Family Fun This May Half Term

As summer approaches, everyone needs a bit of Suffolk Coast in their life! Find out how you can plan an action-packed week away with the kids this May half term…

It’s time to dig out your sun hats, flip flops and buckets and spades and head to the Suffolk Coast this May half term for some seaside summer fun. Forget about long flights and delays at airports – a staycation in one of the most beautiful counties in the UK is guaranteed to entertain the whole family.

To help you plan the perfect week away, we have shared our pick of the best events and places to go during your stay:

Wibble and Wobble over to Walberswick

If you are staying in Southwold over the half term break, a trip over the River Blyth to the idyllic village of Walberswick is well worth a punt. The Walberswick ferry – or traditional rowing boat – is a ferry service carrying up to 12 passengers. Gently meander over to Walberswick (and back again) from Southwold Harbour and discover a village popular with many a celebrity plus a beautiful beach, two great pubs and delightful village green. We also have a large portfolio of family-friendly holiday homes in Walberswick and if you fancy a stroll, the Bailey Bridge connects the village with the seaside town of Southwold. Find out more here: http://www.walberswickferry.com/

Go wild with a day out Minsmere Nature Reserve

For a different day out as a family, head to Minsmere Reserve close to the historical village of Dunwich. Discover rare wildlife, play in open spaces, go bug-hunting, bird watching, pond dipping and many more family-friendly activities. If you are lucky, you might see an otter around the reedbed pools.

Have a roaring time at Africa Alive

Set in 100 acres of stunning Suffolk countryside just a short drive from Southwold and Lowestoft, Africa Alive is a fantastic day out for the family. Spot magnificent animals such as rhinos and giraffes at the Plains of Africa, get in on the action as you walk through the Lemur Encounter or enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Lions from the Look-out Lodge. What’s more the park always offers a packed programme of activities, feeding sessions and much more throughout the day.

Explore the hidden treasures of Aldeburgh

If you are looking for an imaginative and fun way to explore a local area and its history, why not try The Aldeburgh Treasure trail. As you follow this self-guided Treasure Hunt themed trail, solve a series of sneaky clues along the way to discover the location of the buried treasure. This circular trail starts in the Fort Green car park and takes you around the unspoilt seaside town. The route includes The Moot, the boating lake and Benjamin Britten’s former home. Complete the trail at your own pace and stop for fish and chips or ice cream along the way!

Bite size ballet at Southwold Arts Centre: 29 May, 2019

A hard-working but poor shoemaker gives his final pair of shoes, all he has left in the world, to a poor lady in need of help. The next morning the shoemaker awakes to find that his last piece of leather has been transformed into the most magnificent pair of shoes overnight. He discovers that not only are the shoes beautiful; they are also magical. Who is the mysterious maker of these marvellous shoes? 

See the children’s classic tale, The Elves and The Shoemaker come to life in a colourful, fun and engaging ballet performance at Southwold’s Arts Centrel, curated especially for families with young children. Originally shown on CBeebies, the ballet has been remastered and designed especially for the big screen. The story is read for the cinema audience by BBC’s Anita Rani and includes dance move demos by the professional ballet dancers for children to try. Find out more

Suffolk Walking Festival

Proudly sponsored by Suffolk Secrets, Suffolk Walking Festival is now in it’s has established itself as one of Britain’s premier walking festivals with over 120 walks and events across the county. And the 2019 festival (May 11th to June 2nd)  is set to be the most creative, imaginative and ambitious one to date. 

There are over 120 walks and events from dawn chorus to hidden orchids, from Arthur Ransome to John Constable, and from Anglo-Saxons to naval heritage. There’s even murder, myths and a little bit of magic too.  There’s plenty to discover for the whole family.

Suffolk Show

Celebrating the best in Suffolk agriculture, promoting food, farming and the countryside, The Suffolk Show is the largest two-day event in the county and is a family-friendly event not to be missed. Taking place in Trinity Park near Ipswich, there will be a huge selection of things to enjoy including displays in The Grand Ring, activities such as the Military Zone, 1000's of animals, live music, fashion, art and runs just to name a few. The event opens at 7 am each day and under 15s go free.