Suffolk is an historic English county featuring ancient archaeology, medieval castles, cultural festivals, and scenic coastline with strong literary and music ties.
13 Oct–8 Nov (next week)
Visitors use the Stranger Folk app to follow the Crone’s guidance on a folklore-themed Halloween adventure at Ickworth Estate, helping close gaps between the world of folklore and the real world.
9 Oct
Meet the gardeners at Melford Hall for an informal session where you can ask questions about the garden and gardening at home.
16–29 Nov
Visitors can experience a 1930s Christmas setting in Ickworth’s servants’ quarters, with festive decorations, period sounds and scents, and recordings of servants recalling Christmas. Families can make paper chains, and on both weekends a costumed interpretation team will cook and interact with visitors.
10–11 Oct, 13 Oct…
Join the Ickworth team for a tour exploring the Hervey family, their collection and the work involved in caring for the estate’s treasures.
17–18 Oct, 21–25 Oct…
Stranger Folk is a Halloween adventure game inspired by British folklore, set at Melford Hall. Families use one mobile phone to follow a story and take part in physical play, for a short session or a longer adventure.
2–6 Nov, 9–13 Nov
A guided tour at Ickworth exploring the house’s collections and history while winter conservation work is underway. Visitors can see behind the shutters and learn how the team cares for the house.
29 Oct
The Crafty Foxes lead an autumn craft workshop in Ickworth’s gallery, where participants make three crafts using recycled and rescued materials to take home.
25 Oct, 22 Nov
A monthly, untimed 10K trail run at Ickworth Estate, made up of two loops; runners can also choose to complete just the first 5K loop. The run follows a waymarked trail through the estate’s parkland.
28 Oct
A family silent disco at Ickworth House, where attendees can choose between three music channels and dance together. The event is designed for families with children aged 4 and over.
Ickworth House is a notable neoclassical country house near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, set in extensive parkland with historic ancient trees. Visitors can explore the house's art collections, Regency furniture, and architectural features, as well as the nearby Ickworth Church and parkland. The house also hosts events in its renovated West Wing.
11 Oct (this Sunday)
A full-day photography workshop at Sutton Hoo with professional photographer Phil Morley, covering landscape and close-up photography. Participants can explore photography techniques and bring any type of camera.
Sutton Hoo is a historic estate featuring the Anglo-Saxon Royal Burial Ground with a viewing tower, Tranmer House museum, and the High Hall exhibition. Visitors can explore woodland trails, enjoy on-site food and shopping, and participate in family-friendly activities including an adventure playground.
3–23 Dec, 26 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
Visitors can follow Shadow the Ickworth Snow Leopard and his friends around the Rotunda in a festive story experience about their wintry adventures.
21–22 Nov, 28–29 Nov
Costumed volunteers bring Christmas preparations in Ickworth’s servants’ quarters to life, sharing stories about working in the house and inviting visitors to take part in festive activities such as stirring the Christmas pudding.
The Abbey of Bury St Edmunds is the ruins of a once wealthy Benedictine monastery in Suffolk, England, known for its historical importance, large medieval gatehouses, and surrounding Abbey Gardens. Visitors can explore the outdoor remains and gardens, reflecting its rich history as a pilgrimage site and monastic center.
11 Oct (this Sunday)
A close-up photography workshop at Sutton Hoo led by professional photographer Phil Morley. Participants of all abilities can explore photography techniques using a camera or phone.
Sutton Hoo is a historic archaeological site of two 6th to 7th century Anglo-Saxon cemeteries near Woodbridge, Suffolk, with an impressive ship burial containing regalia, weaponry and treasures. The site offers both outdoor exploration of burial mounds and an indoor visitor centre showcasing original artefacts, replicas and exhibitions. It is a landmark for Anglo-Saxon history, art and archaeology.
7 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
Visitors can explore 30 Pikachu cards illustrated by different artists, learn facts about the character and design their own Pokémon trading card.
Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds is a historic Regency theatre, Grade I listed and restored to its original 1819 condition. It offers a diverse program of drama, music and comedy and is operated by the National Trust as a working theatre with a historic Georgian atmosphere.
11 Oct (this Sunday)
A landscape photography workshop at Sutton Hoo led by professional photographer Phil Morley. Participants can explore the estate and learn photography tips, with the session suitable for a range of skill levels and camera types.
Kyson Hill in Woodbridge, Suffolk, offers grassy slopes, specimen trees, and views of the estuary, ideal for walking and relaxation in an outdoor natural setting. It features walking trails through woodland, mudflats, and estuarine ecosystems and allows dogs on leads. The site is accessible via footpath from Woodbridge Railway Station and has benches for resting, but the terrain is uneven and not wheelchair accessible.
10 Oct–1 Nov (next week)
Explore the Hervey family’s collection at Ickworth, including historic objects such as Marie Antoinette’s fan, works by Italian masters and centuries-old books. The exhibition also looks at the collectors and the stories behind the objects.
24 Oct–1 Nov
Seasonal nature activities take place in the Granary at Flatford. Visitors can take part in activities celebrating nature.
28–29 Nov
The Bourne Valley Crafters’ Christmas fayre brings local makers and designers to Flatford, where visitors can browse crafts including ceramics, jewellery, art, fabric work and woodwork.
Bridge Cottage is a 16th-century thatched cottage in Flatford, Suffolk, part of the National Trust properties, featuring an exhibition on John Constable and access to scenic River Stour walks.
5 Nov, 3 Dec
A free monthly wellbeing walk for people using manual or electric wheelchairs and scooters, featuring a gentle group circuit around the Ickworth grounds followed by time to relax and socialise at a café.
17–18 Oct, 21–25 Oct…
Visitors can follow an autumn activity trail through Melford Hall, finding woolly pumpkins and rearranging hidden letters, then search for pumpkins and play garden bingo outdoors.
11 Nov
A two-hour workshop introducing traditional Indian block printing. Attendees will learn to use hand-carved wooden blocks and fabric paints to design and print textiles, with festive and other designs to choose from.
27 Oct
Adults can join local artist Carla Elizabeth for a step-by-step painting session inspired by the nature and wildlife at Sutton Hoo. All painting materials are provided, and no previous experience is needed.
7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct…
A locally curated exhibition marking 75 years since Lavenham Guildhall passed into National Trust care. It explores the Guildhall’s history, the local community’s role in shaping its development, and its appearances in cinema and television.
9 Oct, 16 Oct…
A volunteer-led guided walk around Lavenham explores the village’s medieval history and iconic timber-framed buildings. The walk covers approximately one mile and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
The Crooked House in Lavenham is a 600-year-old tilted historic house famous as the inspiration for the nursery rhyme 'There was a Crooked Man'. Visitors can enjoy immersive theatrical guided tours inside the house featuring storytelling, ghost tales, and a tea experience with the hosts. The venue is not wheelchair accessible due to steep steps and requires pre-booked tickets.
8 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Join a guided outdoor tour around Flatford to learn about John Constable’s life and work and see the views that inspired paintings including The Hay Wain and Flatford Mill.
Flatford is a historic hamlet in Suffolk, celebrated for inspiring the paintings of John Constable. Visitors can explore unique historic buildings, enjoy riverside walks and boat hire on the River Stour, visit an exhibition about Constable, and relax in a riverside tea-room. The venue offers family-friendly activities and is accessible for wheelchair users and dog-friendly.
10–11 Nov
Watch the Collections team open Edith Pretty’s travel case, examine and clean its contents, and explain how the objects are cared for. The session offers a behind-the-scenes look at conservation work on more than 100 personal items.
