Our Top Five Family Walks in Suffolk

With the Suffolk Walking Festival just around the corner, we thought we’d share our top 5 Family Walks from across Suffolk, as voted by the team here at Suffolk Secrets.  Of course, there are lots of wonderful places to explore Suffolk on foot, but these are walks that members of the team have done and enjoyed recently.

1 - In Awe of Orford

A leaflet created by Suffolk Coast and Heaths outlines two stunning circular walks around Orford that are not to be missed during a cottage holiday in Suffolk.  A 2½ or 5½ mile route are outlined so you can choose your distance based on the capability of the ‘little legs’ in the family.  Starting at the public car park in the village, which rather conveniently is next to The Jolly Sailor pub, follow the self-guided route to see the spectacular Orford Castle, built in 1165, Orford Ness, the longest shingle spit in Europe and Orford Lighthouse.

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2 - Dunwich Heath

This stunning heathland is part of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for good reason.  There is a choice of circular walks starting at the National Trust Coastguards Cottages and it’s difficult to choose a favourite.  All of the walks encompass the diversity of landscape and wildlife that the Heath has to offer and there are activities to keep the children entertained along the way.

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3 - A River Stroll at Dedham

Down at the south of the county, but worth a drive is this charming walk in ‘Constable Country’. Starting at the Dedham Parish Church, dedicated to St Mary the Virgin in 1492, head along the B1029 Dedham Road, and as you pass the signs for Essex cross the bridge and take the riverside footpath across picturesque cow filled fields until you reach the enchanting National Trust Flatford Mill.You will be greeted by the sight of Willy Lott's Cottage, a 16th-century cottage made famous for featuring in John Constable's painting, The Hay Wain.  Continue a little further along to a delightful café where a traditional cream tea is the perfect treat before heading back along the river. 

4 - Southwold Snapshot

This wonderful walk encapsulates all the charming aspects of Southwold. Starting at our office at the Old Water Tower on Southwold Common, take the road down towards the Harbour Inn, then stroll along Black Shore to the Alfred Corrie RNLI Museum.  The ice cream kiosk make a good pitstop before heading along the beach, past the colourful beach huts to the Pier.  From there you can stroll back up through the town and take some time to browse the wonderful mixture of independent shops and galleries and perhaps pick up a postcard before returning to the Old Water Tower.

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5 - Supernatural Rendlesham

Weird and wonderful Rendlesham is the site of perhaps the most significant UFO incident in the UK.  In December 1980 there were various sightings of a mysterious UFO.  There UFO walking trail is 3-miles long and meanders through the woodland.  A perfect picnic place, the Forest also has a magnificent play area for the children.

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