Top Family Attractions Near A Hopkins Home
Have you just moved into your new Hopkins Home with your family, and are wondering how to spend the weekends? We’ve gathered together the top family attractions and theme parks near Hopkins Homes developments – perfect for fun-filled Saturdays and sunny staycations.
What are the top attractions near you?
Colchester Zoo – near Mistley, Essex
Hopkins Homes: River Reach
Distance: 16 miles from Mistley
Why we love it
A day out at the zoo is a winner for most families, and Colchester Zoo is less than 30 minutes down the A12 from Mistley. It’s home to over 150 amazing species, from lions to lemurs, and your young zoologists can learn all about the zoo’s conservation schemes. Look out for special events and school holiday fun.
Find out more at: Colchester Zoological Society
Adventure Island near Chelmsford
Hopkins Homes: Beaulieu
Distance: 22 miles from Chelmsford
Why we love it
Chelmsford itself is home to some wonderful museums and parks. If you’re looking for a more high-octane day out, head for the coast and Southend’s Adventure Island. The seaside theme park has rides for all ages (and stomachs) as well as a fabulous seaside setting. Invest in an annual pass for a year’s worth of thrills and spills.
Find out more at: Adventure Island
BeWILDerwood near Holt, Norfolk
Hopkins Homes: Queen’s Meadow
Distance: 26 miles from Holt
Why we love it
Treetop mazes, amazing slides, den building, boat rides on the lake… The forest becomes your family’s playground at this amazing adventure park, less than an hour’s drive from Holt. Designed for all ages, there are cute little playgrounds for toddlers and vertiginous mazes for older kids.
Find out more at: BeWILDerwood Norfolk
Hilly Ridge Alpacas near Grundisburgh, Suffolk
Hopkins Homes: Grundisburgh Vale
Distance: 19 miles from Grundisburgh
Why we love it
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to family attractions in the Ipswich area. For a day out with a difference, there’s nothing like a trip to Hilly Ridge alpaca farm. Swap adrenaline-fuelled rides for a family walk in the beautiful Suffolk countryside – accompanied by your own alpaca guide. Alpaca trekking has become a must-do family activity, and we love these quirky and gentle animals.
Find out more at: Hilly Ridge Alpacas
Roarr Dinosaur Park near Drayton, Norfolk
Hopkins Homes: Church Farm
Distance: 6.5 miles from Drayton
Why we love it
Is your little one going through their dinosaur phase? If so, there really is nowhere better than this dino-themed adventure park in Lenwade. There are 25 attractions spread out over 85 acres of parkland as well as a theatre and a small petting zoo. There’s a good choice of places to eat, helping to make it an easy family day out.
Find out more at: Roarr Dinosaur Park
West Stow Anglo Saxon Village near Bury St Edmunds
Hopkins Homes: Abbots Vale
Distance: 6.5 miles from Bury St Edmunds
Why we love it
Immerse yourselves in Anglo Saxon life in this reconstructed village near Bury. Look out for special events such as longbow lessons and battle reenactments, and the park also hosts plays and festivals. As well as the village and visitor centre, there’s the whole 125-acre country park to explore, including an adventure playground.
Find out more at: West Stow Anglo Saxon Village & Country Park
Jimmy’s Farm near Bramford, Suffolk
Hopkins Homes: Church View
Distance: 7.5 miles from Bramford
Why we love it
Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Centre is a must-visit for animal-loving families. Established by farmer and TV presenter Jimmy Doherty, the packed attraction is home to friendly farm animals (and a few more exotic beasties) as well as woodland walks and a fab adventure playground. Parents – the food here is amazing, and there’s also a great farm shop.
Find out more at: Jimmy’s Farm
The Meare near Wickham Market
Hopkins Homes: Wickham Gate
Distance: Thorpeness is 13 miles from Wickham Market
Why we love it
The pretty coastal village of Thorpeness is a lovely place for a family day out, just 25 minutes by road from Wickham Market. The large artificial boating lake, Thorpeness Meare, has been a family-favourite place for years. It’s dotted with tiny islands, each one named after a Peter Pan character or location. Hire a rowing boat, canoe, kayak or dinghy, and spend a delightful summer’s day exploring the water.
Find out more at: Visit Suffolk
Hinchingbrooke Country Park near Alconbury
Hopkins Homes: Alconbury Weald
Distance: 5.5 miles from Alconbury
Why we love it
This is the perfect place for those days when the kids just need to let off steam – and it’s so easy to get to from Alconbury. There’s 150 acres of grassland, woods and lakes, with play areas, paths and plenty of wildlife to spot. Bring a picnic or treat yourself to a pitstop in the cafe. The park is especially great if your family includes four-pawed members!
Find out more at: Hinchingbrooke Country Park
Southwold Pier near Halesworth, Suffolk
Hopkins Homes: Chediston Place
Distance: 9 miles from Halesworth
How about a traditional family day out by the seaside? Piers are the original family theme parks, and we love the shows, shops and fish’n’chips at Southwold Pier. Refurbished in the 1990s after decades of neglect, the 623-foot Suffolk institution has everything you could wish for from a proper British pier, including amusements and an Under The Pier show.
