Family holidays are best when they include the whole family, which is why we’ve come up with these great ways to please Gran, Granddad, the little ones, and yourself!
HISTORY TRIPS
Suffolk is full of historical attractions that are fun for little ones and adults. At Sutton Hoo, the kids can come face-to-face with an Anglo-Saxon king, while Gran and Granddad explore the nearby 1930s house of Edith Pretty, enjoying refreshments in the King’s River Café.
At West Stow Anglo-Saxon village, the whole family can learn ancient skills like leatherwork, weaving and even warrior training. Woodbridge Tide Mill on the River Deben offers older generations the chance to see the mill’s rare machinery in action, while little ones can get hands-on dressing up as the miller and his family, and playing with the interactive exhibits.
A must-visit for families of all ages is the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum in Flixton, where you can spend an afternoon admiring the incredible collection of vintage and historical aircraft. Best of all, it’s absolutely free.
The whole family can discover Suffolk’s fascinating Anglo-Saxon history at Sutton Hoo (c) Terry Robinson
NATURE TIME
RSPB Minsmere, the home of BBC Springwatch in 2016, is an ideal place for nature-loving families. A great way to get around if grandparents are less mobile is going on a 4×4 jeep safari of the reserve, looking out for marsh harriers dancing in the sky above, and red deer treading through the undergrowth.
Families can also experience Suffolk’s natural landscape at a relaxed pace aboard SB Victor, a majestic 120-year-old sailing barge that cruises daily up and down the River Orwell.
See Suffolk’s red deer population on a jeep safari with RSPB Minsmere
HOUSES & GARDENS
Suffolk has many stately homes whose rooms and gardens offer hours of exploration fun. Among the best are Melford Hall in Long Melford, where Beatrix Potter spent many summers; Helmingham Hall with its exquisite gardens; and Kentwell Hall, full of weird and wonderful surprises, especially fun to visit on one of its Tudor re-enactment days.
Kentwell Hall Suffolk is a moated Tudor mansion that’s full of surprises
SOUTHWOLD
Southwold has a lovely sandy beach, colourful beach huts for rent, ice cream, a traditional pier, and all the things you would expect from a quintessential seaside town. Families love it because it has something for every generation: while kids play the Pier’s unique arcade games built by artist and inventor Tim Hunkin, parents can take a cheeky tour of the Adnams Brewery, and even try making their own gin! The real winners though are Gran and Granddad, who’ll love Southwold’s relaxed pace of life and excellent cultural events – two things that have made it one of the 50 best places to retire in the UK.
Have fun looking at yourself in the quirky mirrors along Southwold Pier
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION
There’s so much great family-friendly accommodation in Suffolk it’s impossible to mention it all, so make sure you visit our Where to Stay page to find the perfect place for your family. For now, here’s a little inspiration:
Family holidays spent camping are great memory makers. Cakes and Ale Holiday Park in Theberton and Kessingland Beach Holiday Park both offer excellent camping in a very pretty setting.
If you prefer a place to truly call home for your holiday, self-catering is the way to go. Suffolk Secrets has an array of lovely self-catering cottages and houses in Southwold, and further along the coast in Aldeburgh and Woodbridge.
If you’re looking for that home-from-home experience but with a little special treatment, check out Dingle Marsh Barns in the picturesque village of Dunwich. In Bury St Edmunds you’ll find The Angel Hotel, which makes a great base for exploring historic Bury St Edmunds, Lavenham, Long Melford, and the other Suffolk Wool Towns.
Finally, when it comes to great family-friendly hotels, you can’t do better than The Ickworth. This stunning hotel in Horringer has private family apartments, a games room and cinema, a crèche, babysitting services, a gym and swimming pool, bike rental, spa treatments for adults and teenagers, kids activities, and 1,800 acres of National Trust parkland just ready to be explored. Alternatively Milsoms Kesgrave Hall, a stunning country hotel with 23 bedrooms, ideal for a large family holiday.
Milsoms Kesgrave Hall is centrally located to explore all of Suffolk
