A day out in Bury St Edmunds [AD]
A day out in Bury St Edmunds is a paid partnership with arc shopping centre
Now that lockdown is easing, I’m starting to explore our beautiful county once again. Last week the arc shopping centre invited me to enjoy a day out in Bury St Edmunds as part of the #BuryBouncingBack campaign. The aim is to encourage shoppers back into the town and reinvigorate our local area.
Nowton Park
I started the day in Nowton Park. The park is on the outskirts of town and consists of almost 200 acres of countryside to explore. I had been to the park once before, for the Race for Life. It was lovely to return with the time to relax and enjoy the experience.
The park was landscaped over 100 years ago and until 1985 was part of the Oakes family estate. Now owned by the local council, it has various walking routes, an arboretum, wildflower meadows, a maze, café, play area and football pitches.
I walked around the arboretum which had a wide variety of different trees from around the world. There were also sculptures to spot along the walk. A panda carved in 1998 was nestled in the grass! I also spotted a wolf (a symbol of the famous tale of St Edmund) and a totem pole carved with representations of local history.
During the walk I didn’t encounter many other people, but the main picnic areas were busy. With a park that size there is ample room to social distance and you can easily find a quiet spot.
Town centre
I then parked in the cattlemarket car park, next to the arc shopping centre. Parking was ample and it’s free if you go after 3pm on a Tuesday. There were markings on the ground to encourage social distancing and show you which way to walk. Hand sanitiser stations could be found at the entrances to the shopping centre.
After popping into to L’Occitane to stock up on cherry blossom bubble bath, I headed into town.
St Johns Street is full of brilliant independent stores. Unfortunately, some of them aren’t open just yet, but I still had a wander and popped into Wright’s for a brownie (I can’t resist!)
Abbey Gardens
I then headed through town to the Abbey Gardens. The gardens are well known for the floral displays as well as the ruins of the Benedictine Abbey. The abbey was one of the most powerful monasteries in England and it was the site of the meeting that led to the Magna Carta. A charter that is still a symbol of liberty today.
Walking back up Abbeygate Street I visited a few of my favourite independent stores, including Javelin.
arc shopping centre
To complete my day out in Bury St Edmunds, I returned to the arc for a spot of shopping. Having finished my nothing new challenge, I was looking forward to browsing the shops again!
The stores were well organised with hand sanitiser at the entrance. Some had a member of staff explaining the rules and welcoming you in. I have to say the staff were all in high spirits and very helpful.
I picked up some hot chocolate from Hotel Chocolate for Guy’s Velvetiser machine, some new trainers from Debenhams and a top from the Conscious Collection at H&M. I’m sure I’ll be returning soon now that the restaurants have reopened.
Things to do in Bury St Edmunds when they reopen:
The Apex – the venue hosts live music, comedy gigs and family friendly events. It also has a café, serves pre-show food and has a gallery. Keep checking the website for reopening information.
Moyse’s Hall – this local history museum will reopen on the 8th July. Discover the history of the town, prison paraphernalia and insights into witchcraft. There is a world class collection of rare timepieces and paintings by local artists.
This blog post is a paid collaboration with arc shopping centre. To read my full disclosure policy, click here.
Disclaimer: I encourage everyone to follow government guidelines. This blog post is not in any way encouraging readers to go against advice. It is up to the individual to decide when it is the right time for them to return to shops, restaurants and public spaces. If you do not agree with the opening of shops, restaurants and public spaces please do not send messages or comments to See Suffolk. Thank you.