Find out more at: Southwold Pier
Baylham House Farm near Stowmarket, Suffolk
Hopkins Homes: Mill Grove
Distance: 6 miles from Stowmarket
Why we love it
Set in lush Suffolk countryside, this working farm specialises in raising rare breeds. There are animals to meet, play areas to explore and a cafe to enjoy. Look out for special events such as alpaca and goat walks, highland cow experiences and farmer days. If you’re looking for a gentle family day out, this idyllic spot is perfect.
Find out more at: Baylham House Farm
Ipswich Clip ’n Climb near Needham Market
Hopkins Homes: St George’s Park
Distance: 15.5 miles from Needham Market
Why we love it
High-energy kids and a wet weather forecast? We feel your pain. Get in the car and make the 20-minute drive to Ipswich’s indoor climbing wall. There are walls for all ages and abilities, as well as a toddler area for the youngest climbers. Parents will be pleased to note that there’s a cafe, and you can get a good “pizza ‘n’ climb” deal.
Find out more at: Ipswich Clip ’n Climb
Curve Motion near Woolpit, Suffolk
Hopkins Homes: The Elms
Distance: 10 miles from Woolpit
Why we love it
Another excellent rainy day adventure. This popular indoor roller skating rink offers a varied programme including open sessions, a Saturday Night Roller Disco and skating lessons. There’s something for every age, from the cute toddler soft play area to the drop slide for older kids. Curve Bistro is there for refreshments and re-energising.
Find out more at: Curve Motion
Thetford Forest near Thetford
Hopkins Homes: Kingsfleet
Distance: 3.5 miles from Thetford
Why we love it
Welcome to nature’s own theme park. The 47,000-acre pine forest is crossed with footpaths, bridleways and cycling trails. If you fancy an extra-special family adventure, book a forest activity with Go Ape or an archery lesson at High Lodge. Keep an eye on Thetford Forest’s website for special events such as music concerts, “Paws in the Forest” dog days and visits from the Gruffalo.
Find out more at: Thetford Forest
Pleasurewood Hills near Beccles
Hopkins Homes: Barsham Vale
Distance: 11 miles from Beccles
Why we love it
With rides galore and a packed activity programme, Pleasurewood Hills is a great option for a family day out in Suffolk. Try to see the circus that runs throughout the school summer holidays, and their November firework display is definitely one to catch. There’s also a great choice of places to dine or grab a snack at Pleasurewood.
Find out more at: Pleasurewood Hills
Norfolk Snowsports near Brundall, Norfolk
Hopkins Homes: Brundall Meadows
Distance: 7.5 miles from Brundall
Why we love it
Not what you’re expecting to find in the Norfolk countryside! Norfolk Snowsports is an impressive winter sports centre near Norwich, offering skiing, snowboarding and tubing activities. Perfect for the family who likes to try new things – and there’s even an alpine bar for apres ski drinks and snacks. Be sure to book your activity well in advance.
Find out more at: Norfolk Snowsports
Pettitts Animal Adventure Park near Loddon, Norfolk
Hopkins Homes: Loddon Rise
Distance: 6.5 miles from Loddon
Why we love it
Animals, rides and play areas, with a few pirates thrown in. There’s a lot to enjoy at Pettitts, which is why generations of Norfolk families have been spending their weekends here (the park began its life in 1922 when poultry farmer Victor Pettitt started a feather craft display). Don’t miss the new Smuggler’s Cove adventure playground or the super-cute meerkats.
Find out more at: Pettitts Animal Adventure Park
Wyvernwood near Great Horkesley, Essex
Hopkins Homes: Willow Grove
Distance: 10.5 miles from Great Horkesley
Why we love it
Younger families will have the most magical time at Wyvernwood. This enchanted kingdom features shows, play areas and magical quests, which you’ll share with fairies, dragons and unicorns. If you’re visiting the Colchester attraction in the summer, don’t miss the maze. The perfect day out for families with children aged two to twelve.
Find out more at: Wyvernwood
The new Universal Studios UK Theme Park near Wixams, Bedfordshire
Hopkins Homes: Greenway View
Exciting news for families in our new Wixams development – Universal Studios is opening its first European theme park outside the new town! As well as providing Wixams families with exceptional weekend entertainment, the theme park will bring lots of new opportunities and facilities to the area, including a significant upgrade to Wixams’ forthcoming railway station.
The park is due to open its gates in 2031. In the meantime, Wixams residents are close to Woburn Abbey with its famous safari park, and less than an hour from London.
Find out more about the new Universal Studios UK theme park.
Find your new family home
As well as being on the doorstep of some top family attractions, Hopkins Homes developments are designed with family life in mind. With features such as generous-sized gardens, play rooms and open-plan living, our new build homes are the perfect places to raise your family. Contact us to find out more.