COMPETITIONS P27 ILLUMINATED TRAIL P10 OPEN DAY P9 raring2go.co.uk AUTUMN 2025 WEST SUFFOLK MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD
Raring2go! OPEN DAY 2 raring2go.co.uk REMARKABLE JOURNEYS STARTHERE Independent | Co-educational | Boarding & Day | Ages 11-18 BOOK NOW OPEN MORNING SAT 4 OCT 2025 ROYALHOSPITALSCHOOL.ORG
Raring2go! WELCOME 3 HALLOWEEN DISCO BAR | HOG ROAST | PIZZA 7.15PM - 10.30PM £10 Adult | £5 Child FRIDAY 31 OCTOBER ST *DRESSING UP ENCOURAGED!* HALLOWEEN CRAFTING MONDAY 27 OCTOBER TH Pumpkin Carving, Bracelet Making, Painting & Crafting, Spooky Stories, Glitter Faces & Pizza £25 per child | Ages 3+ *Children must be accompanied by an adult www.ticketsource.co.uk/flint-hall-events info@flinthall.uk / 07510849200 GET IN TOUCH e: emily.parker@raring2go.co.uk t: 07841 337054 w: raring2go.co.uk/area/ipswich-and-felistowe Don’t forget... Clocks go back on the 26th October 2025 Welcome to your Autumn magazine As the leaves turn and the days grow shorter, there’s still plenty of family fun to enjoy across Suffolk. October half term brings spooky adventures like Halloween fun at Easton Farm Park and a magical trip on the Bressingham Railway. Looking ahead, the excitement builds towards Christmas with the dazzling Illuminated Garden Trail at Helmingham and the must-see pantomime Cinderella at the Regent Theatre in Ipswich - make sure you grab your tickets early! And for families looking for something new, Holbrook Swim has launched fresh swimming lessons at Murrayfield School - perfect for keeping little ones active as the seasons change. So, whether you’re after outdoor adventures, festive magic, or new activities for the kids, this season is full of opportunities to make special memories together. Emily Editor & local mum
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON 4 raring2go.co.uk Fiendish fun for curious kids! Get ready for a fang-tastic half-term of spooky stories, creepy crafts, and ghostly goings-on with Suffolk Archives! Join us for hands-on Halloween fun with spooky crafts! The Hold, Ipswich: Tue 28, Wed 29, Fri 31 Oct, 10.30am - 12.30pm. £5. Halesworth Library: Tue 28 Oct, 10.30am - 12.30pm. Free. Moyse’s Hall, Bury St Edmunds: Wed 29 Oct, 10.30-12.30. Free. LET’S GET CRAFTY: HALLOWEEN Ages 4-11 Get creative with creepy crafts inspired by Suffolk’s spooky legends and ghostly tales! The Hold, Ipswich: Sat 15 Nov, 10.30am - 2.30pm. Free. LET’S GET CRAFTY: GHOST STORIES Ages 4-11 Step into the past with master storyteller The Yarnsmith of Norwich, and meet the tricksters, thieves and highwaymen of old! The Hold, Ipswich: Thu 30 Oct, 10am - 11am and 11am - 12pm. £4 per child (adults go free with a paying child). ROGUES, RASCALS AND RUNNING DOGS Ages 4-11 @suffolkarchives Book now at suffolkarchives.co.uk or scan the QR code ... come if you dare! The Hold Raring 2 Go Autumn 2025.qxp_Layout 1 12/08/2025 15:59 Page 1
5 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON Fang-tastic Fun at Colchester Castle! This October half term, visit Colchester Castle, Europe’s Largest Norman Keep, for fang-tastic fun from 26 October to 2 November! Enjoy spooky events like our Spooktacular Family Fun Night, Haunted History Family Tours, creature crafts, ghoulish gallery games and even an exclusive sleepover in the Castle’s historic walls! Experience the Castle’s rich history with spine-chilling twists! Make memories, learn something new, and enjoy a frightfully fun family day out! Suitable for the whole family. Find out more and plan your visit at: colchester.cimumuseums.org.uk/events www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events AT COLCHESTER CASTLE 24 OCT 2 NOV 2025 Book online Spooktacular events for all ages this half term! Visit the Castle and its Mythical Creatures exhibition, join the Halloween party, brave a sleepover, create a creepy craft or take a tour for an unforgettable Halloween experience!
