Places to Visit
Places to Visit
Near Steadings Holiday Park,
Newbourne, Suffolk IP12 4NS
Christchurch Mansion
One of Suffolk’s most treasured buildings, this beautiful Tudor mansion is the jewel in the crown of Ipswich’s historic past, boasting over 500 years of history.
Explore the period rooms from the Tudor kitchen to the sumptuous Georgian saloon and the beautifully detailed Victorian wing.
Gaze at the fine collection of art from Suffolk artists including the biggest collection of Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable paintings outside of London.
Soane Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 2BE
You can find further information here: https://ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/christchurch-mansion/
From Steadings Holiday Park, Newbourne; 18 min (6.9 mi) via Foxhall Rd
Katie’s Garden Plant Centre
Katie’s Garden Plant Centre is an independent, family run nursery in Suffolk. Whether gardening is your passion, or you just want something simple and easy to brighten up the patio, we have the plants for you.
Much of our stock is grown by us on our two-acre site, so we can be confident that the plants we sell are strong and healthy and should thrive with the right care. We can plant up your tubs and hanging baskets to order and will usually have pre-planted pots and baskets available to buy – perfect for gifts, or as a treat for yourself!
6 Ipswich Rd, Newbourne, Woodbridge IP12 4NS
You can find further information here: https://www.katiesgarden.co.uk/
From Steadings Holiday Park, Newbourne; 1 min (0.2 mi) via Ipswich Rd
Orford Castle
Discover one of England’s most complete and unusual keeps, at this fascinating visitor attraction in Suffolk. The unique polygonal tower keep of Orford Castle stands beside the pretty town and former port, which Henry II also developed here.
The castle is remarkably intact allowing visitors to explore from the basement, through the lower and upper halls to the roof where there are magnificent views seaward to Orford Ness. Around the rooms is a maze of passages leading to the chapel, kitchen and other chambers in the turrets.
Orford, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 2ND
You can find further information here: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/orford-castle/utm_source=Google%20Business&utm_campaign=Local%20Listings&utm_medium=Google%20Business%20Profiles&utm_content=orford%20castle
The Bentwaters Cold War Museum
The museum is based in the former USAF hardened command post on the former Bentwaters airfield, we believe that currently this is the only such building open regularly to the public in the UK and Europe. The main “war operations room” and “Battle cabin” have been restored to original condition, the BT telephone exchange room, and decontamination showers and airlock are also as original.
Other rooms within the building have been turned into exhibition rooms, covering the history of RAF Bentwaters from W.W.II until the base closed in 1993. Included in this are histories of the units that operated from the airfield, particularly the 81st FW.
Building 134, Bentwaters Parks, Rendlesham, Woodbridge, IP12 2TW
You can find further information here: https://www.bcwm.org.uk/
Dunwich Heath and Beach
Tucked away on the Suffolk coast, Dunwich Heath offers you peace and quiet and a true sense of being at one with nature.
A rare and precious habitat, the Heath is home to special species such as the Dartford warbler, nightjar, woodlark, ant-lion, adders and much more.
Quiet and serene, wild and dramatic, this is an inspiring visit, whatever the time of year. From July to September, the Heath is alive with colour; a patchwork of pink and purple heather and coconut-scented yellow gorse is an unmissable experience.
Coastguard Cottages, Minsmere Road, Dunwich, Suffolk, IP17 3DJ
You can find further information here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/dunwich-heath-and-beach
RSPB Minsmere
Some of the UK’s rarest wildlife calls Minsmere nature reserve home. Take an idyllic walk through the reedbed or head to the coastal lagoons to see an array of birds, including Avocets, Bearded Tits and Bitterns. If you’re lucky, you might even spot an Otter around the reedbed pools.
Minsmere’s mix of landscapes makes it an ideal spot to see how we manage and protect different habitats for the benefit of wildlife. On a visit to this Suffolk nature reserve, you can look forward to exploring reedbed, shallow lagoons, wet grassland, heathland and vegetated shingle.
Minsmere, Westleton, Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 3BY
You can find further information here: https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/minsmere
Orford Ness
Internationally important coastal nature reserve, with a fascinating 20th-century military history.
Three walking trails (two open only seasonally) take you through coastal grazing marshes and out to the vegetated shingle. Home to numerous wetland and wading birds, Chinese water deer, hares and our rare breed flock of sheep.
Orford Ness is one of the few sites in the UK with purpose-built facilities for the testing of components of nuclear weapons. Comprising of six ‘labs’, these buildings now form impressive backdrops on the shingle. Only Lab 1 is open to the public, the remainder have exterior access only on guided tours.
Quay Street, Orford, Suffolk, IP12 2NU
You can find further information here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/orford-ness-national-nature-reserve
Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park
Come and visit our farm like no other! It has come such a long way since we first set eyes on this old dairy farm on the outskirts of Ipswich, over 20 years ago.
We are home to so many awesome animals, from farmyard favourites to the more exotic such as Zebra or Crocodiles.
