Five fantastic castles to visit in Suffolk
Suffolk is a county steeped in history, dating all the way back to the Viking connections at Sutton Hoo and beyond.
If your dream day out involves delving deeper into the past, we’ve got a list of 5 castles to visit (and a few bonus historic sites too) so that you can indulge your inner history buff as you explore the beautiful county of Suffolk.
Framlingham Castle
Of course we couldn’t start a list of castles in Suffolk with anything other than Ed Sheeran’s famous Castle on the Hill.
But being immortalised in song isn’t the only reason that Framlingham Castle is worth a visit. You can walk along the castle wall and view 800 years of history from above, take an audio tour and even try on the hats – literally – of many of the different people who would have lived and worked at the castle throughout the ages.
Despite being in Suffolk, Framlingham Castle was built in the 12th century by the Earl of Norfolk, Roger Bigod. For over 400 years it remained the home of the Dukes of Norfolk, until it fell into the hands of Mary Tudor in the 1550s. Mary, who would later become Queen Mary I – spent some time in hiding at Framlingham Castle, and would even be behind its walls when she found out she was to become queen.
Later, in the 17th century, the castle became a workhouse, where the poor and orphaned were housed during the Georgian era.
You can make a real day out of your visit to Framlingham Castle, with its cafe on site offering hot and cold food and children’s meals, as well as a gift shop and a secondhand bookshop. Outside, you can explore the Mere, the castle courts and wall walk. You can even fly your kite in the castle grounds.
Framlingham Castle also offers a calendar of exciting events for the whole family throughout the year.
Dog owners will be pleased to hear that their furry companions are welcome on leads. Some areas of the castle site have loose gravel and undulating ground which may be challenging for wheelchair users, although there is level ground in the exhibition and an accessible lift to the first floor. Access to the upper floors and wall walk is via steep spiral stairs.
Prices vary depending on the time of year. Book online in advance to save 15%. Free for English Heritage members.
Location: Framlingham
Open: Monday-Sunday from February half term to October, 10am until 5pm. Weekends and some bank holidays only until March, 10am-4pm. Check the website for current opening times.
Parking: Pay and display car park with 30 spaces on site (free for English Heritage members). Additional pay and display parking available in Framlingham town.
Orford Castle
Another of Suffolk’s English Heritage sites, Orford Castle boasts one of the most complete keeps in England. Its unique polygonal tower was a remarkable design feat for the time, and today it marks a distinctive view on the Suffolk landscape.
Built in the 12th century for Henry II, Orford Castle was intended to defend against the power of troublesome East Anglian barons, like Hugh Bigod of Framlingham Castle. It remained in royal control until 1330 when it was given to Robert Ufford, the grandson of a past castle constable (who was in charge of the castle when the king’s household was not in residence), who later became the Earl of Suffolk.
Orford Castle changed hands a few more times before it found a new purpose as a signal station in the early 19th century, and later a radar station during the Second World War.
Visitors can get a real sense of this remarkably intact medieval castle as they explore the basement, lower and upper halls and even the roof of the castle. You can see a display of Roman brooches, medieval seals, and coins, and venture further throughout Orford’s history in the Orford Museum, which is located upstairs in the Castle.
Dogs are welcome at Orford Castle as long as they are on a lead. The Castle offers a gift shop and visitors are welcome to bring a picnic, but note that there is no cafe nor toilets on site.
There are 91 steep stairs to the top of the Keep and no lift access. The castle grounds are undulating and may prove challenging to visitors with limited mobility.
Prices vary depending on the time of year. Book online in advance to save 15%. Free for English Heritage members. An audio tour is included in the ticket price.
Location: Woodbridge
Open: Monday-Sunday from April to October, 10am-5pm. Weekends and February half term only from November-March, 10am-4pm.
Parking: Pay and display car park with 20 spaces on site (free for English Heritage members). Additional pay and display parking at the quay
Bigod Castle, Bungay
It seems you can’t visit a castle in Suffolk without hearing mention of the Bigod family, and Bungay’s castle is no exception. The Bigods were a big name in Norman families, and they offered their assistance to William the Conqueror when he invaded England in 1066. In return, William granted them manors and lands in East Anglia, including Bungay and Framlingham.
Work on the keep known as Bigod Castle was started in around 1154, when Hugh Bigod was at odds with Henry II. With walls between five and seven metres thick and a towering height of 33 metres, what it lacked in expanse it more than made up for in impenetrability.
