Best Family Walks In Suffolk And Norfolk

Now the Government has eased lockdown restrictions and we can get outside for walks make the most of your time outside.Avoid the crowds flocking to the beaches, forget strolling to the shops and instead opt for a family walk with some serious views on the side. There is an abundance of stunning walks in Suffolk and Norfolk which include ancient woodland, river meanders and little known trails. Kidadl is here to spill the beans on where the best family-friendly walks in these counties can be found.Walks in SuffolkDunwich Heath Beach Circular WalkIt’s easy to see why Dunwich Heath falls into the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Not only are there coastal views but swathes of heather, gorse expanses and Dartford warbler, nightjar and woodlark to spot on the walks through the Suffolk countryside. There are several circular walks to enjoy, all starting from the National Trust’s Coastguards Cottages. For families, this 5-mile route takes in Dunwich museum and the ruins of the historic Greyfriars Monastery - a great spot to play at being knights.Starting point: Coastguard Cottages, Minsmere Road, Dunwich, Suffolk, IP17 3DJDrive from London in: Two and a half hoursLength of walk: 5miles (8km) two hoursDifficulty: EasyBuggy friendly: Well defined footpaths. One short section with steps, and muddy tracks in wet weather.Dog friendly: YesBike/scooter friendly: Yes but there are some short stretches alongside the road and a stepped section.Facilities: Toilets - currently closedTerrain: Walk is suitable for all. Easy terrain, but muddy in wet weatherParking: Pre-booked parking. Free for National Trust members, £5 for non-members.Amenities: Picnic area, tea room, gift shop, children’s play area - currently closedRendlesham Forest UFO TrailSet off for an out-of-this-world adventure in Rendlesham Forest - home to one of the most significant UFO sightings in history and one of the popular walks in Suffolk. As kids work their way through the forest, heath and wetlands make sure they keep alert for alien sightings. Follow purple trail markers for this route and you’ll go right past the large replica spaceship. Using the Alien Trail leaflet available from the visitor centre kids can decode an unidentified message.Starting point: Rendlesham Forest, Tangham, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 3NFDrive from London in: Two hours 10 minutesLength of walk: 3 miles (4.8km) one and a half hoursDifficulty: EasyBuggy friendly: Yes, mainly wooded terrainDog friendly: YesBike/scooter friendly: YesFacilities: Toilets including accessible toiletsTerrain: Suitable for allParking: Yes - parking charges applyAmenities: Picnic area, play area, other walking and cycling trails - currently closedLavenham to Long Melford Railway WalkAs walks in Suffolk go this one is full of history. Starting at Lavenham’s ancient Guildhall and finishing at Melford Hall, this route follows the old GER railway line. The trains are long gone but there are lots of opportunities to uncover wildflowers and lots of birds and animals. As well as visiting a site of special scientific interest you’ll also pass the scene of an 1891 railway accident. Enjoy the fields and ancient woodland but be aware that you have to cross the busy A134 Sudbury to Bury St Edmunds road.Starting point:  Guildhall, Market Place, Lavenham, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 9QZDrive from London in: Two hoursLength of walk: 4.5miles (7.2km) Two hoursDifficulty: EasyBuggy friendly: NoDog friendly: YesBike/scooter friendly: NoFacilities: Toilets at Guildhall and Melford Hall - currently closedTerrain: Wear waterproof footwear - some areas may be waterlogged. You’ll head through woodland, field paths and public footpaths and may encounter tree roots so be awareParking: Yes, freeAmenities: Tea rooms at Guildhall and Melford Hall - currently closedNational Trust Walking In The Footsteps Of ConstablePicturesque river views are all part of the deal at this place which edges the Essex/Suffolk border - with a walk through the area made famous by the paintings of John Constable. As you meander through the natural beauty of the Stour Valley and Dedham Vale you pass Flatford Mill on the River Stour and the scene that inspired the Hay Wain painting. This is Suffolk countryside made for walking. Round off your walk with a river trip on the Stour - hire a boat from Flatford Bridge or Flatford Granary and get the kids rowing.Starting point: Manningtree Station, Lawford, Manningtree CO11 2LEDrive from London in: One hour 50 minutesLength of walk: 4 miles (6.4km) Two and a half hours. An additional 3 miles (4.8km) loops through Dedham taking your walk to three hours and 45 minutes.Difficulty: ModerateBuggy friendly: YesDog friendly: YesBike/scooter friendly: YesFacilities: Toilets at Manningtree Station (no baby change)Terrain: Mainly flat grass and gravel paths. Some moderate slopes. Be prepared for muddy paths in wet weather.Parking: Park at Manningtree Station, charges applyAmenities: Riverside National Trust tea room