Visit The Lost Lands of the Tundra – home to rescued polar bear Ewa, Arctic Foxes and the UK’s largest pack of Arctic Wolves.
Our restored barn is a beautiful restaurant and coffee shop.
We host special moments, from birthday parties to weddings.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Jimmy’s Farm, Pannington Hall Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk IP9 2AR
You can find further information here: https://jimmysfarm.com/
Parham Airfield Museum
Parham Airfield Museum is situated on an old World War II United States Air Force Station. The Museum actually consists of 2 separate Museums, which join together to show how this corner of rural Suffolk was affected by the War in two very different ways.
The 390th Bomb Group Memorial Air Museum pays tribute to the 740 servicemen killed or ‘Missing in Action’ from this airfield and the further 754 who were taken as Prisoners of War.
The Museum of the British Resistance Organisation provides an insight into ‘Britain’s Secret Army’, with contemporary artefacts housed in the Nissen Huts and a unique replica secret underground bunker. The Museum aims to shed light on “Britain’s best kept war secret”.
Parham, Woodbridge IP13 9AF
You can find further information here: https://www.parhamairfieldmuseum.co.uk/visitor-info/
Foxburrow Nature Reserve
A mosaic of rewilded farmland and wildlife habitats including woods and orchard meadow located near to Melton, Woodbridge.
Visit in spring or early summer for birdsong, wildflowers, butterflies. Hedges, which have been coppiced and replanted, provide a great source of winter food and act as wildlife corridors allowing insects, birds and mammals to travel from place to place. Foxburrow was bought with support from The Heritage Lottery Fund. At the end of 2021, farming ceased, and we’re working with volunteers, Universities and other organisations to monitor how nature will reclaim the former fields.
Foxburrow Nature Reserve, Saddlemakers Lane, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1NA
You can find further information here: https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/foxburrow
Framlingham Castle
Surrounded by parkland and a picturesque lake, Framlingham Castle was once a stronghold of the powerful earls and dukes of Norfolk. Muster your courage to conquer the spectacular wall walk to admire stunning views over the town and countryside, and uncover stories of ambitious barons, a Tudor queen and Georgian poorhouse children as you explore centuries of history in the interactive exhibition.
- Spot the tall Tudor chimneys which crown every tower, each with a different design.
- Try on historical hats and play a game to find out what people ate in the past.
- Take the audio tour to learn more about the castle’s past and its people.
Church Street, Framlingham, Suffolk, IP13 9BP
You can find further information here: https://www.englishheritage.org.uk/visit/places/framlingham-castle
Rendlesham Forest
Discover Rendlesham on foot or by bike, a stunning forest in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There’s something for everyone, including children’s play areas, cycle trails, sculptures to discover in Tangham Wood and plenty of places for a picnic.
Walk the UFO trail and discover more about the famous UFO sighting in December 1980.
Rendlesham Forest, Tangham, Woodbridge IP12 3NF
You can find further information here: https://www.forestryengland.uk/rendlesham-forest
Woodbridge Tide Mill Museum
Open from 28th March 2024
Visit The Tide Mill, Woodbridge, one of only a handful in the world still producing flour on a regular basis and among the first tide mills in the country, working on the same site for over 850 years. Book online for a weekend visit and experience history through visual insights, unique computer generated imagery and children’s activities to discover how the grain and flour move around the Mill. Most days you can even see the huge oak water wheel turning.
Tide Mill Way, Woodbridge IP12 1BY
You can find further information here: https://woodbridgetidemill.org.uk/
Helmingham Hall, Stowmarket
Nestled in the heart of Suffolk, Helmingham Hall is a historic Tudor mansion surrounded by captivating gardens. The Grade I listed estate offers a peaceful retreat with well-manicured landscapes and diverse flora.
Visitors can explore the hall, enjoy refreshments at the on-site café, and attend various events hosted throughout the year.
You can find further information here: https://www.visitsuffolk.com/attraction_activity/helmingham-hall-gardens.
Ipswich Waterfront
Situated beside the River Orwell, Ipswich Marina & Waterfront provides tourists with a variety of attractions. Restaurants around the quay line the historic waterfront, offering beautiful vistas and a range of dining options.
Nature enthusiasts can enjoy river cruises, take scenic walks along the waterfront, or explore the tranquil trails and panoramic river views of Orwell Country Park.
You can find further information here: https://www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk/suffolk-coast-towns-and-villages/ipswich.
Felixstowe
Felixstowe is situated between the rivers Orwell and Deben on the east coast of England.
Felixstowe, an Edwardian seaside town, has a lovely sandy beach and a well kept promenade walk. A pier includes amusements food outlets at the front and ‘The Boardwalk Café’ directly on the pier.
For those seeking a more relaxed and rural outlook, just a couple of miles north up the coast is Old Felixstowe. Take a trip on the foot ferry, relax on the beach and admire the beach huts and you can enjoy a drink or a meal at the Ferry Boat Inn pub.
Felixstowe has a wonderful mix of attractions and activities to suit all ages and interests.
