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.

View of the Rotunda in July from a distance with the new 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.

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.

View of the Library at Melford Hall, Suffolk

House and buildings

Coast and Countryside

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

Walks

Two girls play giant Jenga in the Walled Garden at Ickworth

Family days out

Visitors walking a dog at Dunwich Heath and Beach, Suffolk

Dog-friendly places

Visitors enjoying a drink on the terrace at Ickworth Estate

Places to eat

Summer of Play Events in Suffolk

Ready for a fun-filled summer? Take part in the Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank, and create memories with the whole family. However you choose to play, your adventure starts today.

A parent photographs two children as they pose for a photograph while filling an empty picture frame

Family-friendly places in Suffolk

Get ready for a summer bursting with adventure, imagination and unforgettable family moments in Suffolk. From playcations, archery, creative zones, nature trails and family sports, take part in a Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank.

Two young girls hugging a brown cockerpoo dog whilst sitting on the grass. Deckchairs can be seen in the background

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

Ickworth on the World Stage

This year at Ickworth follow the unconventional adventures of the Hervey family. Discover the impact they had on the world and how their time abroad is reflect in the Ickworth we know today.

Research Art Lab at Orford Ness

Research Art Lab is part of Power House, a long-term partnership between the National Trust and the University of Suffolk. Throughout the summer, 11 artists will take part in a thee-week residency at Orford Ness creating art inspired by the past and present of Orford Ness working with a variety of media including drawing, sculpture, painting, installation, film, photography, text and performance.

Yellow horned poppy at Orford Ness with Black Beacon in background

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

Ickworth Estate | Albana Walk

Enjoy the cool shade of the ancient Albana Woodland at Ickworth Estate. Follow this short circular walk through tree lined avenues and you lookout for wildlife and listen for birds overhead. If you're feeling energic, why not have a go at the Trim Trail along the way.

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.

A view of the River Deben from the River View walk at Sutton Hoo

Melford Hall estate park walk

Take in the splendour of the ancient former hunting park of Melford Hall, and the impressive 15th-century Holy Trinity church, on this scenic walk around the estate.

Sheep in foreground with Melford Hall in background

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.

Purple heather on Dunwich Heath and Beach, Suffolk

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.

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.

A crowd sits in front of a large cinema screen at Ickworth Estate

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.