Father’s Day 2023 things to do in Bury St Edmunds, Ickworth, Ipswich and Kennett near Newmarket
Father’s Day is almost here, and you may be wondering how to treat your dad on the big day.
All dads are different, but we’ve picked out five of the best things to do in Suffolk on Father’s Day.
Whether your dad is a thrill-seeker or a prefers a quiet day with the family, there’s something here for everyone.
Bowling
First opening in 1988, Bury Bowl was the first bowling alley in Suffolk open to the general public. It’s also a fun place to take your dad for a family trip out on Father’s Day.
Open 10.30am to 6pm on Sunday, Bury Bowl has 12 bowling lanes, along with 4 pool tables and games machines including air hockey and a boxing machine.
With live sport on TV, a bar and food available including burgers, hot dogs, and nachos, you’ll strike a winner if you take dad to the bowling for Father’s Day.
Go Karting
Continuing on a competitive theme, go-karting is another great choice for a day out with dad and there are several in Suffolk to choose from.
To name just two, WildTracks Outdoor Activity Park near Kennett has a wide 800m track where you can go wheel to wheel with your dad.
Open every day of the week 9am to 5pm, prices range from £25pp for 15 minutes on the track to £50pp for a one-hour ‘grand prix’.
There’s also Anglia Indoor Karting in Ipswich. Open from 9am till at least 9pm seven days a week, this indoor centre offers a range of races ranging from £41pp to £57pp depending on group size and length, along with a host of team events.
Whichever you go for, it’s sure to be an adrenaline-filled day as you and dad speed around the track.
Pub lunch
For a more relaxed Father’s Day, you can take your dad out for a nice pub lunch.
One Suffolk pub that’s been recognised for its menu recently is The Kings Arms in Haughley, which won Food Pub of the Year at the Greene King Night of Excellence in March.
Lucy Newland, Director at The Kings Arms, said: “If you’re looking for somewhere independent and special to go with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, come and see us here at The Kings Arms.
“Our small, friendly team are always on hand to offer recommendations whether it be for food or drink and to help look after you on your special occasion.”
The Kings Arms offers local produce on the menu, and at the bar are Suffolk-brewed options such as Aspalls Cyder and Abbot Ale.
The kitchen is open on Sundays from 12pm to 2.30pm.
Greene King Tour
Or, if your dad is less into his pub food and more a fan of some tipple, a tour of Greene King’s
Westgate Brewery might be a great way to treat him on 18 June.
Going for £20 a ticket and with tours running from Tuesday to Sunday, this could give your dad a chance to see the ins and outs of how Greene King makes its world-famous beers.
The tour ends with a trip to the top of the brewery, giving a bird’s eye view of Bury, and a chance to taste some Greene King produce. It’s sure to be a memorable experience for dad.
Ickworth Park
If your dad is a fan of the great outdoors, then it’s hard to beat Ickworth Park for a Father’s Day treat.
Whether on foot or on a bike (cycle hire is available from 10am to 2pm on 18 June), a trip to
Ickworth will let dad and the whole family stretch their legs and take in the scenery.
Drinks and snacks are available from the West Wing and Porters Lodge cafes, and for those with pets.
Ickworth is rated best for dogs on the National Trust’s ‘pawprint’ scale.
Entry is free for National Trust members, while for non-members an adult ticket is £12 and a child.
Article written by Oliver Nunn.
