Things to Do Near Mildenhall: Bury St Edmunds, Ely, Thetford and Newmarket
Mildenhall is a small market town on the edge of the Suffolk Brecks, and it makes a handy base for exploring West Suffolk, the Cambridgeshire Fens and the forests of south Norfolk. Here are our favourite places within easy reach of The Riverside House Hotel.
Bury St Edmunds (about 12 miles)
Bury St Edmunds is around 20 minutes away by car. Walk through the Abbey Gardens and the ruins of the medieval abbey, visit St Edmundsbury Cathedral, discover the town's long brewing history with Greene King, or catch a show at the Theatre Royal, a beautifully restored Regency playhouse. Nearby, Ickworth (National Trust) and West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village make easy add-ons.
Ely (about 13 miles)
Ely is roughly 25 minutes from the hotel. Its cathedral, known as the Ship of the Fens, can be seen for miles across the flat landscape. Pair it with Oliver Cromwell's House and a stroll along the riverside, with its tearooms and antiques shops.
Thetford and Thetford Forest (about 12 miles)
Head north for Thetford Forest, the largest lowland pine forest in England. High Lodge has walking and cycling trails and a treetop adventure course, while Thetford itself is home to the Dad's Army Museum and the Ancient House Museum.
Center Parcs Elveden Forest (about 7 miles)
Visiting family or friends staying at Center Parcs? Elveden Forest is only around 15 minutes away, so the hotel is a comfortable option for anyone joining them for a day, or for a celebration meal nearby.
Newmarket (about 11 miles)
The home of British horseracing is 15 to 20 minutes away. Go racing on the Rowley Mile or the July Course, visit Palace House, or book a gallops tour. Our guide to staying for the Newmarket races → has the details.
Cambridge (about 22 miles)
A day in Cambridge is easy from here, around 35 to 40 minutes by car. Explore the colleges, go punting on the River Cam and visit the Fitzwilliam Museum, then come back to the quiet of the countryside for the evening.
Closer to home in Mildenhall
Take a riverside walk along the Lark, visit the Mildenhall Museum to learn about the Mildenhall Treasure and the town's history, or simply enjoy lunch in our Garden Restaurant overlooking the river. We also welcome many guests visiting RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath, both a short drive away.
Planning your stay
With 19 en-suite bedrooms, breakfast each morning and dinner in the Garden Restaurant, The Riverside House Hotel is an easy base for a weekend in West Suffolk. Call us on 01638 717274 or email riversidehotel@grhotels.co.uk if you would like any local tips.
