.

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Families on the north lawn at Ickworth in spring.

Place

Ickworth Estate

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

Tranmer House photographed on top of the hill at Sutton Hoo with bright yellow gorse flowering in the foreground

Place

Sutton Hoo

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

Place

Melford Hall

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

Place

Lavenham Guildhall

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

A cottage next to a bridge over the River Stour at Flatford, Suffolk

Place

Flatford

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

The sunsetting over Dunwich Heath looking towards Coastguards Cottages

Place

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.

Rotating Wireless Beacon, known simply as the Black Beacon at Orford Ness National Reserve, Suffolk

Place

Orford Ness

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

View towards the stage and safety curtain at the Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

Place

Theatre Royal

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

A long path lined with clipped yew balls leads the eye to a huge, round stone mansion

House and buildings

Coast and Countryside

Visitors walking down the valley with daffodils in the foreground at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk

Walks

Family having fun in the play area at Dunwich Heath

Family days out

Visitors walking a dog at Dunwich Heath and Beach, Suffolk

Dog-friendly places

Visitors in the tearoom at Lavenham Guildhall, Suffolk

Places to eat

Carey Mulligan as Edith Pretty and Ralph Fiennes as Basil Brown

Article

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.

A female camera operator recording an archaeologist at work as part of Time Team recording at Sutton Hoo in 2024

Article

Time Team returns to Sutton Hoo

The National Trust has joined forces with Time Team on a new two-year research project at Sutton Hoo.

Apple blossom in the Walled Garden at Ickworth, Suffolk

Article

Ickworth Estate

Springtime at Ickworth was once described as like “walking through lace” by Lady Mary MacRae, the granddaughter of Ickworth’s creator, the 4th Marquess of Bristol. You can enjoy spring flowers and beautiful white magnolias in the formal Italianate Garden; cherry blossom in the parkland and apple and pear trees blossoming in the historic orchard.

Hawthorn blossom in May at Brockhampton, Herefordshire

Article

Flatford

In spring, the countryside surrounding Flatford is dusted with a blanket of blossom. First you’ll see the tiny white petals of blackthorn, then later in May the hawthorn arrives, a pagan symbol of fertility with ancient associations to May Day. 

The pink blossom of the Judas Tree at Melford Hall with the banqueting hall in the background

Article

Melford Hall

Take in a spectacular floral display at Melford Hall as the Judas tree bursts bright cerise pink blossom from late April and into May. New growth on the espaliered apple trees create an eye-catching display against the red brick walls that surround the garden.

Family days out in Suffolk this half-term

If you're looking for things to do with the kids this half-term we got you covered. From family walks, events and activities and our top suggestions for rainy days and the best play parks to visit.

Children taking part in Dig for History, an archaeology day, at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk

What's on this May half-term in Suffolk

From live archaeological digs, activity trails, story-telling, crafts and nature walk, there's lots going on this half-term in Suffolk who keep the whole family entertained.

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

Ickworth Church and Summer House from Canal Lake

Trail

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.

Trail

Pinewood Walk at Sutton Hoo (blue walk)

Explore the estate of Sutton Hoo on the Pinewood Walk, an easy circular woodland walk that takes in views across the River Deben.

Yellow gorse at Dunwich Heath at spring with coastguards cottages in the background

Trail

Dunwich Heath grey trail

Follow the grey trail for views of the heath, patches of woodland, and Docwra's Ditch. Perfect for birdwatchers who are looking for woodland birds or reed dwelling birds such as Woodlarks or Reed Buntings, or for those who are after a gentle stroll in a peaceful place, with the wind sighing through the trees and the birds singing.

Activity

Cycling at Ickworth Estate

Find out more about cycling at Ickworth, including the cycle hire hub available in the car park. Pack a picnic and start your adventure.

A family enjoying Easter trails and sunshine at Ickworth, Suffolk

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.

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

Article

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.

Article

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.

Ranger planting at tree at Ickworth Estate

News

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.

Purple heather on Dunwich Heath and Beach, Suffolk

Press release

Dunwich heather back in bloom after remarkable recovery

Dunwich Heath, a rare heathland habitat cared for by the National Trust on the Suffolk coast is showing signs of recovery, with its patchwork of pink and purple heather back in bloom after being severely impacted by extreme heat and drought in 2022.

Article

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.

The wooden frame of the replica Anglo-Saxon ship in a boatyard in Woodbridge, Suffolk

News

Joinery apprentices help build full-size replica of famous Sutton Hoo ship

Three of our joinery apprentices are honing their heritage craft skills in a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ project. They'll be working on building a full-size replica of the famous Anglo-Saxon ship unearthed at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk.

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

Article

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.

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

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

Article

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.

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.

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

Article

Dog-friendly cottages in Suffolk

Article

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.

See all events

Event

Festival of Blossom

Lavenham Guildhall, Sudbury, Suffolk

Celebrate nature with a creative twist. Enjoy our art mindfulness and blossom-inspired crafts throughout the festival.

Event

River Stories Art Exhibition

Flatford, East Bergholt, Suffolk

21 East Anglian artists were invited to explore their relationship with the rivers that flow through their lives. You will enjoy artworks which include sculpture, photography, fused glass, mosaic and painting.

Event

Anglo-Saxon costume demonstration

Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge, Suffolk

Meet our historic costume volunteers as they demonstrate the craft skills of the Anglo-Saxons and how they created clothing and accessories using natural materials.

Event

The Dig: A Story Unearthed

Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge, Suffolk

The Dig: A Story Unearthed is a new temporary exhibition sharing the stories of the real people that inspired the hit Netflix film, The Dig, and feature some of the original props and costumes from the film.