6 Things to Do For Elderly People in Suffolk
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Suffolk is a beautiful ceremonial county in East Anglia that is full to the brim with activities and sights that elderly people can look forward to getting involved in. There is so much history, nature and art in this county, but we have narrowed our list down to six things we think that elderly people would love; read on to find out our selections.
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1. Sutton Hoo
First on our list is a truly unique experience found near the town of Woodbridge, where there are two early mediaeval cemeteries which date from the 6th to 7th centuries. There aren’t many sites in the UK as historical as this one, and it gives you a fantastic glimpse into how the world was over a thousand years ago. This site has been excavated since 1938, with a wealth of treasures and Anglo-Saxon artefacts found here, such as gold, gems, ceremonial helmets, weaponry and more.
The visitor centre will give g you all the information you need and contains original artefacts, replicas of finds and also a reconstruction of a ship burial chamber.
Pre-booking your tickets is suggested and can be done here - and there is a free ticket for any essential companion or carer that is required to accompany a disabled visitor. The site has taken steps to make it accessible to all, with level pathways and ramps where required.
2. Framlingham Castle
For any history lovers, Framlingham Castle is a great day out, located above the town of Framlingham. The castle has centuries of history, having been built in the 12th century, and there is plenty to do at the site.
You can walk around the grounds and take in the beautiful scenery and impressive walls, and you can also walk along the castle walls and imagine what it would have been like to defend this impressive fortress. There is also a workhouse exhibition, a cafe serving hot and cold food and a small shop.
Make sure to check out their events page too, as they frequently put on musical performances, open-air theatre and mediaeval reenactments, including a knights tournament!
There is disabled access to most of the site, but you can view further information here. Discount tickets are available for over 65s and you can book them here.
3. Ickworth House
Located near Bury St Edmunds, Ickworth House is a stunning county house built between 1795 and 1829 and is available to the public to visit. Ickworth House features a 105ft tall central rotunda and the house is surrounded by the finest Italianate garden in England. You can easily spend the day wandering the grounds and taking in the variety of plants and landscaping, as well as a Mediterranean Temple Garden.
You can also tour the house, viewing the dazzling collection of art, sculptures and Huguenot silver which has been assembled over the years. There is disabled access throughout and you can hire wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Please see here for more information.
4. Woodbridge Tide Mill
Woodbridge is home to a unique attraction, the Grade I listed Woodbridge Tide Mill, one of the few remaining whose water wheel still turns to grind wholemeal flour. At three stories tall, this current mill represents a continuous use of this land to produce flour, with a mill being on this site since at least 1170. The current mill was built in the 18th century.
You can book online for a visit, and take a trip through history with visual insights, computer-generated imagery and further information on how the mill works and its history. Usually you will be able to see the giant oak water wheel turning.
There is disabled access to the Tide Mill and to the first floor of the museum. Carers will be allowed in for free. Further access information is available here.
5. Africa Alive
In Kessingland, you will find the excellent Africa Alive! Zoological Reserve. There are thousands of animals here, set across 100 acres of beautiful Suffolk countryside. You can meet the animals, take part in a variety of experiences, have guided tours throughout and watch displays (from a safe distance!). To view the experiences on offer, where you can go behind the scenes and get much closer to impressive animals including lions, giraffes and rhinos, click here.
Primates, birds, reptiles, mammals, invertebrates; there are some fascinating creatures to see here, all fantastically cared for by the zookeepers. The African Lion, Reticulated Giraffe and Water Buffalo are particular highlights!
The zoo is wheelchair and pushchair accessible and there is plenty of seating around the site to have a short break. You can hire a wheelchair or mobility scooter, and carers go free! More information on accessibility can be found here.
6. Kentwell Hall
Finally, there is Kentwell Hall, a stunning stately home in Long Melford, where most of the current building facade dates from the 16th century. You are able to walk around the house which is partly original Tudor with later additions, as well as view the gardens and its moats, lawns, walled gardens and a wide variety of plants and trees.
There are also special events held here, such as family events, open-air cinema and themed days. Find out what is on here. The house and gardens are wheelchair accessible, and there is a discounted ticket for those aged 60+.
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If you are thinking of finding a care home in Suffolk, you can use Lottie’s search tool to find the best one for you.
Here are two of the best care homes in Suffolk that we offer:
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