22–23 Oct, 6 Nov…
Suffolk artist Amanda Warren works on mixed-media artwork at Sutton Hoo, where visitors can observe her creative process and discuss her inspiration and techniques. She is based mainly in the Discovery Room at Tranmer House and may also work outdoors or in the museum.
7 Oct–15 Nov, 21–22 Nov…
This temporary exhibition explores the real people behind the film The Dig and the 1939 excavation of the Great Ship Burial. Visitors can see original film costumes, jewellery and props, read personal histories, and hear contemporary interviews connected to the site.
25 Oct
The Suffolk Lacemakers demonstrate the heritage craft of lace making, and visitors can try their hand at bobbin lacemaking.
14 Oct, 21 Oct…
A guided tour behind the scenes at Ickworth’s Rotunda, where the Collections Team explains how they care for the house’s objects and what happens when it is closed to visitors.
8 Oct, 12 Nov…
Little Hoo-ligans is an outdoor parent and toddler group for children aged 2 to 4 and their parents or guardians. Attendees can take part in activities such as trails, crafts, games and songs.
24 Oct–1 Nov
A Halloween half-term event at Framlingham Castle with family activities including interactive storytelling, spooky games, a themed trail and a fancy-dress competition.
7 Oct, 10 Oct…
Historic costume volunteers demonstrate Anglo-Saxon clothing and accessory-making skills, including spinning, dyeing, leatherwork, basket making and weaving.
Glemham Hall is a historic 16th-18th century red brick mansion in Suffolk featuring guided tours through its house and attics, extensive gardens including a walled rose garden, and a large park with ancient oaks. Visitors can explore both indoor heritage and outdoor gardens and parkland with some wheelchair accessible areas.
18 Oct (next Sunday)
A 30-minute specialist talk about the wreck of the Phoenix, captained by Admiral Hyde-Parker II, and the seafaring adventures of the Hyde Parker family.
Melford Hall is a historic Grade I listed stately home in Suffolk with 16th-century origins and Tudor architecture. Owned by the National Trust and open to the public seasonally, it offers a blend of both indoor historic house tours and extensive outdoor grounds hosting events.
30 Oct
A family-focused object-handling session where visitors can examine and touch real archaeological finds and replicas of Sutton Hoo treasures. The session takes place outdoors in the courtyard in suitable weather, or indoors in the Discovery Room.
21 Apr
British Museum curator Sue Brunning gives an evening talk about the Bayeux Tapestry and its loan to the British Museum, followed by time for questions and a book signing.
9 Dec
Participants learn traditional Indian block printing and create a table runner with four coordinating napkins, choosing from festive motifs and fabric paint colours. The full-day workshop also includes a demonstration, a short talk and tour of Lavenham Guildhall, refreshments and lunch.
Lavenham Guildhall is a historic timber-framed municipal building in Suffolk, England, originally built in 1529 by the wealthy cloth guild. It serves today as a local history museum showcasing the evolution of the building and Lavenham's medieval wool trade heritage.
10 Oct, 15 Oct…
An informal outdoor art workshop at Sutton Hoo, where participants try quick-sketch activities inspired by the landscape and their responses to it. Arts and Crafts volunteers lead the session, with materials provided.
28–29 Nov
Christmas at Valley Farm features a traditionally decorated hall and a log fire, with volunteers sharing stories of Christmas past. Mince pies and mulled wine will be available to buy.
Place for Plants: East Bergholt Place Garden is a tranquil 20-acre garden in Suffolk featuring a rich collection of trees, shrubs, and rare plants including National Plant Collections. Visitors can enjoy meandering paths, wildflower meadows, ponds, and a woodland atmosphere in a coastal climate.
23–24 Oct, 30–31 Oct
Participants follow a torchlit route across Sutton Hoo, meeting Anglo-Saxon storytellers who share fictionalised adventures of Rægenhere and his warband. The event includes hot and cold drinks and cake at the end.
