Awesome Autumn - what's on in Suffolk in September and October

We absolutely love the buzz and excitement of summer in Suffolk but as the sun sets on the school holidays, there is a sense of calm and tranquillity that graces our wonderful county and there is no better time for a sunny break in a peaceful setting.

The events calendar however doesn’t wane as we say goodbye to the summer holidays. There is so much going on during September and October including Heritage Open days across the county, wildlife walks and activities and festivals celebrating music, art and food and drink. Here is our pick of what’s coming up…

45th Great Henham Steam Rally – Southwold

This annual exciting family-friendly weekend takes place on 21st and 22nd September in beautiful Henham Park on the edge of Southwold. See the Xtreme Stunt Company in action as well as Team Spectrum kite display, dog agility, and heavy horses! Visitors will have the chance to steer one of the rally’s steam engines and see hundreds of vintage, classic and modified vehicles and working steam engines. There will also be live music, a vintage fairground, children’s entertainment and avenues of trade stalls and crafts throughout the weekend. Find out more

Suffolk Walk with a Fork
If you like walking and exploring the countryside and love good food too, ‘Walk with a Fork’ is the event for you! Taking place on Sunday 1st September at the glorious Helmingham Hall estate, Ormiston Families presents a fantastic day of walking and fine food. The eight-mile course, chosen by Helmingham Hall’s Lady Tollemache, offers views, architecture and hidden valleys not usually seen by members of the public. At the end of the walk, suppliers of local produce will be waiting for you at a number of little food stops for you to enjoy some of Suffolk’s finest foods. 

Art on the prom – Felixstowe

An event celebrating local artists in Felixstowe will take place on Felixstowe prom on the 1st September. The vibrant exhibition from over 100 local artists will run along Felixstowe’s pretty promenade. This free, welcoming event is open to all. Find out more

High Tide Festival – Aldeburgh

Aldeburgh’s festival of theatre live performance returns this year with a jam-packed programme of performances from Tuesday 10th – Sunday 15th September. High Tide Festival features new and diverse theatre in some unique venues, talks by world-class artists, play readings, sets by comedy legends, sing-a-longs with cabaret stars, free late night entertainment at the Cross Keys and so much more. It’s the perfect cultural getaway in this stunning seaside location.

We love Minsmere Festival
RSPB Minsmere is hosting the first ever Love Minsmere Festival on Sunday 15th September to celebrate and protect the reserve and its rare wildlife. There will be free entry on the day for everyone who RSVPs through Eventbrite and the reserve is hosting a range of fun family activities and guided walks for everyone to enjoy. To add a party atmosphere they will be joined by a variety of local food and drink stalls who are also passionate about protecting Minsmere. 

Walberswick Sketchbook and wildlife walk
Walk along the boardwalk and into the woods on Wednesday 11th September with artist Kasia Posen and Adam Burrows from Natural England. Find out about this intriguing habitat and its inhabitants while taking time to explore what you see through sketching the fantastic environment that surrounds you. Find out more here

Aldeburgh food and drink festival
Acknowledged as one of the best food and drink festivals in Britain, the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival takes place on 28th and 29th September 2019. Celebrating the very best of the county’s produce, farmers, growers, food and drink, this popular food festival is held in the historic and beautiful setting of Snape Maltings, Suffolk, the home of Aldeburgh Music. The festival welcomes a host of the country’s leading chefs and speakers throughout the weekend for cookery demonstrations, masterclasses and talks. There will also be a Wild Suffolk area where you can learn about foraging, open fire cooking, fishing, game and the wildlife of Suffolk, as well as the Adnams Drinks Experience and the Hillfarm Family Meadow.

Heritage Open Days

Every year in September, places across the country throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Suffolk will play its part with a programme of guided tours, open days and exhibitions at places of interest across the county. Take a look here.

Orford photography tour with the National Trust
Spend the day on Orford Ness on Sunday 20th October, capturing the unique landscape and enjoying uninterrupted views on a day when the site is not open to the general public. Guided by National Trust experts, who have been photographing Orford Ness for a number of years, cross the river and spend the day on the Ness. You'll explore the site and get opportunities to photograph areas normally off-limits to the general public. Find out more