6 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! HOLIDAY CLUBS Children’s holiday clubs Big days for little legends. Join us every school holiday from £25*. Find out more at inspirecharityuk.org We’re Inspire – a local charity supporting children and young people to thrive. ro holiday clubs to youth work, everything we do is about helping young people build confidence, stay active and have fun. *Plus 3% ooking fee. ‘Inspire’ is the trading name of Inspire uffolk imited. ddress: Inspire uffolk td, ind ergh oad, Ipswich, IP3 9QX. egistered in ngland and ales: 04881803. egistered charit : ngland & ales 1101519.
7 Raring2go! PLACES TO GO If your kids have energy to burn, Play World at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre is the perfect way to keep them active and entertained this autumn. Play World is a fantastic indoor soft play and play centre for children up to 12 years old. It has dedicated play areas for juniors, under-5s and babies, with a comfortable seating area for parents. The junior area is suitable for 5-12 year olds and includes three tiers of crawl tubes, scramble nets, a four-lane astro slide, climbing wall, football zone, ball pool with ball shower, ball cannon zone, aerial glide and much more. A designated zone for children aged four and below includes a baby area. This comprises a unique soft play frame containing slides, crawl tubes, an interactive piano, trike area and ball pool, all designed to encourage imaginative play. To book, use the Everyone Active app or visit everyoneactive.com. For further information, phone 01449 674980. PLAY WORLD IS READY TO WELCOME KIDS FOR AUTUMN FUN WHERE HAS FUN! Book today at everyoneactive.com/MidSuffolk MID SUFFOLK LEISURE CENTRE - STOWMARKET SLIDES TODDLER AND BABY PLAY AREAS BALL POOL SCRAMBLE NETS PARTIES AND EXCLUSIVE HIRE AVAILABLE! 32613_Raring2Go West Suffolk Autumn issue soft play with editorial_Mid Suffolk.indd 1 26/08/2025 09:45
Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES 8 raring2go.co.uk
9 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON Celebrate apples with a week of apple pressing, juice making, baking workshops & apple-themed activities for all the family Find out more at foodmuseum.org.uk P K A WEE P LE Explore, cook, play! 25 OCTOBER - 2 NOVEMBER Open Day Saturday 4 October th Food | Music | Supplier Stands & More Flint Hall, Creeting St Peter, Suffolk. IP6 8QL free Entry 11am - 3pm www.ticketsource.co.uk/flint-hall-events
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON 10 raring2go.co.uk
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON 11 Illuminated Garden Trail TICKETS NOW ON SALE 14TH NOVEMBER - 19 DECEMBER TH WWW.HELMINGHAM.COM Voted one of the best Christmas light trails in the UK
Raring2go! PARTIES 12 raring2go.co.uk
Raring2go! SWIMMING 13 Kids are being encouraged to sign up for swimming lessons during the autumn term – with a dream holiday to Lapland up for grabs. Award-winning leisure operator Everyone Active offers swim lessons at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre and Stradbroke Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre, run in partnership with Mid Suffolk District Council. Those who get involved by Sunday, 14 December, 2025 will be entered into a draw to win a three-night family holiday with Santa’s Lapland, which will include meeting Father Christmas, a reindeer sleigh ride, snow hockey and kick sledding. In addition, sign up to Everyone Active’s award-winning swimming lessons, sport courses or a children’s birthday party before Tuesday, March 31, 2026 and be rewarded with a 12-month Kids Pass membership. Use Kids Pass to receive up to 40% off at theme parks, zoos and safaris, up to 40% off cinema tickets, up to 20% on dining out and up to 30% off family days out, plus more! SWIM LESSONS IN MID SUFFOLK OFFER AMAZING LAPLAND PRIZE when you learn to swim with us LAPLAND A FAMILY TRIP TO everyoneactive.com/Lapland *GB only. 18+. Promotion opens 22/08/2025, closes 14/12/2025. Automatic entry for participants continuing their Direct Debit for swimming lessons, joining swimming lessons on Direct Debit or paying in full in advance for lessons during the promotional period at participating centres. Valid email address and telephone number required to enter. One entry per adult or child enrolled. Prize: 1 x 3-night trip to Lapland for 2 adults (aged 18+) and 2 children (aged 2 - 12), including half board hotel/cabin accommodation (3* equivalent or higher) and a private visit to see Santa. Must be taken during December 2026. Max 1 entry per person. Visit www.everyoneactive.com/lapland for full terms. 32612_Raring2Go West Suffolk Autumn issue Lapland with editorial_Mid Suffolk.indd 1 26/08/2025 09:40
