Outdoor activities in Suffolk
Whether you’re wandering or wildlife-watching, the beaches and nature reserves in Suffolk are as diverse as they are beautiful.
Horsey Gap Beach
Carlton Marshes
12-min drive, NR33 8HU
“A great day out and you can walk for hours” is how our team describe Carlton Marshes, a network of flower-studded marshes that is home to birds of prey, water vole, wildfowl, and an astonishing 28 species of dragonfly. Don’t forget your wellies if it’s been raining.
Lound Lakes
9-min drive, NR31 9AU
A birdwatcher’s dream, the mixture of woodland, grassland, meadows and open water have created a paradise for wildfowl. Over 140 species of bird have been recorded here over the last 5 years, from migrating visitors to permanent residents, as well as several kinds of bat.
Gunton Meadow
Walking distance, NR32 4TZ
Gunton Meadow is relatively small but fits a lot into a small space, a rich grassland with perfect ponds for newts and frogs while butterflies and finches flitter above a colourful tapestry of wildflowers.
Gunton Warren
Walking distance, NR32 4PQ
With grassland, lowland heath and a sandy beach, Gunton Warren is unique in Suffolk as an unspoilt wildlife paradise. Adders and lizards can often be seen basking on WWII pillboxes, while in June the beautiful Green Hairstreak butterfly comes out in force.
Gunton Wood
Walking distance, NR32 4LE
You can walk straight from the foot of Gunton Hall’s grounds into this enchanting woodland. With some areas well-maintained and others deliberately left to grow wild, the winding pathways are ideal for a relaxing afternoon wander.
Walking in Suffolk
We’ve partnered with Outdoor Active to create walking routes for all levels of ability – click below for more info and a selection of walks near our hotels.View Corton walks >
View Gunton Hall walks >
In our grounds and gardens
You don’t have to venture far from our hotels to enjoy some of the best things to see in Suffolk. Our teams have picked out their three favourite things to do without leaving the grounds.
The lake
At Gunton HallThe half-mile walk that surrounds our lake leads directly to our waterside hide, perfect for watching the birds flitter between the woodland and the water, with the relaxing sound of our fountains in the background. The jetty provides a unique photo opportunity.
Walled garden
At Gunton HallHidden away from the hustle and bustle of the hotel, our walled garden provides absolute tranquillity, particularly on a summer’s day. When everything’s in bloom and the sun is shining down there’s no place we’d rather be.
Our wildlife
At Gunton HallIf you keep your eyes peeled there’s a hive of animal activity going on at Gunton Hall, from muntjac deer to our bustling bug hotels. Every season is different, with migrating wildfowl taking a break on the lake and of course baby season in springtime.
Binoculars
At CortonOur clifftop view from England’s most easterly point usually includes a few ships dotted along the horizon. The powerful, mounted binoculars offer a unique opportunity to look closer at the busy shipping lanes of the North Sea.
Mini golf
At CortonCorton’s East Coast-themed mini golf course takes pride of place in the centre of our grounds. Don’t forget to get a score sheet from our Leisure team before you while away a couple of hours having traditional seaside fun.
Beach garden
At CortonOur beach garden traps the sun like nowhere else in Warner, making it perfect for a summer afternoon picnic. It also includes our History Hut where we’ve squirreled away interesting facts and pictures of Corton from years gone by.
