things to do in Suffolk with the family this October half term
October half term is a great time to explore Suffolk. The coast is quieter, autumn is well underway and there’s plenty to do, from getting out on the water to discovering some of Suffolk’s wildlife.
Here are a few of our favourite ways to spend half term in Suffolk.
“October half term is one of my favourite times to explore Suffolk. It’s quieter, there’s still so much going on and you can have a day on the coast one day and be making chocolate the next.”
– Terezija, SCC
Make your own chocolate at Harris & James
Head to Harris & James in Beccles for a hands-on chocolate-making experience at their Suffolk chocolate factory.
Their family-friendly experience gives you the chance to make three chocolate bars of your own, choose the toppings and take your creations home afterwards.
Guests who book directly with The Suffolk Cottage Collection receive 10% off Harris & James experiences through our Suffolk Guest Offers.
Make a day of Southwold and Walberswick
Start in Southwold and wander along the seafront to the pier, home to its famously eccentric Under the Pier Show arcade.
You can climb Southwold Lighthouse for a different view of the town, then head towards the harbour and cross over to Walberswick for a walk beside the River Blyth and out towards the coast.
Beach, boats, lighthouse, pier and two of Suffolk’s best-loved seaside towns, all in one day.
See the Suffolk coast from the sea
Coastal Voyager runs boat trips from Southwold Harbour, giving you a completely different view of this part of Suffolk.
Head out to sea for a faster ride along the coast or take a gentler trip along the River Blyth, passing the marshes and landscape around Southwold and Walberswick.
Guests booking directly with The Suffolk Cottage Collection receive 10% off Coastal Voyager trips through our Suffolk Guest Offers. Check availability and book ahead for autumn trips.
Spend a day at Snape Maltings
Set beside the River Alde, Snape Maltings brings together art, music, independent shops, food and one of Suffolk’s most distinctive landscapes.
Explore the galleries and exhibitions, walk beside the river or simply wander around the Maltings. With plenty to discover indoors and out, it’s also a useful one to have up your sleeve when the autumn weather changes.
Check the Britten Pears Arts programme before you visit for exhibitions and events taking place over half term.
Discover Spooky Sounds at The Red HousE IN ALDEBURGH
For something especially for October half term, head to The Red House in Aldeburgh, the former home of composer Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears.
From 26–30 October, families can discover Spooky Sounds at The Red House, a half-term activity inspired by unusual sounds and musical discoveries.
Afterwards, Aldeburgh beach and High Street are close by, so it’s easy to make a day of it.
Make a half-term break of it
A few days in Suffolk gives you time to mix coast, countryside and family adventures without trying to fit everything into one day.
And when you book directly with The Suffolk Cottage Collection, take a look at our Suffolk Guest Offers, including savings on experiences with Harris & James and Coastal Voyager.