14 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES Quay School of Dance CLASSES HELD IN SUDBURY & IXWORTH, NR BURY ST EDMUNDS Pupils accepted from 3 years • Ballet • Modern • Jazz • Tap • Street • Cheer-leading • Adult Tap • Adult Ballet t: 07771 648649 e: quaydance@hotmail.co.uk www.quaydance.co.uk Exams - Shows - Summer Schools Quay Dance
15 Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES Get your family pedalling at Colchester Sports Park, a fantastic place to enjoy cycling together! Our free Learn to Ride area is perfect for helping children gain confidence on two wheels in a safe, friendly environment. Families can breathe in the fresh air, tackle the exciting BMX pump track, or take on the 1-mile cycle track for a fun challenge. With modern facilities, open green spaces, and helpful staff, it’s the ideal spot to get active and make lasting memories. Bring your own bikes or hire on-site, everything you need is there. Come ride, laugh, and enjoy quality time outdoors! Discover more and book online Colchester Sports Park - Colchester Sports Park FUN, FITNESS AND FIRST RIDES Get Your Family Pedalling at Colchester Sports Park BOOK ONLINE C M Y CM MY CY CMY K SP cycling Raring2go.pdf 1 04/09/2025 1
16 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON Attention Kids! (of all ages) Go wild!...Be Free!..Have Fun!...Be Noisy!... ! 01473 602347 • info@suffolkskicentre.co.uk • www.suffolkleisurepark.co.uk The Suffolk Leisure Park, Bourne Hill, Wherstead, Ipswich IP2 8NQ Go wild!...Be Free!..Have Fun Skiing • Tobogganing • Ringos • Snowboarding • High Ropes Go w Skiing • gganing Tobo • Ringos • Snowboarding g Golf Driving Range • Mini Adventure Golf • Birthday Parties Holiday Activity Days and The Lodge Restaurant Call now for more information about Kids Skiing Workshops age 7-15 years and Snowboarding lessons ( age 12 and over) surepark co uk e 7 y
17 Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES THE PLACE TO DISCOVER ALL ABOUT SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL OWLS & AND FASCINATING BIRDS OF PREY plus MEERKATS ARMADILLOS PORCUPINES RED SQUIRRELS DISCOVERY CENTRE SCHOOL VISITS, TRIPS and HOME EDUCATION DEPT. Discovery trail for youngsters with a prize for all! GREAT FOR SCHOOL VISITS! All you need for a fun day out at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary & Nature Centre Lots of things for young visitors to see & do! Don’t forget to visit the Meerkat Mob at SOS2 for more fun next door! S.O.S. SAFARI ALL ABOUT OWLS SCHOOL VISITS * SCHOOL TRIPS * HOME EDS Reg. Charity 1086565 Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, Stonham Barns Park, Stonham Aspal IP14 6AT 0345 680 7897 • info@owlhelp.org.uk • www.owl-help.org.uk
18 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON
19 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON STONHAMBARNS.CO.UK STONHAM BARNS PARK, STONHAM ASPAL, SUFFOLK IP14 6AT. TELEPHONE: 01449 711 111 EAT • DRINK • SHOP • PLAY STAY • HOLIDAY • EVENTS A PLACE WHERE MEMORIES ARE MADE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • FREE PARKING • DOG FRIENDLY • COACH PARTIES WELCOME MID SUFFOLK’S NO.1 tourist ATTRACTION & RETAIL VILLAGE CHILDREN’S ATTRACTIONS Play area, traditional fun fair, train rides, pottery painting and fishing STONHAM BARNS GOLF PARK Golf, adventure golf, footgolf, indoor golf, foot pool. CARTERS OF SUFFOLK Teapot manufacturer or paint your own pottery. HOLIDAY PARK Bring your own tent, caravan or motorhome. Hire a fishing lodge or holiday static. FOOD AND DRINK Delicious food and drink in Cafe 24, The Pottery Tea & Cake Shop and Legends Bar STONHAM BARNS LAKES 3 fully stocked fishing lakes. RETAIL VILLAGE Over 40 unique shops and businesses plus all your essentials. HOLIDAY HOMES FOR SALE Purchase a holiday lodge to use again and again 11 months of the year. POST OFFICE
20 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! OFFERS raring2go.lovetovisit.net
21 Raring2go! EDUCATION s Stories s Apps and Tools s into Games discounts while shopping. colouring to explain
