15 things to do in Suffolk when you are staying at Seckford Hall

Africa Alive Zoological reserve is home to 40 different animals of all species from Lions and Cheetahs to Reptiles and an abundance of birds. Be taken to the depths of Africa on an astounding journey seeing these majestic creatures in the flesh. Enjoy a full, fun packed family day listening in to live animal talks, hands on reptile discovery, lemur encounters, food, drink and so much more.

Just shy of 50 minutes in a car ride from Seckford Hall, we promise you it’s worth the trip.

https://www.zsea.org/reserve

Once the homes and fort of previous powerful earls and dukes of Norfolk, Framlingham castle now stands gloriously among parkland and a picturesque lake. This 12th-century castle is rich in the history of Suffolk and a visual spectacle. Hold onto your courage and conquer the great wall walk which stands at 10.5 meters high, admiring the stunning views around the castle, uncover stories of a proclaimed Queen Mary, Tudor barons and Georgian poorhouse children.

A great fun family day out from just £30.10 and only a short drive from Seckford.

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/framlingham-castle/

If all things historical vehicles is your thing then a visit to the East Anglican transport museum is a must. A heritage transport museum showcasing vintage buses, cars, vans, trolleybuses, trams and narrow gauge railway. Visit the ‘Tar, Sweat and Steam’ building and delve into the history of road building on guided tours.

Enjoy unlimited rides on the buses and railway services from the museum and spend the day taking in all things vintage vehicles. A Suffolk county treasure, Perfect for all ages.

https://www.eatransportmuseum.co.uk/

For 1,000 years St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds has stood tall and steeped in history, displaying truly beautiful architecture, this one is really worth the visit.

Starting in Bury St Edmunds, in the year 869, with the death of King Edmund of the East Angles, at the hands of the Danes, this led to the build of an abbey where he was laid to rest. St James’s Church was built within the grounds of the Abbey, becoming a Cathedral in 1914. The Cathedral building has continued to grow over the years with the addition of the Millennium Tower and its opulent painted and gilded vault. In recent times the Cathedral has changed its adherence to become the Cathedral Church of St James and St Edmunds. Enjoy a short walk over to the Abbey gardens and see the ruins and stunning patterned flower gardens.

https://stedscathedral.org/

A day out in the park, kids running around playing, adults relaxing with a coffee or hot chocolate, in almost all seasons, spring, summer, winter, Christchurch Park in Ipswich is a great place to visit.

With a large playground, tennis courts, table tennis and refreshment kiosks, right in the heart of Ipswich town, you will not be short of things to do here, it’s perfect for the whole family. The park extends over 33 hectares of blissful gardens, also a perfect spot for a romantic walk. A completely free day out, minus the drink.

https://www.ipswich.gov.uk/services/christchurch-park

The fun really never ends here. Pleasurewood Hills is a family theme park with host to the regions most extreme roller coaster – Wipeout, the ultimate thrill! The park has been a popular tourist destination for generations, and is home to the park’s much loved mascot, the beloved cuddly, Woody Bear.

Whether your seeking a thrill or a more relaxing day, with over 35 rides and attractions, Pleasurewood Hills offers something for all the family. Enjoy the spectacular parrot and sea lion shows, or just take in the surroundings on the theme parks trains or catch a birds eye view on the chair lifts.

Day passes from £18.50 and little ones under 90cm tall can go for free. Located in Lowestoft, a 1 hour car trip from Seckford Hall this really makes for a wonderful day at a family theme park.

https://www.pleasurewoodhills.com/

One of the worlds greatest archaeological discoveries of all time, a 255 acre Anglo-Saxon royal burial site which is part of the National Trust.

There’s lots to discover and see here, from walks in the surrounding woodland nature to exploring the burial grounds from the 17-metre high viewing tower. Learn all about Sutton Hoo, see the gold head armor and who the Anglo-Saxons were at the high hall exhibition. There is also cafe’s which serve a wide range of food and beverages, also a shop if you’re looking for a reminder of your visit, or even a little gift.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/sutton-hoo

Easton farm park is the peak of a family fun day out. Meet all the farm animal friends up close, let your little ones run wild around outdoor and indoor adventure play areas, also take a ride on the ‘Barrel Bug and family train’. Easton farm parks cafe serves food and homemade baked treats.

From only £10 per person and under 2’s going free, this is a great day out for a range of all ages, especially younger children.

https://www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk/

This museum is a former USAF hardened command post on Bentwaters airfield, believed to be the only place open to the public to view in the whole of the UK and Europe. Bentwaters cold war museum gives visitors the opportunity to see inside the main war operations room and battle cabins, which have been all been restored to original condition, along with many others. Exhibition rooms, cover the story of RAF Bentwaters from W.W.II until the base closed in 1993.

This is fantastic day out for all ages, giving you the unique chance to see what life was like on a US airbase in the UK.

https://www.bcwm.org.uk/

Escape rooms are a firm favorite for the methodical thinker, or just amazing fun for everyone else. Escape Ipswich has a choice of 6 daring escape rooms all themed to something to suit you, from the Da Vinci Room to the Casino Heist. This Suffolk escape room experience is really not one to miss, solve puzzles, find hidden clues and get out in record time.

This excursion is more for the older crowd with age 10 being the youngest allowed. Located just outside Ipswich, 20 minutes from Seckford.

https://www.escape-ipswich.co.uk/

A tranquil and family friendly beach located adjacent to the town of Dovercourt, with sandy shores streching for miles, you can enjoy a fun filled day with a huge range of activities.

Facilities on the beach promenade include a boating lake, crazy golf, skate park and it’s also within a short drives distance or a, slightly longer, sea wall walk to Hemford Water National Nature Reserve which is known for it’s resident seals. A perfect summer holiday spot to explore in the school holidays.

https://www.thebeachguide.co.uk/south-east-england/essex/dovercourt-bay.htm

Sometimes just a simple trip to watch a movie with some popcorn and snacks is all it takes to enjoy yourself. Riverside holds showings for new cinema releases as well as an array of classic blockbuster movies with special show times, be sure to check the website before you visit to see what you can watch.

Riverside is a cinema, theatre and has a great restaurant, making this a great family day out, or a more intimate date night.

https://www.theriverside.co.uk/

Go Ape is a forest adventure sure to fill your adrenaline cup. High rope assault courses, tree top climbing and forest Segways are just a glimpse of what you can expect from the six thrilling attractions make up Suffolk’s biggest outdoor course.

Take a picnic or grab a bite to eat in the cafe, hire a bike and trail the forest cycle paths. The whole family will have the best day!

https://goape.co.uk/locations/thetford

Clip ‘n’ Climb Ipswich is an indoor rock climbing extravaganza for all ages and experience levels. Even more than just a climbing attraction, here you can get a bite to eat and let the kids adventure into the soft play area.

Always with great discounts and offers if you visit there website prior to booking.

https://ipswich.clipnclimb.co.uk/

Congo Rapids Lost World Adventure Golf is situated in a incredible jungle and dinosaur themed land. 18 holes for the whole family to enjoy and it’s only a 9 minutes drive from Seckford Hall.

With adults only £8.50 and under 16’s only £6.71 this is a great money saving day out – No need to pre-book, just turn up and play!

https://www.congorapids.co.uk/woodbridge/