It’s not hard to tell but I really do love where we live. Growing up I wanted nothing more than to leave and live in a big city but here I am wildly content in where we live with all the beautiful places nearby. I get quite a few questions about things to do and places to visit in Lowestoft and surrounding areas. So here’s my guide of places to visit.

Belle Vue Park & Sparrows Nest

Sparrows Nest has a teeny play park but lots of open green space. It’s perfect for taking a picnic or a football/outdoor toys. There’s a little café that has some really lovely ice cream and a restaurant too. There’s also the Lowestoft High Street Scores to explore, you can follow the trail and find the red herring (these are steps, so it wouldn’t be pushchair friendly). The steps connect to Belle Vue Park which again has an open space for running around, the cutest little cottage, as well as wartime tributes.

Lowestoft Beach – South Beach

Of course the beach. It’s a beauty. Golden sand. Plenty of space to play. The sea is safe for paddling and swimming. Along the seafront there is a host of shops for tacky seaside souvenirs. Ice cream shops, coffee shops and plenty of places to pick up a tray of chips. There is also arcades and if you follow the seafront down you can find the East Point Pavilion. They have activities on as well as “street food” stalls. The beach is definitely one to visit. There is also North Beach and Pakefield too!

Old Dairy – Oulton Broad

A great place to stop for a coffee. It’s one of the best in the area and their food is good too. You can eat in or outside on benches. We often like to to takeaway and head to the park near by (more on that in a minute). It’s situated on the broads, so it’s a pretty place to stop by. In the summer they have ice creams and smoothies too. I recommend a vanilla latte and a slice of their banana bread.

Nicholas Everitt Park

And right near by to The Old Dairy is Nicholas Everitt Park. Made up of green space, little ponds and bridges, a big play area and of course the broads. There are events on throughout the summer as well as a little fun area with bouncy castles and arcades. There is also a café in the park itself or take a picnic and eat on the green by the bandstand. Also home of a Banksy.

Kensington Gardens

One of our favourite spots. There is a small café, they also sell ice creams. Bowling greens, tennis courts, a book swap box, a fairy tree, a small boating pond and plenty of pretty flowers. You could take a picnic or just have an explore. It’s right by the beach too!

Carlton Marshes

Oh she’s a beauty. A nature reserve, they have activities in the summer, plenty of walks. There is a café, gift shop and a play park too. Take water and sun cream because it can get hot in the summer out in the open. You’ll be able to spot lots of different animals we’ve seen deer, birds and even grass snakes. It is also one of the best places to see sunset from!

Southwold

It’s my happy place. Just 20 minutes down the road. A beautiful beach, cute beach huts and then in the town itself lots of independent shops. You have to stop at Harris & James for their ice creams. The pier is brilliant too, watch out for the weeing statue (kids will find this hilarious). It’s such a lovely place to visit.

Great Yarmouth & Sealife Centre

If you want full on seaside tacky look no further than Great Yarmouth. It’s full of arcades, seaside fun and a big wheel too. It’s not posh at all, but it’s a must for a cheesy family day. Visit Joyland and ride the snails! And along the seafront is the Sealife Centre too. We love to visit there!

Southwold Maize Maze

A fun day out. They have go karts, jumpy pillows, sandpits, play areas, a café, ice cream stalls and of course the maze itself. Take plenty of water and sun cream as this one gets hot too!

Redwings

Go and visit the horses at Redwings open Friday – Sun. And currently free with a donation welcomed. Visit the horses, they have a small café and shop too. Probably one you would only spend a hour at. Still a great place to visit.

Somerleyton Hall & Gardens

Visit the maze, do the trail and take a picnic. PikNikBox serves cakes, sandwiches and hot drinks. They hold events too. So keep an eye out for those.

These are just some of the local places we like to visit. I hope that helps if you’re planning to visit the area and hopefully I can add more things to it too!