Things To Do in Bury St Edmunds – Bury St Edmunds, a charming market town in Suffolk, England, is brimming with attractions and activities that appeal to all types of visitors.
Known for its rich history and stunning architecture, the town offers a variety of things to do that showcase its unique heritage and vibrant culture. At the heart of Bury St Edmunds is the magnificent St Edmundsbury Cathedral, a beacon of spiritual and historical significance, surrounded by the serene Abbey Gardens.
The gardens are a beautiful place for a leisurely stroll, offering a peaceful escape amidst the ruins of the ancient abbey.
History buffs will be captivated by the town’s deep connection to the Magna Carta, which can be explored at the Moyse’s Hall Museum, where you can delve into the local history and discover medieval artifacts.
For those with a taste for shopping and local flavors, the bustling Bury St Edmunds Market, held twice a week, is a must-visit. Here, you can explore a wide range of local produce, crafts, and goods.
For a more immersive experience, the Greene King Brewery offers guided tours, providing a glimpse into the town’s brewing heritage.
The town’s array of independent shops, quaint cafes, and fine dining establishments further enhance the experience, making Bury St Edmunds a delightful destination for all.
Things To Do in Bury St Edmunds
Bury St Edmunds Abbey Gardens
Location : 22 Mustow St, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 1XL
Abbey Gardens in the centre of historic Bury St Edmunds attracts thousands of visitors each year, drawn by the floral displays, the ancient setting and the excellent facilities.
The six hectare park is on the site of a former Benedictine Abbey.
The site features a wide range of attractions including ancient monument ruins, an aviary, a refreshment kiosk, a shop, tennis courts, water garden, rose garden, sensory garden, a section of the river Lark, a play area, pergola and public toilets.
For more information about the Abbey Gardens click here
St Edmundsbury Cathedral
Location : Angel Hill, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 1LS
St Edmundsbury Cathedral is the cathedral for the Church of England’s Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich.
You can experience the Cathedral from on high! A Tower Tour is an 85 minute tour that includes a great history of the Millennium Project, which saw the building of the Tower and vault.
For more information about visiting St Edmundsbury Cathedral click here
West Stow Country Park & Anglo Saxon Village
Location : Icklingham Road, West Stow, Bury Saint Edmunds IP28 6HG
This is one of England’s great archaeological sites, there are extensive indoor galleries and a recreation of an Anglo-Saxon village.
Surrounded by 125 acres of unspoilt countryside, visitors to West Stow can explore history and nature, watch a film.
Dress up as an Anglo-Saxon or say hello to the rare breed pigs and chickens.
For more information about visiting West Stow Park click here
Lackford Lakes
Location : Lackford Lakes Centre, Bury Saint Edmunds IP28 6HX
You can visit a wildlife oasis of lakes, reedbeds, meadow and woodland near Bury St Edmunds.
Experience nature all year-round from kingfisher and dragonflies, to colourful ducks and wildflowers. There is also a play area and a picnic area.
For more information about visiting Lackford Lakes click here
Ickworth Estate
Location : The Rotunda, Horringer, Bury Saint Edmunds IP29 5QE
Ickworth House is a country house at Ickworth, near Bury St Edmunds. It is a neoclassical building set in parkland.
The Rotunda, museum accredited, forms the centrepiece of the Ickworth estate. Showcasing an internationally renowned art and silver collection.
There are also miles of parkland with rolling landscape, ancient woodlands, working farmland and an all-weather multi-use trail.
For more information about visiting the Ickworth Estate click here
Pakenham Water Mill
Location : Mill Road, Pakenham, Bury Saint Edmunds IP31 2NB
This is the oldest surviving flour mill in Suffolk. There has been a watermill in Pakenham for almost a thousand years.
For all that time millers on this site have been using the simple technology of water power to produce stone-ground wholemeal flour for local people.
Owned today by Historic Suffolk, a team of dedicated volunteers continues this long tradition.
For more information about Pakenham Water Mill click here
Theatre Royal
Location : Westgate St, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 1QR
The restored Regency building is one of only eight Grade I listed theatres in the UK.
This is Bury St Edmunds’ leading performance arts venue. A vibrant 200-year-old theatre with a year-round programme of productions.
For more information about visiting the Theatre Royal click here
Moyse’s Hall Museum
Location : Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 1DX
Situated in a medieval building, Moyse’s Hall Museum houses eclectic collections and exhibitions, and hosts events ranging from themed craft workshops for all the family to historical talks and lectures.
The museum offers a fascinating view into the past with collections that document the foundation of the early town – from the creation and dissolution of the abbey, to prison paraphernalia and artefacts providing insights into superstition and witchcraft.
For more information about Moyse’s Hall Museum click here
Greene King Brewery Tour
Location : Westgate St, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 1QG
This tour gives you the chance to enter a1930’s tower brewery.
You will need to be able to climb over 100 stairs without a walking aid to see the amazing view of Bury St Edmunds from the roof.
Hear all about the brewing process and the history of Greene King and in the café you can taste some of the beers.
For more information about the Greene King Brewery Tour click here
St Mary’s Church
Location : Honey Hill, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 1RT
St Mary’s Church is the civic church of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk.
This unique medieval building is one of the largest church buildings in the country and it is a popular visitor destination and the civic church for the town, as well as enjoying strong links with local military organisations.
For more information about visiting St Mary’s Church click here
CurveMotion
Location : Lamdin Road, Bury Saint Edmunds IP32 6LJ
CurveMotion is a pioneering indoor interactive venue offering activities for all the family including roller skating, soft play and mega slides.
Their play frame is the biggest in East Anglia, and features a wide variety of interactive areas for ages up to 12, as well as mega slides suitable for all ages and a vertical drop slide.
The purpose built roller rink offers a range of sessions from roller disco to skate lessons.
For more information about CurveMotion click here
Looking for other places to visit, check out Suffolk Places To Visit