13 Oct, 27 Oct…
A relaxed, group social walk around the grounds and woodland routes at Ickworth Estate, covering 2–3 miles in about an hour. A walking lead guides the group at a comfortable pace, with breaks to enjoy the views.
15 Oct (next Thursday)
Visitors can view selected historic books from Ickworth’s collection and speak with conservation staff and volunteers about how the books are cared for. Staff will turn the pages of books on display, which visitors cannot touch.
27 Oct
Autumn Nature Day at Flatford offers outdoor craft activities, trails to follow and nature clues to hunt. The event is organised by Flatford Mill Field Studies Centre with local partner organisations.
Flatford Wildlife Garden is a family-friendly nature reserve set in the historic village of Flatford, Suffolk. Visitors can explore an outdoor garden rich with wildlife, including a living willow tunnel, a wildlife pond home to newts, and habitats for various insects and birds. The garden offers seasonal events, picnic areas, and educational opportunities about wildlife-friendly gardening. The main paths are wheelchair accessible with some limitations to certain areas. Dogs are allowed on leads, and entry is free for all visitors.
16 Nov–23 Dec, 26 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
Christmas at Ickworth Estate offers seasonal activities, including November Nostalgia and Shadow the Snow Leopard Returns, alongside festive food, drinks and shopping. An outdoor Christmas trail and Christmas craft events are listed as still to be confirmed.
14 Oct, 19 Oct
Artists from Quayside Artists and Ipswich Art Society create artwork inspired by Sutton Hoo’s historic and natural features. Visitors can watch them work and discuss their art and inspiration.
24 Oct
A 30-minute talk and guided tour examining historic paintings connected with Melford Hall and its residents, using a special LED light.
Kentwell Hall is a moated Tudor country house in Suffolk featuring extensive formal gardens and grounds, a rare breeds farm, and a variety of historical exhibitions and events. Visitors can explore the house interiors as well as outdoor gardens, with facilities supporting accessibility and on-site dining.
8 Oct
Participants make a paintbrush from natural materials and try it out with inks to create expressive marks inspired by Sutton Hoo’s landscape. The workshop is led by Artist in Residence Amanda Warren.
17 Oct–15 Nov
A seasonal family event at Sutton Hoo with autumn-themed play activities indoors and outdoors, including races, imaginative play, crafts and Anglo-Saxon dress-up activities.
25 Oct
Costumed volunteers recreate life in Ickworth’s servants’ quarters in the 1930s. Visitors can chat with them about the staff’s daily routines and hear stories informed by the estate’s archive recordings.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
Two volunteers bring to life the story of Countess Rivers and the events leading up to the sacking of Melford Hall during the Civil War, presenting the events from different perspectives.
28 Nov–23 Dec, 26 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
Follow Shadow and his friends on a winter-themed trail through the grounds of Ickworth Estate and into the Italianate Garden. The trail is designed with children in mind.
21–22 Nov, 28–29 Nov…
Explore how the Anglo-Saxons marked midwinter and how their customs relate to Christmas traditions today. Visitors can see displays at the High Hall and Tranmer House, follow a decorated tree trail, and make Yule-themed decorations in the Discovery Room.
21–22 Nov
A Christmas craft fair in the West Wing Gallery featuring handmade work by local artists, designers and makers, with stalls to browse for gifts and other items.
7 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
Visitors can take part in mindful drawing and sketching in the Discovery Room, contribute chalk artwork on the site’s walks, or borrow a sketching bag to use while exploring Sutton Hoo.
12 Oct, 16 Oct…
A guided tour taking visitors back to 1935 to hear stories about the servants who lived and worked at Ickworth, and learn about life and activity in the house’s basement.
8 Oct, 15 Oct…
A gentle guided walk around the park, offering time to move, enjoy the fresh air and connect with nature at your own pace.
31 Oct–1 Nov
The Anglian Potters Exhibition showcases handmade ceramics by the group’s members. Visitors can view the work, meet the makers and watch live demonstrations of clay being transformed into artwork.