Raring2go! QUIZ 22 raring2go.co.uk THE Autumn Quiz Qu 1. Which of these trees is known for its colourful autumn h Whic of these trees is known for its colourful autumn leaves? A) Pine B) Oak C) Birch D) Palm leaves? 2. Which of these is celebrated on the last day of October in many countries? A) Easter B) Christmas C) y Halloween D) Mother’s Day 3. Which fruit is commonly harvested in autumn and is often used to make pies? A) Apple B) Peach s Apple B) Peac C) Banana D) Watermelon 4. Which animal is commonly associated with autumn because of its preparation for winter hibernation? e becaus of its preparation for winter hibernation? A) Bear B) Deer C) Squirrel D) Rabbit r 5. Which of these vegetables is typically harvested in autumn and used in soups and stews? A) Carrot B) Lettuce C) Cabbage D) Cucumber ro A) Car t B) Lettuce C) Cabbage D) Cucumber 6. Which of these colours is most commonly associated c Whi with autumn? A) Pink B) Green C) Orange D) Blue 7. Which vegetable is commonly carved into jack-o’- c Whi h vegetable is commonly carved into jack-o - lanterns during Halloween? A) Carrot B) Cucumber ns C) Potato D) Pumpkin 8. What type of weather is commonly associated with autumn? A) Hot and sunny B) Cold and snowy C) Cool and rainy D) Windy t and dry 9. Which of these is a popular autumn tradition, especially around ic Wh h of these is a popu Halloween? A) Trick-or-treating B) Easter egg hunting w Hallo een? A) Trick-or-treating B) Easter egg hunting C) Fireworks displays D) Summer picnics 10. What is the name of the festival that marks the end of the he end of the harvest season in some cultures, often celebrated in autumn? mn A) Halloween B) Harvest Festival C) Christmas D) Easter Enjoy testing your autumn knowledge! QUICK QUIZ Quiz Questions u z Q estions h e tree ANSWERS: 1: B) Oak 2: C) Halloween 3: A) Apple 4: A) Bear 5: C) Carrot 6: C) Orange 7: D) Pumpkin 8: C) Cool and rainy 9: A) Trick-or-treating 10: B) Harvest Festival d Answers at the bottom of the page. No cheating! Raring2go Autumn 2025 Quick Quiz page PA01.indd 1 31/07/2025 15:09
23 Raring2go! READING EGGS
Raring2go! ACTIVITIES 24 raring2go.co.uk As the leaves change colours and the air turns crisp, autumn provides a vibrant backdrop for engaging and educational projects that can captivate curious young minds. Here are some creative and enriching autumn activities that seamlessly blend fun with learning: 1. Leaf Identification Scavenger Hunt: Transform a walk into a leaf identification adventure. Equip children with printouts of common tree leaves. As they explore, encourage them to identify different leaves. Back home, create a leaf scrapbook and label each specimen while learning about the trees they come from. 2. Pumpkin Maths and Science: Harness autumn by incorporating pumpkins into maths and science lessons. Count pumpkin seeds for a fun maths activity, estimating and measuring their size. Explore buoyancy by predicting whether a pumpkin will float or sink. Carve pumpkins to study the anatomy, discussing shapes, sizes, and the life cycle of a pumpkin plant. 3. Apple-licious Learning: Apples offer a wealth of educational opportunities. Make apple picking a maths lesson by counting the apples collected. Explore measurement as children weigh apples or calculate the circumference. In the kitchen, engage in ‘apple’ science experiments and discuss the effects of heat on apple slices or simply observe the whole process of making apple sauce. 4. Nature-Inspired Art: Bring the great outdoors inside by creating autumn inspired art projects. Use fallen leaves to make pretty leaf rubbings, exploring the textures and shapes of different leaves. Press leaves between sheets of wax paper to create beautiful autumn window decorations. This enhances artistic skills and encourages observation and creativity. 5. Weather Observations and Nature Journals: Autumn brings dynamic changes in weather. So let’s encourage children to observe and record daily weather patterns in a nature journal. Discuss the science behind changing seasons, the migration of birds, and the reasons behind huge temperature variations. This project nurtures a curiosity about the natural world and encourages skills in observation and recording. 