Great News for Families in Lockdown as Outdoor Suffolk Venues Plan to Open
With the latest Government update and guidelines, many outdoor venues and attractions across the country have either started to plan when they will be opening their doors to the public, or they have already re-opened in some way.
This news will come as a welcome relief to many families, especially those with children who have been forced to stay indoors or at least very local to where they live for the past 10 weeks. As travel restrictions have been lifted and people can go wherever they choose for their exercise, thousands of outdoor locations have made the decision to open too.
Of course, social distancing is still a key observation that MUST be maintained in order for this to be successful and some places are insisting on a booking system that will see people having a restricted time frame in which they can visit.
Kentwell are re-opening their gardens on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th June. At this time of year, the gardens that extend over 30 acres, are at their most colourful and fresh and are a haven of peace and tranquillity. Please book entry in advance (before 10am on the day or your visit) if you possibly can.
Clare Castle Country Park has remained open throughout lockdown. Their car park is adjoined to the Park and there are a number of open spaces that can be enjoyed. Some paths are closed as they are too narrow to observe social distancing, they are not in a position to yet open their public toilets and their play and fitness equipment is currently closed. There is a small café that offers take away coffees throughout the day, Platform One, and a number of places to play, walk or feed the ducks. Dogs are welcome, prams and buggies can be used with ease around our paths.
Congo Rapids Lost World Adventure Golf is open to visitors with strict social distancing measures in place. Only pre booked players in household groups (max. group size 4) can play. Their initial opening times are 10:30-16:30 daily (last tee time 16:30, closing at 17:30).
Sutton Hoo, National Trust, re-opened the estate walks on Wednesday 3rd June. You will need to book your tickets by 3pm the day before your visit. Members can book for free, while non-members will need to pay when booking.
Ickworth have re-opened their parkland & gardens on Wednesday 3rd June. You will need to book your tickets by 3pm the day before your visit. Members can book for free, while non-members will need to pay when booking.
High Lodge Thetford Forest have extended their opening hours since Monday 1st June. Site is open from 9am – 7pm (last entry at 6.15pm). Toilets, trails and Café are open for visitors. The café offers takeaway service only with a limited menu.
Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves remain open. Please take responsibility for your own safety and that of other visitors by following the 2-metre social distancing guidance throughout your visit. In line with social distancing advice, Suffolk Wildlife Trust offices, centres and hides remain closed.
Other outdoor venues that are planning to in the very near future include:
Suffolk Owl Sanctuary – Middle of July 2020
English Heritage - phased reopening from June 13th of sites