plus shops and cafes in the villages you pass - currently closedSouthwold Harbour CircularIf bribery is the only way to get your kids to join you on a walk then follow this seaside town’s trail on the Suffolk coast. Southwold is rife with ice cream stops - the super-yummy gelato at Harris & James gets our thumbs up (open with social distancing measures in place). This easy route starts at Gardner Road Car Park and takes in the lifeboat station, water tower, the Blyth river and lots of charming beach huts.Starting point: Gardner Road, Southwold, Suffolk IP18 6HNDrive from London in: Two hours 50 minutesLength of walk: 2.5miles (km) one and a half hoursDifficulty: EasyBuggy friendly: YesDog friendly: YesBike/scooter friendly: Yes, though a detour on to the beach may be harder on wheelsFacilities: Public toilets by the lifeboat station - currently closedTerrain: Mainly pathsParking: Paid parking at Gardner RoadAmenities: The beach is a great playground for kids and on the doorstep of this walkWalks in NorfolkFelbrigg Norfolk Mountain WalkIf you’ve been trapped inside for months make your first family-friendly walk worth the wait. This circular walk takes in some 1140ft of combined gradients - or the equivalent of a small mountain. This long-distance route serves up sweeping coast views and takes you through wooded paths and to the top of Incleborough Hill where you’ll find picturesque views over Cromer. Challenge the kids to climb Beeston Bump for the coast view of Sheringham.Starting point: Felbrigg, near Cromer, Norfolk NR11 8PRDrive from London in: Just over three hoursLength of walk: 16 miles (25.6km) Six hoursDifficulty: ModerateBuggy friendly: NoDog friendly: YesBike/scooter friendly: This route is best explored on footFacilities: Toilets at various sites, including Sheringham Park Visitor Centre, Felbrigg Hall and Sheringham Seafront (currently closed)Terrain: Undulating underfoot, with steep slopes, steps and stiles. Some rough paths.Parking: Yes, free for National Trust membersCley Marshes Circular WalkDisguise your family walk as an opportunity to spot some wildlife and blow away the cobwebs with this coastal, well-trodden path. The salt marshes offer up amazing views as well as the chance to spot rare birdlife and even water voles and otters on the water. Twitchers can stake out the birds at one of the bird hides (currently closed), and immerse the family in history by looking for  World War II relics including a pillbox and gun turret.Starting point: Cley Marsh Visitor Centre, Norfolk NR25 7SADrive from London in: Three hoursLength of walk: 3 miles (4.8km) one and a half hoursDifficulty: EasyBuggy friendly: The Nature Reserve is buggy friendly, but you’ll also cross a stony beachDog friendly: Leave the dog at home for this nature reserve walkBike/scooter friendly: NoFacilities: Yes at the Visitor Centre - currently closedTerrain: This walk is suitable for all - some muddy paths depending on the weatherParking: Parking is free for members of Norfolk Wildlife Trust. £6 for the day for non-members.The Wood, FoxleyThis is a pretty special walk at any time - however, it comes into its own at the end of April and early May when the wood is carpeted with bluebells and you can follow the special bluebell trails. Visit and take the well-marked circular walk, stopping to read the information boards about the trees, flowers, wildlife and woodland. The site is closed on Thursdays year-round but this outstanding natural beauty is well worth a visit.Starting point: Foxley Wood, Norfolk, NR20 4QRDrive from London in: Two hours 50 minutesLength of walk: One and a half miles (2.4km)  45 minutes depending on how far you head into the woodDifficulty: EasyBuggy friendly: YesDog friendly: No dogs allowed in Foxley WoodBike/scooter friendly: YesFacilities: Make sure you go before you visitTerrain: Woodland which can be wet and muddy underfoot. But easy terrain for all.Parking: Yes, freeKings Lynn Heritage WalkTake an urban walk with the kids taking in some of Norfolk’s heritage - perfect if you’re after a stroll rather than a ramble. You start by skirting the river before pounding the local pavements then heading to the trails in The Walks park. Within the county, there is no other place offering a similar historic landscape. Look for the Guannock Gate, originally part of the town’s defences, and the 1920s bandstand on the river bank - a heritage highlight.Starting point: South Quay, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1HADrive from London in: Two and a half hoursLength of walk: Two miles (3.2km) one hourDifficulty: EasyBuggy friendly: YesDog friendly: YesBike/scooter friendly: YesFacilities: Public toilets in The Walks at Broad Walk, and St John’s Walk - currently closedTerrain: Mainly pavementsParking: Free parking on QuaysideAmenities: In The Walks, there are toilets, refreshment kiosk, play areas, a parkour unit and multi-use games area - currently closed though the park remains open

Now the Government has eased lockdown restrictions and we can get outside for walks make the most of your time outside.