Explore Suffolk this winter

Explore the home of British horseracing and learn all about the 'sport of kings'  at the new National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and British Sporting Art in Newmarket. 

The five-acre site has a horseracing museum, gallery and a live horse experience as well as a gift shop and cafe.

Suffolk brewers Greene King in Bury St Edmunds have brewery tours running every day.

Learn how their beer is brewed using traditional methods and you will also be invited to enjoy a panoramic view of the town from their rooftop, as part of the tour. Beer tasting in the beer cafe is included at the end of your visit.

Or head to a more rural location and the magical setting of St Peter's Brewery near Bungay. Tours include the story of St. Peter’s Brewery, the process of brewing and a tutored beer tasting following the trip around the brewery.

Pay a visit to the Suffolk Food Hall on the beautiful Shotley Peninsula to stock up on local produce.

There is a traditonal butcher selling locally-reared beef, an artisan baker, fishmonger, gourmet chocolate and plenty of Suffolk veg and cheeses.

Apart from food, there is also a gift shop, garden centre and cookery school and don't miss the fabulous Cookhouse restaurant with the most spectacular view of the Orwell Bridge and peninsula.

Meet the animals and experience the sounds and sights of Africa close-up at Africa Alive! - an award-winning animal park in Kessingland on the Suffolk Coast.

From magical beasts to majestic birds of prey, visit The Owl Sanctuary at Stonham Barns for in-flight demonstrations, talks and an insight into how they care for these special creatures.

RSPB Minsmere on the Suffolk coast is host to birdwatching events all year round, including workshops for beginners.

Wrap up warm and explore this peaceful nature reserve, take a guided tour or simply grab a pair of binoculars, a bird book and see what you can spot. 

Warm up in the cafe with a hot chocolate and homemade cake afterwards.

Thomas Gainsborough was born in Sudbury in 1727 and his birthplace is open as a museum and gallery.

Gainsborough's House has more of his work on show in a single setting than anywhere outside of London and also has an interesting programme of temporary exhibitions.

If Constable is more your style, visit the landscape that inspired perhaps one of the most famous paintings in the world: The Hay Wain at Flatford, on the Suffolk/Essex border. Hop aboard a train to Manningtree and explore Constable Country.

Brew yourself a nice pot of tea, sit back and watch our films about Suffolk from the comfort of your armchair.

We can take you for a (virtual) spot of wild-water swimming, we can show you the Suffolk coast in spring, summer, autumn or winter; and we can tell you about some of our most famous myths and legends...