Breath of fresh air
The jewel in Bury St Edmunds outdoor crown is the Abbey Gardens, a central haven with carpets of floral displays, spacious lawns, rose garden, hidden seating areas and craggy Abbey ruins, while a stone’s throw away is Ickworth House Park and Gardens with formal Italian gardens and 1,800 acres of Capability Brown designed parkland. The spacious Nowton Park has 200 acres of landscaped parkland with mature trees, a riotous spread of daffodils in spring, and at West Stow Anglo Saxon Village and Country Park there are long walks along the River Lark
Other airy venues
Lackford Lakes
Teeming birdlife in a picturesque nature reserve of meadows, woodland, reed beds, lakes and streams, plus good visitor centre, and gift shop
Kentwell Hall
Spacious gardens and parkland, plus a rare breeds farm surround the Tudor house
Hardwick Heath
Popular spot for dog walkers, gracious majestic trees including 200-year-old Cedars of Lebanon
Fullers Mill Trust Garden
A seven acre horticultural delight located in West Stow, created from inhospitable Forestry Commission woodland
Wyken Vineyard
1200 acre farm, woodland walks, country store, farmers market, award winning wines and fabulous restaurant, the Leaping Hare
Bury St Edmunds Golf Club
A choice of an 18 hole parkland course or 9 hole course – ideal for beginners
Further afield
To explore the area fully Bury St Edmunds is a perfectly central base, with 360 degree access to exquisite neighbouring villages and towns – many part of Suffolk's ancient wool and silk route
Visit Suffolk What's happening in Suffolk
Choose Suffolk Putting Suffolk on the map
Suffolk Tourist Guide More information on the county
Clare
Suffolk's smallest town, packing a big punch and voted Suffolk Village of the Year 2010
The Brecks
An area of historic ecological interest, 370 sq miles of forest, heathland and Neolithic flint mines
Millers Trail
A scenic 23 mile cycle trail round four villages north of Bury, taking in three magnificent working windmills at Bardwell, Stanton and Pakenham
Long Melford
An antique hunters delight, Fiona Bruce would agree!
Lavenham
England's best-preserved medieval town, with an exquisite guildhall and more than 300 listed buildings
Sudbury
Home of Thomas Gainsborough, visit his house, gallery and print centre; boat trips up the River Stour
Elveden Estate
Just over the Norfolk border, an exciting estate emporium selling top-quality regional produce
Newmarket
Home to racing and headquarters of thoroughbred breeding, including the National Horseracing Museum, the National Stud - not forgetting, two race courses!
Haverhill
An expansive country park and a lively Arts Centre
Cavendish
Cavendish one of the prettiest villages in Suffolk