Diwali Festival, Ipswich
_Heart of Suffolk
Countryside + Market towns
The Heart of Suffolk
The Heart of Suffolk has a gentle pace of life, with characterful market towns of antique shops and boutiques, charming rural pubs, quaint, quiet villages of thatched cottages and farms coloured Suffolk Pink. In county town Ipswich relax on the waterfront with its clanking halyards and soft swish of the River Orwell before exploring ancient mercantile streets. This is a great area for leisurely exploring, with destinations that reward curiosity. Food and drink are part of the pull too, from farmers’ markets, farm shops and cafés to vineyards and producers worth seeking out. Don’t miss Stowmarket’s Food Museum. The Heart of Suffolk is a place to build a slow, relaxing itinerary with multiple stops across a rural patchwork of rolling countryside punctuated by destinations that will make you feel you’ve stepped back to a gentler time.
Plan your stay in The Heart of Suffolk
All your questions about The Heart of Suffolk answered, plus advice on how to plan your trip and things to do.
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Stories & Inspirations From The Heart of Suffolk
Where to see David Copperfield film locations in…
Posted: 12th Mar 2026
The East of England features strongly in The Personal History of David Copperfield, the Armando… The East of England features strongly in The Personal History of David Copperfield, the…
Where to see David Copperfield film locations in East Anglia
Posted: 12th Mar 2026
The East of England features strongly in The Personal History of David Copperfield, the Armando…
Where to see great art in East Anglia
Posted: 11th Mar 2026
You don’t have to travel to London to see great art – there are fabulous galleries and exhibitions…
Why East Anglia is a 'must see' Lonely Planet location
Posted: 10th Mar 2026
It’s no surprise to us that Lonely Planet chose East Anglia, made up of Suffolk and Norfolk, as one…
Top Attractions in Heart of Suffolk
Ickworth Estate – National Trust
An Italianate Palace in the heart of Suffolk. With over 1800 acres of parkland, gardens and brand… An Italianate Palace in the heart of Suffolk. With over 1800 acres of parkland, gardens and…
Ickworth Estate – National Trust
An Italianate Palace in the heart of Suffolk. With over 1800 acres of parkland, gardens and brand…
Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park
Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park is an award winning wildlife park, rare breeds farm, restaurant and… Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park is an award winning wildlife park, rare breeds farm, restaurant…
Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park
Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park is an award winning wildlife park, rare breeds farm, restaurant and…
Cycle Breaks
Discover the very best of Suffolk on two wheels with this immersive, self-guided cycling adventure… Discover the very best of Suffolk on two wheels with this immersive, self-guided cycling…
Cycle Breaks
Discover the very best of Suffolk on two wheels with this immersive, self-guided cycling adventure…
Mid-Suffolk Light Railway
Suffolk's only standard gauge heritage railway Suffolk's only standard gauge heritage railway
Festivals In The Heart of Suffolk
Foreword Book Festival
Date: 19th Jun - 21st Jun 2026
Join us for fantastic books, authors, storytelling, poetry, children's events and more! Join us for fantastic books, authors, storytelling, poetry, children's events and more!
Featured Events In The Heart of Suffolk
Botanical Casting Workshop
Date: 4th Jun - 4th Jun 2026
Spend a relaxing few hours at the fabulous Fullers Mill and explore the beautiful artform of… Spend a relaxing few hours at the fabulous Fullers Mill and explore the beautiful artform of…
Jimmy’s Wild Wellness Weekend
Date: 13th Jun - 14th Jun 2026
Escape the ordinary and embrace the wild with a wellness experience like no other. Set within the… Escape the ordinary and embrace the wild with a wellness experience like no other. Set within…
Active Ickworth: Social Walk
Date: 31st Mar - 9th Jun 2026
Join one of our new social walks and meet up with likeminded individuals as you enjoy a short walk… Join one of our new social walks and meet up with likeminded individuals as you enjoy a short…
Open Day
Date: 25th Aug - 31st Aug 2026
From 10 am until 2 pm on select days, explore the grandeur of Euston Hall with our guided Hall… From 10 am until 2 pm on select days, explore the grandeur of Euston Hall with our guided Hall…
Featured Businesses In The Heart of Suffolk
Retreat East
Retreat East is a luxury spa resort in the heart of Suffolk. It is home to 15 country chic barns,… Retreat East is a luxury spa resort in the heart of Suffolk. It is home to 15 country chic…
Retreat East
Retreat East is a luxury spa resort in the heart of Suffolk. It is home to 15 country chic barns,…
Fullers Mill Garden
An award-winning seven-acre garden that’s a tranquil, peaceful and enchanting waterside oasis near… An award-winning seven-acre garden that’s a tranquil, peaceful and enchanting waterside oasis…
Fullers Mill Garden
An award-winning seven-acre garden that’s a tranquil, peaceful and enchanting waterside oasis near…
Mid-Suffolk Light Railway
Suffolk's only standard gauge heritage railway Suffolk's only standard gauge heritage railway
Milsoms Kesgrave Hall
Set in beautiful countryside, Milsoms Kesgrave Hall is a luxurious boutique hotel, luxury spa and… Set in beautiful countryside, Milsoms Kesgrave Hall is a luxurious boutique hotel, luxury spa…
Milsoms Kesgrave Hall
Set in beautiful countryside, Milsoms Kesgrave Hall is a luxurious boutique hotel, luxury spa and…
Featured Itineraries In The Heart of Suffolk
The Heart of Suffolk provides quintessential English countryside studded with characterful market… The Heart of Suffolk provides quintessential English countryside studded with characterful…
Trending Items
Date: 13th Jun - 14th Jun 2026
Escape the ordinary and embrace the wild with a wellness experience like no other. Set within the… Escape the ordinary and embrace the wild with a wellness experience like no other. Set within…
Jimmy’s Wild Wellness Weekend
Date: 13th Jun - 14th Jun 2026
Expiry Date: 14th Jun 2026
Date: 3rd Jul - 3rd Jul 2026
Hear the stories of the servants who lived and worked at Ickworth as you discover the hustle and… Hear the stories of the servants who lived and worked at Ickworth as you discover the hustle…
Date: 12th Jul - 12th Jul 2026
Enjoy an afternoon exploring the gardens followed by live music in beautiful surroundings! Enjoy an afternoon exploring the gardens followed by live music in beautiful surroundings!
Why East Anglia is a 'must see' Lonely Planet…
It’s no surprise to us that Lonely Planet chose East Anglia, made up of Suffolk and Norfolk, as one… It’s no surprise to us that Lonely Planet chose East Anglia, made up of Suffolk and Norfolk,…
Why East Anglia is a 'must see' Lonely Planet location
It’s no surprise to us that Lonely Planet chose East Anglia, made up of Suffolk and Norfolk, as one…
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