Things to do in Suffolk: Top 10 Best Walks in Suffolk

Roz Gordon

Suffolk is an historical rural county with loads to explore. It is home to many seaside towns and fantastic coastline, notable celebrities and pretty 'chocolate box' villages. 

One of the best ways to explore and discover Suffolk’s delights is by foot. From woodland wanders to seaside strolls and riverside routes to hillside hikes, Suffolk boasts enchanting walking paths suitable for all ages and capabilities.  

Rendlesham Forest walks 
Explore the UFO trail or the circular Phoenix trail at Rendlesham forest. Both routes take you through wetlands and plantations. The trails are clearly marked with their level of difficulty.  

Easy access trails are suitable for wheelchair users and buggies. The forest is open from 9 am to 6 pm seven days a week and is free to enter.  

Dogs are also welcome to explore this area of natural Suffolk beauty. 

Southwold and Walberswick seaside walks 
A popular walk in Suffolk, the trail from Southwold to Walberswick begins at the seaside and travels along the coastline. 

It’s a gentle walk that runs around three miles on flat land. On the route, you cross Southwold common, grazing meadows, the busy harbour area and join the disused railway line to cross the footbridge over the river Blyth. 

This walk is great for watching wildlife and taking in the beautiful Suffolk scenery.  For a shortcut back you can catch the historic rowing boat ferry across the river. 

Aldeburgh coastal town walks 
The circular walk from Aldeburgh to Thorpeness takes you past Suffolk’s stunning coastal views. 

Along public footpaths, an old railway line and permissive routes, this walk is reproduced with the permission of Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

Across 6.5 miles on mostly flat terrain, you can spot many notable attractions including the Martello Tower, North Warren RSPB Nature Reserve and the old flour mill.  

Alton Water riverside walks 
Perfect for a tranquil walk with beautiful surroundings, this riverside walk offers picnic areas, toilets, and an on-site café.

Choose between the 13 km circuit walk or the 2.4 km easy access route depending on your capabilities. Don’t worry though, both routes boast a peaceful landscape.  

Whether you spot local wildlife or take part in some water sports, Alton Water walking routes have something for everyone. It’s even suitable for dogs! 

Long Melford countryside walks 
The Mill Walk begins at Melford Hall and travels through Kentwell Hall. It is approximately 2.5 miles in distance and takes roughly one hour.  

This walk is designed to showcase the beauty of its village and surroundings. Deemed an easy level this walking route stuns with impressive views across the Stour valley.  

Pass livestock and the history of the town during this Long Melford walking trail. 

Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds
There are four walking routes through Nowton Park ranging from 0.6 km to 3 km around the entire park. Maps are available to help you plan and guide yourself along your path.  

The terrain is mostly flat, and the park includes a picnic area, play area, visitors centre and on-site refreshments.  

Car parking is £2 for all day and dogs are also welcome. 

Sutton Hoo historical walks, Woodbridge 
A historical walking route in Suffolk, Sutton Hoo is the home of Anglo-Saxon burial grounds. Across 245 acres there are various walks you can your four-legged friends can explore around the heathland, with lovely views of the river Deben. 

There is also a shop and tearoom on site for a well-deserved sit-down and refreshment break.  

Parking is free but an admission fee must be paid for entry to the grounds. 

Hadleigh Railway line walks  
The old railway has been removed forming paths through the woodland of the countryside in Hadleigh.  

Walkers, cyclists and horse riders all explore this railway line path. It is 7.2 km long and begins at the old station before circling back towards the village.  

The terrain is flat and even through meadows so everyone of all ages and capabilities can enjoy a casual stroll.  

Dunwich waterside walks 
A gorgeous walk along the beach and through woodlands and heath. Dunwich is a tiny village which was once one of the most important towns in England, but was washed away into the sea - the priory ruins on the clifftop are a hint at the historic status Dunwich once held.

There's a fascinating little museum, great pub, and cafe and public toilets at the back of the beach. The National Trust Nature Reserve of Dunwich Heath is a riot of purple heather during the summer, and has a cafe, lookout tower and information. 

Thetford Forest woodland walks 
Ranging from easy to moderate, walking paths through Thetford Forest cover a wonderful variety of landscapes from ancient woodlands, plantations and sandy heaths.   

Thetford Forest covers 47,000 acres of land and borders Norfolk as well as Suffolk.  High Lodge area has play parks, picnic spots, Go Ape, bike and segway hire and a café while Lynford Stag has toilets and a barbeque site.