Open spaces

Friars Meadow

Friars Meadow, next to the River Stour in Sudbury is an area of grassland ideal for picnics and outdoor family games. The river and meadows are a haven for nature and biodiversity.

There is easy access from the town centre, near to the train station and Kingfisher Leisure Centre, there is plenty of free parking.

The Sudbury water meadows are grazed in the summer months and are the longest continuously grazed pastures in East Anglia.

Next to the meadows is the Valley Walk, a linear route along part of the old railway line between Sudbury and Cambridge.

The valley walk is 3 miles to Long Melford Country Park with views of the meadows and rivers.

Kone Vale

Kone Vale is a small pretty area of willow woodland that lies either side of the Railway Walk.

It is an area to walk through the woodland or sit peacefully enjoying nature.

Belle Vue Park

Belle Vue Park covers an area of 5.4 acres. The park is suitable for walking, and family activities, and features sports facilities such as a basketball court, and a tennis court, skate park and playgrounds.

You can find out more about accessibility here

Activlives also run several 'Grow Your Future' programmes for anyone aged 16+ who are unemployed or economically inactive, and not engaging in education or training in Belle Vue Park, more information can be found here 

Broom Hill Local Nature Reserve

Broom Hill was a former quarry that supplied local brick makers. It is site is now an area of woodland, scrub and grasslands.

There are lots of old trees in the wooded area - Oaks, Small-leaved Lime and Hazel trees,.

There are public rights of way by the site and with informal tracks to walk around the space.

You can see good views of Hadleigh from the top of the hill and the neighbouring meadows are rich in wildflowers and insects.

Parking is available on Corks Lane adjacent to the play area.

Riverside Walk Nature Reserve

The Riverside Walk passes through an area of Alder woodland and fen alongside the River Brett.

A surfaced path runs through the mature Alder woodland from Corks Lane in the north, to a small picnic site close to Duke Street in the south.

There are lots of Alder trees Alder was grown to make charcoal in the past and coppicing (cutting the tree at ground level and allowing it to regrow) produced a regular supply of wood.

It’s a great space to enjoy nature with tall trees are bird song from warblers, tits and finches . Squirrels and Muntjac deer can be spotted.

Toppesfield Gardens

Toppesfield Gardens are a remnant of the original Toppesfield Manor now known as Toppesfield Hall.

The Manor of Toppesfield dates back to pre-1086; it was listed in the Domesday Book as being held by a “Free-woman".

he Council owns and maintains a number of playgrounds and playing fields throughout the districts. We hope you enjoy visiting these facilities. Please treat them and other users with respect.

General rules

1. Put your litter in the bins provided.
2. If you discover any damage or are worried about anything you see in the playground, let us know.
3. If you see any vandalism or antisocial behaviour - let us know, but phone the police first.

Bildeston  

• Rotheram Road IP7 7TQ

Great Cornard 

• Folly Road CO10 0RR

Great Waldingfield 

• Hartest Way CO10 0LA
• Maldon Court CO10 0LX
• Poplar Road CO10 0LZ

Hadleigh 

• Beaumont Park IP7 6GD
• Calais Street IP7 5DX
• Dunton Grove IP7 5HD
• East House Meadow IP7 5HS
• Malyon Road IP7 6RE
• Oxford Drive IP7 6AY

Lavenham

• Harwood Place CO10 9SG
• Meadow Close CO10 9RY

Long Melford

• Cordell Place CO10 9EW

Pinewood

• Burnett Meadow IP8 3TN

Sudbury 

• Aubrey Drive CO10 1PY
• Belle Vue Park CO10 2RG
• Catesby Crescent CO10 2BD
• Clermont Avenue CO10 1ZJ
• Essex Avenue CO10 1YZ
• First & Second Avenue CO10 1QT
• Hawkins Close CO10 1YX
• Mountbatten Close CO10 1YY
• Pinecroft Rise CO10 7PA
• Queens Road CO10 1PQ
• Raleigh Close CO10 1YF
• Uplands Road CO10 1NU