Recreation and family activity
There are lots of reason to get outside and try something new in the heart of Suffolk. Head off the beaten track and immerse yourself in the landscape, enjoy the sounds and smells, and unwind.
Nestling in the lush beauty of the countryside, Baylham House Farm is the perfect destination a day out. They are a working livestock farm that specialises in native breeds that were once common but are now very rare.
Popular with children and adults they provide a wide range of activities. You can watch the animals, visit the playground and explore the woods, or just relax on the banks of the Mere, do what suits you. Find our more here >> Visitor Information.
Explore the Farm Trail with things to do around every corner! There’s animals to feed, tractors to pedal, tyres to swing on and slides to whizz down. Hollow Trees Farm is a great day out, and there is a lovely café on-site for when you have built up an appetite and a farm shop packed with local produce to enjoy at home.
Home to many awesome animals, from farmyard favourites to the more exotic such as zebra or crocodiles. Visit The Lost Lands of the Tundra – home to rescued polar bears, arctic foxes and the UK’s largest pack of arctic wolves. Take some time out to relax in their beautiful restaurant and coffee shop, and explore the shop to make the most of the local produce available to take home.
Be amazed by the great work of the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary and their incredible team of staff and volunteers. Not only do they save sick and injured birds, they also give visitors the chance to watch and enjoy the company of owls and other birds of prey. There are over 80 birds at the centre, flying free in displays and demonstrations, as well as meerkats, ferrets, armadillos, porcupines, and red squirrels.
Learn extraordinary facts about owls and other birds of prey and the importance of British wildlife conservation at the information centre, and explore the lovely woodland walk, wheelchair friendly picnic area, mini-maze, adventure frame and disability playground. There is plenty to enjoy at the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary on Stonham Barns Park.
An indoor Karting circuit for adults, children and groups offering all the noise and adrenaline of a fast-paced racing experience whatever the weather. Once you have awakened your competitive spirit and whetted your appetite on the race track, you can also try their Lazer Maze to test your skills a bit further.
Take the hard work out of a cycling trip by letting Cycle Breaks provide the bikes and the routes, and if you really want to sit back, hire their electric bikes and watch the beautiful landscape roll by at your leisure. Explore their fantastic choice of routes and places to explore and take advantage of their local knowledge and expertise to enable you to just enjoy the break.
Hire the Eezybikes at Needham Lakes and explore that little bit further, perhaps with a picnic purchased in Needham Market for a proper, leisurely day out.
Experience a chartered yacht and family sailing adventure on the River Orwell and Suffolk coast enjoying all the thrills with the support of friendly and confident guides, a memorable experience.
There is more than just skiing at the Suffolk Ski Centre, based just outside Ipswich. As well as skiing, enjoy tobogganing, ringos, high ropes and golf, with friends and family for a great day out.
Enjoy a boat trip on range of boats on the lovely River Stour near Sudbury and Dedham Vale in small groups of up to 12 people and make them most of the beautiful landscape as you glide along the water. Or for a special treat, book one of their events, a teddy bear boat trip, a bat cruise, or the coracle regatta, have a look at their event page to see what’s on.
Visit unspoilt villages with great pubs and good food. Make the most of the many walking routes available to help you to enjoy a stroll across fields and along riverbanks unchanged since they were captured in oils over 200 years ago.