🎉 May Half Term Activities in Suffolk 2026 – Things to Do in the School Holidays

Looking for the best ways to keep the kids entertained this May Half Term? Whether you’re planning day trips, staycations or last-minute ideas, **Suffolk has everything from wild animal encounters to giant maize mazes and outdoor lidos** – perfect for the May school holidays.

This curated guide highlights top Suffolk attractions including exclusive NSTA members like Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park, Kentwell Hall, Beccles Lido, Oasis Camel Park, Pleasurewood Hills, Southwold Maize Maze and the Food Museum – plus a few hidden gems to help you plan the perfect week.

📅 Half Term Dates: Monday 25 May – Friday 29 May 2026
🎟️ Check the Suffolk Attractions page for up-to-date offers, vouchers and opening times.

🐾 Animal Adventures & Wildlife Encounters

Get up close to monkeys, meerkats, birds of prey and even camels! Suffolk’s animal attractions are always popular with families – and many offer extra activities for the school holidays.

🐫 Oasis Camel Park

📍 Halesworth – 27 miles from Ipswich

The UK’s only camel-focused park, also home to llamas, alpacas, wallabies and donkeys. Features a lovely mix of animal talks, paddocks and play areas.

🧸 Hollow Trees Farm

📍 Semer – 10 miles from Hadleigh

A great hands-on farm trail with pigs, goats, a sandpit, play towers and woodland walks. Perfect for toddlers and early years.

🦙 Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park

📍 Wherstead, near Ipswich

This award-winning wildlife park is home to capybaras, tapirs, meerkats, monkeys and a rare breeds farm. There’s also a massive adventure playground and restaurant on site.

🦉 Suffolk Owl Sanctuary

📍 Stonham Aspal – 11 miles from Stowmarket

A peaceful yet engaging attraction featuring owls, hawks, falcons and even red squirrels. May Half Term often includes extra flying demos and activities.

🌿 Outdoor Fun, Gardens & Active Play

From splashing in open-air pools to navigating giant mazes and wandering through history, Suffolk’s outdoor attractions come to life during the May school holidays.

🏰 Kentwell Hall

📍 Long Melford – 14 miles from Bury St Edmunds

A magical setting where history lives on. Explore the Tudor manor, gardens, rare breed animals and May Half Term living history events – always a highlight!

🏊‍♂️ Beccles Lido

📍 Beccles – 19 miles from Lowestoft

This heated open-air pool is one of Suffolk’s best places to cool off – and it usually reopens in time for the May Half Term (weather permitting!).

🌽 Southwold Maize Maze (and Fun Park)

📍 Reydon, near Southwold – 34 miles from Ipswich

Although the full maize maze doesn’t open until summer, the **Fun Park** is often open during May Half Term with go-karts, climbing frames, and animal paddocks.

🚲 Nowton Park

📍 Bury St Edmunds

Open meadows, themed gardens, a maze and natural play zones make this park a local favourite – perfect for a free family day outdoors.

🚂 Heritage, Food & Hands-On Discovery

From steam trains and historic engines to Suffolk’s food and farming stories, these attractions are ideal for curious kids, heritage lovers and mixed-weather May Half Term days.

🏛️ Food Museum

📍 Stowmarket – 13 miles from Ipswich

Explore Suffolk’s food, farming and rural life at this hands-on museum with historic buildings, animals, gardens and family-friendly trails. A brilliant mix of indoor and outdoor discovery.

🚂 Bressingham Steam Museum

📍 Near Diss – 24 miles from Bury St Edmunds

Ride steam trains through the gardens, explore working locomotives and visit the Dad’s Army exhibition. A full day out for train lovers, families and heritage fans.

🏊‍♂️ Beccles Lido

📍 Beccles – 19 miles from Lowestoft

This heated open-air pool is one of Suffolk’s best places to cool off – and it usually reopens in time for the May Half Term (weather permitting!).

🌽 Southwold Maize Maze (and Fun Park)

📍 Reydon, near Southwold – 34 miles from Ipswich

Although the full maize maze doesn’t open until summer, the **Fun Park** is often open during May Half Term with go-karts, climbing frames, and animal paddocks.

🚲 Nowton Park

📍 Bury St Edmunds

Open meadows, themed gardens, a maze and natural play zones make this park a local favourite – perfect for a free family day outdoors.

🏖️ Seaside & Coastal Fun

Suffolk’s coast is packed with classic family adventures for May Half Term – from thrill rides to quirky piers and sandy strolls.

🎢 Pleasurewood Hills

📍 Lowestoft – 26 miles from Ipswich

Home to family rollercoasters, live shows, woodland animal zones and soft play, Pleasurewood Hills is a big-hit day out for all ages.

⛱️ Southwold Pier & Seafront

📍 Southwold – 34 miles from Ipswich

A quirky, retro-style pier packed with amusements, treats and oddball machines. Pair it with a bucket-and-spade session on the beach!

⚓ Landguard Fort & Beach

📍 Felixstowe – 12 miles from Ipswich

A historic seaside fort with ramparts to explore, followed by crabbing, beachcombing or a stroll along the prom.

🌅 Aldeburgh & Thorpeness Walk

📍 26 miles from Ipswich

A peaceful day out for older kids and walkers – shingle beach, fish and chips, quirky houses and rowing boats in Thorpeness.

✅ Plan Your May Half Term in Suffolk

From llamas to lidos, castles to coasters – Suffolk’s family attractions shine during the May school holidays. Whether you’re chasing sunshine on the coast or need a rainy-day backup, there’s something for every kind of family adventure.

• 🎟️ Explore our full Suffolk Attractions directory for family favourites and hidden gems
• 💸 Find exclusive NSTA member discounts and vouchers on each attraction page
• 📍 Group nearby attractions to plan efficient days out and beat the queues
• 📸 Tag us in your May Half Term adventures – we love to share Suffolk fun!

Also planning Norfolk adventures? Don’t miss our companion post: May Half Term Activities in Norfolk 2026

❓ May Half Term in Suffolk – FAQs

What’s open in Suffolk during May Half Term?

Most major attractions are open during May Half Term, including Jimmy’s Farm, Beccles Lido, Kentwell Hall, Pleasurewood Hills and the Food Museum – many with special school holiday events.

What are the best things to do with toddlers and younger children?

Try Oasis Camel Park, Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, Southwold Maize Maze (Fun Park), or Hollow Trees Farm for gentle, hands-on experiences.

Is there anything to do in Suffolk if it rains?

Yes! The Food Museum and local museums like Moyse’s Hall offer indoor activities, and soft play centres like CurveMotion in Bury St Edmunds are great backups.

Where can I find discounts or vouchers for Suffolk attractions?

Visit the NSTA Suffolk Attractions page to view current offers, events and discounts.

Last updated: May 2026

For up-to-date visitor info, opening times and discounts, check attraction websites. Don’t forget to sign up for the latest NSTA vouchers – exclusive discounts on Norfolk & Suffolk attractions.