Suffolk Owl Sanctuary

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary sits just outside Stowmarket and is run by genuine bird enthusiasts rather than corporate types, which makes a real difference. You'll spend your time watching owls - barn owls, tawny owls, snowy owls, eagle owls, the lot - in enclosures designed around what the birds actually need rather than what looks good on Instagram.

It's a hands-on place. Staff give flying demonstrations several times daily, and you can watch birds of prey in action rather than just staring at static specimens. The falconry displays are the highlight; seeing a barn owl hunt is properly mesmerising. Kids aged five and up will get genuine value from it - younger ones might lose interest once they've watched a couple of demos, but teenagers often get hooked.

Allow two to three hours. Bring decent shoes because there's walking involved, and the Suffolk weather won't help you if conditions turn wet. Summer mornings are best; afternoon crowds get tedious and the heat stresses the birds.

The sanctuary works brilliantly as part of a wider caravan park stay. Stonham Barns Holiday Park is literally next door - you could practically roll out of your pitch and be watching owls within five minutes. Goldings CL is only a short drive away too, so you're not committed to spending your entire holiday there. Mix it with walks around Stowmarket and you've got a solid day sorted. Entry fees vary, so ring ahead before you visit.