Tunstall Common

Tunstall Common sits just outside Woodbridge and is the sort of place you'd walk past if you weren't looking properly - all scraggly heathland and birch scrub that doesn't announce itself loudly. But that's rather the point. This is proper Suffolk lowland heath, which means it's rarer than you'd think and genuinely worth protecting.

The common itself is best explored on foot, with various paths crisscrossing through open grassland dotted with gorse and patches of woodland. It's not dramatic or sweeping - don't expect rolling vistas. What you get instead is a quiet, working landscape where you might spot linnets, adders or nightjars depending on the season. Summer evenings are particularly good if you're into birdwatching or just sitting still for a bit.

For families with young children, it's a bit limited - there's no obvious facilities, no cafe, and the paths can be muddy and unmarked. Serious walkers and nature enthusiasts will find more than enough to occupy an hour or two. The heathland management work is genuinely interesting if you care about conservation.

Both Brick Kiln Farm Camping and The Orchard Campsite sit within striking distance, making Tunstall Common a solid addition to a broader Suffolk exploration rather than a destination in itself. Time it for a morning walk before heading elsewhere. Spring and early summer are best - the gorse flowers brighten things up considerably.