Best Autumn experiences to book in Norfolk and Suffolk

Autumn’s a great time to be in Norfolk and Suffolk, with lots of events and experiences to enjoy, not least focused on food and drink.

Here’s some of the best to book now…

White Horse Mussel Festival

If bivalve molluscs are to your taste, then head to the north-west coat of Norfolk in October. Brancaster mussels are some of the best in the country, farmed and harvested in the nutrient-rich water of the tidal creeks and salt marshes overlooked by the festival venue, The White Horse. The event is between October 21-25.

Combine your trip with a visit to country estates Houghton, Holkham and Royal Sandringham, or take a boat trip to see the seals at Blakeney.

Where to stay: Try The White Horse itself or nearby Titchwell Manor and Briarfields. In Burnham Market, there’s The Hoste Arms or No.Twenty9.

Norwich Cocktail Week

From September 25-October 4, the historic and cultural city of Norwich hosts the Norwich Cocktail Week. There are 30 venues to visit, each with its own signature cocktail or mocktail.

This is a great way to explore the very walkable city centre, taking in Europe’s largest permanent covered market, cobbled streets and medieval lanes.

Where to stay: In the city centre, The Georgian Townhouse has a youthful vibe with huge garden, The Assembly House could easily feature in Bridgerton and The Maids Head is across the road from the cathedral.

The Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival

The two-day Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival on September 26-27 at the picturesque Snape Maltings on the River Alde is a great opportunity to see lots of producers and makers in one place or learn a culinary skill. Plus there’s demos, talks and farmers’ market. Book your tickets early and arrive by cycle or public transport.

Where to stay: As well as great self-catering accommodation at Snape Maltings itself, you could stay in a luxury cottage at Mollett’s Farm, or a Landmark Trust Martello Tower. In Aldeburgh itself there are two excellent hotels, The Brudenell and White Lion, and in Saxmundham there’s The Bell Hotel.

Run the Sandringham Half Marathon

It’s not often you get the chance to run a half marathon in the grounds of a Royal Estate. Well, here it is. On September 27 the Sandringham Half Marathon will attract a large field of runners of all abilities to run around the Royal Parkland and Estate and surrounding roads and trails.

There are also 1k and 5k races on the day.

Where to stay: Congham Hall, Knight’s Hill, or on the Houghton Estate, there’s Houghton West Lodge and Washmeres Cottage.

Butchery masterclass at The Food Museum

Join professional butcher Mia Tamburrini on Sunday 18 October at The Food Museum Stowmarket, for a hands-on day exploring the craft, anatomy and science of whole lamb butchery. Working through a full side of lamb, you’ll learn to break down, debone and prepare a range of cuts - from a rolled leg joint and noisettes to mince truffles - all under Mia’s expert guidance.

Lunch is included, and you’ll leave with a generous selection of your own expertly prepared meat. Suitable for food enthusiasts, smallholders, chefs, or anyone curious about where their meat comes from. £150 per person.

Combine your trip with a visit to waterfront Ipswich, historic Bury St Edmund or explore the medieval Wool Towns.

Where to stay: The Bildeston Crown is in a charming market town close to the Wool Towns and Retreat East is a luxury spa resort with 15 chic places to rest your head.

Oktoberfest at Newmarket Races

Bavarian-inspired bites, beer and music are the backdrop to three days of thrilling racing and Oktoberfest celebrations at the Rowley Mile Racecourse, Newmarket, between September 25-27.

Linger a while in Newmarket and take in the early-morning Gallops when the town’s 3000 horses are put through their paces, take a tour of the National Stud and visit the National Horse Racing Museum and Royal Palace.

Where to stay: In Newmarket, Bedford Lodge Hotel and Spa. In the nearby countryside, try The Carpenters Arms or The Packhorse Inn.

Don’t miss Constable 250

It’s the 250th anniversary of the birth of John Constable, and Suffolk is pulling out all the stops to celebrate the East Bergholt-born landscape painter. At Flatford, where he composed some of his most famous works, there are guided tours until September 26. Gainsborough’s House in Sudbury hosts a Gainsborough, Turner and Constable exhibition until October 11 and Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich has Constable shows until Spring 2027, including a loan of The Hay Wain, Constable’s most renowned work.

Where to stay: In Ipswich, Salthouse Harbour on the waterfront. In Constable Country in the Dedham Vale and Stour Valley, try the Talbooth House & Spa, Milsoms or The Crown in Stoke by Nayland.

