As the home to five grand castles and numerous preserved sites open to the public, either year-round or seasonally, this joyous county offers ample opportunity to immerse yourself in its stories of the past.
We’ve highlighted a selection of our favourite places of interest in Suffolk that are worth visiting during your stay. However, as many of these attractions operate on a seasonal schedule, we suggest confirming their hours of operation before you travel to ensure they will be open during your holiday.
Looking to discover further places of interest during your holiday to the Suffolk Coast? Take a look at our holiday blog for all the latest articles on the Suffolk Coast.
Southwold Pier, a beloved 623-foot-long landmark, invites visitors to experience Suffolk’s quintessential British seaside charm year-round. Rebuilt in the 1990s, this iconic attraction caters to all ages with its delicious dining options, excellent shopping, and breathtaking views of the North Sea. From savouring local cuisine to indulging in classic seaside entertainment, Southwold Pier offers a delightful day out for the whole family.
The iconic Southwold Lighthouse, built in 1887 by Trinity House to guide ships into the harbour, is the town’s most recognisable landmark. Now operated by Adnams Brewery, visitors can tour the lighthouse, climbing the 113 steps to the top and taking in panoramic views of Southwold.
Southwold’s first lifeboat, the ‘Alfred Corry’, served the town from 1893 to 1918 before being sold and repurposed. Run by volunteers, the museum can be found next to Southwold’s Harbour car park and displays a collection of local historical items, including extensive photographs chronicling the ‘Alfred Corry’ lifeboat, its crew, and the lives it saved. The museum also features a large section on Southwold’s fishing and maritime history over the centuries.
The Southwold Sailors’ Reading Room was built in 1864 as a refuge for local fishermen and mariners. It aimed to provide them a place to gather when not at sea. Today the reading room’s walls and glass cabinets showcase a fascinating maritime history of Southwold. Its displays feature pictures and portraits of local fishermen, seascapes, model ships, and other nautical paraphernalia.
Image courtesy of The Sailors Reading Room
Perched atop the rolling hills of Framlingham, a charming market town in the heart of Suffolk, stands the magnificent Framlingham Castle – an English Heritage site that inspired Ed Sheeran’s hit song “Castle on the Hill.” This 12th century fortress is renowned as the place where Mary Tudor was proclaimed Queen of England. Visitors can walk the castle’s circumference along the impressive wall walk, taking in the breathtaking countryside views.
Orford Castle, constructed between 1165 and 1173 under the direction of Henry II, is one of the most well-preserved castles in England. Now managed by English Heritage, the castle invites visitors to explore its impressive interior, from the basement level through the lower and upper halls, with magnificent sea views from the roof overlooking Orford Ness.
Set across 255 acres, this impressive estate is home to one of the most significant Anglo-Saxon archaeological discoveries ever made. Visitors can climb the 17-meter viewing tower, explore what daily life was like for the Anglo-Saxons, and view replicas of the artifacts and possessions uncovered at the Sutton Hoo burial site centuries ago. With family-friendly amenities like a play park, cafe, and nature trails, Sutton Hoo offers a wonderful all-day experience for visitors of all ages.
Suffolk boasts an abundance of natural wonders, from picturesque landscapes to diverse birdlife. At the RSPB Minsmere Reserve, visitors can immerse themselves in this stunning environment, and if you’re lucky, in sightings of these local birds. The reserve is home to rare bird species as well as otters, offering a chance to observe wildlife up close. Visitors can also learn valuable skills for protecting different habitats in their everyday lives. Whether you’re visiting for the day or attending one of the many special events for families, ramblers, and birdwatchers, the RSPB Minsmere Reserve provides an unparalleled opportunity to celebrate and connect with the natural world.
Nestled in the Waveney Valley along the Suffolk-Norfolk border, Carlton Marshes is a nature reserve within the Broads National Park. This wildlife haven boasts diverse habitats and species. Visitors can explore the marshes along all-weather paths, refuel at the on-site cafe, and let children play in the central playpark.
The ancient woodland bordering the village of Reydon near Southwold bursts with birdlife and a spectacular display of bluebells each spring. This serene setting offers the perfect backdrop for peaceful walks with a canine companion or intimate explorations of the natural world.
Nestled along the banks of the River Alde, Snape Maltings is a picturesque heritage destination just six miles from the seaside town of Aldeburgh. Snape Maltings offers a variety of independent shops, art galleries, a restaurant, a dog-friendly café, and several performance venues, including the renowned concert hall established by composer Benjamin Britten. Snape Maltings offers a diverse range of family-friendly experiences to enjoy amidst the area’s outstanding natural beauty.
The Red House, a Grade II listed farmhouse owned by composers Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears, provides a unique glimpse into their lives. Visitors can take a guided tour, admire the impressive art collection, explore the library’s books and music, or listen to an audio guide. On-site there is also a small café as well as a shop offering Britten and Pears-inspired products.
Thorpeness is a picturesque, man-made village created by Stuart Ogilvie as a holiday retreat for his family and friends. At the heart of the village lies The Meare, an artificially constructed boating lake inspired by J.M. Barrie’s classic Peter Pan. Today, The Meare remains a popular destination where visitors can rent rowboats and explore the lake’s charming, miniature islands at various times of the year.
Aldeburgh Cinema is one of the oldest cinemas in the country. This well-maintained, single-screen venue hosts the Aldeburgh Documentary Festival and offers a range of big-screen entertainment throughout the year. There are bound to be events that line up with your holiday: check out their line-up to find out.
The Aldeburgh Museum is housed in the Moot Hall, one of the best-preserved Tudor public buildings in Britain. The Aldeburgh Museum showcases the rich history of this vibrant seaside community. Visitors can explore the town’s evolution from the Roman settlement at Barber’s Point to the present day. The museum displays a diverse collection of local artefacts and photographs, providing a glimpse into Aldeburgh’s colourful past.
The Woodbridge Tide Mill stands as a captivating piece of Suffolk’s history, one of only two tide mills still producing wholemeal flour in the country. The earliest record of a tide mill by the River Deben dates back to 1170, chronicling a rich historical narrative of its ownership over the centuries. When visiting the Tide Mill, guests can take a guided tour, observe the turning wheels and stones, and witness the milling process in action.
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