12-04-2025
5 of the best parks to visit during the spring
Suffolk is home to a number of parks that are perfect for a family day out in the spring sunshine.
Here is five of the best parks to visit in Suffolk this spring.
Where: Hadleigh Rd, Ipswich IP2 0BS
Chantry Park is the largest park in Ipswich and extends over 124 acres of parkland and wildlife areas on the western edge of town.
This park has two children's play areas, a dog training area, ActivLives 'Chantry Walled Garden' project, public toilets and is home to Ipswich and East Suffolk Cricket Club.
It has also played host to several large music events, is the base for several charity runs and the Wildlife and Education Rangers hold events such as nature walks, arts and crafts activities, storytelling and trails for children of all ages.
Where: Bury Road, Nowton, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 5LU
With almost 200 acres of landscaped Suffolk countryside there is something for everyone at this park.
This includes football pitches, a large play area, bird feeding, picnic area and café.
Also, there are two small bodies of water at this park, with one being home to grass snakes and the other home to moorhens, mallards, and the occasional grey heron.
Nowton Park is also a great place to go to look at daffodils in the spring (Image: Charlotte Bond)
Where: Malting Ln, Clare, Sudbury CO10 8NW
This park has a café, Victorian railway buildings, the remains of a castle keep on a 60ft high motte overlooking the town, children's play areas, trails, rivers and ponds.
It is also a starting point for a number of different walks from 1 to 8.5 miles and cycle routes, including the Clare town trail.
You can also go on a dog walk here as dogs are welcome in the park and can even stop off at the café after as it is dog-friendly.
Clare Castle Country Park is perfect for a dog walk (Image: Newsquest)
Where: 33 Bolton Ln, Ipswich IP4 2BX
Christchurch Park was the first public park in Ipswich, opening in 1895 and extends over 33 hectares of picturesque grounds right in the heart of the town.
This park includes a children's play area, tennis courts, table tennis table, refreshment kiosks and Christchurch mansion, gift shop and tea room.
It also hosts many events and activities all year round like Ipswich Music Day, the 11th Ipswich Scout Group's Firework Display and the Remembrance Day ceremony.
Christchurch Park was the first public park in Ipswich (Image: Newsquest)
Where: 22 Mustow St, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 1XL
Abbey Gardens has a children's play area, sensory garden, water garden, a herb garden and a wildlife feeding area.
Also, there is a small aviary to see a variety of birds and two tennis courts are available but it is £5.75 per court, per hour.
(Image: Newsquest) If you fancy a bite to eat there is a refreshment kiosk and if you want to buy plants and gifts there is a Shabby Shack Trading shop.
