Suffolk’s varied landscape has inspired many people, from writer George Orwell to singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. One of the best ways to explore the gorgeous county is on foot, following one of the many walking trails. Exploring Suffolk’s ancient woodlands, coastal villages and glorious country will delight you and your family.
When visiting the region on a weekend break for families, you will be happy to know that the dry climate and low-lying landscapes make Suffolk a great place for walks, regardless of age and ability. And with it being National Walking Month, there is no better time to head outdoors with your walking boots on!
Alton Water
Alton Water is an easy walking route to follow, and as Suffolk largest lake with meadows, woodlands, ponds and picnic sites, it’s a great family-friendly walking route. Take the 8-mile circular path, which offers many different views of the lake, the surrounding landscape and the wide variety of wildlife. Throughout the day, you will be able to see ducks, geese and swans on the lakes and at dusk keep an eye out for barn owls who fly around the edge of the lake looking for food.
Felixstowe Ferry
Another easier route, great if you have small children, is the Felixstowe Ferry walk which follows the River Deben to the sea. The walk takes you past colourful beach huts, the historic Martello Towers, rewarding you with superb views out to sea and across the River Deben towards Bawdsey Manor. Along the way there are several cafes and pubs to stop off at for refreshment, making the walk that much more enjoyable.
Redgrave and Lophram Fen
Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s nature reserve offers a variety of trails such as the Lopham Loop, the Spider Trail and the Waveney Trail. The fenland of the reserve is a haven for wildlife, and you can see the Konik ponies, see kestrels and hobby falcons, reed buntings and bearded tits. Look out for stoats and weasels, muntjac and Chinese water deer too. There’s also toilet facilities at the reserve and a picnic area. The walking routes are not that long, just over a mile, and easily accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Suffolk Coast Path
The Suffolk Coast Path is a 50-mile walk which takes you from Felixstowe to Lowestoft. Comprised of several easy stages, you only need to walk a section of it to enjoy the beautiful views. The path takes you through some gorgeous and characteristic landscapes of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Highlights include the delightful Minsmere Nature Reserve, one of the UK’s best birdwatching sites and Dunwich Forest.
Mid-Suffolk Footpath
The Mid-Suffolk Footpath is 20 miles of walking route, taking you through the Suffolk countryside. It links Hoxne in the north of the county to Stowmarket in the south, taking you through the colourful countryside and quiet country villages. Highlights on the path are the town of Eye with its ruined castle, with the route also taking you along sections of the Rivers Dove and Gipping.
Trimley Marshes
Have a wonderful day out with some beautiful scenery, following the circular walk at Trimley Marshes. The site has a fascinating history and is one of the best areas for wildlife. The walk will take you around the 3,400-acre estate owned by Trinity College Cambridge, past Felixstowe Port, Trimley Marshes Nature Reserve and Loompit Lake, which has an impressive colony of cormorants, a bird which dives down underwater for up to two minutes at a time!
For those of you staying at our Norfolk holiday parks, take a look at our blog about the top walking routes in Norfolk here.
Images by Evelyn Simak