A Magical Family Day Out at Guildenacre, Suffolk
A Magical Family Day Out at Guildenacre, Suffolk: By Rachel Ducker
Last weekend I took my three children, plus my cousin’s children, to explore the new magical woodland adventure, Guildenacre, located within the Helmingham estate in Suffolk.
As someone who is always on the lookout for family days out that feel a little bit different, Guildenacre instantly appealed.
It’s been designed around a fantastical woodland story, that provides the backdrop to a number of play areas, and activities that encourage imaginative play, in a setting of fresh air and beautiful trees. There are also two cafés to sit and relax and enjoy some wonderful food and drink, as well as ice cream.
And I have to say, it absolutely delivered.
What Is Guildenacre?
Guildenacre is a magical woodland play experience set amongst the trees at Wades Barn, Helmingham. It has been created around a mystical woodland story and the play areas, activities and characters bring this to life. Children can explore, climb, use their imagination and really get into the story of the woodland and its creatures.
There is so much more to Guildenacre than you expect. All of the different zones and areas of play have been designed in such a way as to allow children to use their imaginations in a vast and creative area.
Children can explore the different areas of the site and climb, make friends and play in the many different parts of the woodland. There are woodland creatures and many little details throughout the site that will keep children occupied for hours in a truly magical setting.
We all had a fantastic day here, all the children (all ages) found something to do and lots of it. Climbing, Exploring, Imaginative play, lots of space to run around for lots of energy off, trips to the café for snack time and of course for ice cream. It was a perfect family day out here at Guildenacre.
What Is There To Do at Guildenacre?
The main draw is the magical woodland adventure itself. Children can climb, clamber, explore and follow the story through the woods, with different play structures and activity points dotted around the area.
The children were able to wander around at their own pace in their own way to play and make up games. They could climb up high, run around like headless chickens or play make believe in different parts of the woodland.
Additional to all of the above there are imaginative and educational activities throughout the woodland, allowing children to participate as much or as little as they like whilst being encouraged to use their imagination. The main challenge that was set was to collect the five guardian stamps dotted around the park – which the kids loved.
I loved this place because it was a very outdoorsy and magical place to visit and it didn’t feel too structured or over whelming.
The Guardians of Guildenacre
One of the most beautiful things about Guildenacre is the story behind it. In the center of the woodland stands the Whispering Oak, a very ancient magical tree. From time to time the Whispering Oak calls upon the Guardians of the woodland to help protect the forest from various dangers.
This area has been created and introduced to children by the Guardians of the Woodland. These five special creatures have been brought to life for children visiting the woods. Each Guardian has his own personality and have special jobs to do to look after the woodland and creatures that live there.
Vex the Vixen is fast, clever and loves to find hidden things. Eira the Owl is wise and watches from above to answer the forest’s questions. Flint the Badger is strong, kind and looks after the woodland and its creatures. Atlas the Stag listens to the trees and helps to keep the woodland strong.
It is such a sweet concept, and it really helps bring the woodland to life. Our children loved spotting the different Guardians throughout the woods and then we would go back to the car and say whose our favourite was.
Food and Drinks at Black Dog Deli
A good café can make or break a family day out, and thankfully Guildenacre has this covered beautifully.
There are two café spots on site, with food supplied by Black Dog Deli, which is already one of our favourites. If you know, you know – Black Dog Deli is always a good sign.
They offer award-winning sausage rolls, homemade Scotch eggs, hand-made quiches, salad bowls made with the freshest of produce, breakfast pastries, sandwich and cakes and plenty of sweet treats for children of all ages. They also do children’s packed lunch boxes which our kids thought were brilliant and filled them up for the rest of the day.
Honestly, the kids loved having their own lunch boxes. It made things easy, it kept them happy, and it gave us a proper pause in the middle of all the exploring.
For the adults, there were iced coffees, which were very much appreciated, and we also had a couple of ice cream stops throughout the day because, obviously, no summer family day out is complete without ice cream.
The whole food side of things felt relaxed and easy, which is exactly what you want when you have a small army of children with you.
Useful Details
We spent the day at Guildenacre which is located at Wades Barn, Helmingham, Suffolk, IP14 6EE.
As before there is free parking on site with priority given to Blue Badge holders.
The nearest train stations are Stowmarket, Needham Market and Ipswich with a taxi from there to Helmingham.
Prices for tickets are available on their website and currently cost from £8 for an adult (advanced booking), children from 5 years and above are £11.50, children from 3 years and above are £6 and children 2 years and under go free.
Guildenacre is open on selected dates throughout the year – typically at weekends and during school holidays.
Final Thoughts
A truly magical place to visit, Guildenacre is not overwhelming in anyway and provides ample opportunities for fresh-air fun. It is the perfect day out for children whilst simultaneously appreciating the facilities available to parents for coffee and cake.
Fresh ideas for a fun day out in Suffolk are not often found. But the imaginative play area at the farm at Guildenacre near Helmingham makes it a must visit for families.
We had such an amazing time at Guildenacre. The kids were completely in their element, the setting was beautiful, the story made it feel special, and the Black Dog Deli cafés meant we were well fed and caffeinated – always essential.
