Things to Do with the Kids Before Summer Ends

It may feel like Autumn is closing in and the kids are soon to be going back to school, but it's never too late to make the most of the last weeks of summer sun and spend some quality family time together at one of these fantastic days out in Bury St Edmunds and beyond.

Head down to West Stow Country Park where young adventurers can discover the ancient saga of Beowulf and Grendell. Traverse the unique Breckland landscape and uncover the sleeping dragon, woodlands, heathlands and lake.

Learn all about this famous Anglo-Saxon story, melded from fact and fiction and based on the original epic poem. Wander past the six large themed, carved sculptures and accompanying information points, as the story unfolds before your eyes.

Activity packs can be purchased from the visitor centre and include a rune quiz, map and activities for all the family. End the trail with a photo taken by the fearsome Grendel’s detached arm!

The tranquil Abbey Gardens have many beautiful features to enjoy including floral displays, the ancient ruins and even an aviary.

But many families will be drawn to the fantastic Abbey Gardens tennis courts, recently refurbished and available to visitors to hire by booking online.

Afterwards, why not pop along to the refreshment kiosk and cool down with a delicious ice cream or cold drink.

Visit picturesque Nowton Park and wander through 200 acres of landscaped Suffolk Countryside.

Pack a bag and head into the curious maze with your intrepid explorers, follow the winding walkways and see if you can puzzle your way through and out the other side.

There are many other strange curiosities in the park, such as the 10.8m high totem pole and a dragon carved from a Cedar tree that was struck by lightening, plenty to see and miles of space for little ones to run around.

As well as being one of England’s best-preserved medieval villages, picturesque Lavenham with its charming Tudor houses and crooked cottages has been used as a setting for many TV shows and films. Avid fans of Harry Potter will recognise the village and in particular De Vere House as the birthplace of Harry Potter himself.

Muggles can visit this iconic location and be transported to Godric’s Hollow, the place where both Harry’s parents were murdered by Lord Voldemort. Take a stroll around the atmospheric village and visit some of the many shops, cafes and attractions it has to offer alongside its famous filmic links.

On rainier days make the most of this pioneering indoor, interactive skate and soft play venue at CurveMotion.

There is so much to do for kids of all ages, including the biggest play frame in East Anglia where little ones can spend hours climbing obstacles, hurtling down slides and crawling through tunnels. There is also a battle zone with football and basketball available; a great way to burn off excess energy.

Why not get your skates on at the roller disco with a variety of dedicated timetabled skating sessions for all ages and abilities.

West Stow Country Park features 125 acres of wood and heathlands, a river and lake, and is the location of one of Britain’s greatest archaeological sites, the West Stow Anglo Saxon Village. Occupied from AD 420-650, over 400 years before the Norman conquest, the site echoes with the history of our Anglo Saxon ancestors. Step back in time to see how they lived, in a fascinating recreation of an Anglo Saxon Village, complete with huts, houses and workshops.

Staff are on hand to explain the day-to-day life of people from the past and to help youngsters join in with a variety of hands on activities, including dressing up and even meeting the rare breed pigs. Afterwards you can head to the country park to explore the children’s adventure playground and take a stroll around the picturesque grounds, keeping an eye out for wildlife in the hides.