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Baby It's Cold Outside ... Five Things To Do When the Weather Turns Frosty
Just because the temperature’s dropped doesn’t mean the fun has to! If you’re visiting town during the chillier months, there’s still plenty to see, do, and experience — all while staying warm and cosy. From unique indoor attractions and hidden cultural gems to toasty spots where you can unwind with a drink or something delicious, winter is a wonderful time to explore.
So, bundle up, step out, and discover five great ways to make the most of your visit — even when Jack Frost is nipping at your nose!
1. Get Out of the Cold and Into the Movies
Chilly day? Warm up with a movie in Bury St Edmunds!
When the weather turns cold, there’s nothing better than getting cosy and escaping into a great film — and in Bury St Edmunds, you're spoiled for choice with three fantastic cinemas right in town.
Tucked away on charming Hatter Street, Abbeygate Cinema is Bury St Edmunds' oldest cinema — a beautifully restored 1920s gem. Inside, you’ll find everything from the latest releases to timeless classics, along with a rich programme of Screen Arts, thought-provoking documentaries, and hidden indie gems through their Discover Cinema series. The cinema also has a restaurant No4 Restauramt & Bar so you can enjoy a pre movie or post film meal.
Located in the arc Shopping Centre, Everyman Cinema redefines the cinema experience. Fancy a glass of wine and a freshly made pizza brought right to your seat? This stylish venue combines comfort, atmosphere and an exciting line-up of mainstream hits, indie favourites, live broadcasts, and special screenings — all with a touch of luxury.
For the ultimate blockbuster experience, head to Cineworld on Parkway. With 8 screens and the very latest in cutting-edge cinema tech, it’s perfect for families, date nights, or anyone looking for high-energy entertainment and the newest releases on the big screen.
Whether you're after arthouse ambiance, luxury lounging, or full-throttle action, Bury St Edmunds has the perfect cinema for every mood. So grab your popcorn — your perfect movie night awaits!
2. Sit by a Roaring Fire
The Angel
Cosy Up This Winter in Bury St Edmunds – Fireside Moments Await!
There’s something truly magical about winter in Bury St Edmunds — crisp air, cobbled streets, and the inviting glow of a crackling fire drawing you in from the cold. Whether you're popping in for a pint, treating yourself to a classic afternoon tea, or simply sipping a soothing cup of tea while the world slows down outside, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm hearth.
The flickering flames of a log fire have long been a tonic for the soul — a gentle companion to idle conversation, a good book, or a quiet moment of reflection. Add to that the charm of a historic pub, a rustic countryside inn, or a character-filled tearoom, and you’ve got the perfect winter escape, right here in Bury St Edmunds and the surrounding countryside.
From traditional Suffolk pubs with centuries-old fireplaces to boutique hotels and cafes that know how to do cosy right, there are plenty of inviting spots where you can warm your toes and your heart.
Whether you're seeking a quiet corner for two, a family-friendly spot after a country walk, or somewhere to unwind solo with a steaming pot of tea, there’s a fireside seat waiting just for you.
Want to find your perfect fireside retreat? Check out our Places to Sit by a Roaring Fire in Bury St Edmunds & Beyond Guide — your go-to list for the cosiest spots to eat, drink, and relax this season.
3. Escape the Chill to an Escape Room
The Evidence Room
Get the adrenaline going and warm up with creative thinking, problem solving and battling against the clock, and take on the escape room challenge at The Evidence Room.
With three escape rooms on offer, each designed to test your logic, teamwork and patience, you’ll need to have your wits about you as nothing is quite as it seems at The Evidence Room! The Future Room is an intense immersion in an 80s vision of years to come.
Intrigue and mystery await in The Gedding Room, home to a notorious 1960s gangster. Meanwhile, sacrifice is imminent in The Aztec Room, unless you find a way to appease the gods.
The Evidence Room is Bury St Edmunds’s first permanent and independent escape room. They have recently added a VR Room - choose from 9 different VR escape room challenges!
4. Find Warmth Inside Bury St Edmunds’ Glorious Cathedral
Standing gracefully in the heart of Bury St Edmunds, St Edmundsbury Cathedral. Whether you're fascinated by architecture, drawn to history, or simply looking for a peaceful and inspiring spot to explore, the cathedral is an unmissable highlight of any visit to the town.
With its striking Millennium Tower – completed in 2005 and visible for miles – the cathedral is a true architectural treasure. Inside, you’ll find intricate stonework, vibrant stained glass windows, and a sense of calm that invites quiet reflection.