Over the years the castle changed hands several times, until it was presented to the town of Bungay by the Duke of Norfolk in 1987. It is now owned and maintained by the Castle Trust.
The castle closed for repairs in 2024, but is expected to reopen to the public in 2025. Bigod’s Kitchen cafe, through which the castle is usually accessed, remains open and serving hot and cold food. There is also an interpretative model of the castle on display in the cafe courtyard, and the nearby Castle Hills offer stunning views across the valley.
Location: Bungay
Open: Currently closed for repairs
Parking: Pay and display car parks in Bungay town centre
Eye Castle
Eye Castle is one of just a few early Norman motte-and-bailey castles that still survive. Originally built following the Norman conquest in 1066, it was likely used as a defensive stalwart before it was sacked and largely destroyed in 1265.
Whilst there are no tours or elaborate displays, the castle offers a tranquil place to wander for anyone with an interest in medieval ruins, or simply a pleasant spot to enjoy a picnic and the views of Eye’s nearby church and the surrounding countryside.
Access is via Castle Hill, off Castle Street, and entry is free. Unfortunately no dogs are allowed on the castle site.
The castle stands on an uneven site with limited access, and there are 90 steps to the top vantage point.
Location: Eye
Open: Daily from Easter until the end of October from 9am until 7pm or dusk (whichever is earlier). Weekends only between November and March (weather dependent). If the castle gates are locked, a list of addresses that hold keys can be found by the gate.
Parking: Free parking is available in Eye town centre, at Cross Street and Buckshorn Lane.
Clare Castle
Nestled at the centre of Clare Castle Country Park, not much of this once grand castle still remains. But the 60-foot high Norman motte and the ruins of a flint keep still stand tall, with visitors welcome to climb the motte and enjoy the glorious view over the moat and countryside beyond.
Despite the castle being mostly in ruins, Clare Castle Country Park is still well worth a visit. Discover a Victorian railway building, children’s play area, rivers, ponds and wildlife, and a number of walking trails.
The Park has its own cafe on site as well as a visitor centre. Activities run throughout the year, including Parkrun, weekly walks and seasonal events.
Entry to the park is free. Dogs are welcome in both the park and the cafe. The majority of the Park is accessible, and there is a wheelchair available to borrow from the Visitor Centre. Amongst the many trails around the Park is a designated accessible trail, but unfortunately the path to the motte is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Location: Clare
Open: Year-round, all day. Cafe open Tuesday-Sunday, 9-3.30pm and 4pm at weekends. Visitor centre open Friday-Sunday during summer months and Saturdays and Sundays in winter, 11am-3pm. Toilets open daily from 9am until 5pm or dusk, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Parking: Paid car park on site
Bonus heritage places to visit
Suffolk has many more historic places to explore as well as castles. Why not combine them with a visit to a castle for a history-filled day out?
Landguard Fort, on the outskirts of Felixstowe, was built in its current form in the 18th century, with modifications and additions in the 19th and 20th centuries. It played an important role in anti-aircraft action during the Second World War and part of it was later used as a Cold War control room. Landguard Fort hosts family-friendly events throughout the year.
The Abbey of St Edmund, which stands in the heart of the town of Bury St Edmunds, was once a rich and powerful Benedictine monastery. Now only ruins remain, which can be enjoyed along with a visit to the beautiful Abbey Gardens.
Moulton Packhorse Bridge is a late medieval four-arched bridge that spans the Rive Kennett between Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge. Traffic no longer crosses the bridge, but it is perfect for pedestrians exploring the historic road on foot.
Leiston Abbey is amongst Suffolk’s most impressive monastic ruins, in the form of the remains of a 14th century abbey. Combine a visit here with your day out at either Framlingham Castle or Orford Castle, which are both 12 miles away in different directions.
Saxstead Green Post Mill is a 13th century corn mill, the entire main structure of which revolves on its base. Stop by on your way to or from Framlingham Castle and climb to the top of this magnificent mill.
We’re sure you won’t be short of things to do on your next stay in Suffolk. We have a range of stunning holiday homes and cottages available, many of which are just a short drive from the county’s best castles and places of history.
Take a look at our Suffolk holiday properties and choose where you’re going to stay on your next holiday in Suffolk today.
