The summer months are now behind us, but fear not, there are plenty of fantastic things to do throughout Suffolk this Autumn and this Guide can help you find some fun for all the family, especially during half term.
From festivals and fairs, outdoor adventures, tours and walks, family fun and more – there’s always something happening in this wonderful county – here the team pick out some of their favourites for you to all to enjoy too!
1. Halloween Half Term at Framlingham Castle
Framlingham Castle, Framlingham IP13 9BP
Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good day out at Framlingham Castle this half term. Travel back to the 17th Century as you visit the Witch Finder’s tent, where you can try on weapons and armour, and take part in thrilling sword-fighting games.
Plus, explore the castle in their Halloween Quest as you solve creepy clues and gruesome tasks.
Website: Click here
2. RSPB Minsmere
Marvel at the magnificent autumn colours as the extremely knowledgeable guides point out some of Minsmere’s spectacular wildlife, from migrant birds to fabulous fungi and bejewelled butterflies. With many events to attend this season, there is always lots to see and learn. Discover some of the spooky wildlife that lives at Minsmere on their fun self-guided family trail this autumn. Follow the trail and unlock the clues to win a small prize.
Website: Click here
3. Woodbridge Pumpkin Patch
Opens 5th October
Sandy Lane, Woodbridge, IP12 4DW
After a successful first year, this new and much loved patch is back again. There will be a pumpkin house, face painting, a mud kitchen, tractor rides and more.
Website: Click here
4. Bury St. Edmunds Literary Festival
11th-13th October
Unitarian Meeting House, Bury St Edmunds
Returning for its 6th annual festival with a host of exciting events, talks and discussions with some of the most exciting authors in literature, this event is not one to miss. With a stellar line up of children’s authors, such as local Catherine Emmet, expect some fun for all ages!
Join them this autumn to celebrate all the wonders of books and creative writing, which will leave you inspired and dreaming of writing your own book on your return home.
Website: Click here
5. Follow the UFO Trail at Rendlesham Forest
In December 1980, Rendlesham Forest, was the subject of two events which have remained unsolved for more than four decades. The alleged UFO sightings in the forest more than 40 years ago are engrained in Suffolk folklore, with all kinds of weird and wonderful conspiracy theories hoping to explain the events of December 26 and December 28, 1980.
Visitors to the forest can now re-live those infamous nights in December 1980 by following the UFO trail. The 5km-long route through the pine forest takes walkers right through the site where a UFO is alleged to have landed.
With plenty of woodland to explore and the possibility of alien sightings, this one will definitely be a hit with all ages!
Website: Click here
6. Scaresville
Varying dates from 16th October – 2nd November
Kentwell Hall, Long Melford CO10 9BA
Be prepared for an evening of adventure. As you cross over into a twilight world, where reality and imagination merge, you will encounter thrills, spills, scares and dares, as you traverse the woods, buildings, and parkland of Scaresville. This is not one for the faint hearted!
Website: Click here
7. Festive Shopping Fairs
As soon as October has arrived, we think its time to mention the festive C-word. An early start to the Christmas season for those who are keen to dive right in with the East Anglian Festive Shopping Fair at Newmarket Racecourse on 22nd and 23rd October. Over 100 exhibitors will be at this amazing venue celebrating Christmas Gifts, Arts & Crafts, Fashion & Beauty, Food & Drink, as well as the unique and uncategorisable! Later into the winter, this is then followed by the Suffolk County Christmas Fair at Hintlesham Hall on 22nd and 23rd November
Website: Click here and Click here
8. Nightmare at the Museum
31st October
Newmarket Racecourse
They are having a NightMARE this Halloween at the Museum! Kizzy, one of their mini-Shetland ponies has been captured. Follow their magical mystery trail around the grounds of the museum (if you dare!) and collect the ingredients to help break the spell to bring Kizzy back.
Join them for some spooky family fun, have a go at some creative activities and try to win the prize for best dressed outfit.
Website: Click here
9. Hunt for amber at the beach
On a crisp autumn day, a visit to the beach will certainly blow the cobwebs away! Did you know that the Suffolk coast is one of the best places in Europe to search for amber?
Your best bet to find some of the fossilised tree sap is by looking on the stretch of coast between Southwold and Felixstowe. In its purest form amber has a pale, brown appearance, so keep your eyes peeled!
10. ScareTacular at Southwold Maize Maze
Southwold, IP18 6SG
It gets really spooky at the Maze! They invite you to complete a mission this half term – find the 10 ScareTacular characters hidden within the ‘Cheeky Monster Maze’. Watch out though as there may be some evil eyes following your every move…The ‘Trick or Treat’ Maze is specially designed for the littler ones but offers a further challenge in its own right – take up the challenge to ‘spot the spots’. Always pumpkin to pick too!
Website: Click here
Image credits: © ScareTacular at Southwold Maize Maze | © NightMARE at the Museum Newmarket Racecourse | © Scaresville at Kentwell Hall | All other images are our own.
