Not sure what to do this summer? Looking for something a little different? Worry not, we’ve found a variety of summer events to keep boredom at bay. Whether you are looking for something the whole family will enjoy or perhaps something for a date night, or maybe even something to enjoy on your own. There’s plenty going on this summer in the heart of Suffolk that caters to everyone.
1. Hands on History Days
Kentwell Hall are masters for history re-enactments and bringing history alive. This year you can travel back in time to 1549 and discover how a home would have been run. No washing and fancy coffee machines in these kitchens!
2. Magic weekend – 23rd & 24th July
Kentwell Hall provides a magical backdrop for their weekend of sorcery, trickery and alchemy. Meet the fairies and enjoy a day of interactive magical family fun in the Enchanted Gardens.
3. Suffolk Dog Day
Looking for a day out for you and the pooch? They will love meeting all the other dogs at Suffolk Dog Day at Helmingham Hall on 31st July. There are activities and fun events for everyone to take part in. The event is part of the Festival of Suffolk Jubilee celebrations in Suffolk so will have a regal theme for this year. Wonder if there will be any corgis there?
4. Primadonna Festival
Primadonna Festival takes place in the grounds of the Food Museum, formerly the Museum of East Anglian Life, in the centre of Stowmarket. The Festival celebrates books, ideas and inspiration with a very wide range of topics. This is the book festival where everyone is welcome, even if you thought a book festival ‘wasn’t for you’
5. Wingfield Barns Summer Fete
Wingfield Barns can be found in the rural village of the same name. This beautiful barn sits next to Wingfield College, once a collegiate college, now a private family home with associations to many characters from history including The Black Prince, Mary Tudor and Henry VIII.
The traditional country fete has all the makings for a fun afternoon out with Punch and Judy, Raffle, White Elephant, cake and plant stalls, welly-wanging, and face painting. There will be plenty of refreshments available to enjoy sitting out in the garden.
6. Walk ‘n’ Water: Sudbury and Henny
Join a guided 3.5 mile walk along part of the Stour Valley & St. Edmunds Way, leaving from the Granary in Sudbury and finishing in the village of Henny. You will be guaranteed some wonderful views before heading back by boat along the river. There are several dates for this walk up until October.
7. Shotley Vineyard
The Shotley peninsula is one of Suffolk’s most beautiful destinations. Straddled on either side by water, the peninsula is a haven for wildlife and walkers alike. Here you will find Shotley Vineyard which not only has the traditional vines with tours and tasting sessions but you can also spend an evening sipping cocktails or even take a coffee master class.
8. Stour Valley Adventures
The River Stour is a perfect and tranquil river for families and friends to enjoy the water. The river meanders through the landscape loved by the famous painter’s John Constable and Thomas Gainsborough and takes you through some of Suffolk’s greenest countryside. If you’ve never tried stand-up paddle boarding or canoeing before or are a seasoned master, this is a great way to get up close to the wildlife as you gently paddle along.
9. Mill Tye Gallery
The Mill Tye Gallery near Sudbury is home to the works of local printmakers as well as contemporary artists, sculptors, potters and weavers. There is a calendar of exhibitions throughout the year to view with some artworks available to purchase. You can also browse around the shop where you will limited edition prints, paintings, handmade pots and ceramics, bags and sculptures.
