Things to do near Jimmys Farm

[mammabing]

DS’s grandparents have very kindly offered to take DS to Jimmys Farm next weekend to have breakfast with Santa. They don’t see DS too often due to grandad working away and are bringing along their 2 other grandkids as well (it’s DHs step mums children).
As DS doesn’t spend too much time with them we’ve offered to take DS there ourselves, partly in case he freaks out and but mainly because they don’t have room in the car for three children.
However, we want DS to experience Santa with grandparents without us being there so haven’t booked tickets for ourselves.
What is there to do nearby that will keep DH and I busy for a couple of hours? We don’t particularly want to spend £40 on farm tickets for ourselves as DS will likely be exhausted by 12 so we’ll be heading back home (an hour and a half drive away - perfect nap length!)

We like to drive down to Shotley to watch the shipping on the River Orwell. It’s quite a sight. You can park for free and have a walk. There’s a pub there where you can get a drink and a meal.

Felixstowe is about a 20 min drive and has a prom for a walk (depending on the weather) or there is the Interchange retail park 10 mins drive from Jimmy's near the London Road park and ride for Ipswich. No really exciting shops but an undercover place to spend a couple of hours.

There is a farm shop with cafe just down the hill from there (I can't remember the name but someone here will/Google will help you). You could park yourselves there for a few hours.

Suffolk Food Hall
It’s great, bit like Tebay without the petrol.
Be super prepared @mammabing apparently the traffic has been horrendous around Jimmy’s Farm all this week.

Suffolk Food Hall is a few minutes away and a good option for a mooch and lunch - you can actually park in opposite Jimmy's entrance (at the turn off to Wherstead Park) and walk down the hill 15 minutes to the Food Hall with great views of the river and Orwell Bridge. Just walk down the hill and past the church.