Plan a Spring break in Suffolk

 

Abbey Gardens, Bury St Edmunds (ShowCapture)

West Suffolk includes Thetford Forest, which covers nearly 18,730 acres and is the UK's largest man-made lowland forest. Most of it is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is the perfect destination for those who love walking, off-road cycling, horseriding and the great outdoors.

If you only do two things, do these: Take a ride on a segway or swing through the trees in the forest at Go Ape.

If meandering around an elegant market town, browsing museums, relaxing in coffee shops and visiting the theatre is more your style, then book a stay in Bury St Edmunds.

Visit its magnificent cathedral, stroll through the Abbey Gardens and check out the programme at The Theatre Royal. Originally opened in 1819, this delightful performance space is the only surviving example of a Regency theatre in the country. Read our list of ten things to love about Bury St Edmunds here.

If you only do one thing, do this: follow the Real Ale Trail around the town and discover the best in real ale and craft beer. 

Go Ape forest segway (c) Go Ape

Known for its mix of lovely countryside (it has two Areas of Outstanding Beauty) and quintessential English villages, the Heart of Suffolk has much to offer those in search of a laid-back visit to Suffolk.

Birdwatching on the Shotley Peninsula, a long distance walk along the River Gipping; a visit to the Museum of East Anglian Life; a boat trip along the river through Constable Country and a slow exploration of medieval Lavenham with it gorgeous architecture, art galleries and museums are all highly recommended.

If you only do one thing, do this: Take a guided paddle in a canoe along the River Stour.

Lavenham 

The Suffolk Coast is beautiful and has a lot of variety, both in terms of its landscape and things for visitors to do.

From the tiny fishing village of Orford to the peaceful Suffolk Broads; from the RSPB Minsmere nature reserve to the world-class Snape Maltings Concert Hall; from the coastal town of Southwold to the bustling resort of Felixstowe, the area offers something for lovers of culture and nature all bundled into a 50-mile stretch of sublime coastline.

If you only do one thing, do this: Visit The Red House in Aldeburgh, home of Suffolk composer Benjamin Britten and his partner, the tenor Peter Pears.

 

Aldeburgh Beach

Suffolk's county town is thought to be the oldest town in the country. It is a bustling place with a pleasant shopping area, some wonderful museums and galleries and a vibrant waterfront with a marina, bars and restaurants.

Christchurch Mansion, with its significant collection of works by Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable, should be high on your 'must see' list as well as a walk through the 70 acre park (keep an eye out for Mabel the owl).

If you only do one thing, do this: Take a boat trip along the River Orwell and return for dinner on the waterfront.

The Sailing Barge Victor on the River Orwell, Ipswich

What will you do on your spring break to Suffolk? Let us know via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.