Castles, cocktail bars and UFOs
Seen Netflix’s The Dig? Get down to Sutton Hoo and see it for real. Catch historic castles at Framlingham and Orford. And head into Ipswich for cocktail bars and waterfront taverns. Kids will love the UFO Trail at Rendlesham Forest Centre, the 35 rides and shows at Pleasurewood Hills, and the Meerkat Mob at Africa Alive.
Kids in the country
Kick things off at Rendlesham Forest Centre with its woodland walks, ice cream, UFO trail and play area. Then it’s off to feed the animals at Easton Farm Park: hug the bunnies, ride the train, explore the woodlands. Or try outdoor table tennis, the slam-dunk area and the outdoor gym equipment at Kingston Field.
There’s plenty going on at Pleasurewood Hills, including over 35 rides, shows and attractions. The Kiddie Zone’s great for little ones around one metre tall and family-friendly rides are a great introduction to the theme park world. For a more extreme experience, try Wipeout, the region’s most extreme roller coaster.
For a taste of F1 action, head to Anglia Indoor Karting with rides available from age five upwards. Get lost at Southwold Maize Maze, Can you find the hidden sea creatures? Collect all eight stamps to get your free lollipop. Or Go Ape at Thetford, releasing your inner Tarzan and riding the all-terrain electric Segways.
At Africa Alive, meet the Meerkat Mob walk-through habitat and cross the Plains of Africa to spot five species of African savannah animals, including giraffe, rhinos and lions. Swim in the sun at Beccles Lido, bounce yourself bonkers on Jump In Adventure Park’s interconnected trampolines, or catch a 3D film at Imax Ipswich.
For the grown ups
Entertainment starts right on the doorstep at the Woodbridge Tide Mill Museum, a lovingly restored, huge water-powered mill. Or head out to Sutton Hoo, site of the Netflix film The Dig, in which Ranulph Fiennes played a self-taught archaeologist who unearthed a huge Viking ship.
Fans of wild and remote places will love Orford Ness, presenting a mix of rare and fragile wildlife in a place where nuclear weapons were once tested. Keep the military theme going at Bentwater’s Cold War Museum, with its war operations room, battle cabin and BT telephone exchange room.
Immerse yourself in a world of control towers, costumes and jeeps at Debach Airfield, documenting the time that the American air force was based locally. See historic castles at Framlingham and Orford. Or visit Gainsborough’s House to see an outstanding collection of the 18th-century artist’s work.
As darkness descends, head into Ipswich for a range of wonky-walled taverns and selection of lounges, cocktail bars, contemporary pubs and clubs. For a special experience, wander down to the waterfront for a choice of bars with stunning views over yacht-filled marinas, plus Briarbank, Ipswich’s very own microbrewery and bar.
