Sudbury, the charming market town in West Suffolk, blossoms in the summertime, boasting a plethora of engaging activities.

However, the British rain can scupper those plans. However, Sudbury offers a wealth of indoor and outdoor pursuits. Here are nine local treasures to explore this summer:

1. Create at The Bridge Project: Unleash your creativity and pop to Create at The Bridge Project, in the Borehamgate Precinct, Kings Street for ceramic painting and tasty snacks. It’s the perfect rainy day activity for all ages and it supports local charity, The Bridge.Gainsborough's House: Rain or shine, this birthplace and home of renowned British painter Thomas Gainsborough promises an inspiring visit. Marvel at his artwork or participate in the workshops hosted during the summer.
   
   
2. EO Escape Room Sudbury: An exciting indoor adventure for rainy days, EO Escape Room offers a thrilling, brain-stimulating experience. Gather your friends or family to solve puzzles and escape before time runs out!
   
   
3. Sudbury Farmers' Market: Hosted on the last Friday of every month, this award-winning market boasts a plethora of local produce and handmade goods. With many vendors offering covered stalls, it's the perfect place to shop local, regardless of the weather.
   
   
4. Pop Nouveau: This unique boutique and art gallery always has a fantastic selection of pop memorabilia including work from the owner, James Wilkinson. Pick up a favourite album or exclusive album art or if you’re inspired to try a bit of painting, speak to the team about their painting workshops. On a drizzly day, lose yourself among its charming, eclectic assortment of musical treasures, and discover hidden delights while supporting a local business.
   
   
5. Mill Tye Gallery: Enjoy the walk from Friars Meadow in Sudbury, via the river to Great Cornard and discover this haven for art lovers. Mill Tye Gallery by the River Stour showcases the works of local artists and craftspeople. It's an ideal rainy-day escape where you can appreciate the cultural richness of Sudbury
   
   
6. Sudbury Water Meadows: When the sun is shining, there is no better place. The Water Meadows offer serene walking routes teeming with wildlife. Enjoy the tranquillity of the common lands and the delightful company of the River Stour. Don’t forget to take your camera for the iconic shots of the cattle grazing (but don’t get too close, as I discovered)
   
   
7. The Mill Hotel: Experience quintessential English charm with an afternoon tea at The Mill Hotel. Overlooking the beautiful meadows, it's a cosy indoor retreat to savour fine teas, sandwiches, and cakes on a rainy afternoon. Don’t miss the mummified dead cat in the hotel foyer and the water wheel in the middle of the bar area.
   
   
8. Sudbury Heritage Centre and Museum: Dive into Sudbury's rich history, from its wool trade to notable local figures. The Heritage Centre and Museum offer a captivating indoor journey through time. Better still it’s free.
   
   
9. Rainbow Fun and Little Kingfishers Softplay: If you have young kids and it’s been raining for hours, you can’t beat a bit of soft play for them to run off some energy. Both, these two indoor play areas provide safe and fun environments for kids whilst you can (try to)  relax with a cuppa while the little ones enjoy the colourful play equipment.

Sudbury may be a small town, but if you look there’s loads to do and many things are cost effective or free. Make sure you come back and visit the news and events pages as we look at things to do in the surrounding area.

As always, I love to hear from people, so if you know of something cool to do locally or have an idea you’d like to share with others, drop me a line