Explore almost 200 acres of landscaped Suffolk countryside with arboretums, a hedge maze, woodland trails, and a children's play area for all ages.

Nowton Park is a sprawling 200-acre countryside destination offering diverse attractions for families and nature enthusiasts. The park features two unique arboretums showcasing trees from around the world, including specimens from Australia, China, and North America. Visitors can admire hand-carved wooden sculptures including a 35-foot totem pole and a panda statue, plus a dragon carved from a lightning-struck cedar tree. For families with children, the large play area provides entertainment while the seasonal hedge maze—shaped like a stylised oak tree and maintained by over two miles of hornbeam hedging—offers a fun challenge from May to October. Nature lovers can explore walking trails, observe wildlife at the bird feeding station, and visit ponds and lakes home to moorhens, herons, and carp. Spring visitors are treated to over 100,000 daffodils blooming beneath the iconic lime avenue, one of the finest examples in the UK. The park is suitable for all ages from infants onwards and provides excellent facilities including a café (Grounds Café), picnic areas, toilets, and all-weather sports pitches. Entry is completely free, making it an accessible family destination for outdoor activities, wildlife spotting, and seasonal events throughout the year.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

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Ben J

a week ago

Lovely well maintained woodland park on the edge of Bury St Edmunds town. Great for dog walks, running trails and family time with a really nice cafe and children’s play area. Toilets on site. Large pay and display parking, compatible with Ringo app.

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Jenny Finch

a month ago

Fantastic place for a walk. Great for kids to run about. Indoor and outdoor cafes. Toilets. Large car park and very reasonable prices. Saw a variety of birds and plenty of butterflies.

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Rich fuzz

2 months ago

Beautiful park. Enjoyed a lovely walk in the sun listening to birds. You really get a sense of being out in the wilderness. Theres also a lovely play park for the kids and a coffee shop for the grownups.

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Sylvia George (Sylv)

4 months ago

What a lovely surprise. A 172 acre country park, completely free to visit apart from the parking £3 all day. The spectacular trees in the arboretum were in full glory. The sun shone brightly and we had a lovely cup of tea to finish of a perfect day out. Thank you Bury St Edmunds for a smashing holiday finale. We'll be back soon

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Simon Bendall

8 months ago

Great park with lovely walks through woodland or grassed areas with lots of sculptures. The cafe is excellent too. You have to pay for parking or you can get an season ticket for Nowton park and West Stow combined.

Reviews last updated: 6 October 2026