Do you like fun? I thought so. It’s very rare that anyone says ‘no’ to that question. Here’s a quick roundup of places you can seek out cool and fun experiences near Woodfarm Barns.
Scroll down the page until you find something that tickles your fancy, then click the title for more information.
One of the most beautiful, historic villages in England, let alone Suffolk. Jam-packed with quirky, wonky timber-framed buildings, antique shops, craft shops, art galleries, tea rooms and pubs, it’s a really popular tourist destination for all visitors to Suffolk and still a regular for us locals too!
Little Hall is an independent museum, run entirely by volunteers, that gives an insight into the commercial past of historic Lavenham and the wool trade.
Lavenham host one of the best farmers markets in the county, visiting is a must during your stay in Suffolk!
All products at the market come from within a thirty mile radius, and are sold by the producers themselves, so you can be assured that you are trying some of the very best that Suffolk has to offer.
You know what this is surely? It’s been all over the telly for years now. However, if you’ve never been you are in for a treat!
Superb farm shop, restaurant, butchery, clothes & gift shops and farm trail
Famous for being a mate of Jamie Oliver, Jimmy has built a phenomenal empire here, attracting hundreds of visitors to Suffolk every day
You must eat in the restaurant whilst you are there because a) It’s good and b) My nephew is one of the chefs!
Ickworth is a National Trust property; an amazing house set in 1800 acres of stunning woodland
The origins date back to 1253 with a timber house that no longer exists. What is here now is an impressive house dating back 100 years, with its centre-piece, the incredible ‘Rotunda’ providing an imposing sight as you approach
This in 2012 from our first of many visits;
We toured the house, starting in the basement, which is ‘staged’ as it would have originally been, with the finishing kitchens, the pump rooms and some of the servants’ quarters. It’s very life-like, giving us a real sense of how life was 100 years ago for the working classes
Fabulous Farm Shop, Farm Trail and Plant Centre in Mid Suffolk
I use to live round the corner and remember this place as a big old shed selling a small range of farm produce. It then grew organically (scuse the pun) into what it is today, which is a triumph of rural business development/ agricultural diversity
A brand spanking new, purpose built complex selling a range of local produce, including much of their own, as well as a huge range of other locally sourced products. The food is always of a superb quality and not overly priced at all!
They have a great little cafe’ / restaurant in there too, as well as a really interactive farm trail, which is a big hit with kids
A stunning country estate in the heart of Suffolk
Grade 1 listed moated hall with beautiful gardens, open from the beginning of May to the end of September every year. The historic home of the Tollemache family for over 500 years
Regular events throughout the season including walks, music, classic car shows and the home of the Suffolk Dog Day
Adventure playground par excellence set in Thetford Forest, just half an hour from Woodfarm
Winner of Suffolk Tourism Awards – Best Tourism Experience 2011
With centres around the country, Thetford is their original and still the best. It features 30 miles of bike and walking trails from
which to explore 50,000 acres of forest. You can just have a wander or a meander on your bike or go ape on their classic Tree Top
Adventure or Forest Segways
Perfect day out for adventurous kids of all ages!
Award winning family run vineyard near Bury St Edmunds
If you’re visiting Suffolk and having a day out around the Bury area then why not pop along when they have one of their regular open cellar door days? Full details on their website
Selected products are available to purchase on their website. They have a range of vineyard products including grapeseed oil soaps and bath oil, candles, corkscrews and walking sticks made from antler and vine stems and also offer fruit wines and liqueurs, beeswax products and greetings cards
If you really fancy a day of Suffolk vineyards they’re not too far from Wyken (see separate post) who are open daily
A beautiful RSPB garden in the heart of Constable Country
It’s in a beautiful setting, on a south-facing slope beside the River Stour. It consists of flower borders full of nectar and pollen, a small wildflower meadow buzzing with life, a young apple orchard, woodland gardens, and a kitchen garden, all designed with garden wildlife in mind
There are frequent events and activities at the garden, with more children’s activities during the school holidays, and events and workshops for adults in the time between school holidays. It’s a beautiful place to get closer to nature!
Dogs are welcome, but should be on a lead, please