Real places we take our own families: parks with space to run, buggy‑friendly promenades, free museums and easy little trails. Pack a picnic, chase the light, and make a day of it—without the ticket price.
Updated Nov 2025 by locals who actually go to these spots. No fluff—just good days out.
Wide lawns for cartwheels, paths for scooters and shady corners for sandwiches—easy wins for all ages.
Ipswich's green heart—easy paths, ducks and loads of space to roam.
Ponds · Play areas · Arboretum
Tip: Toilets near the Mansion; lawns perfect for picnics.
Big open parkland with gentle trails that are ideal for little legs.
Arboretum · Wildflower meadows
Tip: Large open spaces; seasonal sculptures and trails.
Compact, pretty and practical—play areas plus calm garden corners.
Play area · Walled garden
Tip: Café kiosk open most days; bring duck-safe feed.
Picture‑perfect gardens wrapped around atmospheric abbey ruins.
Ruins · Formal beds · Play area
Tip: Flat paths and plenty of seating.
Huge lawns for ball games, kites and scooters—easy family win.
Expansive lawns · Woodland edges
Tip: Good for bikes and scooting on wide paths.
Sea air is free. Stroll the prom, spot colourful huts and let the kids beach‑comb for treasures.
Classic pier vibes and easy pram strolling with big sea views.
Pier · Beach huts
Tip: Prom is stroller-friendly; check seasonal dog zones.
Fishing boats, art and that seaside feel—perfect for a slow wander.
Boats · Sculpture
Tip: Shelter behind the sea wall on breezy days.
Level prom, colourful gardens and lots to see without spending.
Gardens · Promenade
Tip: Many free gardens and level access; arcades optional.
Soft sand and wide skies—easy access and instant holiday mood.
Sandy beach · Level access
Tip: Arrive early on warm weekends; toilets along the prom.
Wild dunes and big skies; space for adventures and barefoot wanders.
Creeks · Dunes
Tip: Wild feel; bring layers and check tide for creek edges.
Note: Some coastal car parks are pay & display; promenades and beaches are free to access.
Locals love the evening light on Southwold prom and the quieter north end of Felixstowe Gardens for a sunset snack.
Short attention spans? Dip in for 30–45 minutes, spot a favourite exhibit and leave on a high.
Dinosaurs, curiosities and local nature—free, fun and bite‑sized.
Natural history · Victorian galleries
Tip: Admission is often free; confirm current hours.
Big‑name art in a beautiful house—quick visits work brilliantly.
Gainsborough & Constable · Period rooms
Tip: Free entry; donations welcome.
Compact local history with stories to spark conversations.
Military history
Tip: Typically free on selected open days—check before travel.
Always check up-to-date opening hours and any special exhibitions.
Keep it gentle: circular loops under an hour with views, benches and a café nearby.
Waterside views and easy distances—turn back whenever it suits.
Reservoir views · Birdlife
Tip: Mix short out-and-back sections; parking may be charged in places.
Pick a big‑sky bite near towns for loos, snacks and quick wins.
Big skies · Sea air
Tip: Choose bite-size segments near towns for easy facilities.
Tall pines and wide paths; feels adventurous without the miles.
Family trails · Pines
Tip: Free to roam; car parks may charge—bring coins/card.
Gentle riverside amble with boats to spot and parks to pause.
River Waveney · Parks
Tip: Level paths good for scooters and buggies.
Boats, birds and river life—quayside atmosphere for free.
River Deben · Boats
Tip: Museum entry paid, but quay and paths are free to enjoy.
Browse, people‑watch and soak up market day buzz—no purchase needed.
Bustling stalls and buskers—great for people‑watching and a wander.
Local produce · Street food
Tip: Free to browse; combine with Abbey Gardens.
Central, buzzy and colourful—soak up the city feel for free.
Stalls · Central location
Tip: Budget-friendly snacks; water refill in town.
Castle backdrop and charming lanes—market day feels special here.
Castle views · Town trail
Tip: Stroll mere-side paths and historic streets.
Friendly indie vibe—browse then wander to the river in minutes.
Independent traders
Tip: Pair with riverside play areas.
Real combinations that flow well, keep costs low and end near loos and snacks.
Cosy, calm and free—perfect for little ones on drizzly days.
Free sessions · Warm spaces
Tip: Check local branch calendars for family events.
Colourful, low‑effort town wanders—kids love spotting displays.
Self-led · Town centres
Tip: Look for seasonal trails and displays—no tickets needed.