Five Free Things to do With the Family in Suffolk

It’s almost the summer holidays and that daunting six-week stretch is just around the corner. Schools out and so are the kids, which means trips away for families all over the country.

When holidaying with the family, there’s plenty of mouths to feed, brains to tantalise and beds to fill. Here at Suffolk Secrets, we know that pockets are only so deep and taking a trip with the mini yous is never cheap. On top of accommodation, food and drinks to consider, there is also the holiday activities. Not only does going out and enjoying yourself cost, but what an earth to do in the first place may be worrying parents across the UK. With this in mind, Suffolk Secrets would like to make your lives easier. Suffolk is a fantastic holiday destination with beautiful beaches and wonderful walks, therefore we are exploring free things to do whilst here, hoping to inspire and relieve you of the stress of spending a fortune on your summer holiday. Here in the beautiful coastal county of Suffolk, we are spoilt for choice!

  1.Flatford Mill and Constable Country walking trail.

Suffolk’s countryside, coasts and heaths make for fantastic walks. Walkers old and young will be charmed as they stumble across beautiful views, nature and wildlife. On top of the sheer joy of walking through Suffolk, walking is of course FREE. Suffolk has hundreds of wonderful walking trails across the county but for now, we’ve picked out one of our favourites. Flatford Mill lies right in the heart of the Dedham Vale Area of Natural Beauty. Famous for being documented by John Constable, families will feel as if they’re walking through a painting. The Mill peers out through luscious fields where cows happily stroll, and the River Stour trickles by the many walkways. Alongside your walk, why not take a dip in the River. You’ll find tourists, locals and maybe even a cow splashing about in the idyllic waters, especially when the sun has got his hat on.

  2. Sizewell Beach

Being a coastal county, it would be silly not to mention one of our glorious beaches, and we all know that a trip to the beach doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Nothing is better than strolling under the midday sun, taking a dip in nature’s swimming pool, and building a sand castle that would give Framlingham’s a run for its money. Again, we’re spoilt for choice here in Suffolk, but Sizewell Beach, part of the small fishing village Sizewell is our pick for today. This impressive Suffolk coastline is situated between Dunwich and Thorpeness, a truly picturesque area of Suffolk. The pooch can come along as the beach is dog-friendly and there is no need to worry about parking as a large car park can be found next to the beach. If you fancy adding something a little special to your beach trip, Beach Bonkers run Beachcombing sessions in Sizewell on Saturday mornings. Children will enjoy exploring the sands and stones discovering hidden treasures such as fossils and fish teeth. A beach bonkers beachcombing session recently discovered a now extinct, woolly rhinoceros bone! To join the beachcombing session is three pounds per person, however, the events are non-profit and are run as pure passion projects with all of the proceeds being donated to protecting Suffolk’s costs.

  3. Crabbing in Walberswick

Home of the annual British Open Crabbing Championship since 1989, Walberswick is Suffolk’s most popular crabbing destination. An immensely enjoyable activity, families can spend the afternoon comparing their catches whilst surrounded by charming Walberswick. Although you may need to purchase a bucket, string and bait if you don’t have them tucked up in the garage somewhere, crabbing itself is free. Kids will love dunking the bait over the edge of the jetty and feel the tug of their first catch. Make sure Mr Crab is holding on tight before pulling him up otherwise you may lose him! Most importantly, remember to pop the crabs back into the water and always be gentle, the crabs would like to go back to getting about their daily crabby business when it’s time to pack up and head back to your holiday home. Suffolk Secrets have over two hundred properties in and nearby to Walberswick, many with plenty of room for all the whole family.

  4.Nicholas Everitt Park

Nicholas Everitt Park is a green haven of naturistic surroundings. The park is maintained to a very high standard, resulting in it receiving many awards. Located by the broads, it is a peaceful location for strolling, picnicking, reading and relaxing. The park is free to enter, offering excellent facilities such as a children’s play area and toilets. For a small price, families can also enjoy tennis, crazy golf, trampolines and canoes. The park also has a wonderful museum in a Grade II listed building which collects, restores and displays objects relating to the area which is also free to enter!

  5. Southwold Pier

Last but not least, our final free thing to do is a walk along the fabulous, exceptionally British Southwold Pier. Families can stroll along enjoying wonderful views of the North Sea. For early birds, Southwold is often treated to beautiful sunrises and the pier is the perfect place to watch them. Along the pier, families will find The Waterclock show which goes off every thirty minutes and the Wacky Wall of Mirrors which is sure to get you giggling. Try your luck in The House of Games on the 2p pusher, strictly not free, but definitely cheap as chips, or take a look around the ‘Under the Pier Show’ where you’ll find Tim Hunkin’s hand-built totally silly machines.

Here at Suffolk Secrets, we have an abundance of beautiful holiday cottages all over Suffolk with sizes to suit small, large and more than one families. Take a look at our website and discover your perfect self-catering holiday cottage today. https://www.suffolk-secrets.co.uk/