Animal lovers of all ages will find a wide range of animal attractions in the County of Suffolk. Visitors can see animals indigenous to Suffolk as well as those that are decidedly more exotic. Situated throughout the county these sanctuaries and farms provide care for the animal inhabitants as well as providing an excellent visitor experience.
Baylham Rare Breeds Farm
Baylham Rare Breeds Farm is a family run farm set in the picturesque Suffolk countryside. It is one of the least commercialised attractions in the county, the focus is on the breeding of rare and endangered livestock, but this is part of its charm. Children and adults alike appreciate the chance to get close to the animals and experience a working farm.
Several of the smaller animals, such as the poultry and pygmy goats, roam free and are very friendly to visitors who have a bag of food. Most of the animals graze in the fields which visitors can walk round, following the interlinking paths. There are several rare breeds to see, from the impossibly cute Kune Kune pigs to the huge White Park Cattle. There are also a few non rare breeds such as the Highland Cattle, who have lots of character and like to be fed by having food pellets dropped directly onto their long tongues.
Visitors themselves can eat in the cafe, which serves delicious homemade food, and shop in the gift shop.
Mill Lane, Baylham, Near Ipswich, Suffolk, IP6 8LG
Easton Farm Park
Easton Farm Park is one of the largest and most well established parks in Suffolk. They mainly house farmyard animals including goats, pigs, cattle and poultry. The most famous residents are the Suffolk Punch horses; a stocky breed of horse that was traditionally used in farming throughout Suffolk and East Anglia.
Easton Farm Park is especially geared towards children, with a play area, pony rides and a chance to 'Hug a Bunny' as well as facilities for school groups and birthday parties. However, there is something for all the family; the park has several walks through lovely Suffolk countryside, craft workshops, a cafe and gift shop.
Easton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP13 0EQ
Suffolk Punch Trust
The Suffolk Punch Trust was set up in 2002 to preserve the rare breed of working horse. Due to the invention of the internal combustion engine the Suffolk Punch horse became redundant in agriculture. The Suffolk Punch Trust Colony Stud at Hollesley Bay works tirelessly to ensure the continuation of the breed.
Visitors to the Suffolk Punch Trust at Hollesley Bay can see the lovely chestnut horses, and sometimes foals, as they take a walk through the 180 acre farm. Hollesley Bay is not just home to the Suffolk Punch horse, there are other rare Suffolk breeds including Red Poll cattle, Suffolk sheep and Large Black pigs.
The Visitor Centre houses an exhibition of agricultural machinery and information on the Suffolk Punch breed as well as a cafe and gift shop.
Throughout the year several events are held at Hollesley Bay, these range from traditional working demonstrations to the bizarre Welly Wanging competition.
St David's Lane, Hollesley, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 3JR
Jimmy's Farm/Essex Pig Company
Jimmy's Farm was made famous by the 2002 documentary of the same name which followed Jimmy Doherty as he tried to establish his Essex Pig Company. Now, almost ten years on, Jimmy's Farm is thriving. As well as Essex pigs Jimmy's Farm also breeds Gloucester Old Spots and Saddleback pigs as well as several rare breeds of cows and sheep.
The rare breeds are the main attraction of the farm but there is lots more to see and do; visitors can discover colourful winged insects in the butterfly house, follow the nature trail, play in the children's area, eat in the restaurant and stock up on local produce in the shop.
Jimmy's Farm also runs several events, the biggest of which is Harvest Festival, a food and music festival which has seen top chefs, such as James Martin, visit the farm as well as famous musicians, such as Eliza Doolittle and Newton Faulkner.
Pannington Hall Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2AR
Africa Alive
A chance to have a safari in Suffolk; Africa Alive is home to some not so local animals.
The park is set in 100 acres of land, it is not a zoo where the animals are caged off but a chance to see them in the open. Giraffes, zebra, rhino and many more animals mingle together. Predators, such as the lions, have their own space and visitors can see them from a high up viewing platform.
There are several smaller animals, such as lemurs and aardvark, to see as well. There are regular feedings and demonstrations throughout the day, these vary during seasons. The Park is large and it is easy to spend the whole day there; visitors can walk or hop on the road train to visit the different animals.
The park is particularly good for families with children; providing petting areas and playgrounds, but it's a great day out for anyone interested in wildlife and conservation.
Whites Lane, Kessingland, Lowerstoft, Suffolk, NR33 7TF
There is a wide range of animal attractions in Suffolk, from the large and exotic to the small and local, but all provide a quality experience for animal lovers and a chance to explore the beautiful county of Suffolk.
Victoria Richman - An experienced, versatile writer with particular focus on the topics of conservation and travel.
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