Local Attractions

Slightly further afield you can visit Pleasurewood Hills theme-park - under an hours drive away with rides suitable for all ages, including the infamous Wipeout. There are also regular sea-lion and parrot shows as well as go-karts. Admission: Adults £20, Children £17 (children under 1m free) Opening times: 10:00am-5:00pm on selected days - check their website for details

The only park in the UK where you can touch and see close-up the camels and their animal relations. Experienced handlers hold Meet-A-Camel and Cuddle-A-Pet sessions regularly. Open from March to October 10:30 - 5:00  Admission prices: Adult £8.50, Children £7.50 (under 3s free)

RSPB Minsmere is more than just a Nature Reserve, it's a great day out for everyone, young and old. Families will love the Wild Zone, complete with den building, child-sized sand martin tunnels and a willow-woven nest. Children can play whilst parents relax on comfortable sculpted sky-watching seats. Families can borrow an Explorer Backpack for self-guided wildlife discovery from the Visitor’s centre. These packs contain binoculars, a bugbox and a wildlife checklist. Admission: Adults £8, Children £4 (under 5s free). The Visitor’s centre is open daily 9am-5pm (4pm in the Winter months).

It was behind these walls that Mary Tudor was proclaimed Queen of England. Enjoy a historic afternoon exploring the museum and enjoying the breath-taking views from the castles ramparts. Admission: Adults £7.60, Children £4.50 (under 5s free) Open daily from 10:00am-6:00pm in the Summer.

Just outside Lowestoft, Africa Alive is a walking safari set in 100 acres. From lions to lemurs, it has it all with the opportunity for some hands-on experiences including stroking a snake and meeting some bird of prey. Open daily from 9:30-6:00 and admission is: Adults £19.95, Children £9.95 (under 3s free)

The magic of this farm can be found by meeting the animals. They are the life and soul of the farm, and are real characters. From Suffolk Punch horses to guinea pigs, visitors are given a bag of feed on arrival to help them to get to know its inhabitants. They regularly hold horse and cart rides, hug-a-bunny sessions and meet-the-animals sessions. Kids love it! The park is open daily from 10:30-5:30 and admission is: Adults £9, Children £8

If there was ever a village that deserved to be called ‘fantastic’ it is Thorpeness, built at the start of last century by a wealthy Scottish barrister with a penchant for mock Tudor and Jacobean architecture. This village, which is the next one along the coast from Aldeburgh, is full of quirky buildings, including the ‘House in the Clouds.’ It has a golf course, beach and the gorgeous Meare boating lake where small rowing boats can be hired to explore the islands and coves given names from Peter Pan - an absolute must for a family day out.

This arts complex is the cultural hub of the Suffolk coast with a concert hall, shops selling locally made crafts and produce, a gallery, a boutique, an antique shop and a number of places to eat and relax. It is located just outside Aldeburgh and is open from 10:00-5:30 daily. Check their website for current events.

Southwold is a charming north Suffolk seaside town which boasts many local attractions. These include: a working lighthouse, beach huts, an award-winning pier, The Adnams Brewery, a cliff top cannon and of course the sandy beach.   The Pier consists of two arcades (a modern one and an antique one), a shop and some restaurants. It is open daily from 8:30am - 8.00pm. Adnams Brewery offers a range of different tours (over 18s only) that can be viewed on their website. To book a tour call 01502 727 225.

This lovely little sand dune backed beach is just across the River Blythe from Southwold, which is within easy walking distance. Walberswick is however best known as the home of "The British Open Crabbing Championship". This takes place in the waterways behind the beach and the person catching the largest crab within 90 minutes is the winner!

Southwold is perhaps one of Suffolk's best known beaches with its 800 foot (250m) long pier. The beach has a blue flag award which demonstrates that it is clean and provides an excellent array of amenities.  There is a promenade which runs along the front of the town.