6. Storytelling with Autumn-Inspired Tales: Inspire a love for literature by incorporating autumn themed stories into reading time. Choose books that explore the changing seasons, the life cycle of trees, or the adventures of animals preparing for winter. After reading, encourage children to create their own autumn-inspired stories or illustrations, promoting language and storytelling skills. Educational autumn projects for children not only makes learning enjoyable but also deepens their connection to the natural world. Through hands-on experiences and creative endeavors, children can gain a deeper understanding of the scientific and artistic wonders that autumn has to offer. So, let the leaves fall and the learning rise as you embark on these educational autumn adventures with your young explorers. Harvesting Knowledge: Autumn Projects for Kids
25 corns | calluses | nail conditions | maintenance we treat feet. ALL . Raring2go! HEALTH
26 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! LOCAL BUSINESSES C M Y CM MY CY CMY K GS_Raring2Go ad_128x182mm_PRINT_030925.pdf 1 03/09/2025 13:02
27 Raring2go! COMPETITIONS 2025 Tickets to Co-op Juniors Magic Of Christmas Tickets to Ipswich Fireworks at Christchurch Park www.raring2go.co.uk/competitions WIN
Raring2go! ACTIVITIES 28 raring2go.co.uk 10 great games to play during Outdoor Games 1. Scavenger Hunt v Sca enger Hunt Organise an autumn-themed hunt, with items like conkers, is Organ e an autumn-themed hunt, with items like conkers, acorns, red and yellow leaves. s, acorns, red and yellow leaves 2.Pumpkin Bowling Us l mp Use small pumpkins as bowling balls and empty bottles or m Use s all pumpkins as bo cones as pins for a festive twist on bowling. a cones s pins for a festive twist on bowling. 3. Conkers itional British autumn pastime. Find fresh horse chestnuts, drill A traditional British autumn pastime. Find fresh horse chestnuts, drill dit A tra ional British autumn pastime. Find fresh horse chestnuts, drill holes through them, and thread them onto strings for some nostalgic th m, and thread them onto strings for some nostalgic 4. hadow Tag h the sun lower in the sky, this game involves “tagging” each other stepping on their shadow, adding a creative seasonal twist. 5.Apple Bobbing classic autumnal game, especially around Halloween, involving y around Halloween, involving les oating in wat ples oating in water and attempts to catch them with your teeth. es l oating in water and att Indoor Games 6.Murder Mystery Dinner Host a themed dinner party with a murder mystery kit for an engag dinner party with a murder mystery kit for an engag ni eve ng with friends or family. 7.Pumpkin Carving Contests Compete to create the most artistic, spooky, or funny designs. Ma more challenging by adding a theme, like “woodland creatures.” 8.Autumn-Themed Pictionary or Charades Use prompts like “apple picking,” “scarecrow,” or “bon re night p ecrow,” or “bon re nig fu onal air. fun seasonal se fun asonal 9.Cosy Puzzle Challenges Work together to solve a large autumnal jigsaw puzzle featuring landscapes, pumpkins, or woodland creatures by the re. s land capes, pumpkins, or woodland creatures by the 10.Kite Flying With autumn winds picking up, it’s the perfect time to take a vibrant br kite t an open eld. kite to an open t kite o an open These games provide a mix of physical activity, creativity, and cosy relaxation, perfect for the Autumn weather and ambiance. AUTUMN ging ake it t” for g holes fun. 4. Sh With by s 5. A A c pp a Ind 6. H e 7 C Raring2go Autumn 2025 Autumn Games PA01.indd 1 31/07/2025 16:23
Raring2go! PLANNER 29 Be a part of the family go-to guide in Suffolk Book into the magazine today and we'll get your details online straight away CONTACT EMILY E: emily.parker@raring2go.co.uk
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON 30 raring2go.co.uk
31 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON proudly presents 20 - 21 February 2026 th st seckfordtheatre.org This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International 01394 615042
shop@hollowtrees.co.uk Hollow Trees Farm, Semer, IP7 6HX 01449 741 247 www.hollowtrees.co.uk 2 years & under free Per Person £10 Pre booked tickets holloween 2025 monster bugs scan to book online Hot & Cold Food available friday 24 Oct - Sunday 2 Nov th nd Animals to feed and all the usual Farm Trail favourites plus... Explore the crazy Haunted Village Ride the Bug Barrel Train Scale the Spiders Straw Stack Race the Caterpillars Sledges & lots more Monster Bug surprises!
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