Stuck for things to do in Suffolk? There’s everything from golf to cycling and hiking to horse riding
Is Suffolk the most active county? Visit Suffolk certainly thinks so.
Many visitors to the area, may not realise that Suffolk is the home to an expansive range of sporting activities for all ages and abilities.
The impressive array of activities can take you from the water to land and even on horseback. Thrill seekers, outdoorsy fans and explorers alike have everything they could desire and more throughout the county, so it’s just down to you to catch a wave, grab your bike or your saddle and sports gear and get yourself into Suffolk this year.
Golfing in Suffolk
Golfing enthusiasts from around the UK call Suffolk “England’s Golf Coast” and it’s easy to see why.
With a plethora of golf courses from the most scenic, historical and award winning, why not come and test your swing?
For golf courses with an award-winning edge, try the Bury St Edmunds Golf Course which is an 18 hole course for members with a nine hole pay and play course and driving range.
The courses in Aldeburgh, Ipswich and Woodbridge are in the top 100 golf courses and within a short 20 minute drive, you can have a go at all three with ease.
For the most picturesque courses in Suffolk, head down to All Saints Hotel which has the River Lark flowing through its parkland or Flempton Golf Course which is awash with the yellow flower gorse and pine trees, taking the form of a cloverleaf. In the pretty town of Clare, try out the course which winds its way around a lovely lake.
For something with more coastal views, founded in 1880, the Felixstowe Golf Club is the only links golf course in Suffolk with stunning views of the Martello towers and the port of Felixstowe.
Suffolk’s historical courses take the form of the Links Golf Club in Newmarket, built at the turn of the 20th century and redeveloped on a piece of ground that once formed part of a jumps racing venue in town. The course was designed by well-known architect Colonel Hotchkin.
Golf Pros, this one is for you, the Ufford Park Hotel, Golf & Spa has been used for golfing events such as the PGA Europro Tour and Best Western Senior masters and is the perfect technical challenge.
Equestrian Activities in Suffolk
We couldn’t talk about sporting activities, without talking about the ‘Sport of Kings’. Horseracing HQ can be found in the market town of Newmarket and is filled with horseracing hot-spots.
Newmarket Racecourses has two exhilarating flat courses, The Adnams July Course and The Rowley Mile. Here you can witness exciting race days, a wonderful array of music acts and great value family activities. Newmarket becomes a hive of activity on a race day and is certainly a place to visit this summer in your finest fashion.
If you are looking to go behind the scenes to the various horseracing establishments that make up this incredible sport, Discover Newmarket,the tourism hub of the town, hosts a range of tours that take you through the whole journey of horseracing from where horseracing first began at The National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art at Palace House, breeding at The National Stud, the sales at Tattersalls Auction House, to a host of trainer’s yards and even to the racecourses itself for a behind the scenes look at a race day. Their tours are perfect for the racing mad individuals and for those entirely new to the sport.
For something to do with your own horse, Suffolk is a brilliant place to enjoy some beautiful horse-riding routes and bridleways of varying lengths.
Why not take a canter around the three circular, 30 mile trails of Stanton Rides? Or maybe trot around the horse shoe shaped Mildenhall Rides. Or for those wanting to get outside of the countryside, visit Wickham Market’s Valley Farm and Wildham Farm in Bury St Edmunds both of which offer holiday lodges with stabling and paddocks to make your trip to Suffolk even more relaxing.
The Suffolk Punch Trust is another fantastic equine attraction and is the home to the world’s oldest and largest Hollesley Bay Colony Stud which is rarer than the Giant Panda. Get up close and personal to these giant and magnificent horses, including some other rare Suffolk breeds of animal, such as the Large Black Pigs, Suffolk Sheep and Red Poll Cattle.
Water-activities in Suffolk
With numerous rivers, the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads and 50 miles of coastline, there is certainly plenty of water to enjoy a range of water-based activities. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie looking for a high speed water sport, or if you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, you’ll find it all in Suffolk.
Surfing is perhaps one of the lesser known activities that can be done in Suffolk, but nonetheless is a sporting activity worth trying whilst in the area this summer.
Walberswick, Southwold and Lowestoft are the perfect beaches to catch some northerly swells. You could even attempt kite surfing for those feeling rather adventurous. For the beginners out there, the coast in Suffolk is a great place for practicing how to ride the board.
Canoeing along the graceful waterways is a wonderful experience in Suffolk. Glide your way through picturesque rivers like the River Alde or in the Waveney near Bungay to name but a few. If the canoe isn’t for you, then kayaks and paddle boards are also available to hire. But either way, many keen water enthusiasts can find themselves getting up close to the seals of Suffolk.
If you’re looking to get even closer to nature, then maybe wild swimming is for you. As one of Suffolk’s greatest summer pleasures, there is nothing quite like jumping into a cool river on a baking hot day. Outney Common on the River Waveney, The Little Ouse at Santon Downham and Knettishall Heath and finally Dedham and Flatford on the River Stour are all great locations for a quick wild swim.
Cycling in Suffolk
Suffolk is the perfect bike riding location, with just a few pedals you can go from country to coast, allowing you to really make the most out of your cycling adventure. Whether your into gentle cycling around a town or mountain biking through beautiful woodlands, Suffolk is filled with options.
The most popular cycling routes are in Dunwich, Minsmere, Snape and Orford, all of which are filled with unspoilt landscapes. Suffolk even has it’s very own ‘Spaghetti Junction’ in Wickham Market just for cyclists.
For the forest-fans, Rendlesham Forest and Tunstall Forest offers a great trail for seasoned cyclists and novices alike.
Hiking in Suffolk
If walking and hiking is more your thing, then you’ll fit in perfectly with the people of Suffolk – we’ve even got an annual festival just for walking because it’s such a loved pastime.
The Suffolk Walking Festival is notably one of the biggest in the UK and covers the breadth of the county. Starting from May 11 until June 2, you can participate in more than 120 talks. Don’t worry though, walking abilities range from mild to hardcore, so all are welcome to join in.
If you can’t take part, Suffolk is a great walking and hiking destination all-year round with a range of coastal paths with two areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. From Sizewell to Aldeburgh or from Snape to Iken, the coastal landscape is a beautiful one to take in on-foot.
For a more historical trail, you could head just outside of Newmarket to a walk known as ‘Devils Dyke’ which forms a straight line which is thought to be constructed in Anglo Saxon times, or take a guided History and Heritage walking tour with Discover Newmarket which will guide you through the home of horseracing.
You could even take a wander around the historical grounds of Framlingham Castle, made famous by singer-songwriter, Ed Sheeran or the stunning Ickworth House Park and Gardens. Suffolk even has a Blue Plaque trail where you can discover the stories of some of the county’s most important figures.
Of course, this is just a snapshot of all the sporting activities which the county has to offer.
For you to really understand what’s available in Suffolk, you need to get out and explore it for yourself.
The Suffolk landscape must be experienced to be believed.