Five child-friendly cafes in Bury St Edmunds, Thurston and Needham Market
As it starts to get a tiny bit colder, here are five cafes in Suffolk that you might want to visit for a warming cuppa or coffee this autumn.
All parents know that sometimes taking little ones out for a snack can be a bit stressful, so it is always handy when you find a cafe that welcomes children, or has activities to keep them busy.
From the Lounge and Garden in Bury St Edmunds - to the Lakehouse Cafe near Stowmarket, here are the independent, child-free cafes you should try out with the family.
Grounds Café - Nowton park
Staff at the Grounds Café in Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds, are always friendly and I can personally vouch for the fact that they have a wide range of delicious coffees on their menu.
So pick up a hot drink to takeaway and enjoy it whilst your children, or grandchildren charge around the play park next door.
The Lounge and Garden - Bury St Edmunds
When in Bury St Edmunds doing a spot of shopping the Lounge and Garden is the perfect stop-off point, especially if you need to feed a hungry baby or toddler.
As well as having many child-sized options on their menu, including half sandwiches, the cafe has the holy grail of high chairs (from IKEA).
There is also plenty of space for prams and pushchairs - ideal if you have a snoozing little one with you.
On sunnier days I recommend heading out into the pretty courtyard garden.
Slightly older children can enjoy a spot of colouring, which will keep them busy when they are waiting for their food and drink to arrive.
Milkshakes are always a popular choice for kids and the adults can try the 'drink of the week' which they often share on their Instagram page.
Thurst Coffee Shop - Thurston Community Centre
Thurst Coffee Shop inside Thurston Community Centre has everything you could want for a play date - including coffee.
Inside the cafe there is a small soft play area and plenty of toddler friendly toys, there is even a cute little colouring table for creative children.
Outside there are two sandpits, a treehouse with a slide, and a den - there is also covered outside seating.
Parking at Thurston Community Centre is free and food and drink prices are very reasonable.
The Lakehouse cafe - Onehouse
Parents looking for somewhere they can enjoy some delicious food whilst the children play should head to the Lakehouse cafe in Onehouse - near Stowmarket.
The location of the Lakehouse is beautiful and the modern cafe has indoor and outdoor seating.
Children can burn off some energy on a large trampoline, which is built into the ground, or have fun on the swings and slide.
Coffee Craft N Moore - Needham Market
On their Facebook page, the team at the cafe in Needham Market High Street describe it as: "A family run business offering food and drink with the added bonus of multi-range crafts."
The friendly staff at Coffee Craft N Moore are always incredibly welcoming to children– and run a massive range of creative workshops througout the year.
With Halloween and Christmas coming up they have lots planned - take a look at their Facebook page to see if there is anything that takes your fancy.
