Family-friendly activities to enjoy at National Trust sites this May half-term, including Sutton Hoo, near Woodbridge, Dunwich Heath and Beach and Ickworth Estate, near Bury St Edmunds
With a week until the May school half-term begins, finding activities to keep children busy can sometimes feel overwhelming.
However, there is plenty in Suffolk to keep youngsters entertained and, even better, many can be enjoyed for free after paying any normal admission fees.
The National Trust has revealed its list of its must-do activities, events and trails at Suffolk sites.
From pond dipping and arts and crafts to storytelling in picturesque surroundings, here are some family-friendly places to explore during the school holiday.
Sutton Hoo:
The archaeological site has plenty of family activities this May half-term, from den-building and dressing up as a warrior to crafts and outdoor adventures.
Here are some dates worth popping in the diary:
When: May 19-June 13, Tuesday to Saturday each week
Entry: Free (normal admission fees apply)
Experience the excitement as Time Team – the Channel 4 documentary programme – returns to Sutton Hoo.
Archaeologists, film crews and volunteers will be at Garden Field to continue the two-year project.
Little ones will have the chance to look into the trench as it’s being excavated, watch a special screening of Time Team’s latest documentary series and ask the experts questions.
When: May 24, 27, 29, 31 and June 1 at 10.45am, 12pm and 1.30pm
Entry: Free (normal admission fees apply)
Join the Anglo-Saxon storytellers for a journey through time.
The stories are suitable for both adults and children, though parents are advised to check with the storyteller for children under 10.
When: May 24 to June 1 at 11am, 12pm and 1pm
Entry: Free (normal admission fees apply)
There’s nothing quite like an activity that sparks the creative mind.
Children will have the chance to learn how archaeologists uncover the past beneath our feet and may even discover some artefacts themselves.
Among other activities at Sutton Hoo, children can also travel back in time to discover the gruesome secrets of the burial ground, or have a go at making a pot jigsaw, a sword pyramid and cone characters.
Dunwich Heath and Beach
When: May 24-25 and May 31-June 1, between 11am and 2pm
Entry: Free (normal admission fees apply)
Event: Pond dipping
About 45 minutes from Sutton Hoo and tucked away on the Suffolk Coast lies another great spot for families seeking outdoor fun.
This May half-term little ones can discover the fascinating wildlife living in the ponds at Dunwich Heath, including dragonfly and caddisfly larvae.
There’s no need to bring nets – they’re available at the welcome centre.
Children can also explore the beach using a tracker.
Tracker packs, filled with spotter sheets, pots and magnifying glasses, can be collected from the welcome centre.
There are also two and three mile routes that traverse heathland and clifftop paths – perfect if you fancy a relaxing day at the coast. Don’t forget to bring a picnic or pick up a treat from the tearoom.
Flatford
When: May 27, between 11am and 3pm
Entry: Free (normal admission fees apply)
Event: Nature day
This free event is perfect for children looking to get closer to nature.
Youngsters can enjoy four hours of craft activities, trails and nature-themed hunts.
To round off the day of fun, families are encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy by the riverside – or stop off at the tearoom.
Ickworth Estate
The Italianate Palace, near Bury St Edmunds, boasts more than 1,800 acres of parkland, woodland and gardens to explore.
There are also a few adventures to entertain little explorers.
When: May 25-June 1, from 10:30-11.15am
Entry: Free (normal admission fees apply)
Each morning, there will be a storytelling session with the team, where families can hear the story Ruby Plants a Radish.
The book is part of a series of non-fiction nature picture books, featuring artwork by The Gruffalo’s bestselling illustrator, Axel Scheffler.
The session is free, but the book will be available to purchase from the estate’s shop.
When: May 24, 28 and 29, from 10.30am to 12pm as well as from 1pm to 2.30pm
Entry: £5
This activity will need to be booked in advance and it’s great to spark the creative mind with some paint.
Although the session is tailored for children, everyone can get involved and use their arts skills to decorate a plant pot.
The £5 charge is to cover the cost of the plant pot.
Other activities at Ickworth Estate include a series of garden-themed games and activities in front of the Rotunda.
These include giant noughts and crosses, wheelbarrow fun and a sensory area.
These is no additional charge, but standard admission prices apply to access the estate.
