Are these the best picnic spots in Suffolk?

Walk along the railway lines at Clare Castle Country Park Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Our fingers are firmly crossed that the sun will continue to shine over the bank holiday weekend so we can make the most out of being outside. As Boris Johnson has given the green light to households wanting to enjoy the sunshine, now’s the perfect time to explore some of Suffolk’s most beautiful picnic spots. If you do wish you venture out of the house this weekend, please remember to practice social distancing, respect the government’s guidelines and to only socialise with members of your household.

Clare Castle Country Park, Clare

Explore what nature has to offer in this peaceful park, which boasts fascinating history and heritage. Find the remains of the 13th century stone castle and set up the perfect picnic in either its inner or outer bailey. You may want to wander down one of the footpaths that leads through the trees and down along the banks of the River Stour to find interesting information boards and to observe peaceful wildlife.

Needham Lake, near Needham Market

Relaxing sunset at Needham Lake Picture: KERRY CHERLTON (Image: Archant)

This popular lake is actually a flooded gravel pit, but nonetheless, it provides a romantic setting for couples to enjoy a picnic during the sunset. Walking around the lake will take approximately 20 minutes, and you’ll pass a variety of stunning wildlife and picturesque scenes. As the lake is quite small, it may get very crowded on pleasant summer days, so always remember to social distance.

Christchurch Park, Ipswich

There’s always something new to discover at Christchurch Park, which offers an escape to nature right in the heart of Ipswich centre. You’ll be spoilt for choice when deciding where to set up your picnic – will you choose to sit opposite the mansion, overlooking the pond or perhaps under a shady tree?

Abbey Gardens, Bury St Edmunds

Dudley sits in front of the beautiful Christchurch Mansion in Christchurch Park Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

When the sun is shining, there’s no better place to visit for a social-distance picnic than Abbey Gardens. Wander the grounds to find history, beautiful flowers and plenty of room for the kids to run and play. Abbey Gardens is made up of a number of different areas, offering everything from secluded shady spots to vast open greenery.

Nicholas Everitt Park, Lowestoft

As Nicholas Everitt Park is situated on the edge of the southernmost point of the Oulton broads, you’ll find beautiful views and spectacular greens that overlook the broads. Before lockdown, you could treat yourself to a 99p ice cream and let the kids entertain themselves on the playground, but for now, it’s the perfect place to sit back, relax, and make the most of the sunshine.

The Abbey Gardens ruins in Bury St Edmunds. Picture: MARK LANGFORD (Image: Archant)

The ruins of the Abbey of St Edmunds, which celebrates its 1000th anniversary in 2020 Picture: TOM SOPER (Image: Tom Soper)