You can find further information about Felixstowe here: https://www.visitfelixstowe.org.uk
Woodbridge
Woodbridge is a port town and civil parish in the East Suffolk district of Suffolk, England. It is 8 miles up the River Deben from the sea. It lies 7 miles north-east of Ipswich and around 74 miles north-east of London.
From Steadings Holiday Park, Newbourne; 19 min (5.8 mi) via Newbourne Rd
Woodbridge combines excellent shops, great pubs and restaurants and numerous activities both indoors and out.
Woodbridge is the perfect base from which to explore the Suffolk Coast and its many tourist attractions.
For further information visit: https://www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk/suffolk-coast-towns-and-villages/woodbridge
Aldeburgh
Aldeburgh is a coastal town in the county of Suffolk, England, north of the River Alde. Its estimated population was 2,276 in 2019. It was home to the composer Benjamin Britten and remains the centre of the international Aldeburgh Festival of arts at nearby Snape Maltings, which was founded by Britten in 1948
From Steadings Holiday Park, Newbourne; 42 min (23.0 mi) via A12 and A1094
Colourfully painted 19th Century holiday villas canbe found along the promenade and to the east. A pebble beach with a number of fisherman’s huts selling the daily catch.
For further information visit: https://www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk/suffolk-coast-towns-and-villages/aldeburgh
Snape Maltings
Snape is a ‘must-visit’ destination for anyone who wants to sample the beauty and atmosphere the Suffolk coastal countryside, whatever the season.
The unique and charming village, situated on the Alde Estuary is famously home to the world-renowned concert hall.
From Steadings Holiday Park, Newbourne; 36 min (18.2 mi) via A12
This beautiful heritage site, includes converted Victorian buildings and independent shops and galleries, wonderful places to eat, and several performance venues –
It is also one of two historic visitor destinations cared for by the pioneering music, arts and heritage charity, Britten Pears Arts.
For further information visit: https://www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk/things-to-do/attractions/snape-maltings
Southwold
Sandy beaches, beach hut-lined promenade and it’s prominent lighthouse. Southwold is a wonderful environment for holidays and weekends away. It also boasts a thriving market town atmosphere.
Situated just off the A12 between Aldeburgh and Lowestoft, Southwold is a picturesque seaside town and a perfect all year-round destination.
The lighthouse in the town is grade II listed and is still a working lighthouse which is 31 metres tall.
Southwold also has a pier, which stretches 190 metres into the sea. it has an arcade with a collection of weird and wonderful automata designed by Tim Hunkin.
From Steadings Holiday Park, Southwold; 50 min (32.6 mi) via A12
As well as an array of traditional shops and stores, Southwold is also home to the Adnams Brewery,
For further information visit: https://www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk/suffolk-coast-towns-and-villages/southwold
Bawdsey
Set on the Deben Peninsula, Bawdsey’s main street winds its way half a mile down to Bawdsey Quay with a small, sandy beach, which is revealed at low tide, with access across the mouth of the River Deben to the hamlet of Felixstowe.
Visit the Boathouse Café, a picturesque wooden building with a veranda overlooking wide river views – a haven for Bawdsey regulars and visitors.
jump on the coast’s famous four foot ferries across to ‘Old Felixstowe or follow the coastal path between East Lane and Shingle Street.
Operational radar was born here and you can learn about it’s history at the Bawdsey RADAR interactive visitor centre, packed full of information set in the original ‘Transmitter Block’.
From Steadings Holiday Park, Bawdsey; 28 min (15.9 mi) via A12 and B1083
For further information visit: https://www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk/suffolk-coast-towns-and-villages/bawdsey
Thorpeness
In 1910 the hamlet was bought by Stuart Ogilvie who set to transform it into a private fantasy holiday village. Today the village is just how Ogilvie envisaged it with pretty mock Tudor houses and the fairy-tale ‘House in the Clouds’, an unusual water tower with a boarded house on top, appearing to float up into the sky.
Thorpeness is a popular holiday village with a picturesque ‘meare’ or artificial lake – covering over 60,000 acres with its various islands and inlets. The Meare includes many little islands, all named by J.M Barrie, author of Peter Pan. Many little boats are available to hire and drift between fairytale settings such as the pirate’s lair and Wendy’s house.
From Steadings Holiday Park, Thorpeness; 1 hr 7 min (44.6 mi) via A12
For further information visit: https://www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk/suffolk-coast-towns-and-villages/thorpeness
Sutton Hoo
An awe-inspiring Anglo-Saxon royal burial site. Delve into the world of the Anglo-Saxons and discover more about the incredible objects unearthed at Sutton Hoo and what they can tell us about this fascinating period in English history.
A dog friendly area, with 245 acres to explore. Dogs are are welcome to explore all the estate walks. Please keep your dog on a short lead at all times, as this is to protect the sheep and their lambs that are currently grazing on site. Dogs are allowed in the shop and café.
From Steadings Holiday Park, Sutton Hoo; 28 min (13.0 mi) via A12
Tranmer House, Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 3DJ
For further information visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/sutton-hoo
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