Now’s the best time to plan your 2025 holiday to make sure you get the accommodation of your dreams and to give yourself something to look forward to! And Suffolk is such a diverse county, there’s always a reason to visit throughout the year…
Where to stay in Suffolk
January
Bit of a birdwatcher are you? Then this is the time to be in Suffolk, where you can enjoy migrating birdlife along the coast, not least at RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Carlton Marshes and elsewhere in the Coast and Heaths National Landscape.
February
In the Valentine month, what better time to plan a romantic getaway and we’ve got just the place for you: National Trust Ickworth House. Many of the books in the library contain inscriptions of Sir Thomas and Isabella Hervey’s devotion to each other. After she passed away, he continued to write many poems in her honour. Two hundred years later Frederick Hervey and Theodora Wythes defied their family’s wishes to be together. The story goes that they fell in love whilst sharing a plate of macaroons.
Enjoy a romantic walk in the parklands before visiting the Rotunda which showcases an internationally renowned art and silver collection. Oh, and why not stay in their hotel!
While you’re here head out on a super snowdrop walk at Kentwell Hall in Long Melford.
March
Of course, this month is the official start of spring, a season of spectacular blossoms in Suffolk. Why not visit the spectacular Grade 1 Listed Gardens at Helmingham Hall, owned by the Tollemarche family for more than 500 years.
There are two rose gardens at Helmingham; both formal but very distinct in character but with an intention to create something that was close to the kind of garden that the family might have had in Tudor times.
Elsewhere, nothing puts a smile on the face like the sight of delightful daffodils and Suffolk is carpeted with them. Try Ickworth, Melford Hall, Sutton Hoo, Kentwell Hall and Nowton Park.
April
It’s Easter and the days are longer and there’s family time to be had in Suffolk. Look out for special events at places such as Thorington Outdoor Theatre, Melford Hall, Kentwell Hall and Framlingham Castle.
The National Trust will get in on the fun too – look out for events at Flatford, Sutton Hoo, Dunwich Heath, Orford Ness and Ickworth House.
And how you could you want to see the spring babies at Jimmy’s Wildlife Park and Farm and also at Easton Farm Park.
May
There’s a long weekend to enjoy so it’s time to book a break in Suffolk. This is a great time to explore the quirky mock medieval village of Thorpeness – take a rowing boat out on the mere and gaze at the House in the Clouds. Or how about heading to Orford where you can learn about the tale of the captured merman being held in the castle and check out the fabulous eateries. Pump Street is our fave.
June
It’s World Environment Day this month so how about getting outside at Suffolk’s two National Landscapes? You can visit the Suffolk Coast and Heaths that goes from the Waveney Valley all the way down to the Shotley Peninsula with spectacular rivers and estuaries – the Blyth, Deben, Alde and Orwell. Don’t worry, there are ferries to take you across. Or head to Dedham Vale, otherwise known as ‘Constable Country’ for the stunning landscapes that inspired one of Britain’s favourite painters.
If you’re looking for events, then you have the Aldeburgh Festival of Music and the Arts at Snape Maltings and also First Light at Lowestoft.
July
Book tickets for Latitude in July, with headliner Sting just announced. It’s not your run-of-the-mill festival. Set in Henham Park near Southwold, this one has comedians, literature, music, dance, theatre, poetry, wellness… and painted sheep. There’s also Primadonna at the Food Museum, Stowmarket and the July Festival at Newmarket. While there visit the National Horse Racing Museum.
August
Now’s the time to head to the seaside and – brace yourselves – take a dip in the briny. There are fabulous sandy beaches to launch yourself from at Southwold, Walberswick and Felixstowe. And why not have an ice cream. Go on, you’re on holiday.
This is also a great time to visit vineyards in Suffolk, such as Wyken, Giffords Hall, Burnt House, Valley Farm, Shawsgate or Shotley. Cheers!
September
The weather’s still summery, so it’s a great time for hiking and cycling across Suffolk. Why not try Thetford Forest where there are waymarked routes across the UK’s largest lowland pine forest.
Across the county, enjoy a celebration of Suffolk’s thriving food and drink scene at the Aldeburgh Food Festival at Snape Maltings, next to the River Alde.
October
Head to Bury St Edmunds for spooky ghost tours and Halloween fun, and to really frighten yourselves, try Scaresville at Kentwell Hall.
Or explore the Brecks to see rutting deer and wild horses and explore unique heathland.
November
Travel to Bury St Edmunds in late November for St Edmunds Day, the annual celebration of the eponymous King of East Anglia who was martyred by the Vikings for refusing to renounce his Christian faith. Bury is Suffolk’s foodie town so take time to explore the restaurants and stay for a farmers’ market. And it’s also one of the most dog-friendly towns in the UK, so Rover can come too.
December
It’s the Christmas season, and the whole county decorates its streets with festive lights.
There are carols at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Light Nights at Ickworth, Santa Specials on the Mid Suffolk Light Railway, hampers and Father Christmas at Elveden Courtyard and fabulous festive shopping at Snape Maltings.
And it’s panto time – oh yes it is! Make a short break of it when you see the show at the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, at the New Wolsey and Regent in Ipswich, or Marina Theatre in Lowestoft.
