Farms, zoos and museums for family-friendly days out in East Anglia.
We’ve come up with a list of places to visit and things to do for children. East Anglia’s farms, parks and attractions have opened their doors with safety precautions in place. With Halloween and Christmas around the corner, there’s plenty of additional activities too!
The Suffolk Punch Trust
Sink Farm, St Davids Lane, IP12 3JR
Breathe in fresh country air and kick up those crunchy autumn leaves with a walk around the Suffolk Punch Trust. The Trust is dedicated to preserving the Suffolk Punch breed and the skills of the people needed to handle these wonderful horses. Visitors can meet the animals, explore the heritage barn and gardens and enjoy a range of activities and demonstrations.
Museum of East Anglian Life
Crowe St, Stowmarket IP14 1DL
An open-air museum in 75 acres of beautiful countryside. Learn about fascinating East Anglian crafts and traditional Gypsy culture and discover splendidly restored historic buildings. Plus, there are steam engines, animals, including Suffolk Punch horses and more. Halloween activities are to be confirmed.
RSPB Rye Meads Nature Reserve
Rye Meads Visitor Centre, Rye Road, Stanstead Abbotts, Hertfordshire, SG12 8JS
Take a walk along the River Lee and try to spot as many species of bird as possible. From 24 October to 1 November, between 10am to 4pm, children can join in a Halloween themed trail, priced just £3. They can join Esmerelda Raventree, the good witch of Rye Meads, and help her save the reserve! Book here.
Old MacDonalds Farm
Weald Road, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 5AY
One of the most popular farms in Essex, there’s plenty to see and do. In addition to the usual animals and attractions, this half term there are ghosts, ghouls and creepy crawlies galore. From 24 October to 1 November, the farm will host its Halloween Festival featuring a full programme of activities such as storytelling, crafts, meet and greets, daily pumpkin carving, a ghost trail and spooky train ride. Find out what’s on.
Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens
Filby Road, Thrigby, Great Yarmouth NR29 3DR
Take a walk on the wild side at Thrigby Hall. It’s a sanctuary to endangered jungle acts, primates and pandas. There’s also reptiles, otters and other fluffy friends to view. Explore the glorious green gardens, take a tour of the hall, and definitely don’t leave without a visit to the aviary!
Nene Valley Railway
Wansford Station, Stibbington, Peterborough, PE8 6LR
Hop aboard the train at Nene Valley Railway on the 24, 25, 31 October and 1 November for a Thomas the Tank Engine themed ride. Watch the Cambridgeshire countryside whizz by as you travel behind Thomas on his Branch Line to Yarwell and back. The train then continues to Peterborough hauled by a bigger locomotive.
