What Not to Miss… Great Reasons to Visit Suffolk this Spring and Summer.

Suffolk is lucky enough to have a year packed full of events, and 2018 is no exception. From walking festivals to country shows, there’s something for everyone... Here is our list of events not to be missed this spring and summer. 

Framlingham Gala Fest

26th – 28th May

A fun filled 3-day event in the well-known market town of Framlingham with something for all the family to enjoy. Exciting new additions to the weekend this year include a team duathlon held on Saturday morning, finishing at Framlingham Sports Club, followed by a BBQ and live music night. Sunday will include more fun by the castle pond, with music and food, along with the well-loved craft fair taking place throughout the day. On the Bank Holiday Monday there will be the new and improved parade through the town, followed by games, magic, face painting and more music, along with the traditional fun fair on the Castle Meadow.

Stay at: The Garden Flat

Located in the heart of the Suffolk countryside close to Framlingham with its beautiful landscapes, this self-catering holiday cottage is well-suited for someone looking for a bolt hole from which to explore the surrounding area and Framlingham Gala Fest.

The Suffolk Show

30th – 31st May 2018

Held at Trinity Park on the outskirts of Ipswich, The Suffolk Show is a celebration of all things agricultural and is the largest pop-up event for families in the county. With livestock being the heart of the show alongside the Grand Ring with displays from the likes of motorbike stunt show Bolddog, plus shopping, kid's areas and workshops, it’s a great day out for everyone.

Stay at: Wayfarer Cottage

Wayfarer Cottage is a lovingly restored former shipwright's cottage situated in Kingston Road close to the town centre of Woodbridge. Cosy and comfortable with open fires and central heating, this cottage has retained many of its original features. With fun bunk beds upstairs and a Wendy house in the generously sized garden, it’s the perfect holiday cottage for families wanting to enjoy The Suffolk Show.

Aldeburgh Festival

8th – 24th June

Each June, some of the globe’s leading musicians meet at the world-famous Snape Maltings Concert Hall to celebrate the Aldeburgh Festival, which was founded by the Suffolk-born composer - Benjamin Britten. From art festivals to opera, chamber recitals to world music, this fabulous festival offers something for everyone and is supported by a vibrant fringe programme at The Pumphouse in Aldeburgh. "Arguably the best musical event in Britain" - The Guardian

Stay at: 2 The Courtyard

2 The Courtyard is a first floor, newly converted apartment in a delightful courtyard in Snape. It provides light and spacious accommodation along with an amazing roof terrace which overlooks pretty surroundings. With two bedrooms, it’s the perfect spot for enjoying Aldeburgh Festival.  

The Suffolk Walking Festival

12th May – 3rd June

Unspoilt countryside, pristine forests and heathland, traditional market towns and gorgeous heritage coast makes Suffolk the perfect destination for a springtime Walking Festival! Choose from historic trails, farming/food trails, coastal walks and more. Each trail has an entry fee and a good range of difficulties are available from short walks to four-day challenge walks.

Stay at: Anywhere!

The Suffolk Walking Festival takes place all over Suffolk throughout the walking festival month, take a look at our full list of properties here... Suffolk Secrets.

Southwold Arts Festival

23rd – 30th June

Now in its fifth year, Southwold Arts Festival has gone from strength to strength and celebrates music, drama, poetry, visual art, photography, dance, talks and literature. Taking place in various venues in Southwold and Southwold High Street and Market Place, the towns shops, cafes and pubs all join in with the celebration. Each event is ticketed at various prices and is likely to sell out. The street festival and festival service kick off the eight days on the 23rd and are free to enjoy. Best of all, Suffolk Secrets are the main sponsors!

Stay at: The Upper Deck

A charming first-floor apartment situated above the highly acclaimed Coasters restaurant and perfectly located for the Southwold Arts Festival. This apartment has been decorated delightfully and has beautiful features such as an exposed red brick wall in the living room. With a double bedroom and a second with bunk beds, this is the perfect place for small families. 

Music by the Sea

Saturday 30th June

This year the exciting Music by the Sea festival returns to Aldeburgh after a two-year absence. The open-air music festival which was once Thorpefest will take place at King's Field, Saxmundham Road, Aldeburgh with an array of national and local performers, stalls and much more. A fantastic summer event, locals and visitors have previously enjoyed good music, great food and an amazing location. Music begins at 4 pm and continues through the night until the finale firework display at 10 pm. 

Stay at: Sol Backen

Sol Backen is a wonderfully imposing, detached period property that combines the charm and features of yesteryear with the modern comforts of today. The holiday home has an endless, mature garden with a charming summerhouse along with plenty of living space. A perfect base for a weekend at Music by the Sea.

Felixstowe Book Festival

27th June - 1st July 2018

The Felixstowe Book Festival returns for its sixth year! Come along and celebrate some of the best-loved books including themes of crime, love, politics and sports. Discover a range of fantastic authors and you'll even get to meet some of your favourites too! A full list of events and information for this festival will be published in May 2018.

Stay at: Seafront Sunrise

Seafront Sunrise is a bright and spacious holiday home located right on the beachfront in Felixstowe. With four bedrooms and three bathrooms, this property is ideal for a family seaside holiday or for a group of friends to catch up. Boasting uninterrupted views over the beach, a private garden and allocated parking, Seafront Sunrise is the ideal choice

Aldeburgh Carnival

18th - Monday 20th August 2018

Crowned the family tourism event of the year at the Norfolk and Suffolk Tourism awards, Aldeburgh Carnival is an amazing weekend packed full of stalls, processions, performances and fireworks. The firework display on Monday evening is particularly impressive and is enjoyed by carnival goers on Aldeburgh Beach. The carnival is also known for its lantern procession, which begins in the town square and ends on the beach. Get your lanterns ready and embark on this fun-filled weekend.

Stay at: Flint Cottage

A four bedroom wonder at the southern-most end of Aldeburgh High Street. Sat behind the rather grand looking double-fronted, flint facade with unusual stepped roofline you'll find truly homely, pet-friendly, self-catering holiday accommodation for up to 8 guests.

For a full list of events happening in Suffolk this year, visit our 'What's On in Suffolk' page.