But the cathedral's story is part of something even bigger – it shares an incredible historical connection with the Abbey of St Edmund, once one of the most powerful and wealthy Benedictine monasteries in medieval England. The Abbey was built to house the shrine of Saint Edmund, the martyred king of East Anglia, and became a major site of pilgrimage. Although the original Abbey Church no longer stands, its ruins lie just steps away in the Abbey Gardens, creating a fascinating historical landscape that links the past and present.
Abbot Baldwin built a large parish church to the west of the abbey church site for the townspeople, dedicated to St Denis. In the late 12th century it was demolished, to make way for the nave and west front of the abbey church. To replace the parish church, Abbot Samson founded a new church dedicated to St James for the town, close by. In the 14th and late 15th centuries St James’s was rebuilt in Perpendicular Gothic style. In 1914 this church became the cathedral of the new diocese of St Edmundsbury.
Visitors can explore both the cathedral and the Abbey Gardens, wandering through the ruins, discovering ancient archways, and imagining the grandeur of the abbey that once dominated the town. Together, they tell the story of Bury St Edmunds — a story of kings, monks, pilgrims, and a legacy that continues to inspire.
Don't forget to enjoy a stop at the Pilgrims' Kitchen café or browse unique finds at the Cathedral Shop before wrapping up and heading out into Abbey Gardens, beautiful in all seasons, for a relaxing stroll.
5. Step Inside a Virtual New World and Leave the Cold Behind
VR Sphere
Looking for an experience that will blow your mind, get your heart racing, and spark your sense of adventure — all without leaving Bury St Edmunds? Warm up this winter with an unforgettable journey into the world of virtual reality at VR Sphere in Bury St Edmunds.
Whether you're a seasoned gamer, a curious first-timer, or just looking for a fun and unique activity with friends or family, VR Sphere offers an exciting escape from the everyday. This is not your average gaming arcade — it’s an immersive, next-level virtual reality experience that puts you at the centre of the action.
From edge-of-your-seat adventures and intense action challenges to mind-bending puzzles and otherworldly environments, VR Sphere invites you to explore a vast library of experiences to choose from.
With expertly designed games for solo players, duos, and groups of up to 8, there’s something for everyone — whether you want to go head-to-head in a competitive shooter, team up for a thrilling escape room, or just try something completely new and unforgettable.
New to gaming? Don't worry VR Sphere’s friendly, knowledgeable team will guide you through every step of your journey. They’ll help you choose the right experience for your group, walk you through the gear, and make sure you're comfortable before launching you into a world beyond imagination.
6. Escape the Chill: Discover Bury St Edmunds’ Fascinating Past Indoors
Tucked away on the cobbled streets at the heart of Bury St Edmunds, Moyse’s Hall Museum is no ordinary museum — it’s a time-travelling treasure trove bursting with fascinating stories, rare collections, and a few dark secrets too.
Set inside a striking medieval building that has stood for over 900 years, Moyse’s Hall invites visitors to uncover the many layers of the town’s colourful (and sometimes chilling) past. Inside, you’ll discover an eclectic mix of exhibitions, from fine art by pioneering local legends like Mary Beale — England’s first professional female painter — and Sybil Andrews, to a world-class horology collection of rare and beautiful timepieces once owned by musician and collector Frederic Gershom Parkington.
But that’s just the beginning...
Explore the gruesome and gripping side of local history, including tales of witchcraft, superstition, crime, and punishment. See original prison relics, learn about the infamous Red Barn Murder, and delve into the dramatic events surrounding the dissolution of the Abbey of St Edmund.
For families and the brave-hearted, don’t miss the museum’s ‘Terrible Tales’ by Horrible Histories’ Terry Deary — where interactive exhibits bring the town’s most blood-curdling tales to life! With grisly stories, hands-on displays, and spine-chilling facts, it’s a hit with both kids and adults who love a bit of the macabre.
Plus, with regularly changing exhibitions, there’s always something new to discover — no two visits are ever quite the same.
7. Put Away Your Coat and Pick Up a Putter
When it’s cold outside, step into the warm, high-energy world of Sneaky Links – Bury St Edmunds' adults-only crazy golf experience that’s perfect for those looking to escape the chill and have a blast indoors.
This isn’t your typical mini golf. At Sneaky Links, you’ll find a vibrant 9-hole course packed with quirky challenges, Instagram-worthy interiors, and a soundtrack that keeps the vibes high from start to finish. It's the perfect mix of fun, friendly competition and laid-back atmosphere.
Even better? There’s a fully licensed bar serving up everything from craft beers and ciders to prosecco and cocktails — and yes, drinks can be delivered straight to the green as you play!
So gather your friends, leave the winter coats at the door, and dive into this fun-filled indoor adventure that’s guaranteed to raise your spirits, no matter the weather.
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