Top 8 autumn activities in Suffolk including in Bury St Edmunds, Lowestoft and Stowmarket
Coming off the heatwave of the past week, it might not seem like autumn is on the way, but, with a couple weeks of summer left, here are some activities in Suffolk to bookmark for the cooler autumn season.
From taking a weekend break to enjoy stargazing to pottery making with a Halloween-themed cocktail or yoga stretches with goats, there is plenty to pick from this year.
Here are some of the best.
Ickworth Light Nights Walks
Where: Ickworth Estate, Horringer, Bury Saint Edmunds
When: November 13 to 23 – weekdays only, Monday to Thursday
Spend an evening wandering through lit up paths, lined by willow woven animal sculptures, and be transported into a Victorian-esque gothic stumpery before marvelling at this Italianate palace transformed by light.
Visitors will also be able to browse through the gift shop for Christmas presents as well as enjoy festive treats and mulled wine from the cafe – a great way to warm up on those cold evenings.
For more information, click here.
Rougham Pumpkin Patch
Where: Rougham Estate, Rougham,
When: Every weekend from September 30 to October 15, and every day from October 20 to 29.
Grab a wheelbarrow and choose the perfect pumpkins to carve into spooky faces or scary scenes this Halloween.
At Rougham Estate, there is plenty to enjoy with sandpits, pedal tractors and small pumpkin games for the family. There will also be a chance to grab a selfie with one of the scarecrows.
Refreshments will be available including coffee, posh toasties, cakes and ice creams as well as a licensed bar for those needing a break from the pumpkins.
Forest Bathing
Where: Sutton Hoo, Tranmer House, Woodbridge
When: September 16
"Shinrin-Yoku", or forest bathing, is the practice of spending time in woodland to reignite the relationship with the natural world and encourage better health, happiness and a sense of calm.
Join the guided walks and immerse yourself with nature through a combination of mindfulness, meditation, breathing and walking exercises.
Tickets are available here.
Twilight Night Extravaganza
Where: Burnt Hill Lane, Lowestoft
When: October 27-28
Arrive at Carlton Marshes for an evening of discovering the world of nocturnal animals and exploring the marshes at night.
There will be plenty of nighttime activities, including moth trapping, lantern making and marshmallow toasting as well as a chance to stargaze and explore what planets are in view through the telescope.
To enjoying an evening by the campfire, click here to book.
Yoga with Goats
Where: Easton Farm Park, Woodbridge
When: Every Saturday between October 7 – November 19
Join in this unique yoga combination with the goats at Easton Farm Park this autumn.
Nothing is stopping the fun as the event will be held rain or shine, in the grassed paddock or in the barn.
There is no need to have done yoga before – all are welcome, just need to be a minimum age of 6.
Those that would like to stay after class, camping and glamping is also available.
With the event proving popular over the summer, extra dates have been added for the upcoming autumn months. Click here to book.
Pottery Painting with a Halloween-themed cocktail
Where: The Regal, Ipswich Street, Stowmarket
When: October 19
Pennikkity Pots are back at The 1936 Café Bar for a spooky Halloween pottery painting evening, accompanied with a Halloween-themed cocktail (or a soft drink).
The pottery will be taken away, glazed and fired by Pennikkity Pots and returned to The Regal to collect a week to 10 days later
The popular event sells out quickly, so book your tickets here for a fun evening of spooky pottery painting.
Scaresville
Where: Kentwell Hall
When: Preview night – October 11 and 12. Daily from October 22.
The popular event is returning for another year to Kentwell Hall with its signature screaming and associated laughter.
Be prepared for an evening of adventure. As you cross over into a twilight world, where reality and imagination merge, you will encounter thrills, spills, scares and dares, as you traverse the woods, buildings, and the parkland of Scaresville.
Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult over 21 years of age.
Tickets must be booked in advance.
Ghost Stories by Candlelight
Where: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal
When: October 13
What happens when the ghosts of the past creep up on us today?
Gather close for a candlelit evening of chilling, contemporary tales and haunting new folk music from the ‘Witch Counties’ of East Anglia.
To enjoy an evening of spooky tales, click here.
Ghost Stories by Candlelight is written by Kelly Jones, Shamser Sinha and Nicola Werenowska. With music and songs by Georgia Shackleton. Directed by Elayce Ismail.