Step back in time with steam

From September 18-20 the North Norfolk Railway, Sheringham and Holt host a 1940s weekend that includes authentic 1940s re-enactments and period displays, live music and dancing, classic car and military vehicle displays and special steam train rides. You’ll believe you’ve stepped back in time.

While you’re here, climb up Beeston Bump, take a walk on the Victorian pier at Cromer with the world’s last end-of-pier theatre and don’t miss the chance to taste the eponymous Cromer crab, so tasty because it feeds on the world’s longest chalk reef just offshore.

Where to stay: The Grove Hotel and Glamping, Cliftonville and Virginia Court in Cromer, The Two Lifeboats and The Dales Country Hotel in Sheringham, and The Links Hotel in Beeston.

Water Spooktacular at the Gt Yarmouth Hippodrome

Plan a break by the traditional English seaside with all the retro fun of a 1903 wooden rollercoaster, rides and attractions, Kiss Me Quick hats and saucy postcards. Get a bag of fresh donuts and take a walk along the Golden Mile. The big event? Book tickets for the Halloween Spooktacular at The Hippodrome, the UK’s last complete circus building and one of only three in the world with a circus floor that sinks into a pool.

Where to stay: Go all in on the seaside resort vibe with a stay at Vauxhall Holiday Park or head for The Boathouse at Rollesby.

Flint Vineyard at Mannington Hall

Award-winning Norfolk winemakers Flint Vineyard is coming to Mannington Hall on November 6, including Bonfire and Marshmallows, music from the Time and Mercy Band.

There will be great music, wood fired pizza from Big Nap Pizza, grab a glass of chilled Flint wine or a beer from Barsham Brewery and unwind in the stunning grounds of Mannington Hall.  Please book your free place online.

Where to stay: The Ironmongers or Aylsham Windmill at Aylsham.

Deer and Wildlife Safari at Holkham

From October 23 to November 1, Holkham Hall and Estate hosts its Deer and Wildlife Safari. It’s the most exciting time of the year to hop on a tractor-trailer to visit the park’s resident fallow deer herd and see the males rutting to see who’s the boss. Sit tight while the knowledgeable guides provide you with fascinating insights and facts.

While you’re here visit charming Burnham Market with its chic independent shops and walk through the pine forest to Wells-next-the-Sea beach for the iconic row of 200 multi-coloured beach huts. Hire one for the day from Pinewoods for that retro English seaside experience.

Where to stay: At Holkham try The Victoria, with produce sourced from the estate. Stay in nearby Wells-next-the-Sea at The Globe or The Crown, or check out Gabriel Cottage. There’s B&B and glamping at Whitehall Farm in Burnham Thorpe and in Burnham Market check out The Hoste Arms and No.Twenty9.

Dynamic beasts at Houghton Hall

Ending on October 4, Lynn Chadwick at Houghton Hall is an opportunity to see a major exhibition of sculpture by the celebrated post-war British artist. This new showcase of 30 previously unseen and rarely exhibited works alongside his best-known sculptures are displayed across the house and grounds of Houghton Hall, including dynamic beasts, kinetic sculptures, and a selection of Chadwick’s best-known paired figures (‘couples’).

While you’re in the area, Sandringham House has behind-the-scenes tours of the Royal dacha on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and dip your toe into historic King’s Lynn.

Where to stay: Stay at Congham Hall, Knight’s Hill, or on the Houghton Estate, there’s Houghton West Lodge and Washmeres Cottage.

Minsmere Safari

Daily Safari Tours of the celebrated nature reserve are the best way to explore Minsmere. Guides will treat you like a VIP as they take you on an exclusive tour in 4x4 vehicles, introducing you to some of Minsmere's special wildlife, habitats and hidden history. These safaris provide excellent photographic opportunities. Four people maximum per vehicle and ticket prices include reserve entry fees and a hot drink in the cafe.

Where to stay: Stay at The Westleton Crown, just a short walk from Minsmere. There’s camping at Mill Hill and Haw Wood Farm, self-catering at High Lodge and glamping at Boundary Farm.

The Great Feast at Euston Estate

The Great Feast is a new food and drink festival at Euston Hall on September 26-27. The event brings together incredible food, drink, live entertainment and countryside experiences including 150 stalls and free things to do. Discover viral street food, live cooking, artisan markets, family entertainment and unique themed areas packed with fun around every corner.

Combine the festival with a trip to Thetford Forest for amazing wildlife in England’s largest low-lying forest.

Where to stay: The Pear Tree Inn, Thorpe Forest Cabins, Elveden Inn, Guinness Arms, College Farm.