Parks, Forests and Wildlife Around Bury St Edmunds
A guide to the parks, forests and wildlife local to Bury St Edmunds
Bradfield Woods

Bradfield Woods
Bradfield Woods National Nature Reserve has been a working wood since the mid-13th century, and is still traditionally managed today as it was by the monks of Bury St Edmunds in Medieval times. It boasts an impressive variety of woodland wildlife and plants, including the Oxlip and Herb Paris.
Location: Approximately 12 miles south east of Bury St Edmunds, off Felsham Road
Facilities: Visitor Centre, information board
Other info: Free admission; free parking

Water Meadows

Greene King Flood Meadows
Well maintained tarmac public footpaths crossing water meadows and a wildlife conservation area. Part of the flood meadows of the River Linnet, the area is now being managed and conserved by the Greene King Brewery.
Location: South East of Bury St Edmunds town centre, off the A1302 Cullum Road
Facilities: Information board
Other info: Free admission; no parking available, suggest street parking or Hardwick Heath Pay & Display Car Park

Hardwick Heath

Hardwick Heath
Large area of open parkland ideal for dog walkers. Granted to St Edmundsbury Abbey in 945, Hardwick Heath was a grazing ground for sheep for many years, and during World War Two was used as a Prisoner of War Camp. Now managed by St Edmundsbury Borough Council with recreation and nature conservation in mind, the beautiful specimen trees include Cedars of Lebanon and Copper Beeches.
Location: Approximately 1 mile South of Bury St Edmunds, off Hardwick Lane
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, children's play area, wildlife garden, football pitches, fishing (by permit only), information board
Other info: Free admission; pay and display parking

Ickworth Park

Ickworth Park
The eccentric oval Georgian House at Ickwork is surrounded by extensive wooded parkland, landscaped gardens and a vineyard. The parkland and shaded woodland, sections of which were developed by Capability Brown during the 18th century, provide a haven for plant, animal, and bird life. The various gardens reflect the history and changing tastes of the successive Marquesses of Bristol. Ickworth wines from the vineyard are served at the Ickworth Hotel restaurant, and are available to buy from the National Trust shop in the West Wing.
Location: Approximately 3 miles South West of Bury St Edmunds, off the A143
Facilities: Toilets, gift shop, restaurant
Other info: Admission fee; parking included in admission fee

Lackford Lakes

Lackford Lakes
Created from former gravel pits, Lackford Lakes abound with fascinating bird life all year round, including the kingfisher, tufted duck, hoopoe, osprey, pochard, and many migrant birds. They are also frequently visited by otters. The Visitor Centre includes a first floor viewing gallery providing an impressive panorama across the reserve.
Location: Approximately 6 miles North West of Bury St Edmunds, off the A1101
Facilities: Visitor Centre, toilets, gift shop, light refreshments, information board
Other info: Free admission; free parking

Nowton Park

Nowton Park
Large area of woodland with variable terrain, particularly renowned for its Lime Avenue which blooms with over 100,000 daffodils every Spring. Ranger activities are offered throughout the year, and June sees the annual Nowton Park Country Fair. As well as a children's play area and plenty of walks, the Park offers a bird feeding area, Victorian folly, maze, totem pole, arboretum and pond. Fishing is available by permit only.
Location: Approximately 2 miles South East of Bury St Edmunds, off Nowton Road (near the A134)
Facilities: Ranger Centre, toilets, light refreshments, picnic tables, children's play area, football pitches, information board
Other info: Free admission; free parking

Thetford Forest Park

Thetford Forest Park
Straddling the border between Suffolk and Norfolk, Thetford Forest was built after World War One to help restore England's depleted reserves of oaks and other slow-growing trees. There are nature trails and picnic sites, ample activities to suit all ages (additional charges may apply), a plentiful diary of events, and an abundance of wildlife. The High Lodge Forest Centre is the main destination for visitors and tourists, though there are smaller places to visit within Thetford Forest, many of which have free parking.
Location: Approximately 16 miles north of Bury St Edmunds, off the B1107
Facilities: Information centre, toilets, High Lodge shop and restaurant, picnic areas, children's adventure playground, information board
Other info: Admission fee; parking included in admission fee

West Stow Country Park

West Stow Country Park
West Stow Country Park offers plenty of nature trails with picnic opportunities within the 125 acres of woodland and heathland, around the lake, and beside the River Lark. There is also an adventure playground for children near the car park.
Location: Approximately 6 miles North West of Bury St Edmunds, off the A1101
Facilities: Toilets, Angles cafeteria, shop, information board
Other info: Free admission; free parking

Wyken Vineyard

Wyken Vineyards
The picturesque Wyken estate includes an ancient wood, sloping vineyard, and the Elizabethan manor house Wyken Hall, whose extensive gardens are open to the public during the Summer months. The woods and vineyard are free to visit, and all the wines produced can be tasted at the Leaping Hare Restaurant and Cafe. As well as selling the local wines, the Leaping Hare Country Store offers traditional country crafts and gifts and a range of garden items and plants. Wyken hosts a Farmers' Market every Saturday morning selling fresh, local produce.
Location: Approximately 9 miles north east of Bury St Edmunds, off the A143
Facilities: Toilets, restaurant, shop
Other info: Free admission; free parking