Countryside

Eye is surrounded by picturesque Suffolk countryside, criss-crossed by numerous footpaths, bridleways and a few parks and woodlands too.

As well as attractions such as The Pennings and The Moors – all of which are within or on the edge of Eye Town – we are nearby to Thornham Walks where there are miles of woodland footpaths to explore.

This part of Suffolk is largely arable country, with wheat, barley, rape and some livestock farming predominating. Dotted with picturesque hamlets and villages and typified by the Suffolk signature house: pink, thatched cottages.

The Pennings

The Pennings Nature Reserve is along the River Dove. Views across the water meadows and the Church Tower makes this a great place to come for a relaxing walk, or a picnic. Look out for seasonal nature notes throughout The Pennings.

Directions: Drive out of Eye on the B1117 to Stradbroke past Eye Castle and Eye Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul both on the left. Turn immediately right after the hump back bridge, Abbey Bridge over the River Dove. Turn right into Ludgate Causeway and right into The Pennings.

The River Dove flows under the Abbey Bridge on its way to the Waveney Valley. Dog walkers are also welcome providing that they pick up after their dogs.

The Town Moors

The Eye Town Moors is a well equipped community playing field leading to the wetlands of Eye Town Moors.

The Eye Community Centre is situated here offering a large off road free car park for the whole area, as well as a skate park for all to use, a large playground for young children and the woodland walks extend around the whole Eye area, suitable for all the family some with pushchair and wheelchair access.

There are also several full size football pitches and two Boules gardens used by the Eye Boules Club. Enjoy your visit to Eye Town Moors, there are 14 acres to visit and explore.

Volunteer Day is held on the Third Sunday of each month at 10.00 am. Contact: Chris Willoughby w.c.r.willoughby@btinternet.com 01379 870298.

The Way of Healing Wood

The first picnic and the first trees planted at the Healing Wood on Saturday 9th July. Plans initiated following an idea from Suffolk County Council to commemorate all those affected by Covid. Supported by funds from SCC, Eye Town Council, Eye Primary School and several individual donors.

Volunteer work parties: 3rd Sunday 10:00-12:00. Contact Chris Willoughby.

Thornham Walks

The 2,000 acre Thornham Estate in north Suffolk. 12 miles of way marked footpaths. Metalled footpath for all abilities. Open: 9am-4pm Nov-March, 9am-6pm April-Oct. Facilities include playground, cafes, local businesses.

Also: Thornham Walled Garden – Beyond the Wall charitable project offering day service to clients with additional needs/disabilities.

Eye Outdoors Group

Active group running walks and cycle rides. In 2018 gained “Walkers are Welcome” national accreditation. 4 main Self-Guided Walks each under 5 miles: Eye Town Trail, Eye Airfield Heritage Walks, The Eye Circular, Eye Pub Crawl, To Denham Street and Back, Eye Circular Walks.