Your 2025 Guide to Health, Wellbeing & Wellness

Exploring on foot is a wonderful way to get your body moving whilst immersing yourself in the natural beauty and history all around you.

Abbey Gardens and Nowton Park

For an ambling gentle walk, begin at the historic Abbey Gardens at the heart of Bury St Edmunds, pass through the town centre and continue to the expansive Nowton Park. This is an idyllic setting for walkers of all ages and abilities and is especially great for families, with space for kids to run around.

This 200-acre country park is famous for its stunning landscapes, including wildflower meadows, ancient woodlands, and the beautifully designed arboretum with over 100 species of trees from around the world. There’s even a maze to get lost in! Well-marked walking trails wind through the park, offering the perfect chance to connect with nature.

The Ickworth Estate

With over 1,800 acres of parkland, gardens and all weather pathways to explore, the National Trust’s Ickworth Estate is a great place for a ramble, especially if you have a dog. First, make your way around the Albana Walk, a gentle route offering stunning views of Ickworth’s iconic Rotunda and beautifully landscaped gardens.

For a longer route, try the Geraldine Walk, which leads you through ancient woodlands and open parkland, with plenty to see along the way. Afterwards, why not pause and take in the scenery in the Walled Garden, a tranquil spot perfect for relaxing amidst vibrant flowers and manicured borders. Finally, pay a visit to the Ickworth Café, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink or a light lunch made with locally sourced ingredients.

The Lark Valley Path and West Stow Anglo Saxon Village

For a wildlife-focused walk with the whole family, begin your journey along the Lark Valley Path in Bury St Edmunds, following the gentle curves of the River Lark as it winds through the countryside towards Mildenhall. Along the way, you’ll be treated to beautiful views of open fields, woodlands, and water rich with wildlife like kingfishers, herons, and dragonflies.

As you pass through West Stow Country Park, take time to soak in the natural beauty of the area before stopping for a well-earned break at the West Stow Café, where you can enjoy a light snack or a hot drink. To round off your walk, you can even explore the fascinating West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, a unique spot that brings the area’s history to life, especially exciting for younger visitors.

Whether it’s a light jog, or putting in serious miles for training, a good run blows away the cobwebs and is a full body workout.

Thetford Forest

Thetford Forest can be an exhilarating experience for runners, with trails weaving through a varied landscape including towering pines, open heathland, and shaded woodland paths. The terrain varies from flat, easy routes to more challenging undulating trails, meaning you can change it up each time you visit, increasing the challenge level as you progress. You might even encounter wildlife such as deer, rabbits, and a variety of bird species, just tread quietly and maybe forgo the headphone in order to take it all in. Soak up the tranquil atmosphere and earthy scent of the forest beneath your feet and leave feeling truly invigorated.

Clare Country Park

Clare Castle Country Park, in the charming village of Clare, has a range of scenic running routes perfect for anyone seeking a mix of history and nature. The park’s paths take you through lush green spaces, past the magnificent ruins of Clare Castle, and along the River Stour, with uplifting views at every turn. After your run, you can recharge at the Platform One Café, located in a restored railway station building, where you’ll find tasty treats and hot drinks to refuel.

Lackford Lakes Nature Reserve

A haven for nature lovers and runners alike, the flat, well-maintained trails at Lackford Lakes wind around the sparkling lakes and reedbeds, providing a peaceful setting for a jog. Along your route, keep an eye out for otters, dragonflies, and a variety of bird species, including kingfishers and even grebes, making every run feel like a mini wildlife safari. With only the calming sound of water and your feet hitting the ground, you’ll find there’s a meditative aspect to running here, perfect for clearing your mind and recharging your energy.

It’s important to take time to stretch those muscles, breathe and find a bit of quiet inside yourself. Yoga is a brilliant way to do all this and more…

Yoga at The Apex

The Apex in Charter Square in Bury offers convenient lunch time yoga classes, giving you the chance to fit a bit of stretching and movement into your busy day. This one hour class is run by expert Carole Baker and includes various types of yoga postures together with basic breathing and meditation techniques, all suitable for all ability levels and designed to give you more energy and peace. Discover postures including bends, balances, spinal twists and hip openers, as well as core strengtheners and inversions. A slice of peace amongst the chaos. The next class is at 1.00 on Wednesday 22nd January and costs £7.

You don’t have to exert yourself to do something good for your body and mind. Bury has some beautiful spa experiences that offer visitors an opportunity to sink into relaxation and rejuvenate your aching muscles.

The Swan at Lavenham

The Spa at The Swan at Lavenham is a luxurious retreat designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. Guests can enjoy a variety of treatments that focus on relaxation and well-being, from meltingly calm massages to revitalising facials. Current packages range from a day of pampering, including bespoke treatments such as the Swan Signature Massage and Hydrating Facial, to indulgent overnight breaks where guests can take a little longer to unwind with full access to the spa’s high end facilities.

The Spa at Bedford Lodge

Bedford Lodge’s spa is a dreamy sanctuary dedicated to enhancing your well-being. You can choose from a wide range of treatments, each designed to relax both body and soul. Choose from the signature aromatherapy massage, nourishing facial, or luxury body wraps. Whether you go for a quick escape with a day spa package or an overnight wellness retreat, you’ll experience the wonderful facilities including the hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and even the rooftop hot tub!

The Health Hub Spa at All Saints Hotel

The Health Hub Spa at All Saints Hotel is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It has seven peaceful treatment rooms, a dedicated relaxation area and offers a wide range of signature treatments and therapies, including massages, facials, nail care, and waxing. The experienced team personalizes each experience, recommending the best treatments to suit your needs and introducing you to the Elemental Herbology range, which focuses on achieving a harmonious balance for body and mind. Just what you need after time spent exercising or moving your body.