The Top 10 Family Things to Do in Bury St Edmunds
Are you thinking of moving to Bury St Edmunds? This thriving Suffolk town has so much to offer, especially for families with young children.
We’ve put together a list of our top 10 things to do in and around Bury St Edmunds as a family.
West Stow Country Park & Anglo-Saxon Village
This 125-acre park is the perfect place for a family day out. There are nature trails around the lake and across the heathlands, along with a fabulous adventure playground. The highlight is the recreated Anglo-Saxon village, where you can immerse yourselves in Suffolk’s history. The accompanying excellent visitor centre helps to bring the past to life.
Perfect for families because…
Dress up as an Anglo-Saxon and hang out in the village among the chickens and rare-breed pigs. That’s definitely a unique day out!
Find out more: West Stow Country Park
Moyses Hall Museum
This fascinating museum features in every Bury St Edmunds guide for kids’ days out, because it’s just so good at entertaining all the family. Housed in a beautiful medieval building, the museum tells the story of Bury St Edmunds’ long history, and there’s also a lively programme of visiting exhibitions and events.
Perfect for families because…
If your family loves the gruesome, gory and scatological side of history, you’ll be delighted to discover the Horrible Histories exhibition. Warning: we don’t use the word “gruesome” lightly…
Find out more: Moyses Hall Museum
National Trust Ickworth Estate
This magnificent Italianate palace is set in 1800 acres of parkland, criss-crossed with family-friendly trails. Bring a bike or hire one for the day and set off on an adventure (can you spot the sleeping dragon?). There are also plenty of accessible footpaths for wheelchairs and buggies, and dogs are welcome in the park.
Perfect for families because…
As always, the National Trust knows how to cater for families, with plenty of picnic spots, parking and loos. There’s a cafe, restaurant, secondhand bookshop, plant shop and gift shop.
Find out more: Ickworth Estate
Nowton Park
Two arboretums, a maze, a lime avenue, two all-weather pitches and a playground… There’s so much to do in this beautiful 200-acre park. Enjoy a walk around the wildflower meadow and the lake, perhaps taking in a game of petanque and a visit to the bird feeding area, before settling in a pretty spot for a picnic lunch.
Perfect for families because…
The only cost is the car park (unless you decide to visit the welcoming cafe…), making Nowton Park a great option for a low-cost family day out in Bury St Edmunds.
It should also be noted that we’re launching our new build homes at Abbots Vale, close to Nowton Park, in 2025. This new community will host a range of local amenities including informal sports pitches, children’s equipped play area and a new primary school. An ideal place to live for families.
Find out more: Nowton Park
Lackford Lakes
Staying in the great outdoors, Lackford Lakes is another favourite Bury St Edmunds family day out. Start at the visitor centre then take one of the trails around the lakes and reedbeds or through the woodlands and meadows. Birds visit the reserve all year so there’s always something interesting to spot.
Perfect for families because…
Run by Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Lackford Lakes has all the facilities you need to make a family day out as easy as possible, from baby changing to a fun playground (and the ice cream is delicious).
Find out more: Lackford Lakes
St Edmundsbury Cathedral
If you’re wondering what to do in Bury St Edmunds with children, a visit to a medieval cathedral may not be the obvious contender. However, we really recommend visiting this magnificent building with the family. Older children will love the Tower Tour (the views are amazing), and the LEGO project is something the whole family can get behind. Pause for a hearty meal in the Pilgrim’s Kitchen cafe.
Perfect for families because…
Good news for local families. The Young Families session is a free play session held in the Cathedral Centre every Friday morning. Drop in to meet other families with children under five.
Find out more: St Edmundsbury Cathedral
Abbey Gardens
Back outdoors again, these lovely gardens are a real surprise in the heart of the town. On the site of the medieval Benedictine Abbey of St Edmund, you can explore the old ruins as well as the formal gardens. Wander the paths through a variety of themed gardens, including a sensory space, arriving at the fun playground.
Perfect for families because…
Picnic spaces, a refreshment kiosk, ice cream, loos, free entry… The perfect morning out with the kids on a sunny day. We also love the Shabby Shack plant shop in the park.
Find out more: Abbey Gardens
Curve Motion
Rain doesn’t stop play. No kids’ guide to Bury St Edmunds would be complete without mentioning this brilliant indoor rolling skating rink. There’s a full programme of skate sessions including the popular Roller Disco on Saturday nights. Littlies will love the soft play area and there’s a drop slide for older daredevils. Note for non-skating grown-ups: there’s coffee.
Perfect for families because…
Every age is catered for, which is always a bonus. Make a real day or evening of it with a meal at the Curve Bistro, which serves a good choice of family favourites.
Find out more: Curve Motion
Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds
The gorgeous Theatre Royal is the oldest Regency theatre in the country. Having admired the architecture and gilt decorations, settle down to enjoy one of the many family-friendly productions from its packed programme. There’s an onsite bar for interval drinks, and the nearby Angel Hotel offers a pre-theatre menu.
Perfect for families because…
There are so many shows suitable for younger audiences, from musicals to adaptations of children’s books. Recent examples include Aladdin and Santa’s Red Nose Rescue, and The Gruffalo is visiting in 2025.
Find out more: Theatre Royal
Abbeygate Cinema
Our other choice for family evening entertainment is Abbeygate Cinema, a comfy and intimate cinema in the heart of the historic city. It hosts a varied selection of blockbusters and independent films alongside their Screen Arts programme. Combine the movie with a meal at No.4 Restaurant & Bar.
Perfect for families because…
Settling down to watch a film together is the perfect way to round off the day or to spend a wet weekend afternoon. The weekly Parent & Baby screenings are much-loved among local parents.
Find out more: Abbeygate Cinema
Moving House to Bury St Edmunds
We hope you’ve enjoyed our whistle-stop tour through Bury St Edmunds’ family attractions. With so much to do, Bury St Edmunds is a great place to raise a family. We have new build homes across Suffolk, including a beautiful new development, Abbots Vale, on the edge of Bury St Edmunds itself. Contact the Hopkins Homes team today to register your interest.