Cycling in Suffolk

East Anglia is known as ‘England’s Cycling Country’ – and for very good reasons. The terrain tends to be gently undulating, rather than dramatically steep – perfect for pedal power. A network of quiet lanes and heathland tracks allows you to cycle in peace and admire the scenery. The lanes and byways in the Stour valley are ideal for cyclists, and the Painters' Trail cycle route traverses the countryside made famous by artists such as Constable.

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Crabbing at the Quayside, Walberswick

Host to the British Crabbing Championships for nearly three decades until its popularity secured its demise, Walberswick is the place to take eager kids, big and small, with string and bacon to go catch some native crustaceans in the River Blyth. Sadly, they are not edibly-sized for the pot, so it’s just for fun. Take care!

Southwold Pier

Far from candy floss and amusements, Southwold has one of England’s best piers, full of great shopping, foodie and family enjoyment, including several café-restaurants - prepare to be sprayed as the famous water clock cascades every half hour.

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Classic Car Hire, Stowmarket

Based near Stowmarket, this is the place to seek an exhilarating alternative means of discovering the extensive countryside of East Anglia. The fleet of vehicles covers British, European and Far Eastern classic cars - a classy, ideal way to explore Suffolk on a perfect summer's day.

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Long Melford & Lavenham - Antiques & Galleries

If you love browsing, then embark on a fascinating antiques and crafts tour of Suffolk. The village of Long Melford has at least 16 antique shops, along with many independent galleries and tearooms, while Lavenham has more of the same.

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Racing at Newmarket

Dubbed the headquarters of the 'sport of kings' in Britain, Newmarket is an internationally renowned thoroughbred horse racing venue. The racecourse hosts two of the country's five 'classics' - the 1,000 Guineas and the 2,000 Guineas.

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Hot-Air Ballooning, Bury St Edmunds

Wizard Balloons fly in small, intimate groups from the launch site at Nowton Park near Bury St Edmunds - drift silently across the stunning Suffolk landscape and dawn or dusk. The main flying season is March to October.

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Boating on the River Stour

Enjoy a trip through picturesque water meadows on Rosette, an elegant Edwardian launch. It starts at Sudbury – you could do worse than begin your journey with coffee and home-made cakes at The Granary by the quayside. The boat stops in a couple of pretty villages, and in Henny, The Henny Swan pub is great for food and is right by the river. River trips are also available from Dedham to Flatford.

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Dining Boat Trip from Orford Quay

Enjoy a glorious lunch or dinner cruise on the Lady Florence, a wartime Admiralty supply ship, as she sails upriver from Orford Quay towards Aldeburgh, Iken and Snape. The River Cruise Restaurant is designed to provide a rare and highly enjoyable fine dining experience and detailed commentary on board explains how nature and the elements have shaped and influenced this wonderfully eerie stretch of Suffolk coast.

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Sea & River Trips from Southwold

Cruise serenely up the River Blyth to view wildlife or hop on board Sea Blast for a 30-minute high-speed trip out to sea off Southwold.

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Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park, Wherstead

While Jamie Oliver's mate Jimmy Doherty is a familiar face on TV, his farm and wildlife park, just off the A14 near Ipswich is a delight. There is simply plenty for families to do - nature trails, feeding rare breed pigs, sheep and cattle, wildlife park with over 80 species of traditional, rare and exotic breeds, butterfly house, field kitchens and food festivals. In addition, there is a restaurant, farm shop selling their meat and numerous retail outlets.

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Museum of East Anglian Life, Stowmarket

With 17 historic buildings set in 75 acres of beautiful countryside, the Museum of East Anglian Life is the largest independent museum in Suffolk. We care for over 40,000 objects – once the everyday items of East Anglian life and the collection has a particular focus on the production of food and social history relating to it, reflective of the region’s strong agricultural character. Reconstructed buildings include a water mill, a smithy and a water pump.

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Iken Canoe, Aldeburgh

Iken Canoe hires out a range of paddle craft on the stunning upper reaches of the River Alde, between Snape and Aldeburgh, close to the Suffolk coast. Choose from kayaks, Canadian canoes, paddleboards, Rosie the motorboat, a Katakanu (catamaran canoe), or charter the Cornish Shrimper sailing boat, and explore the river, viewing the seals and fascinating birdlife and stopping off at St Botolph's Church at Iken.

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