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
Things not to miss in East Anglia
Posted: 10th Mar 2026
East Anglia has splendid beaches, beautiful stately homes and estates, some of the best wildlife… East Anglia has splendid beaches, beautiful stately homes and estates, some of the best…
Things not to miss in East Anglia
Posted: 10th Mar 2026
East Anglia has splendid beaches, beautiful stately homes and estates, some of the best wildlife…
What National Trust properties are there in East Anglia
Posted: 7th Mar 2026
Guide to National Trust properties in East Anglia gives an overview on the fantastic range of…
Top Attractions in Heart of Suffolk
Food Museum
The Food Museum connects people with where our food comes from, past, present and future. The Food Museum connects people with where our food comes from, past, present and future.
Food Museum
The Food Museum connects people with where our food comes from, past, present and future.
Ipswich Town Football Club Stadium Tours
Go behind the scenes at Portman Road Stadium, see areas usually off limits to the public and get… Go behind the scenes at Portman Road Stadium, see areas usually off limits to the public and…
Ipswich Town Football Club Stadium Tours
Go behind the scenes at Portman Road Stadium, see areas usually off limits to the public and get…
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…
Suffolk Owl Sanctuary
A wonderful experience with an outdoor flying arena featuring frequent demonstrations of birds of… A wonderful experience with an outdoor flying arena featuring frequent demonstrations of birds…
Suffolk Owl Sanctuary
A wonderful experience with an outdoor flying arena featuring frequent demonstrations of birds of…
Featured Events In The Heart of Suffolk
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…
Workshop: Introduction to wildlife photography
Date: 20th Jun - 20th Jun 2026
Explore the art of wildlife photography in this taster session with award-winning photographer… Explore the art of wildlife photography in this taster session with award-winning photographer…
Forest School
Date: 30th Jan - 19th Dec 2026
Forest School offers participants the opportunity to develop confidence, self-esteem and social… Forest School offers participants the opportunity to develop confidence, self-esteem and…
Teen Wildlife Photography Workshop
Date: 4th Aug - 4th Aug 2026
Teen practical masterclass led by award winning photographer Kevin Sawford. Teen practical masterclass led by award winning photographer Kevin Sawford.
Featured Businesses In The Heart of Suffolk
Salthouse Harbour Hotel
4 Star boutique hotel based on the Ipswich Marina 4 Star boutique hotel based on the Ipswich Marina
Ringshall Grange
Luxury moated Suffolk manor on 13.5 acres, hosting up to 23 guests with family-friendly,… Luxury moated Suffolk manor on 13.5 acres, hosting up to 23 guests with family-friendly,…
Ringshall Grange
Luxury moated Suffolk manor on 13.5 acres, hosting up to 23 guests with family-friendly,…
Stay In Suffolk
Stay In Suffolk - luxury self catering holiday accommodation throughout the Suffolk coastal region. Stay In Suffolk - luxury self catering holiday accommodation throughout the Suffolk coastal…
Stay In Suffolk
Stay In Suffolk - luxury self catering holiday accommodation throughout the Suffolk coastal region.
The Suffolk Escape
The family run Suffolk Escape offers luxury self catering holidays in our large Sheepyard Barn,… The family run Suffolk Escape offers luxury self catering holidays in our large Sheepyard…
The Suffolk Escape
The family run Suffolk Escape offers luxury self catering holidays in our large Sheepyard Barn,…
Trending Items
Suffolk Hideaways
When you are looking to spend a truly relaxing holiday in the beautiful Suffolk countryside,… When you are looking to spend a truly relaxing holiday in the beautiful Suffolk countryside,…
Suffolk Hideaways
When you are looking to spend a truly relaxing holiday in the beautiful Suffolk countryside,…
Date: 13th Jun - 13th Jun 2026
Weave and unwind with local willow artist Jane Kelly, creating a small basket of your own Weave and unwind with local willow artist Jane Kelly, creating a small basket of your own
Summer Willow Basket Workshop
Date: 13th Jun - 13th Jun 2026
Expiry Date: 6th Jun 2026
Hintlesham Hall Hotel
A 21st Century haven of comfort and friendly professionalism within a Grade 1 Listed Elizabethan… A 21st Century haven of comfort and friendly professionalism within a Grade 1 Listed…
Hintlesham Hall Hotel
A 21st Century haven of comfort and friendly professionalism within a Grade 1 Listed Elizabethan…
Bat Walk
Date: 8th May - 9th May 2026
Ickworth Estate is home to many bats, this guided walk is a brilliant opportunity to see and hear… Ickworth Estate is home to many bats, this guided walk is a brilliant opportunity to see and…
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