10 Scenic Winter walks

Head to the coast for dramatic grey skies and thundering waves, blow away the cobwebs with invigorating countryside walks or follow inviting paths through frostsprinkled parkland and historic gardens. Immerse yourself in striking winter scenery; the stark beauty of frost-gilded trees, wide landscapes, and dramatic winter sunsets.

Find

1 Atmospheric Orwell Estuary

Winter-time add an altogether different dimension to the Orwell Estuary. It’s a great time to explore the shoreline, have a drink at the Butt & Oyster, marvel at the majesty of the Orwell bridge, enjoy the tranquillity and solitude.

2 Alton Water Lake Trails

Just outside Ipswich on the Shotley Peninsula, this man-made lake can be found. It is a haven for wildlife, walkers, cyclists, and all outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy exploring on either the short route or the longer eight-mile trail.

3 Flatford

Flatford lies in the heart of the beautiful Dedham Vale along the Suffolk-Essex border, and was the inspiration for some of John Constable’s most famous paintings – such as The Hay Wain and Boatbuilding. Wandering beside the River Stour or looking at Flatford Mill and Willy Lott’s House you can feel as if you are walking through one of his paintings. It’s even more magical if you’re visiting on a crisp and frosty morning.

4 Ickworth Estate

An Italianate Palace, near Bury St Edmunds, with over 1800 acres of beautiful parkland, woodland, gardens and an all-weather trail to enjoy. The Monument Walk makes a great winter walk, weaving through the historic estate and offering breathtaking views across the landscape.

5 Sailors Path

One of the finest Suffolk walks you can take is along the Sailor’s Path, a six-mile gentle leg-stretcher that wends its way through the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is one of the Suffolk walks first trod by the briny boots of the seamen who used to ply their trade along this part of the coast. Legend has it that when their boats got stuck in the Snape Maltings mud at low tide, the sailors would have to abandon their craft and head back to their Aldeburgh homes on foot. This forms part of the Suffolk Coast Path, a 50 mile route stretching from Felixstowe to Lowestoft.

6 Lavenham Woodland Walk

A short walk taking you around the Lavenham Woodland, part of the old Lavenham to Long Melford Great Eastern Railway line. Starting from the Guildhall in the centre of the village, you will see the magnificent Church of St Peter and St Paul, a nod to how wealthy this wool town was in medieval times. Then head out into the countryside, before returning past more impressive architecture – the buildings in Lavenham haven’t changed much since medieval times.

7 THE NEWMARKET RIDES – MOULTON CIRCUIT

The Newmarket Rides are close to Newmarket, the home of horse racing. This is a less discovered area of Suffolk, and is extremely picturesque, with plenty of history. An eight-mile route covers moated farmsteads, medieval churches and mills, the remains of a motte and bailey, a malt kiln, and a packhorse bridge. The network is quite extensive, making it easy to create a much longer route if you wish.

8 Sutton Hoo

A perfect spot for a scenic winter stroll in the picturesque Suffolk countryside with the atmospheric Royal Burial Ground at its heart. There are miles of walking trails to discover the more expansive estate. The Ferry Cliff walk explores woodlands, fields and river on a 3-mile trail route, and you’ll be rewarded with far-reaching views over the River Deben. Take a moment to rest and enjoy the stunning views from the viewing tower across the burial ground.

9 Dunwich Heath And Beach

Enjoy a bracing winter walk along Dunwich Beach, surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the crashing waves and imposing clifftop. Explore the heath on a cool, crisp day and spot winter migrating birds such as hen harriers, merlins, bramblings, redwings, and fieldfares. The site’s waymarked pink and orange routes take in steady 2 and 3-mile routes that traverse heathland and clifftop paths, taking in plenty of coastal views and nature spotting opportunities.

10 NOWTON PARK, BURY ST EDMUNDS

Wander through the arboretum and see the henge and various sculptures as you enjoy the undulating parkland, all 200 acres of it! In spring, the lime avenue (planted around 1880) is one of the finest examples in the UK, and don’t miss the spectacular sight of over 100,000 daffodils sitting under the trees.