Top Things to do in Suffolk
Countries
Things to do in Suffolk, England: The Best Castles
Discover the best top things to do in Suffolk, United Kingdom including Clare Castle, Framlingham Castle, Orford Castle, Somerleyton Hall, Bungay Castle, Eye Castle.
Restaurants in Suffolk
1. Clare Castle
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. Framlingham Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,026 reviews
Reviewed By RTS780 - Buntingford, United Kingdom
My wife and I stayed for three nights in Norfolk and Suffolk in September 2020 and, on the way, stopped in Framlingham to visit Framlingham Castle - Ed Sheeran's 'Castle on the Hill'. There was plenty of parking space so we found it easy to park our car. We were greeted by a very friendly lady who explained the things we could do and see. In line with Covid-19 restrictions, access to the ramparts, café and shop was strictly controlled with clear roped off areas for queuing for each one. We queued for the ramparts first and enjoyed our walk round these with their superb views of the surrounding countryside. The weather was very good and we sat and ate sandwiches that we had brought with us, having queued to buy teas in the café. It was lovely just to relax at socially distanced tables and to look round at the castle building. We visited the shop, again via a queue, before leaving to go on our way to our first night's stop. A lovely way to spend a couple of hours on a lovely, summer's day!
3. Orford Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 549 reviews
Reviewed By 191yvonnef - West Sussex, United Kingdom
Due to Covid restrictions it is not practical to manage people, with some tiny rooms trying to cross on spiral staircases etc so for now its guided tours only by prebooking .... so you need to be on time! However, the guided tour is very much a bonus as the lovely lady taking us round was cheerful, funny and informative. She brought to life and gave an imaginative view of what is in effect a ruin that in fact has no 'real' history.... no battles, the King who built it (King Henry I) never visited etc. It is a true castle though with fortress walls spiral staircases and a couple of prisoner cells. The view from the top across the countryside and sea is lovely and the village itself is worth an explore and the quayside runs boat trips (normally). There are a couple of good looking pubs in the village & immediate area for lunch. All in all a very enjoyable day.
4. Somerleyton Hall
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 416 reviews
Somerleyton Hall is one of the finest Victorian Stately homes in the country. The hall and its surrounding 12-acre gardens are located on the Norfolk-Suffolk border. Lord and Lady Somerleyton open their doors to the public from Easter to September. Inside the house there is a pastiche of styles from high Victorian splendour in the chintz ballroom to the dark Jacobean Oak Parlour and the charming library with beautiful bookcases. There are many fine portraits of the Crossley family through the generations, tapestries, the famous Polar bears and the silver dining room service. An expert team of guides bring the fabulous hall to life with history tours that run throughout the day. Somerleyton Hall is also home to one of the finest yew hedge mazes in Britain, planted back in 1846. The route out is around 800 yards from the centre, but most visitors find it takes rather longer to solve the maze’s mysteries. A walled garden features beautiful and ornate iron and glass greenhouses designed
Reviewed By Dream492067
The maze was really good fun! . The rooms are well dressed in a variety of styles and the hall retains a family atmosphere as the current lord na d Lady Somerleyton are young and have young children. This makes the place living.
5. Bungay Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By tanyatt
Seen this castle by chance when walking down the footpath it was a shame that more history was not put into print for people to read Bungay does not appear to recognise the value of this castle which is a chance missed Bungay is only small and I don't think that it is well signposted The castle ruins though are worth a visit
6. Eye Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By pamelaajones034 - Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
This is a lovely place to go for a picnic on a summer's afternoon. The castle remains are good to explore and you can go right to the top to get lovely views of the town and surrounding countryside. There are picnic tables and benches in the grounds and what's more it is free!
